CHAUNCY LUSK “CHAT” THOMSON

Chauncy Lusk “Chat” Thomson
(Photo by Ancestry.com contributor thomaswc5)

Chauncy Lusk “Chat” Thomson gravestone
(Photo by Vernon B. Paddock)

B. May 30, 1868 in Avon Township, Lake County, IL
D. February 16, 1940 in Libertyville, Lake County, IL
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  • Father: William Thomson born January 1842 in Illinois, son of George Thomson (1807-1884) and Agnes Thomson (1809-1872); married Alice Lusk on November 9, 1863 in Lake County, IL; William died 1909; buried in Grayslake Cemetery, Grayslake, Lake County, IL
  • Mother: Alice E (Lusk) Thomson born April 14, 1846 in Illinois, daughter of Chancelor Lusk (1828-1900) and Adaline Orlana (Bliss) Lusk (1825-1893) (See section pertaining to Chancelor “Chauncey” Lusk buried in the Fort Hill Cemetery) (See section pertaining to Adaline Orlana “Orlana” (Bliss) Lusk buried in the Fort Hill Cemetery); Alice died December 17, 1918 in Grayslake, Lake County, IL; buried in Grayslake Cemetery, Grayslake, Lake County, IL
  • Wife: Laura Huson (Rogers) Thomson born January 1871 in Illinois, daughter of Henry Rogers (1837-1913) and Rhoda Ann (Huson) Rogers (1841-1926); married Chauncy Lusk Thomson on November 25, 1890 in Lake County, IL; Laura died May 9, 1940 in Libertyville, Lake County, IL (See section pertaining to Laura Huson (Rogers) Thomson buried in the Fort Hill Cemetery)
  • Children:
    1. Forrest C. Thomson August 27, 1895 in Illinois; veteran Private 1st Class, Company B, 108 Engineers, 33rd Division (1917-1919); married Ruth D. (1901-1977); Forrest died August 19, 1948; Forrest and Ruth are buried in Lakeside Cemetery, Libertyville, Lake County, IL
    2. George Harold Thomson born August 24, 1902 in Illinois; married (1) Harriet Elma Loftus (1912-1969), daughter of John H. Loftus (1861-1945) and Nettie Hanna (Nordmeyer) Loftus (1885-1964); married (2) Eunice H. (Kuehl) Menter (1917-2000), daughter of Henry Kuehl (1881-1955) and Lena (Schneider) Kuehl (1877-1967); George died July 12, 1980 in Lake Forest, Lake County, IL; George and Harriet are buried in Ivanhoe Cemetery, Mundelein, Lake County, IL

According to the Chicago Tribune (Chicago IL) Monday, July 14, 1908, page 51:

“THOMSON
George H. Thomson, July 12, 1980, at Lake Forest Hospital, elected Republican Precinct Committeeman in Libertyville and Chairman of the Libertyville Township Republican Central Committee, loving husband of Eunice; father of Duane (Louise) Menter of Prairie View; grandfather of three; uncle of Carl (Lorraine) Thomson of Ingleside.  Funeral services 2 p.m. Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church, Libertyville.  Interment Ivanhoe Cemetery.  Visitation 3 to 9 p.m. Monday at the Burnett Funeral Home, 120 W. Park Ave., Libertyville, 362-3009.”

  • Siblings:
    • George S. Thomson born October 3, 1864 in Illinois; married C. Louisa Frazier (1866-1950) on November 15, 1886 in Lake County, IL, daughter of Gilbert H. Frazier (1840-1894) and Abigail “Abbie” (Thayer) Frazier (1842 1914); George died June 16, 1912 in Lake County, IL; George and Louisa are buried in Grayslake Cemetery, Grayslake, Lake County, IL

According to the Lake County Independent, Waukegan Weekly Sun (Libertyville IL) Frdiay, June 21, 1912, page 1:

“GEORGE THOMSON
DIES SUDDENTLY
———-
MEMBER OF FIRM OF THOMPSON
BROS., SUCUMBS IN SUDDEN
COLLAPSE AT HIS HOME.
———-
WITH HIS BROTHER, AL, HE CON-
DUCTED BIG STORE AT GRAYS-
LAKE MANY YEARS.
———-

   Many Waukegan people who knew him, will be surprised to hear that (G)eorge Thompson (sic) of Grasylake (sic), one of the best known business men of that place, and one of the best known western Lake county men, died suddenly at his home Sunday from Bright’s disease, with which he had been ailing for the past few years.
   His death came suddenly at his home in the nature of a complete collapse.  Mr. Thompson (sic) was about 46 years old and leaves a wife and married son, Earl.
   Funeral Wednesday at 10 o’clock in charge of the Masons, of which order he was a prominent member for many years.
   Mr. Thompson (sic), with his brother, Al, for years conducted the hardware firm known throughout the county as “Thompson Brothers’ Hardware Company,” and they conducted a large store at Grayslake which they sold to Lansing Brothers two years ago.”

