"Historical and Biographical Encyclopedia of Delaware", Aldine Publishing
and Engraving Co., Wilmington, Del., 1882, p. 431

"Thompson, Lewis, Collector of Customs for the District of Delaware, was
born in Mill Creek hundred, June 24, 1816.  His father, Daniel Thompson, a
farmer, married Jane Gawthrop, of the family of that name well-known in
Wilmington and Chester Co., Pa.  The founder of the family was John Thomp-
son, who came to this country from England in 1678, and settled near Salem,
in New Jersey.  His grandson, James Thompson, removed to Delaware in 1734,
and purchased the property in Mill Creek hundred, which is still in the
possession of his descendants.  He was the gerat-grandfather of the sub-
ject of this sketch.  The Thompson family were of that sturdy Quaker stock
who have always stood undauntedly on the side of human rights and freedom
of opinion, and have exerted a strong and lasting influence in the com-
munities in which they lived.  Mr. Thompson received only such education
as could be obtained at the public schools, with the addition of one term
at the Hoopes Academy, in West Chester.  In 1841 he married Lydia Pusey,
daughter of the late Jacob Pusey, of Wilmington, and the following year
they obtained possession of a farm in Mill Creek hundred, a part of which
belonged to the original purchase.  Here he spent the greater part of his
life, and by industry and economy cleared his farm from debt and acquired
a competency.  Six children were born to them: Mary T., now the wife of
Henry Gawthrop, of Philadelphia; Annie, who married Thomas B. Hoopes, and
died in 1870; Hannah M.; Emily T., wife of Joel A. Seal, of Philadelphia;
Henry Thompson, residing on the home farm, and George Rolandson Thompson,
a graduate of Cornell University.  Mr. Thompson was always an uncompro-
mising anti-slavery man, and from early life took an active interest in
public affairs.  He was originally a Whig, and was elected on that ticket,
in 1844, to the State Legislature.  The succeeding term he was re-elected
and became Speaker of the House at its session in 1847.  In 1858 he was
again elected to the Legislature, and a fourth time in 1872.  In 1849 he
was appointed Trustee of the Poor by the Levy Court of New Castle Co.,
and served three years.  He was among the first to espouse the cause of
the new Republican party, and actively assisted in its organization in
Delaware.  He was chosen a delegate to the first National Convention of
the party held in the city of Philadelphia, in 1856, and was also a dele-
gate to the memorable convention held in Chicago, in 1860, when the la-
mented Lincoln was made the standard bearer, and again a delegate to the
convention held in the same city, in 1868, when the soldier and statesman,
U. S. Grant, was nominated by a unanimous vote for the Presidency.  In
1876 Mr. Thompson was appointed by President Grant, Collector of Customs
for the District of Delaware, and is now serving a second term of four
years, having been re-appointed by President Hayes in 1880.  Mr. Thompson
is a worthy representative of a family who have for generations been re-
garded as exemplars of the highest virtues.  He is a gentleman of large,
physical proportions, his years seeming to sit lightly upon him, and he
bids fair to continue in life and to be useful for many years to come.
His record and services are an honor to the State."