Robert Alfred Thompson, a prominent citizen of Marquette, and the most potential factor in its growth and development, was born in Landskrona, a fortified seaport town of South Sweden, Iaen of Malmo, sixteen miles northeast of Copenhagen, Jan. 10, 1855, being a son of Sohne and Cecilia (Rasmussen) Thompson, both of whom are now deceased, the father having been a successful farmer by vocation. After due preliminary discipline in the schools of his native land Mr. Thompson came to America and was matriculated, in Augustana College at Rock Island, Ill., in which he was graduated in the classical course with the class of 1886. He then filled clerical positions until 1887, when he came to Marquette, Kan., and engaged in the real estate business. He established a general merchandise business in 1889, and the same has grown until it is now the most important and successful commercial enterprise in Marquette. He was one of the organizers of the Marquette State Bank, serving as vice-president until 1902, since which year he has occupied the position of president of the institution. The Marquette State Bank was organized in 1892 by Robert Sohlberg, with a capital of $10,000. Mr. Sohlberg disposed of his interst[sic] in 1902 and is now the cashier of the Guthrie National Bank at Guthrie, Okla. The capital stock of the Marquette State Bank was increased in 1902 to $15,000, and in 1907 to $20,000. It has enjoyed a steady and healthy growth, has earned a surplus of $15,000 and undivided profits of $4,000, and at the present time has some thirty-odd stockholders. Mr. Thompson has been an active force in the management of the affairs of Bethany College at Lindsborg as a member of the board of trustees, serving as secretary for eight years, and he is interested financially in the Bethany Book and Printing Company. He has served four terms as mayor of his home city, and for fourteen years was clerk of its board of education. He is a stanch supporter of the Republican party cause, but has never accepted a nomination for other than city offices. He has been a pillar of support in the Elm Lutheran Church at Marquette, serving as deacon for twenty-three years, as superintendent of the Sunday school for nineteen years, and he has contributed generously to its support financially.

On Nov. 27, 1892, Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Carolina S. Nord, of Lindsborg, Kan., and of this union there have been born two children: Ruth, born Sept. 26, 1893, is a member of the class of 1913 at Bethany College, and Waldo H., born Aug. 5, 1895, is a student in the high school. The family is one of the most prominent in McPherson county, the home being a social center. Mr. Thompson is a student, has a fine library, and seeks recreation and respite from the affairs of life in travel and study.