ELMER E. THOMSON is one of the foremost business men of the City of Troy in which he has lived all his days. The furniture and undertaking business, of which he is the head, is extensive, its patronage coming from all parts of Miami County. Mr. Thomson has always interested himself in the affairs of the community in a progressive and public-spirited way, and has frequently been called upon to serve in various official capacities. The family name has long been known to the people here, and his father, Joel T. Thomson, was equally prominent in affairs.

Joel T. Thomson was born in Troy, Ohio, in 1819, and was a son of Andrew and Catherine (Tullis) Thomson. His father was born in Virginia and about the beginning of the nineteenth century came with his parents to Miami County. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, leaving a wife and two small children to go to the front. Upon his return he soon after moved to Indiana, where he remained three years. He then returned to Troy, and on the day following passed away. Joel T. Thomson being very young at his father's death and the care of his mother devolving upon him, he was bound out for five years to learn the trade of cabinet maker. After two and a half years' apprenticeship, he bought his unexpired time and went to Cincinnati, where he completed h is trade. He returned to Troy in 1840, and almost immediately took a forward position in the ranks of business men, which he maintained during his long and useful life. He engaged in cabinet making and gave employment to a number of men; in 1861, he announced to his workmen that he would close shop and enlist in the defense of his country. Inspired by his enthusiasm and patriotism, they at once determined to enter the service and prevailed upon him to remain at home and look after those dependant on him. His men went to the front and he closed up the cabinet making plant and, embarked in the undertaking business. He was immensely popular with the soldiery, as is attested by the fact that of, the eighty-one who died while in the army and were brought home for burial. seventy-eight were carried to their final resting place by him. He was a bighearted, liberal-minded man, and he enjoyed the unbounded confidence and esteem of all who knew him. His death in 1900 was mourned by the people throughout the county.

Elmer E. Thomson was born in Troy, March 8, 1862, and was reared in that city. He attended the graded schools and was graduated from Troy High School, after which he studied medicine two years under Doctor Green. He attended Columbus Medical College one term, and Starling Medical College a like period, but gave up his preparation for that profession for business reasons. He entered into partnership with his father in the furniture and undertaking business, and the firm established an enviable prestige. In 1900 the subject of this record became the sole proprietor of the establishment and has continued it with uninterrupted success. He also established a branch store at Addison, and is partner in an undertaking business at Pleasant Hill. He and his father we re originators of arterial embalming, a system which has been much followed. Mr. Thomson has a number of diplomas as an embalmer. He takes an active interest in politics, and has served as infirmary director of the county, member of the Board of Health of Troy, and as sealer of weight's and measures of Troy.

In 1888 Mr. Thomson was married to Carrie J. Riley, who was born in Troy and was for some years a teacher in the schools. They have a son, Clifford Thomson. Religiously, they are members of the Presbyterian church. He is a Past Exalted Ruler of the Elks; Past Worthy President of the Order of Eagles, of which he is also treasurer; a member of the board of trustees of the Modern Woodmen; Past Chief of Knights of the Golden Eagle; and Past Sachem of the Improved Order of Red Men. He is also a trustee of the Order of Elks, and is president. of the Troy Business Men's Association.