John R. Thompson
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John R. Thompson
John R. Thompson (1834 – 1894), known as one of the seven founders of the Grange, was born in New Hampshire. He became a member of the Treasury Department after his service in the American Civil War. He is believed to be the first to whom Oliver Hudson Kelley talked about his dream of setting up a fraternal organization of farmers. Thompson's Masonic training became a valuable tool in developing the ritualistic work of the Grange, revolving the ritualistic teachings around the farm and farm family.
The other founders of the Grange were: Oliver Hudson Kelley, William Saunders, Francis M. McDowell, John Trimble, Aaron B. Grosh, William M. Ireland and Caroline A. Hall.