Martin Thompson was born July 11, 1853 in LaSalle County, IL to Thomas and Anna Thompson. Thomas, his wife, Anna and their first six children were all born in Norway. The family came to the United States about 1849. When they arrived, they went to a Norwegian settlement in LaSalle County, IL. Their next two children, which included Martin, were born in the United States. In 1855, the family moved to Burt County, NE. Anna's last child lived between a few hours and a few days. Anna passed away about a month after the birth of her last child in Oct. 1855. It is unclear when Martin moved to Olympia, WA; however, he was settled in the area by about May 14, 1876. He was farming and/or herding sheep on a ranch in the area. In May 1880 Martin was murdered at his home. The acting sheriff wrote a letter to Martin's brother, Thomas, telling him of the circumstances of the murder and his burial.
From the description of Martin Thompson's correspondence with his brother, Thomas G. Thompson, 1876-1880 1876. (Washington State Library, Office of Secretary of State). WorldCat record id: 206926895
