Edward Charles Thompson

by Benjamin Stone, platinum print, July 1902, PG x35219

© National Portrait Gallery, London

Edward Charles Thompson F.R.C.S.I., M.P. was the son of Henry Thompson M.D. and Anne Henrietta Blake, he was, Assistant Surgeon in the Royal Tyrone Fusiliers (c.1870’s), where he served with Major. George Perry McClintock, Major. Ellis, Captain. Ellis and Lieutenant. John Blake Thompson (brother).

Edward married Diana Ellis, daughter and sister of Major and Captain Ellis (respectively). They had two children, Edith Louisa and Frank.

AUSPICIOUS MARRIAGE IN OMAGH.

On Tuesday morning last the nuptials were celebrated, of Edward Charles Thompson, Esq., M.B., and Miss Diana Ellis, youngest daughter of Colonel Francis Ellis, Seaton Lodge in the Church of St, Colnmba, Omagh. The occasion brought together an immense assemblage of people of all ranks and creeds from the town and surrounding district to witness the ceremony. The day was cloudy and wet, but the weather clerk with commendable favor allowed that part of the morning which the auspicious event took place to be characterised by the balmiest air and the brighest sunshine. At half past ten o’clock the bridegroom's party had arrived, and at that hour the Church was crowded with those who had come to be interested spectators of the happy proceedings. Ten minutes afterwards the youthful and charming bride, accompanied her gallant father and lady friends, entered the sacred edifice, and as the procession moved the up the aisle the choir of the Church, accompanied by the organ, (in the recent erection of which the happy bridegroom took a prominent part) sang the latter portion of the hymn commencing, “The voice that breathed o’er Eden.” The interesting ceremony was afterwards proceeded with, the officiating ministers being the Rev Mungo Neville Thompson, M.A, (uncle of the bridgegroom), assisted by the Rev. Thomas Ellis, (cousin of the bride), and the Rev. T. L. F. Stack. The bridesmaids were Miss Ellis, Miss Louisa Ellis, (sisters of the bride), Miss Thompson and Miss Cassie Thompson, (respectively sister and cousin of the bridegroom). J. B. Thompson, Esq.. (25th King’s Own Border Regiment), brother of the bridegroom, filled the office ofgroomsman. The psalm occuring towards the end of the service, “Blessed are all they that fear the Lord," was song by the Choir, and “The Wedding March" (Gounod), on the organ, followed the conclusion of the ceremony. Having received the congratulations of their friends, the happy pair, accompanied by their wedding guests, drove Seaton Lodge, where a tasteful dejeuner awaited them. At a later period, amid a shower of old slippers and hearty wishes for their future happiness, they proceeded on their bridal tour. Late in the evening the event of the day was celebrated through the town by fireworks being let off for a considerable time.

Tyrone Constitution - Friday 27 July 1877

Whitehall, August 17, 1885.

The Queen has been graciously pleased to confer the "Albert Medal of the Second Class" upon Edward Charles Thompson, Esq., M.B. University of Dublin, L.R.C.S.I., and Surgeon of the Tyrone County Infirmary, for conspicuous heroism displayed in endeavouring on the of 4th April 1885, to save the life of a child, named Herbert Mitchell, suffering from diphtheria.

The London Gazette, August 18, 1885.

Diana died in 1887, Edward married secondly Dorothea (Dodo) McClintock (23rd October 1890, Chapel of Ease, Seskinore), daughter of his friend and fellow Fusilier, George Perry McClintock, Dodo was sister to Col. J.K McClintock, it may be that Edward was instrumental in encouraging the marriage of his brother in law to Amy Eccles, Edward was legal guardian of Amy and her sister’s Dosie and Rose, he was also their first cousin once removed.

Amy’s Grandmother Isabella Blake and Edward C Thompson’s mother Anne Henrietta Blake were daughters of Edward Blake Esq., of Castlegrove, Co. Galway. Coincidentally but not uncommon in the Irish gentry Edward Blake’s maternal GG Grandfather, William Knox Esq., of Castlerea, Co. Mayo, was GGG Grandfather of Dorothea Knox, mother of George Perry McClintock. Edward Charles Thompson married for a third time, Mary Clarke, he died in 20th Jan 1935.

