George may have been born out of wedlock to Mahala Ham, and then adopted by Edmond Thompson. Censuses are fairly consistent that he was born about 1849, but Edmond and Mahala were not married until October 1852 (with a son Daniel born in 1853), and in 1849 Edmond would have been only 14. Mahala, though, would have been 17.

His death certificate records George W. Thompson, age 83, birthdate blank, born in Ky, father Edmon Thompson, mother’s maiden name Mahala Ham, both born in Ky, widowed, cause of death old age, informant Ed Thompson, Fitch, Ky, burial in Masters graveyard.

Her death certificate records America Thompson, age 61, born 1855 in Ky, died 1 Oct 1916 in Pine Grove precinct, Rowan Co., Ky, married, father Thomas Ham, mother’s maiden name Thacker, both born in Ky, cause of death “no physician saw deceased cause of death unknown”, informant Joe Ham, Triplet, burial in Masters graveyard.

Be careful not to confuse her with Amazetta Jane Ham, born 30 Oct 1855, daughter of Thomas H. Ham and Emily Thacker.

George and America were first cousins.

1880 census of Rowan Co., Ky, Morehead precinct, taken in June, lists on p. 23 as family #188:
Thompson, Geo, 30, farmer; America, 23, wife; Julia, 6, dau; Wylie E., 4, son; Renly Thos, 8/12, b. Sep, son. All born Ky Ky Ky.

1900 census of Rowan Co., Ky, Pine Grove precinct, enumerated 6 June, lists on p. 4! as family #60:
Thompson, Geo W., 53, b. Jan 1847, Ky Ky Ky; America, wife, 43, b. Dec 1856, Ky Ky Va, married 27 years, mother of 7 children, 7 living; Thomas, son, 20, b. Sep 1877; Elizabeth, dau, 15, b. Feb 1885; Minnie, dau, 12, b. July 1887; Ary M., dau, 9, b. Aug 1898. All children born Ky Ky Ky.

The next household is headed by George’s brother Daniel.