Silas P. Thompson, an extensive farmer of Franklin, was born in this town, March 11, 1842, son of Andrew C. and Eliza (Perkins) Thompson. His father, who was born in Franklin in 1804, spent his active period in agriculture, and passed his last days in Andover, N.H., where he died in 1892. His mother, who was born in Kennebunkport, Me., in 1806, died in 1846. She was the first wife of his father, who after her death contracted a second marriage with Mehitable S. Harvey, of Sanbornton, N.H. Mehitable Thompson died December 29, 1886. The seven children of Andrew C. Thompson were: Oliver M., Thomas P., Addie W., Henry M., Silas P., Maria H., and Sarah Elizabeth, all born of his first union. Oliver M., who is now a Concord, N.H., married for his first wife Abbie Moody, who died in 1866. The maiden name of his second wife was Abbie Flanders. Thomas P., who is engaged in farming in Tilton, N.H., married Alice C. Cutler. Addie W. is now the wife of F. Locke, a farmer of Bristol, N.H. Maria H. is the wife of Charles M. Thompson, a farmer of Stratham, N.H. Henry M., who married Selina Sleeper, is a prosperous farmer in Andover, N.H. Sarah Elizabeth died at the age of twenty-two years.
Silas P. Thompson acquired a common-school education, and resided at home until twenty-two years old. He was for a time engaged in teaching school in Salisbury, N.H. Then he went to Minneapolis, Minn. During his residence there he was in the insurance business for some time, and was Street Commissioner for four years. Upon his return to Franklin he settled on the Colby farm, and has since given his attention to general farming. He has improved the property, which contains two hundred acres, and in addition to raising the usual crops he runs a dairy and breeds horses. On November 16, 1873, he was united in marriage with Martha A. Colby, who was born in Franklin, June 7, 1841, daughter of Ezekiel and Tabitha (Smith) Colby. Mrs. Thompson is the mother of five children, as follows: Ernest O., born December 23, 1874, now engaged in agricultural pursuits in Franklin; Grace M., the wife of Vernon B. Blake, of this town; Minneola, born May 28, 1879, who is attending school in New Hampton, N.H.; Luther C., born July 21, 1881, who is at home; and Katie L., born February 23, 1888, also at home. Politically, Mr. Thompson is independent. While residing in Salisbury he was a member of the School Committee, and he is now a Justice of the Peace. He is connected with the grange in Hill. Mrs. Thompson is a member of the Christian church.