John L. Thompson facts for kids
John Lay Thompson (born April 3, 1869, in Grand River Township, Decatur County, Iowa – died 1930) was an important journalist and businessman in Iowa. He played a big part in the early days of the Iowa Bystander, a newspaper for African American communities.
John Lay Thompson's Early Life and Education
John Lay Thompson was born in 1869. His parents were Andy and Catherine Thompson. He was the first of their four children. John also had an older half-brother named Benjamin.
His father, Andy Thompson, was born into slavery in Kentucky. In 1862, his master freed him. Andy then moved to Decatur County, Iowa. He worked hard as a farmer on his 240 acres (0.97 km2) farm. He made sure all his children, including John, went to college.
John Lay Thompson studied at the Iowa Business College. He graduated from there in 1896. Later, he went to Drake University Law School and finished in 1898.
Leading the Iowa Bystander Newspaper
While still a student at Drake University, John Thompson took over the Iowa State Bystander newspaper in 1896. This newspaper had just been started by William Coalson. Thompson stayed in Des Moines for the rest of his life.
Over the years, he made the Bystander a very successful newspaper. He worked hard to get more people to subscribe. He also encouraged businesses to advertise in the newspaper. If they didn't, he would suggest boycotts.
During the First World War, Thompson used the Bystander to focus on important issues. He wrote a lot about the Buffalo Soldier regiments. These were African American soldiers stationed at Iowa's Camp Dodge.
After the war ended, Thompson met many black veterans returning home. One of them was James B. Morris. In 1922, Morris took over the Bystander from Thompson.
Community Work and Leadership
Besides his work in journalism, John Thompson and his wife, Maud Watkins-Thompson, were very active in Iowa society. He held several important positions.
He worked as a deputy county treasurer in Polk County, Iowa. He also served as a deputy clerk for the Iowa Historical building. In July 1912, he was named the Grand Master of the Colored Masons of Iowa. This was a very respected leadership role in the community.