Irish Society (Dublin) - Saturday 01 November 1890

On Thursday the marriage took place, at Seskinore Chapel of Ease of Dr. Edward Charles Thompson, M.B., F.R.C.S.I, of Camowen Lodge, Omagh, and Dorothea Selina, eldest daughter of the late Colonel George Perry M'Clintock, D.L., Seskinore, County Tyrone. The Rev. M. Thompson, A.M., brother of the bridegroom, officiated, assisted by the Rev. J. G. Barton. The service was choral, and the church most tastefully decorated. The bride, who was given away by her brother, Captain John Knox M‘Clintock, wore a bodice and train of ivory satin duchesse and petticoat draped with lovely and valuable old chantilly lace, small bunches of white heather and orange blossoms. The veil was fastened with a spray of orange blossoms and diamond ornaments. The bridesmaids were the Misses Amy, Nell, Madeline and Florence M'Clintock, sisters of the bride. They wore dresses of Indian muslin trimmed with Valenciennes lace over white silk, tulle veils fastened with pink and white chrysanthemums. Each wore a gold bangle, the gift of the bridegroom. Dr. Richard Thompson was best man. After the ceremony the wedding party returned to Seskinore, where luncheon was served, and early in the afternoon Dr and Mrs Thompson left for London en route for the Continent The bride’s presents were numerous and costly, including a handsome centre piece from the tenantry on the Seskinore estate. The bridegroom was also the recipient of several beautiful presents from his numerous friends.

Dr Edward Charles Thompson M.D - F.R.C.S.I (1852 - 1935) .

From, The Story of the Tyrone County Hospital 1763-1988, by T J Wilmot

In 1875 when Dr Edward C Thompson succeeded his father at the Infirmary as the

Surgeon responsible for all medical attention, we start to get annual reports which are full

of information...

When the new Tyrone County Hospital was opened on 13 November 1899, Dr Thompson moved to a doctor's residence in the grounds and remained working in the new hospital until 1928 - spending a total of 54 years in the service of the community - a most remarkable achievement. Between father and son, they covered nearly a century...

Edward Thompson was a remarkable man, both as a surgeon and in his enormous energy, planning ability and administrative skill. It is indeed doubtful whether Tyrone County Hospital would have come into existence at all at the turn of the century without him. Omagh undoubtedly owes more to him than any other individual member of the medical profession both before or since. Not only did he carry the lion's share of the work and do all the administration and forward planning, he also submitted an Annual Report to the Governors, which listed admissions, out-patients, medical and surgical conditions encountered, all major operations and their results, the causes of death and a detailed account of the hospital finances, as well as a succinct account each year of the year's events and of the present position. He also listed the number of patients refused admission and sent to the Workhouse. These reports were printed by the Tyrone Constitution Office which itself opened in 1844 - and have formed the basis of the early part of this history.

Dr Thompson also entered politics and, although a staunch Protestant, became the Nationafist Member for North Monaghan, taking his seat at Westminster in 1900 and standing down in 1906.

If it is accepted that many of the qualities required of men at the top of their profession are innate: intelligence, vitality, the ability to communicate and the extent to which they stand above others in confidence, enlightenment and judgement - then Edward Thompson was surely a great man. Not only was he extremely versatile as a surgeon, he was a talented orator and writer. With his commanding physique and personality and his kind, considerate, generous, affable and friendly nature he was quite an exceptional man...

In 1900 Dr Edward Thompson writes, "The old Infirmary, which for 136 years, performed a useful function in the relief of suffering, has been sold, and a new and beautiful hospital has been built on one of the most lovely and healthful sites in the county..."

In 1915, Dr Thompson was offered the post as Comman.ant of the Belgium Field Hospital at Hoogstad in September, where he gained considerable surgical experience... In 1916 after his return from Belgium...

