John R. Thompson Article Index for
John R
Website Links For
John
 

Information About

John R. Thompson





John R. Thompson

John R. Thompson ( 18341894 ), known as one of the seven founders of the Grange , was born in New Hampshire. He became a member of the Treasury Department after his service in the American Civil War . He is believed to be the first to whom Oliver Hudson Kelley talked about his dream of setting up a Fraternal Organization of farmers. Thompson's Masonic training became a valuable tool in developing the ritualistic work of the Grange , revolving the ritualistic teachings around the farm and farm family.

The other founders of the Grange were: Oliver Hudson Kelley , William Saunders , Francis M. McDowell , John Trimble , Aaron B. Grosh , William M. Ireland and Caroline A. Hall .