    • Albert William Thomson born December 26, 1870 in Illinois; married Mary F. McGuire (1872-1957) on July 3, 1900 in Chicago, Cook County, IL; Albert died July 1, 1912 in Grayslake, Lake County, IL; Albert and Mary are buried in Grayslake Cemetery, Grayslake, Lake County, IL

According to the Lake County Independent, Waukegan Weekly Sun (Libertyville IL) Friday, July 5, 1912, page 1:

“ALBERT THOMSON
DIES OF APOPLEXY
———-
WELL KNOWN RESIDENT OF THE
COUNTY DIES TWO WEEKS AF-
TER DEATH OF BROTHER.
———-
HAD BEEN DOWN TOWN AND WAS
STRICKEN SOON AFTER AR-
RIVING AT HIS HOME
———-
(Special Dispatch to The Sun)

   Grayslake, Ill., July 1. – Albert Thompson (sic), one of the most prominent residents of Grayslake and one of the best known men in Lake county died very suddenly of apoplexy at his home in Grayslake this afternoon.  He had apparently been in the best of health this morning and had just returned from town when he was stricken.  It is a peculiar coincident that his brother, George Thompson (sic), who for years was associated with him in the hardware business in Grayslake, died just two weeks ago.
   Mr. Thompson (sic) had spent a part of the morning in the down town section of Grayslake and returning home complained of a severe pain in his head.  He went to bed and died about an hour later.  A physician who was called declared that death had resulted from apoplexy.
   For years Mr. Thompson (sic) has engaged in the hardware business but retired from it recently.  He was well known in Waukegan through his frequent visits here.  His last having been but a few days ago.”

According to the Lake County Independent, Waukegan Weekly Sun (Libertyville IL) Friday, July 5, 1912, page 3:

“Al Thomson Dies Suddenly

   The citizens of Grayslake were shocked beyond measure when the news reached them last Monday noon of the death of Al Thomson, who died at his home about 11 o’clock Monday.  Just two weeks and a day from the death of his brother, George and three years lacking three days of his father’s death.  Al had recently disposed of his lightning rod business which he had retained when he (and) brother sold out their big hardware business.  he had purchased a seven passenger Cole-forty automobile and had planned to spend the rest of his time with his family enjoying the fortune he had worked hard to accumulated.  he had been down town earlier in the day attending to some business and returned to his home, not feeling well he retired to his bed and a doctor was summoned but he was beyond the help of a physician.  Al was known by many far and near and counted his friends by the score, who will grieve over his death.  he leaves a wife, tow children, a mother, a brother Chat, and many relatives and friends to mourn his death.  His funeral was held at the home Wednesday morning Rev. Toll officiating.  the funeral occured on their twelfth anniversary of their marriage.  Mr. Thomson was born the first part of October in 1871 and died July 1, 1912.”

    • Charles Reuben “Charlie” Thomson born July 9, 1876 in Lake County, IL; Charles died March 1, 1910 in Lake County, IL; buried in Grayslake Cemetery, Grayslake, Lake County, IL

According to the Lake County Independent, Waukegan Weekly Sun, (Libertyville IL) Friday, March 4, 1910, page 1:

“Charles Thomson Dead.

   On Tuesday at 1 p. m. March 1st, occurred the death of Chas. Thomson, register pharmacist, at his home near Lake Shore Drive.  He was the youngest son of Wm. Thomson and has always made his home with them.  he graduated from the Northern Illinois college in 1899.  He with his brother, Geo. Thomson were the founders of the Grayslake Pharmacy, but in 1899, Charlie’s health was in such poor condition it was thought best by physicians for him to go to a different climate.  He went with his parents at that time to Denver, Colo., where they spent a few years and later going to New Mexico.  He suffered much from rheumatism during his stay in the west, which left him lame, after this he regained better health and while in Colorado he owned and conducted a drug store for two years and was a register druggist in Colorado and New Mexico as well as in Illinois and was considered a first-class pharmacist.  he loved his profession and during the time he was too sick to work, he would spend many hours studying his drug books.  For the past few months until recently he assisted with the work at the Grayslake pharmacy.  In spite of much suffering and prolonged sickness he was always cheerful and gritty and even a few hours before his death was whistling and seemed very cheerful and it was hoped by his many friends he would be able to be out again.  Being in business here for a time Charlie was well known in Lake county.  He worked at Waukegan and McHenry when he served his apprenticeship.  He was a refined young man of good habits and well liked by all who knew him and his many friends will be grieved to hear of his death.  The funeral was held Thursday at 11 o’clock at the home.  Burial at Grayslake cemetery.”

