Thompson, Moses, 1810-1891

Moses Thompson (1810-1891), proprietor of Centre Furnace in Centre County, Pennsylvania, was born in Centre County. His parents, General John Thompson and Elizabeth McFarlane Thompson moved to Centre County in 1793 from Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, and settled at Slab Cabin Creek in 1809, where Moses Thompson was born 25 March 1810. He married Mary Irvin in 1838 and became iron master of a furnace owned by his brother-in-law in 1842. He acquired much of his wealth through the operation of Centre Furnace, of which he became the sole owner in 1865. Upon his death, Thompson was the largest land owner in Centre County. Thompson influenced the choice to locate Farmers' High School of Pennsylvania, now Pennsylvania State University, in Centre County by donating 200 acres of land to the venture and continuing its support through service on the Board of Trustees, and as treasurer. Thompson died 19 June 1891.

John Fulton is listed as a blacksmith at the age of 44 in the 1860 census of Centre County. It is probable that he may have worked for ironmaster Moses Thompson at the Centre Furnace. Fulton lived in Harris Township and was married to Catharine Fulton. He probably died on 11 April 1864.

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