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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Thompson. William Frederick

Thompson. William Frederick, Farmer, Victoria Valley. Mr. Thompson was born in Manchester in 1829, educated at the Grammar School, and was for four years engaged in newspaper work in London, but relinquished that occupation to enlist in the 78th Highlanders, with which regiment he went to India in 1852. He served through the Persian campaign and was actively engaged during the whole of the indian Mutiny, being at the first real engagement at Futtypore and took part in some thirty-three others down to the battle of Bareilly in May, 1858. Mr. Thompson fought with the defenders of Lucknow, was present at the final relief by Sir Colin Campbell, was twice wounded at the sortie from the Alumbagh, and was also at Cawnpore. He received the Persian medal, and the Indian medal (with clasps) together with the thanks of the Governor-General of India (Lord Canning) for his gallantry at Lucknow. Mr. Thompson returned to England in 1859 and received his discharge after completing ten years of service. In 1864 he came to New Zealand in the “Viola,” landing at Auckland, and settled at Wairoa South, where he resided about twelve years. Sometime thereafter he removed to Victoria Valley, where he purchased 250 acres of land and finally settled there taking an active interest in local affairs as member of the road board and chairman of the school committee for fourteen years. Mr. Thompson is married and has four sons and six daughters. He is a hearty, hale old man, over seventy years of age, and declares he is fit to fight all his old battles over again.