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Claude Thompson was reared upon the home farm in Mississippi, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. His educational advantages were those accorded by the public school system of the state. He left home when about nineteen or twenty years of age and came to Arkansas, starting in business life as an employee in a store at Mansfield, this state. He subsequently traveled for the William Echols wholesale dry goods house of Fort Smith and later went to St. Louis, where he became a traveling salesman for the large Hargadine & McKittrlck Dry Goods Company, continuing with that house until he returned to Fort Smith. It was about that time that Mr. Thompson entered upon his political career, for he became chief deputy sheriff under T. A. Norris, then sheriff of Fort Smith, and acted in that capacity for four years. In 1914 he was elected to the office of sheriff and that be discharged his duties with notable promptness, capability and fidelity is indicated in the fact that he was reelected and continued to serve for three successive terms or until 1920. He was the first deputy sheriff of the county that was ever made sheriff and he was elected to this office by the largest majority ever given a candidate. In 1920 higher political honors came to him in his election to the state senate by a large majority and without solicitation on his part. He is now filling this position and is giving most thoughtful and earnest consideration to the vital questions which come up for settlement in the general assembly. He has never lightly regarded the duties of citizenship but has faithfully met every obligation that has devolved upon him and his course has wrought for good to the 001m munity and to the state. In business circles, too, Mr. Thompson is well known and is now secretary and treasurer of the Collier Commission Company, wholesale dealers in flour and produce. This business has grown to substantial proportions and in commercial connections Mr. Thompson displays initiative, enterprise and progressiveness that bring substantial results. In 1896 Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Emma Hughes, who was born in Leake county, Mississippi. Their children are Claude Hughes and James Howard. The former served in the navy in the World war, being stationed ab Hampton Roads. Mr. Thompson is a member of the National Sheriffs Association and also of the Traveling Men's Association. He likewise belongs to the Business Men’s Club of Fort Smith and heartily cooperates in all plans and projects for the development and improvement of business conditions. That he is appreciative of the social amenities of life and recognizes the obligations which the individual bears to his fellowman is indicated in the fact that he belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, loyally following the teachings and high purposes of these different societies. He is also a popular member of the Country Club. |