Early life and career Thompson was born in Ireland in 1832 where he was entered the grocery trade as a merchant. In 1853 he shifted to
Australia during the gold rush in Victoria. Then he moved to Auckland in the 1860s and carried on a grocery business there. During the
New Zealand Wars Thompson saw service with the volunteers in 1863. He received a commission as a lieutenant in 1867. In local matters Thompson served as a member of the Road Board, Domain Board and School Committee of
Mount Eden. In 1878 he was elected a member of
Auckland City Council, retaining his seat until 1884, also representing the Council on the
Auckland Harbour Board. ==Notes==