All that currently remains of this citizen memorial which originally comprised a statue of Abraham Lincoln are two memorial plaques. It was removed after sustaining considerable damage by vandals over the years and attempted repairs. The first plaque located on a boulder that based the statue reads:
The second plaque resides on the ground a few feet away from the former statue and reads:
FindaGrave.com contains a nice obituary on Thompson and reads:
From Walling's History of So. Oregon., 1884:
Jacob Thompson: lives at Ashland; is proprietor of livery stable; was born in Greene county, Ind.; came to state in 1847, and to county in 1855; was married September 10, 1863, to Mrs. America E. Butler. Step-son, Gwin S. Butler.
The Oregonian (Portland) - 26 Feb 1911
ASHLAND RESIDENT, OREGON PIONEER, PASSES AWAY
ASHLAND, Or., Feb. 8 –(Special)- Another Oregon pioneer died here when Jacob Thompson passed away February 5, at his home on East main street, in this city, at the age of 84 years. Mr. Thompson was born in Vigo County, Indiana, January 20, 1827. His mother died when he was a small boy and he lived for some time with an uncle in Illinois and Iowa, working on a farm. He came West in 1847. In 1855-56, Mr. Thompson served in the Rogue River Indian war under Captain John S. Miller. In 1862 he was engaged in mining in Baker County. He was married to Mrs. A.E. Rollins Butler in 1863 and lived on a farm near the present site of Medford for a number of years. For many years Mr. Thompson owned a large tract of land adjoining Keno, Klamath County, and carried on extensive farming operations, including large stock interests. In 1882 they returned to Ashland, where they resided until the time of their death. Mrs. Thompson died only a few months ago. Mr. Thompson was a first cousin of the distinguished editor and Ambassador, Whitelaw Reid. He was a member Ashland Lodge No. 23 A.F. and A.M. under whose auspices the funeral services were conducted today.
If you want to see what the statue of Abraham Lincoln looks like click here.