John E Thompson

Aged Negro is found Frozen, Dies in Lusk

80-Year-Old Man, Apparently Victim of Severe Winter

John Thompson, an aged negro, said to be 80 years old, died at the hospital in Lusk last Friday as the result of what appears to be starvation and freezing. The cause of death given was arterio sclerosis.

Thompson, who lived on his homestead about two miles north of the Ant Hill well, 25 miles north of Lusk, was found in bed by neighbors last week, and showed signs of helplessness and freezing. His hands were badly frozen, and he had apparently had nothing to eat  for some time. He was brought to town by Mr. Mechler and Dr. Murphy last Friday, and was in such a condition that he died about 10 o'clock that night.

The funeral services were held here Wednesday, in charge of the Universal undertaking parlors, and a brief service was held by Rev. Farrar of the Baptist Church. He had a son, Fred, who was located in Los Angeles. This boy was formerly a porter for Sam Plotnick, Bob Jensen, and Brownie Hancock during the boom days.

Thompson's daughter-in-law, who lives in Omaha, attended the funeral.

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