Letters from Edward to Annie

While Edward was serving his church mission in England (1902-1904), he became aware that his father, Edward Thomson, of Australia, would be visiting relatives in Scotland. Edward was able to travel to Scotland in anticipation of meeting his father. He met his Uncle Robert Thomson (younger brother of his father) and his large family.

Chapel, North Berwick, Scotland, July 2^nd, 1903. Mrs. Annie Thompson, Bluff, Utah, US My Dear Wife and Babies It will be a surprise to notice my sudden change in locality. Immediately after writing you last time, I received word from Uncle Robert’s daughter, Jeanie, in Airdrie, that my father had arrived from Australia totally unexpected to anyone, and that I had better come up at once as she didn’t know how long he would remain here. Of course, I got ready at once and came on to see him. He is not aware of me being anywhere in the British Isles. He was only here a few days when he had to leave and go to London on business, or rather some shooting match between England and Australia, he apparently being an expert shot from what I can learn As he has only visited one sister yet, the news is rather meager and indirect. Uncle Robert expects him back in Scotland in a few days but don’t know at which place he will come to. So while I am staying here to get the first intimation where he will land. Uncle Robert sent a telegram yesterday afternoon to him to come and stop off at his place as it is on one of the several railings to Glasgow. As yet he hasn’t received any answer and I am waiting here until such time as I can find out. As yet he is not aware of me being here in this country so our meeting will be a total surprise to him in every way. My Aunt that he stayed with didn’t know either, so this accounts for the somewhat unconnected movements of us. However, we will meet somewhere in the next few days after I hear where he arrives from London or he learns of my presence here. When I arrived in Glasgow, I went to Airdrie where my cousin Jeanie T. Stewart, Uncle Robert’s daughter, lives and met her for the first time. I was well received and treated to the best. After staying with her a day, I went up to the place where I was raised and was there two days and spent a jolly time meeting lots of old time friends and acquaintances, everywhere being treated to the best as I have been every place. Jeanie left Airdrie and went to Edinburgh with me and there came to here, Uncle Robert’s farm, where I have been treated royal in every respect. He takes me somewhere every day and pays all expenses; won’t let me pay any. This is the well-to-do uncle you have heard me speak abut at home. His family consists of five daughters and three sons and they are a nice lot of boys and girls. The oldest living is about 26 years of age (Jeanie); the next, Agnes , 22; Martha, 19; Dundas, boy, 17; Robert, 15; Cassie 14; and one girl about 24, married, I haven’t seen yet. Have just had a splendid time in every way. They can’t do too much for me all the time. Today the girls are going to take me out on a drive to the North Berwick town and other places. Uncle Robert has to have me with him everywhere he goes. He took me to Edinburgh the first day, showed me the sights and payed all expenses as usual. He is a good living man; so is his family. He is well fixed. Don’t know how much he is worth, but an idea can be gained from the amount of rent he pays and help he hires. In rent and wages he pays from $10,000 to $12,000 a year. Sixteen hands steadily employed the year round. He does nothing but buy and sell sheep and cattle, feeding them, of course, for the market. I met three other cousins in Glasgow, but was only a short time with them, but am well pleased with their appearance. Two of the girls, 21 and 24, are extra good looking and nice from what I could judge. I have plenty of relations here and it will take sometime to see them all and visit them, which I can’t do at present as I have only a two week lay off from President Lyman. Then I shall have to return to North Walsham. This is the 9^th day since I left there, but I must see my father before I go back and do any visiting amongst my relatives when I come back next time. While in Edinburgh, Uncle Robert took me to a lady who knew my mother well and told me all about–more than I have learned from my Uncles on the Fleming side. It was all good news to which was the best of it I must tell you before I forget that I learned from everybody that I met in New Mains, the place where we lived for many years before going to America, that my Grandfather died two years ago, someone having put it in the paper in Scotland. You know I wrote to him twice about 2 years ago and never got any answer, something unusual, so now I can see how it was. I thought sure John’s wife would have written me as she had my address It is 7 days since I got any word from you. Don’t change the address. I must hurry to catch the mail. With love and kisses to you and my sweet little babies. I am as ever, your husband, Edward F. Thompson

Edward Fleming Thompson (1870-1931)

Edward Fleming Thompson (From a brief history written by his wife, Annie Jane Allan Thompson)

Edward Fleming Thompson was born 15 April 1870, at Plains, Lanarkshire, Scotland. His father was Edward Thomson and his mother was Jessie [Janet] Fleming. When Edward was nine months old, his mother died, and he was raised in the family of his Grandfather Fleming who had a large family of boys, all of whom seemed to love and look after him. He had a great love and respect for this family all his life.

