Ben Thompson childhood
Birth Date
Ben Thompson was born on November 2, 1843, at 4:35 AM in Knottingley, Yorkshire, England. This town, situated on the banks of the River Aire, was an important inland port in the 19th century. At the time of his birth, life expectancy in England was about 41 years for males.
Family
Ben was the eldest child of William Thompson and Mary Ann Thompson (née Baker), who were married in 1840. He had several siblings including a younger brother William, known as Billy, and sisters Mary Jane, Sarah Ann who died in infancy, and Frances born later in Texas. The family emigrated from England to the United States when Ben was a child, settling in Austin, Texas.
Education
In his early years, Ben worked for various newspapers in Austin, where he learned the printer's trade. His formal schooling details are scarce, but it is known he was involved in work from a young age to support his family after his father returned to maritime work and later disappeared at sea. Ben's formative experiences in Texas shaped his later life and career.
Career
Career Overview
Ben Thompson is best known as a gunfighter and occasional sheriff during the Old West era. He fought on the Confederate side in the American Civil War and worked as a professional gambler. He also owned and operated saloons, such as the Bull's Head Saloon in Abilene, Texas. His career included notable conflicts, including gunfights involving famous figures like Wild Bill Hickok and his own brother's controversial actions.
Net Worth
Concrete records of Ben Thompson's net worth are not clearly documented, as his wealth fluctuated due to his varied career as a gambler, saloon owner, and lawman. Considering the historical context, his wealth would have been modest but sufficient to sustain his lifestyle in the turbulent times of the Old West.
Social Media Presence
As a 19th-century historical figure, Ben Thompson obviously has no personal social media presence. However, modern-day interest in his life and career is sustained by enthusiasts and historians sharing information through websites, historical pages, and social media accounts dedicated to Old West personalities.
Ben Thompson Summary
Ben Thompson was a significant figure in the Old West known for his roles as a gunfighter, gambler, and occasional sheriff. Born in England and raised in Texas, his life was marked by adventures and controversies typical of the time. Despite the challenges of his era, he left a lasting legacy as one of the impressive marksmen and complex characters of the American frontier. His story continues to be a subject of interest for historians and Old West aficionados.