The professors at Arkansas Industrial Univeristy: Tom L. Thompson

Tom Lee Thompson (b. May 22, 1849; d. February 3, 1875 )

Ohio.  White.
Education: Iowa State College of Agriculture (B.S.)

Tom L. Thompson was born in Ohio in 1849. Tom was orphaned at a young age, and little is known about his early life. He may have been living in Hamilton County, OH in 1860.

Tom first definitely appears in the record in Fall 1867. At the time, Tom was living in Fayette, IA to attend the Upper Iowa Univeristy. He was a student in the Collegiate Department following Classical track. 

By December 1871, Tom had started studying at Iowa State College of Agriculture (now Iowa State University). He followed the Agricultural course of studied and received his B.S. in 1872. He was a member of the first graduating class.

In Fall 1873, Tom was elected Professor of Theoretical and Applied Chemistry at Arkansas Industrial University. This was a newly created position, and the university first professorship in science. 

Tom's employment at the univeristy was arranged through the influence of Iowa State College President Adonijah S. Welch. Welch had been offered the position of president of Arkansas Industrial University, but he declined the position, and it was instead given to Noah P. Gates. Gates maintained a correspondence with Welch and solicited advice from him.

After his first year working Arkansas University, Tom's duties expanded to include the responsibilities of the Superintendent of Farm. 

Sadly, Tom caught pneumonia and died in 1875. Iowa College President Welch had his remains brought to Ames, IA, and he was buried in the Iowa State University Cemetery. He was the first person to be buried in the cemetery.

Sources

1. 1860; Census Place: Millcreek, Hamilton, Ohio; Page: 86; Family History Library Film: 803980

2. Upper Iowa University Catalogue: 1868.

3. 1870; Census Place: Washington, Story, Iowa; Roll: M593_420; Page: 191A

4. 1870; Census Place: Washington, Story, Iowa; Roll: M593_420; Page: 192A

5. Iowa State Agricultural College: 1871.