This (1927) was the last report submitted by Dr Thompson who resigned in 1928... Edward Thompson was not only a great man - he was an eccentric. He usually drove a pony and trap and was clad suitably with a large coat with fur collar and fur lined leather gauntlet gloves. Asked to examine a patient feeling unwell he took the man's wrist with his gloved hand and pronounced himself satisfied. When the man's wife queried his ability to take a pulse in this, fashion he is reputed to have replied, "Madam, with my experience I could take your husband's pulse through a brick wall!"

Married Diana Ellis in 1877. She died in 1887.

Subsequently married Dorothea 'Dodo' McClintock on 23rd October 1890, she died 13 Aug 1928.

He died in 20th Jan 1933.

Dr. E C Thompson's, grave, Clanabogan graveyard.

Clanabogan Church of Ireland Gravestone Photos (cotyroneireland.com)

DEATH OF Dr. THOMPSON, Dl, FRCSI

CLOSE ASSOCIATION WITH THE INNISKILLING FUSILIERS.

The people of County Tyrone deeply, mourn the death of one of the county's most distinguished citizens, Dr. Edward C.Thompson, DL, MB, FRCSL., who passed away at the age of eighty-two years, early on 20th January, at his residence, 31 Hertford Avenue, East Sheen, Surrey, where he has been residing since-his resignation of the position of surgeon of Tyrone County Hospital, about five years ago. Dr. Thompson was one of the distinguished sons of the late Dr. Henry Thompson, of Omagh.

Thompson's loss is a particularly heavy one, for there were few men in this generation exercised more powerful influence or held the confidence and respect of the people to a greater degree.

Dr. Thompson graduated MB and FRCSI in Trinity College, Dublin, in 1871, and served for a short period in the Royal Navy. On retirement he came to Omagh and served as Medical Officer to The Royal Tyrone Fusiliers for several years, when he had as colleagues the late Col. Henry Irvine CB, DL, the late Col. H. G. S. Alexander JP, and Many other notable officers long ago passed away. In 1875 he succeeded his father as surgeon of Tyrone County Hospital, a position which he filled for fifty-three years, so that between his fathers and himself they head the splendid record of over a century's service on behalf of suffering humanity-in County Tyrone. Although Dr. Thompson severed his connection with military affairs in early life, he maintained very close relationship with the British Army and particularly The Royal lnniskilling Fusiliers, and was exceedingly proud of his associations with that Regiment.

When the North of Ireland Imperial Yeomanry was formed in the closing years of last century, he acted as a Medical Officer for that corps, and was delighted with the prowess of that force in the War (1899-1902).

When the war broke out in 1914, Dr Thompson placed his services reservedly at the disposal of the Allies, and, for a time, acted as commandant- of the Belgian Field Hospital. On relinquishing this appointment later he devoted much of his time to the treatment and care of wounded

British soldiers, and took a very prominent part in the recruiting campaign throughout the country.

The funeral look place to Clanabogan Churchyard, the burying ground of the Thompson family.

Sprig of Shillelagh, Jan-Mar 1933, p.21

Hon. Frances Netterville, m Dominick Blake, 2 x G Grandmother of E C Thompson. Daughter of Nicholas, 5th Viscount Netterville of Dowth Hall, Co Meath.

1733-1764

Edward Blake of Castlegrove, Co Galway (Son of Andrew Blake and Isabella Knox (Knox of Castlerea) Grandson, of Hon. Frances Netterville). m Anne Wilson.

Maternal Grandfather of E C Thompson.

c.1780-1869

Rev. Mungo Neville Thompson, half uncle of

E C Thompson, son of Mungo Noble Thompson B.A. & Catherine Neville

1823-1899

Charlotte Blake, wife of Mungo Neville Thompson, Rector of Carndonagh, Donegal, daughter of Edward Blake of Castlegrove and Anne Wilson.

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Thompson and Blake family portraits and photographs reproduced with kind permission of Patrick Thompson.