Edward’s father, when still a young man, left his infant son with the Fleming family, departed his home in Scotland and immigrated to Australia. Many years passed away before Edward again saw his father.

Edward’s Fleming uncles and Aunt Kate all came to America settling in Idaho. They seemed to prosper in this wonderful land. They left Edward and his Grandfather alone in the old home in Scotland. Edward and his Grandfather Fleming shared everything alike until Edward was nineteen years old. Receiving such glowing letters from his uncles of the prospects of success in the West, he decided to cast his lot with them. The deepest emotions of his soul were awakened in saying goodbye to the dear old grandfather who had taken care of him since he was an infant. He wept at the parting and remembered his Grandfather’s words: “Well, Eddie, goodbye. We’ll meet again.” Grandfather Fleming’s family all came to America—John, Peter, Hughie and his daughter Kate [sons William, Walter and James also came to American].

The Flemings had settled on the Snake River country in Idaho, engaging in sheep raising. It was here that Edward became acquainted with life in the West, spending his time caring for the flocks. His uncles had a comfortable wagon. He had a good deal of time to study his dictionary and other books. In his studies, he came in contact with some of the writings of Darwin and the theories of evolution, which had a great influence on his thinking and caused him to question some of the fundamental principles of the Christian religion.

At this time, a great tragedy came to the family. A bitter range war was at its height between the cattlemen and the sheepmen. Edward’s uncles had been warned to get out of the country and take their sheep off the range. Their Scotch blood awakened in their hearts a sense of justice and right, and they decided to ignore the threats of their enemies. Uncle Hughie, who was not much older than Edward, was left to bring in the sheep. They waited for his appearance. They investigated and found the sheep scattered and the form of Hughie stretched over on the ground with a bullet in his back. The shock and grief of this tragedy remained with them throughout their lives. Investigating the murder, Edward traced the tracks of two men who had left their horses down a ravine and putting gunny sacks on their feet, had crept up to where Hughie was and had shot him. They made their escape to their ranch. Evidence of their guilt was produced in court, but they were never convicted.

Soon after this incident, the Fleming brothers sold their sheep and decided on a move that was to greatly influence the future life and destiny of Edward. It seemed that a kind destiny led them to the little town of Bluff in San Juan County, Utah, to buy sheep and it was here that I (Annie Jane Allan Thompson) first met Edward Fleming Thompson, who was introduced to me as “my future husband.” A warm friendship was formed that very evening. The fact that both of my parents were born in Scotland, the land of his birth, no doubt contributed to a kindred friendship. [End of Annie Jane Allan Thompson’s brief history]

Edward and Annie courted for five years. Edward was finally converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and was baptized 6 December 1900, by Wayne H. Redd. One month later, he and Annie were married, 11 January 1901. They were sealed for eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on 10 April 1901. Their first child, Clyde Fleming Thompson, was born 8 November 1901. Less than one year later, 2 September 1902, Edward was called to serve on a church mission to England and Scotland, leaving his wife to support him and care for their baby son. A baby girl, Nellie, was born a short time after he left on his mission, 11 April 1903.

While on his mission, Edward met his father for the first time since they had parted when he was a baby. His father, Edward Thomson, had come from his home in Adelaide, South Australia, to Great Britain for a shooting contest. He also became acquainted with his father’s brothers, Robert and George, and sister, Anne, and many Thomson and Fleming cousins. He preached the Gospel to them while laboring in Scotland.

Edward died 20 October 1931, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Edward and Annie were the parents of ten children: Clyde Fleming (8 November 1901), Nellie (11 April 1903), Wallace Edward (28 November 1905), Geneva Allan (20 January 1908), Max Allan (28 January 1912), Dean Allan (7 July 1914), Francis Allan (30 November 1916), Stillborn Son (About 1918), West Allan (2 May 1921), Afton (16 December 1923).