Alexander F Thompson

Son of Alexander Thompson and Isabella Penman, born Dec. 7, 1845 in Pottsville, Schuylkill County, Alexander attended public schools; pursued farming, coal mining, and worked at his father’s mill; enlisted in Sept. 1862 as a Private in Co. B, 129th Regt., PVI, serving nine months. Received training and guard duty at Washington, action at Antietam, Fredericksburg, the Mud March, and Chancellorsville; mustered out with company, May 18, 1863; reenlisted June 30, 1863, Cpl., Co. E, 39th Regt. Pa. Vol. Emergency Militia during the Gettysburg campaign.  On 20 January 1864, he entered the service a third time, joining Co. G, 7th Pa. Cavalry, private; continuing action in the Atlanta Campaign; the Battle of Resaca; Kennesaw Mtn.; and the Siege of Atlanta.  He saw further action in the North Georgia and North Alabama campaigns, Nashville, and Macon; mustered out on Aug. 13, 1865.  Mr. Thompson attended Freeburg Academy; resumed employment as a coalminer; studied law; became a member of the bar in 1876; and opened a private practice at Lykens, Dauphin County.  He was elected to the state House in 1881 and 1883, and served in the Senate, 1885-1892.  Senator Thompson married Lizzie A. Hawk of Wiconisco, Oct. 24, 1872.  Senator Thompson passed away in Lykens, July 23, 1924, interred at Calvary Methodist Cemetery, Wiconisco, Dauphin County.