The Joseph Arthur Thompson Family

By Ruth Cox Hearne

Joseph Arthur Thompson (1887-1966), who as a young boy moved with his family to Mississippi, and later to Indian Territory, was step-father of Alford Taylor Hearne. He served in World War I, being stationed at Fort Huachac.

He returned to Jacksonville in 1932 working as a construction superintendent throughout the area. He met and married the former Mrs. Anna Laura Hearne. The Thompsons made their home on San Antonio Street. She preceeded him in death in 1961.

A number of well-known buildings constructed by Arthur Thompson at Lon Morris College, include the A. Frank Smith Fine Arts Auditorium, Fair Hall, the Academic Center, Scurlock Student Center and most of the teacher homes. The Tomato Bowl was built with WPA labor under his supervision and also Love's Lookout Amphitheatre. The original buildings of the Nichols Industries, the Cherokee County Courthouse in Rusk, and many churches and schools were constructed by him.