Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

John Thompson
MSA SC 3520-1253

Biography
Born: Probably in England; second son. Name sometimes given as "Johanne," rather than "John."
Immigrated: By 1679, as a free adult, probably from England.
Resided: In North Sassafras Parish, Cecil County.
Died: Between December 10, 1701, and March 16, 1701/2; will probated in Cecil County.

Family Background
Father: Possibly: Richard Thompson of London, a merchant.
Married: By 1680 Judith, daughter of Augustine Herman (1621-1686). Her brothers were Ephraim (ca. 1651-by 1689); Casparus Augustine Herman (1656-1697). Her sisters were Anna Margretta, who married first, Henry Ward (?-ca. 1683/84), and second, Matthias Vanderheyden (?-1729); Francina (ca. 1662-?), who married Joseph Wood. Her nephews were Ephraim Augustine Herman (1683-1734/35); Henry Ward (?-1734); and Joseph Wood (?-1738). Her nieces were Augustina Herman, who married first, Thomas Frisby (1681-ca. 1715/16), and second, Roger Larramore (?-1721); Francina Vanderheyden, who married second, Charles Hynson (1692-1748); Augustina Vanderheyden, who married James Harris (1682-1743); and Ariana Vanderheyden (1690-1741), who married first, James Frisby (1684-1719), second, Thomas Bordley (ca. 1683-1726), and third, Edmund Jennings (?-1756). Judith subsequently married by 1705 John Dowdall (?-1728).

Children
Sons: Richard Thompson(ca. 1680-1775); John (?-1718), who married Mary, daughter of William Dare (?-1719); Augustine Thompson (1691-1738/39); Ephraim (1697-1697); and Robert (1699-1737), who married Ruth (last name unknown).
Daughter: Jane (?-1762), who married William Frisby (1684-1738), son of William Frisby (by 1664-1713).

Private Career
Education: Literate, had clerical skills; possibly attended Middle Temple, 1674.
Religious Affiliation: Anglican, North Sassafras Parish, Cecil County.
Social Status and Activities: Acquired a series of minor clerkships soon after arrival.
Occupational Profile: Placeman; attorney, admitted to Cecil County Court by 1686; planter.

Public Career
Legislative Service: Lower House, Cecil County, 1694-1697 (Accounts 7; Laws 3-6), 1697/98-1700 (Accounts 1-4), 1701 (Accounts 1; died before the 2nd session of the 1701-1704 Assembly).
Other Provincial Offices: Justice, Provincial Court, 1697-1701; clerk, Prerogative Office, 1679-1681.
Local Offices: Clerk, Cecil County, 1681-1685, 1689-1694; North Sassafras Parish Vestry, 1693-1700; justice, Cecil County, 1694-1697; deputy commissary, Cecil County, 1694-ca. 1701/02; naval officer of Cecil County, 1695-1697, 1697-ca. 1701/2; coroner, Cecil County, 1700.
Military Service: Captain, by 1694; major, 1695-1697; colonel, 1697-1701/2.

Wealth During Lifetime
Land at First Election: ca. 2,000 acres (1,366 acres through wife's dower).

Wealth at Death
Personal Property: Total Estate Value, £1,304.14.10 (including 9 slaves and books); Final Balance, £1,158.0.4.
Land: ca. 2,300 acres, plus a farm in New York in partnership with a Col. Bayard.

Source: Edward C. Papenfuse, et al., eds. A Biographical Dictionary of the Maryland Legislature, 1635-1789. Vol II. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1985, p. 815-816.
 

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