This image is part of the Thompson Family of Canaan Valley Collection. The Thompson family played a large role in the timber industry of Tucker Country during the 1800s, and later prospered in the region as farmers, business owners, and prominent members of the Canaan Valley community.The Thompson family came to West Virginia and Tucker County in the late 1800's with the booming timber industry, taking advantage of Tucker County's forests. Albert Thompson of Philadelphia bought the J. L. Rumbarger Lumber Company which was the first lumber company in the area of Davis and Canaan Valley. He then established the Thompson Lumber Company, which later became the Blackwater Boom and Lumber Company. The mill contributed much to the economy and lumber boom of the 1900's, but closed down in 1924.
