Clifford Lee Harrison Thompson was born March 2, 1889, in Cecil, the son of Frank William Thompson, who was born June 4, 1864, in Sandusky, and Rose Adeline (Ankney) Thompson, who was born November 28, 1874, in Paulding County. Rosa’s father, Joshua Ankney, was a Civil War veteran who served out of Defiance. Frank and Rosa were married May 18, 1888, in Paulding.
By 1900, the couple was living with their children: Clifford, born in 1889; Frank H. Jr., born in June 1894; and Murl A., born in November 1895. Frank Sr. was working as a painter. Frank Sr.’s mother, Laura A. Thompson, was also living with the family. Clifford was attending school.
By 1910, the Thompson family was living on Plum Street in Cecil. Frank Sr. was still painting homes, while Clifford was working odd jobs. Frank Jr. and Murl were attending school…