San Francisco County
Biographies
R.
A. THOMPSON
R. A. Thompson, an old
and honored citizen, and one of the best known in Northern California, is
a native of the Old Dominion, and was reared and received his education in his
native State. In 1852 he came across the plains and arrived in this State
August 1, 1852. He soon afterward went to Sonoma county
and bought a small farm, and also bought land in San Luis Obispo county, and
engaged in sheep-raising. While there, in 1862, he was elected County
Supervisor, and was afterward chosen President of the Board. Selling out
his interests there he returned to Sonoma county,
settled at Santa Rosa, was elected County Clerk, and re-elected twice by an
increased majority. He has been actively identified with political
affairs and recognized as one of its most experienced supporters, was the
editor of the Sonoma Democrat for some years. Few men have taken
so active an interest in developing the resources of Northern California.
In 1878 he published "The Resources of Sonoma County;" in 1882 the
history of the town and township of Santa Rosa, and the following year a map of
the county; and was one of the founders of the Free Public Library there.
Amid all his public and private duties he is a great student, and has one of
the finest private libraries in the State, containing without doubt the finest
collection of historical works on the Pacific coast. Its collection is
widely known among the best writers and literary men of the coast. Mr.
Thompson is broad and liberal in his views, and enjoys an enviable reputation
wherever he is known.
Transcribed 12-30-04
Marilyn R. Pankey.
Source:
"The Bay of San Francisco," Vol. 1, pages 680-681, Lewis Publishing Co, 1892.
© 2005 Marilyn R. Pankey.