Biography of John F. Thomson, pages 200/201. Memorial Record of Northeastern Indiana, The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1896. John F. Thomson,--In the medical profession it is difficult to win a name and a place of prominence. In commercial life one may start out on a more advanced plane than others; he may enter a business already established and carry it still further forward; but not so in the medical profession: the physician must possess a knowledge and a skill which merit public patronage, else he will find that business comes not to him, and success will have no part in his career. People do not entrust their lives to the unskillful care of the ignorant; and if the physician would become eminent they must be a master of his science. The enviable reputation which Dr. Thomson has secured shows that the town of Garrett has for him a high regard, both as a man and a medical practitioner. This gentleman was born on the 24th of March, 1850, near St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, and is a son of John and Flora (Ferguson) Thomson. The paternal grandfather, Archibald Thomson, was a farmer of Scotland, and the founder of the family in the New World. Emigrating to Canada, he spent the remainder of his days there, passing away at the age of eighty years. The Doctor’s father was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, on the 12th of October, 1812, and when a child of eighty years was brought by his parents to Canada. He remained on the old homestead until eighteen years of age, when, in connection with his brother, he entered land, both securing a tract of 200 acres. Mr. Thomson is still living on that farm, and has always carried on agricultural pursuits as a means of livelihood,. He was married in Canada, in 1839, to Flora Ferguson, who was born in Arglyleshire, Scotland, in 1820, and came to America with her parents when a little maiden of four summers; her death occurred about 1868. Dr. Thomson remained at his parents’ home until twenty-one years of age, and during that time followed school-teaching for two years. His tastes and inclinations leading him to prepare for the practice of medicine, he began study in the office of Dr. J. B. Campbell, of Belmont, Ontario, and in the autumn of 1873 he entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated in June, 1875, with a degree of M. D., on the completion of the prescribed course. He was a thorough student, is a man of deep research, and spares neither labor nor expense in perfecting himself in his chosen calling. To this end he pursued a post-graduate course at Trinity Medical College, at Toronto, for three months. He then came to Garrett, Indiana, arriving on the 3d of February, 1876. At once he established himself, and has since been faithfully following his chosen calling, with success. At the time of his arrival the town was new, but with the increased population his practice has increased until it has acquired extensive proportions. About 1878 he was appointed surgeon for the railroad company, and has since continued in that position, covering a period of seventeen consecutive years. On the 18th of June, 1878, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Thomson and Miss Sallie W. Johnston, daughter of William Y. and Ann (Drumm) Johnston, and they have two interesting children: Flora, born October 28, 1880; and John William, January 31, 1886. Dr. Thomson is interested in several civic societies, being a member of the orders of Masons, Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the Democracy. In his religious views he is a Methodist, and his well spent life is in harmony with his profession, a deserving physician and a progressive citizen, he has the high regard of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com