Thompson Family of Penfield

James Thompson, died at his residence, "Chelsea," Salisbury, on January 13, 1925 He was born in Bowden, South Australia, in 1840.  He was a member of that sturdy band who drove their bullock teams with copper ore over that tedious journey, from Burra to Adelaide. He was married in old St. Patrick's Church, Adelaide, in 1865 to Mary Spain, a daughter of another early settler in Salisbury. 

He invested his savings in agricultural land, and with his young bride to cheer and help him he successfully farmed for many years at Red Banks and Salisbury, and subsequently became the licensee of the Railway and the Governor MacDonnell hotels, Salisbury. Red Banks fifty years ago belonged to the. Salisbury Parish, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Thompson placed their homestead at the disposal of the priest, who at stated periods said Mass there for the people in that scattered district. After relinquishing the hotel business he purchased a private residence in Salisbury and retired from active business.

He served for years as councillor in the Yatala North District Council, and was also a zealous member of St. Augustine's Church committee.

He had a family of six children—two sons and four daughters—who all survive him:—Mr. P. Thompson, Penfield; Mr. J. B. Thompson, Salisbury; Mrs. M. J. O'Brien, Adelaide; Mrs. E. Doyle, Hamley Bridge; Mrs- W. J. O'Brien, Salisbury; and Mrs. A. P.

His remains were interred in the Salisbury Cemetery.

The eldest son Patrick engaged in farming at Penfield (Willow Park) before his marriage.  He was a staunch member of the congregation at the Church of the Assumption, Virginia, of the H.A.C.B. (Hibernian Australia Catholic Benefit) Society, Salisbury Branch, and of the Virginia Hunt Club and Football Club, and was a foundation trustee of the Virginia Institute.

All who knew the deceased gentleman had nothing but words of praise for his kindly disposition and unfailing charity at all times. He left a widow and three daughters when he passed away on July 29, 1937.  Mrs. A. O'Leary, Woodville; Mrs. A. O'Leary, Salisbury; Sister M. Emmanuel, O.P., St. Dominic's Priory, North Adelaide; and one son, Mr. Jack Thompson, of Penfield.

Patrick married Anne Elizabeth O’Brien in 1890.  Anne was a member of The Assumption Church, Virginia, for over 47 years. She was born on the feast of the Assumption, 1857, and was the daughter of the late John and Mary O'Brien, of Sheaoak Log.  Both of her parents hailed from Ireland.

They then took up farm life at Penfield, where they lived until 1937.  As a child, when churches were fewer, the late Archbishop Reynolds said Mass in the house of her parents.  It was the Archbishop's first Mass in a private house, and the place became fittingly known as the Home of the Stations.

The Thompson's home was known for hospitality to Priests. The deceased was a willing and generous worker in parish activities.

Over twenty years ago, Anne was received as a Dominican Tertiary[1], and she was buried in the habit of the Order. During the last ten years, she was regularly visited by Rev. Mother Prioress and the Sisters of St. Dominic's Priory, North Adelaide, where her daughter is a member.

Anne Elizabeth died on June 16 1947. Her body was taken to St. Augustine's Church, Salisbury, on Tuesday night.

It was no wonder that their daughter, Ruth born on the 15th May 1894 at Penfield raised in a very Catholic family decided to join a religious order.  Known as Sister Mary Emmanuel Thompson she became a Teaching Sister at St. Dominic's Priory, Molesworth St. North Adelaide

Died 16 May 1964 at Calvary Hospital, North Adelaide, aged 70.  Sister Mary is buried in the West Terrace Cemetery Catholic Section.