W. B. THOMPSON, Professor of North Sangamon Academy, son of Elihu and Mary (McKnight) Thompson, as born in Meigs Co., Ohio, Dec. 13, 1848; his early education was obtained at Chester Academy, and he has since added to his store of knowledge by close application to books, and by teaching; he came with his parents to Illinois in 1861, served for a time in the late war, and located in Richland Co.; he removed to Minnesota in 1867, and taught school in Winona Co., and, in 1869, went to Allegan Co., Mich., thence to Clairmont, Ill., where he was engaged as teacher, until 1872, when he was appointed Principal of the North Sangamon Academy for a time, after which he taught the Power Settlement School for over four years, and was then appointed to his present position; he is a young man of fine mental powers. He married Miss Laura J., daughter of William and Elizabeth (Higgins) White, March 14, 1878. They have one child, Mary E., born Jan. 5, 1879.