Thomas Larkin Thompson

Thomas Larkin Thompson (May 31, 1838 – February 1, 1898) was an American newspaperman and politician who served one term as a U.S. Representative from California from 1887 to 1889. He was the son of Robert Augustine Thompson.

Early life and career Born in Charleston, Virginia (now West Virginia), Thompson attended the common schools and Buffalo Academy, Virginia (now West Virginia). He moved to California in 1855 and settled in Sonoma County. He established the Petaluma Journal (now the Argus-Courier) the same year. He purchased the Sonoma Democrat in 1860, and was the editor of that paper.

Early political activities He served as delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1880 and 1892, and was secretary of state of California from 1883 to 1887. He declined to be a candidate for renomination.

Congress Thompson was elected as a Democrat to the 50th United States Congress (March 4, 1887 – March 3, 1889). He was an unsuccessful candidate for re-election in 1888 to the 51st Congress.

Later career and death He was appointed on April 4, 1891, commissioner from California to the World's Fair at Chicago. He was minister to Brazil from April 24, 1893, to May 27, 1897.

Death He died in Santa Rosa, California, February 1, 1898, and was interred in the Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery.

Electoral results