FREDRICK F. THOMSON

Sacramento County

Biographies

FREDRICK F. THOMSON

F. F. THOMSON. The mercantile interests of Sacramento are ably represented by the Thomson-Diggs Company, wholesale dealers in hardware and agricultural implements, who transact a business unequalled in scope by no competitor in this part of the state. Under much less pretentious auspices the business was stated in 1878 by Frank Brothers, who in 1880 sold out to Holman, Stanton & Co., the latter improving and enlarging the enterprise until 1884, when Mr. Holman severed his connection with the firm. Mr. Thomson’s identification with the firm dates from the year last mentioned, when he became junior member, and until July, 1900, business was carried on under the name of Stanton, Thomson & Co. On that date the business was incorporated under the name of the Thomson-Diggs Company, its present title, whose reputation for reliability and straightforward dealings is by no means local in its extent, but is known throughout the Sacramento valley. The present officers are F. F. Thomson, president; M. Diggs, vice president; J. W. Geeslin, secretary; H. R. Thomson, treasurer; and C. F. Prentiss, manager. The principal warehouse is located at No. 312 J street, the building measuring 60 x 160 feet, three stories and basement. Elsewhere they have a warehouse 60 x 160 feet four stories, another large building in which are stored agricultural implements and vehicle and still another on Third street near the railroad 100 x 150 feet. The Thomson-Diggs Company is incorporated for $300,000, of which a capital stock of $200,000 has been paid in.

A native of Vermont, F. F. Thomson was born in Jericho, October 21, 1847, a son of Corey and Roxanna (Fay) Thomson, both of whom were also natives of the Green Mountain state. The father is now in his eighty-ninth year, while the mother has reached the advanced age of ninety years. F. F. Thomson applied himself diligently to his studies in the common schools of his native town, and subsequently attended the academy there. Coming to the west in 1872, he was variously employed until 1878, when he became identified with the firm of Frank Brothers, in Sacramento, and throughout its various changes his service were retained. Promotions followed as a result of faithful service, and from partner in the firm he was finally promoted to the responsible position of president. This well known firm is noted for its extensive dealings and stability, and by close attention to its interests has extended its business until its goods are shipped not only to all parts of California, but throughout Nevada and southern Oregon as well.

In 1880 Mr. Thomson was united in marriage with Sarah Anderson, who was born in Sacramento county, and is a daughter of James Anderson, a prosperous farmer and highly respected citizen of this locality. Four children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Thomson, as follows: Evelyn, Edith, Roxanna, and F. F., Jr. The only fraternal order to which Mr. Thomson has given his allegiance is the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, holding membership in Sacramento Lodge No.87. Pleasantly surrounded by his family at No. 171 P street, Sacramento, Mr. Thomson can take a retrospective view of his past years with satisfaction, as his present prosperous condition has been brought about by his own exertions entirely having started out in life empty-handed.

Transcribed by Louise E. Shoemaker October 29^th 2007.

Source: “History of the State of California and Biographical Record of the Sacramento Valley, California” by J. M. Guinn. Page 916. Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1906.