Charles Thompson
Charles Thompson - The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, one of nine sons, all born on the homestead farm that had belonged to the family for several generations. He received his education and resided there and in Philadelphia and New York, until the glowing accounts heard of the Golden State, decided him to go and see for himself the truth of the stories that were told of the land of gold, its delicious fruits and large vegetables. In November, 1856, he sailed from New York, via Panama, on the steamers "George Law" and "Sonora," and arrived in San Francisco in December. That they received a cordial welcome will be known from the fact that they brought the news that it was supposed Buchanan was elected President; but ft was not known for a certainty until the next steamer arrived, two weeks later. After sojourning a few days in San Francisco, Mr. Thompson proceeded to Soscol Rancho, where he engaged in fanning for several years. He then moved to the upper Napa Valley and bought land on the Yount grant, east of Oakville, and at the end of three years he sold that and leased the Yount homestead for one year. In June, 1867, he visited his home in Pennsylvania, remaining several months, and then returned and embarked in fanning in Contra Costa County for five years. In 1869 the people were becoming interested in grape culture, and he purchased his present ranch, consisting of about one hundred and twenty-seven acres, considering the soil particularly adapted to the vine, and after a trial of several years he finds his opinion was entirely correct. Mr. Thompson is one of those men who always weighs well the outcome of any enterprise before he ventures, as may be seen in his wise choice of grape lands, and his wisdom in embarking in the business when he did. He has never been an office seeker, but has always manifested a deep interest in all public affairs, and lent a ready hand to the assistance of whatever has tended to the advancement of the best interests of the community in which he resides. He has always been a prominent farmer wherever he has resided, and his opinions and conclusions concerning agricultural subjects, have been held in high esteem by his neighbors. He is now living upon his beautiful estate, surrounded by the comforts of home and the society of his family, enjoying the well-earned fruits of a wisely spent life. In 1874 Mr. Thompson once more visited his native home, and February 23,1875, was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Buckman,a native of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and by this marriage they have one living child, Edward, born in 1878.
History of Napa and Lake Counties,: San Francisco, Cal.: Slocum, Bowen & Co., Publishers, 1881
Transcribed by Julie Appletoft, February, 2007 Pages 577-578
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Last updated February 2007