The Thompson Cemetery in Barrow, Illinois has been relatively bustling with activity during 2017. We appreciate the time, effort and money contributed by the supporters of the Cemetery.
The purpose of this letter is to bring you up to date on some of the recent activities, appeal for donations and to hear back from you about your families and suggestions for additional people who may be interested connecting with the Cemetery and relatives.
The Thompson Cemetery Association Board has been very busy during the last year.
Highlights:
- Russell Wells continues to mow, trim trees and tend the grounds.
- We have raised over $14,000, which is half of the goal. We are raising money for the perpetual care of the Cemetery as well as improvement projects.
- In September 2016 we had our first in-person Board meeting during the McConathy/Thompson Family Reunion at the Pere Marquette Lodge in Grafton, Illinois.
- This year the Thompson Cemetery was honored to have the Sons of the American Revolution visit the cemetery and perform a ceremony in honor of our patriarch, John Thompson. It was a moving event, and we were pleased that so many of you were able to attend.
- We’re working with Daniel Thompson, author of The Scot-Irish Experience [fatherspress.com/Daniel-Thompson] to draft a short history of the Cemetery.
- We have initiated a title search to verify the bounds of the property.
- We are planning to install a “Thompson Cemetery” sign over the entrance and a bronze plaque within the next several months.
- We are moving money into a Perpetual Care Fund to take care of the Cemetery for the future.
- We are considering additional projects including a memorial for the loose stones.
The Cemetery has Entered the Digital Age:
One of the goals of the Association is to nurture relationships among the descendants of John Thompson. In 2017, one of the most effective ways to do this is to use the web and social media. We encourage everyone to visit these sites, register and spread the word to others that may be interested in the Cemetery.
- Cemetery Family Tree on Ancestry.com produced by Mari McConathy Collins. The Thompson line is established to William James Thompson (1345-1465) in Dumbarton, Scotland. There are photos, census, marriage and other records – check it out here.
- Facebook Page: A great way to connect with relatives and find out about events. The Facebook page is here.
- Our website: com. Learn about the history of the cemetery, our photo gallery and submit your updated contact information here.
Appeal for Donations:
Since the founding of Greene County, Illinois, the final resting place of our family members and other loved ones, has remained practically untouched in the serene setting of a country farm.
The Thompson Cemetery board would like this legacy to continue for years to come.
As we enter the holiday season, when memories of our departed loved ones are felt the most, The Thompson Cemetery Board requests that you consider making a contribution before the end of the year. The Thompson Cemetery Association is an IRS recognized non-profit, and your donations qualify for charitable tax deductions.
There are many ways to make your charitable donations:
- Mail a check payable to Thompson Cemetery Association to: People’s Bank & Trust Attn: Thompson Cemetery Association 102 S. Main St Whitehall, IL 62092
- Send checks and news to Dave Thompson. Donations over $1,000 qualify for a free cruise aboard Plan Sea plan-sea.com
- If you would like to remember the Cemetery in your Will, transfer appreciated assets or have other ideas, send us an email on the Contacts Page here.
The Thompson Cemetery Board extends our good wishes and thanks to you this holiday season!
On behalf of the Thompson Cemetery Board, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our donors, volunteers and friends for your loyal support, generosity and financial assistance during 2017! We wish you a very blessed Thanksgiving a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!!
The Thompson Cemetery Board of Directors:
David P. Thompson
Mari McConathy Collins
Robert T. Beach
Scott McConathy
Ralph Thompson