Additional Information:

According to the 1870 U.S. Census for the Town of Avon, Lake County, IL with a Hainesville post office the household members were:

“William Thompson, age 28, occupation: farmer, born in Illinois, parents were foreign born; Alice Thompson, age 23, born in Illinois; George Thompson, age 5, born in Illinois; Chauncey Thompson, age 2, born in Illinois”

According to the 1880 U.S. Census for the Town of Avon, Lake County, IL the household members were:

“William Thompson, age 38, married, occupation: farmer, born in Illinois, parents born in Scotland; Allice Thompson, age 34, wife, married, born in Illinois, father born in Ohio, mother born in Vermont; George Thompson, age 15, son, single, born in Illinois; Chancey L. Thompson, age 12, son, single, born in Illinois; Albert W. Thompson, age 9, son, single, born in Illinois; Charles R. Thompson, age 4, son, single, born in Illinois”

According to the 1900 U.S. Census for Avon Township, Lake County, IL the household members were:

“Chauncy Thomson, head, born May 1868, age 32, married 9 years, born in Illinois, parents born in Illinois; Laura Thomson, wife, born Jan 1871, age 29, married 9 years, 1 child born, 1 child living, born in Illinois, father born in New York, mother born in Illinois, Forest Thomson, son, born August 1895, age 4, single, born in Illinois; John Globis, servant, born April 1855, age 25, single, born in Germany, parents born in Germany, immigrated in 1893, 7 years in U.S., occupation: farm laborer”

According to the 1910 U.S. Census for Avon Township, Lake County, IL the household members were:

“Chauncy L. Thomson, head, age 41, married once for 19 years, born in Illinois, parents born in Illinois, occupation: farmer – general farm; Laura H. Thomson, wife, age 38, married once for 19 years, 2 children born, 2 children living, born in Illinois, father born in New York, mother born in Illinois; Forrest C. Thomson, son, age 14, single, born in Illinois; George H. Thomson, son, age 7, single, born in Illinois”

According to the 1920 U.S. Census for Avon Township, Lake County, IL the household members were:

“Chauncey Thomson, head, age 51, married, born in Illinois, parents born in Illinois; occupation: farmer – dairy farm; Laura H. Thomson, wife, age 49, married, born in Illinois, parents born in New York; Forest Thomson, son, age 24 single, born in Illinois, occupation: farm laborer – dairy farm; George H. Thomson, son, age 17, single, born in Illinois”

According to the Libertyville Independent (Libertyville IL) Thursday, March 3, 1922, page 7:

“HISTORY OF THOMSON FARM

   The Thomson Farm is one of the oldest in the community.  Five generations have lived on it.
   George Thomson and his wife (the grandfather of Chat Thomson) came from Scotland, and in 1837 bought 136 acres of land from the government at $1.25 an acre.  When these people lived here the nearest towns were Waukegan and Wauconda.  They held a post-office running from these two towns.  After they had quit keeping it, Mr. Combs took charge of it.  The desk were the mail was kept still stands in the home of Forrest Thomson.  It is a large desk with pigeon holes.
   William Thomson, at the death of his father, took charge of the farm.
   About 25 years ago Chat Thomson bought the farm from his father, for $75 an acre.
   There have been three houses built on the farm.  The first was built by George Thomson.  Later that was torn down and a frameb uilding (sic) was put up by Chat Thomson, which still remains.  In 1920 Mr. Thomson erected a large modern house.
   Chat Thomson sold one acre of land to the Round Lake church in 1921 for a cemtery (sic), at $600 an acre, or over three times what George Thomson paid for the whole farm.”

According to the 1930 U.S. Census for Libertyville Village, Libertyville Township, Lake county, IL living at 160 West Lincoln Ave, the household members were:

“Chancy L. Thomson, head, age 61, married at age 22, born in Illinois, parents born in Illinois; Laura H. Thomson, wife, age 59, married at age 20, born in Illinois, parents born in New York; George H. Thomson, son, age 27, single, born in Illinois, occupation: electrician – store; Clifford Gustafson, roomer, age 23, single, born in Illinois, parents born in Sweden, occupation: official – state”

According to the Independent Register (Libertyville IL) February 22, 1940:

“C. L. Thomson of Libertyville Dead
   Chauncey L. Thomson, a resident for 14 years at 160 Lincoln ave., died Friday at his home.  He was 71 years old.
   The funeral was Monday afternoon from the home with the Rev. Glenn M. Garber officiating.  Burial was at Fort Hill cemetery near Round Lake.
   Chauncey L. Thomson, son of William and Alice Thomson, was born near Round Lake, Illinois, on May 30, 1868.  He was married on December 25, 1890 to Laura Rogers of Volo, and they established their home on the farm on which he had been reared.  To this marriage were born two sons, Forest of near Round Lake, and George, of Libertyville.  In 1926 Mr. And Mrs. Thomson retired and moved to Libertyville where they since made their home.  On last Christmas they celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary.
   Surviving beside his wife and sons is one grandson, Carl, of Round Lake.”