Robert A. Thompson Page 382 - Robert A. Thompson, proprietor of the Thompson Electric Company, of Grand Rapids, was born in that city March 26, 1892, the son of Robert E. and Sada (Gray) Thompson, the former of whom was a native of Ohio and came to Grand Rapids with his parents at an early age. Robert E. Thompson entered the employ of a railroad at Grand Rapids, and in 1921 he was retired on pension by the Pennsylvania railroad, receiving at that time a medal for unbroken service during the years which he worked for the company. He is now living in California, where, on November 1, the mother of the subject of this memoir was called beyond. Robert A. Thompson was educated in the graded and high schools of Grand Rapids. Following his graduation from the high school he became an apprentice in the electric trade with the Edison company. When he had thoroughly mastered the trade, he became associated with the Dunn Electric Company, with which he remained seven years, part of that time serving as treasure of the concern. For several years thereafter he worked as a traveling salesman for an electrical supplies company. He at last decided that his experience would warrant his going into business for himself, and he accordingly established the Thompson Electric Company at 133 Congress street. The big trade he has built up ranks the concern as one of the leaders in its field in the city. On September 14, 1914, he married Miss Margaret Steenman, of Grand Rapids, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Steenman. To this union has been born one son, Robert C., born March 18, 1922.

Transcriber: Nancy Lesser
Created: 4 March 2003