In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
From History of Buchanan County, Iowa, and its people (1914)
WALTER THOMPSON.
Although he began his business career without resources other than his strength, intelligence and determination to succeed, and although he had to go into debt in order to buy his first land, Walter Thompson is now one of the substantial citizens of Byron township and the owner of a fine farm on section 27, and considerable other real estate as well. He was born in Ontario county, Ontario, Canada, May 13, 1850, a son of George and Catherine (Metcalf) Thompson, both natives of Ireland, the former born in Tipperary and the latter in Belfast. The father emigrated to Canada with his parents when a boy of ten years and lived there until his death, which occurred when he was eighty-six years of age. He was a farmer by occupation and was highly respected in his community. The mother was but an infant when brought by her parents to New York city, where she was reared and educated. She died in Ontario at the age of eighty years. Both parents were members of the Eposcipal church, to the support of which they contributed. Twelve children were born to them, of whom the subject of this review was the fifth in order of birth.
As printed in History of Buchanan County, Iowa, and its people (1914). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1914. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.