John E. W. Thompson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John E. W. Thompson
United States Ambassador to Haiti
In office May 9, 1885 – 1889
Preceded by	George Washington Williams
Succeeded by	Frederick Douglass
Personal details
Born	16 December 1860 Brooklyn, New York
Died	6 October 1918 Bridgeport, Connecticut

John Edward West Thompson (born December 16, 1860 – died October 6, 1918) was an important American doctor and diplomat. His parents came to New York City from Haiti. In 1884, after studying at Yale University and in Europe, Thompson became one of the first African-American doctors to work in New York City.

He served as the United States' main representative to Haiti from 1885 to 1889. He also worked as a special diplomat for the U.S. in Santo Domingo during the same years. These jobs were given to him by President Grover Cleveland. After his time as a diplomat, he returned to the U.S. and opened a medical practice in New York. He later moved his practice to Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Early Life and Education

John Edward West Thompson was born on December 16, 1860, in Brooklyn, New York. His parents, Edward James and Matilda Frances (White) Thompson, were immigrants from Haiti. Around 1870, his family moved to Providence, Rhode Island. He grew up following the Roman Catholic faith.

Schooling and Medical Training

After attending local schools, Thompson studied at Weston Military Institute. He also went to Lawrence Academy in Groton, Massachusetts.

Thompson then graduated from Yale School of Medicine in 1883. Right after graduating, he traveled and studied medicine in many parts of Europe. He visited cities in Paris, England, Scotland, and Ireland. In 1884, Thompson became one of the first African-American doctors to practice in New York City. He also earned a medical degree from the University of Haiti in 1887. Besides medicine, Thompson was skilled in French and an expert in international law.

Diplomatic Career

On May 9, 1885, President Grover Cleveland chose Thompson to be the U.S. Minister Resident to the Republic of Haiti. This meant he was the chief U.S. diplomat there. Thompson was also appointed as a special diplomat to the Republic of Santo Domingo. Important senators like Noah Porter and Abram Hewitt supported his nomination. However, some senators from the Southern Democratic party were upset that an African American was chosen for these roles.

Thompson's appointment was confirmed by the Senate on January 13, 1886. He had already arrived in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, before this confirmation. His official papers were sent to him on July 20, 1886.

Key Assignments in Haiti

As a diplomat, Thompson represented the United States in Haiti. One of his first tasks was to look into a crime. An American named Van Blokklen was accused of a homicide and jailed by the Haitian government. Thompson had to report on this case to the U.S. Department of State.

In 1888, there were problems in Haiti during the presidential elections. On May 26, disturbances broke out. The two main candidates were forced to leave the country on June 6. Five days later, some Haitian politicians asked for safety at the U.S. consulate. On July 2, military leaders changed. Fires started in Port-au-Prince on July 8. The next day, the Haitian government asked the United States for help with a warship. On July 16, people were very unhappy with Haitian President Lysius Salomon. This led to many street protests. President Salomon stepped down about a month later.

Dealing with Chaos and Pirates

After President Salomon left office, there was a period of disorder. On August 25, General Seïde Thélémaque led a march in Port-au-Prince. A temporary government was set up by September 5 with help from American officers from the U.S.S. Galena. Fighting started again on October 16, and General Thélémaque died.

Haitian pirates then took over an American ship, the S. S. Haytian Republic. They took it to Port-au-Prince. U.S. Secretary of State Thomas F. Bayard and Thompson sent two warships to get the ship released. The Americans succeeded in getting the ship back. Thompson was praised for his good work in these talks. The next day, General François Denys Légitime was declared the new leader of Haiti.

Health and Shipping Concerns

In the late 1800s, ships from Caribbean ports sometimes carried sick passengers. These diseases included cholera or yellow fever. Doctors at the time did not fully understand how these diseases spread. Cities often had poor sanitation. Because of this, cholera and yellow fever caused several outbreaks in American ports. The U.S. diplomat had to make sure that ships leaving for the United States were healthy.

Thompson issued a health certificate for Captain Francis Munroe Ramsay and his ship, USS Boston. The ship was kept separate for a time in Port-au-Prince. This was to make sure no one on board was sick. After this, it sailed to New York City. On November 15, 1889, Thompson confirmed that the Boston was free of serious diseases like the plague or cholera.

Later, on November 24, the French and British diplomats announced they could not help the major groups in northern Haiti agree with Légitime. On December 14, rebels declared that ports were closed to trade. Légitime stepped down on August 23, 1889, after ruling for eleven months.

General Florvil Hyppolite entered Port-au-Prince six days later to take power. Thompson and the Spanish diplomat helped to settle disagreements between the different political groups.

Records show that Thompson spent money on travel for his diplomatic work. He spent $333.02 in 1889 and $130.46 in 1890.

Later Life and Legacy

After returning to the United States, Thompson worked as a doctor. He had a medical practice in Mount Hope, New York. He also worked in Atlanta for a time. In 1895, Thompson became a medical inspector for the Department of Health.

He continued to be involved in politics. In August 1898, Thompson was a representative at a meeting of the Negro National Democratic League. This meeting took place at Tammany Hall in New York City. At this time, many African Americans in New York began to support the Democratic Party. Before this, they had mostly supported the Republican Party of Abraham Lincoln.

Thompson moved back to Bridgeport, Connecticut, in 1913. He lived there with his wife. Their sons, Ernest and Elliott Thompson, both served in the United States Army during WWI.

His Passing

In 1918, Thompson was treating a patient named Thomas Saloway. Saloway had been Thompson's patient for several months. On October 6, Thompson was entering his medical office in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Saloway waited for him and then attacked him with a knife. Thompson was quickly taken to St. Vincent's Hospital. Sadly, he passed away on the way to the hospital.

Thompson's funeral was held on October 11. He was buried in Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport. His wife, Mary C. Thompson, survived him.

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  Dr. J. E. W. Thompson

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