William Thompson (journalist) facts for kids
William Thompson (1846–1934) was an important journalist and pioneer in the American West. He edited many newspapers in Oregon and California. His longest time was spent working for the Alturas Plaindealer. Thompson wrote about the exciting changes happening in the western United States during his lifetime.
Contents
Early Life and Starting in Journalism
William Thompson was born in Missouri on February 2, 1846. When he was six years old, in 1852, his family moved to Oregon. He went to Columbia College in Eugene, Oregon. After college, he began his career in journalism.
Thompson traveled a lot for his work. Between 1870 and 1910, he was one of the few reporters who covered important local events in Central Oregon. His first job in newspapers was with the Eugene City Guard. He worked there for about a year and a half. Later, he sold his share of The Guard for $1,200. With that money, he started his own newspaper, the Roseburg Plaindealer.
A Famous Incident
In 1871, something dramatic happened to Thompson. He was involved in a serious argument with Henry R. Gale. Gale was the editor of a different newspaper in Roseburg. Thompson was badly hurt but he survived.
Many people thought Thompson would not live. But with the help of a surgeon, he got better quickly. This event caused a lot of talk at the time. Many newspapers called it "The Oregon Style."
Later Newspaper Career
In 1872, Thompson sold the Roseburg Plaindealer for $4,000. He then took over the Salem Mercury newspaper. He wrote that his time there was very successful. The newspaper quickly gained many readers. He even started a daily newspaper in addition to the weekly one.
Thompson's final job in the newspaper business was with the Alturas Plaindealer. He worked there for twenty years. In 1915, he sold his share of the newspaper to his partner, R. A. French.
Writing His Story
In 1912, William Thompson published his autobiography. An autobiography is a book about a person's own life. His book was called Reminiscences of a Pioneer. In it, he shared his experiences and memories.
Thompson wrote that he saw many events with his own eyes. He also heard stories directly from the people involved. He felt proud to have been a part of building the "Empire of the Pacific" in the West. He saw cities grow from small groups of log cabins. He believed it was amazing to see how the wilderness changed into a place where millions of people could live.
Family Life and Passing
William Thompson married Elizabeth Charlotte Shannon in August 1869. They were married for 50 years until she passed away in 1919. They had two children together, a son named Asher and a daughter named Sallie.
William Thompson died on May 24, 1934. He was 88 years old. He passed away from bronchial pneumonia at his home in Alturas.
