One of the more noteworthy employees of the Neligh Mills was Philander DeForest Thompson, better known as P.D. Thompson. P.D. worked at the Mill for 48 years, making him the Mill’s second longest employee. (Jay Ames worked for 55 years and eventually became one of the Mill’s last owners.)
P.D. Thompson was born on September 15, 1850 in Gratiot, Wisconsin, and came to Neligh, Nebraska in 1877. Because there was no railroad to Neligh at that time, P.D. walked from Columbus, Nebraska, before starting his new job. One of his first tasks at the Mill was helping to rebuild the brush dam that had been washed away by high water shortly before his arrival. In his early years at the Mill, P.D. helped maintain the dams and dike on the Elkhorn River, along with the Merritt bypass that was used in times of high water.
P.D. Thompson is the fourth person in the back row. This picture was taken before his accident.
P.D. was also on the maintenance crew that was responsible for maintaining the Mill’s equipment and elevators. Specifically, one of his duties included oiling the equipment and the pulleys daily. On March 5, 1886, P.D. went to the basement to oil the pulleys on the main shaft that operated all the equipment throughout the Mill. He noticed the oil was not coming out of the oil can, but as he bent over to see what the problem was, he lost his balance and caught his arm in one of the pulleys. As a result, the machine crushed P.D.’s hand and arm and threw him over the shaft to the floor where he lay for a short time screaming for help. He crawled up the steps and was promptly brought to the doctor’s office where it became evident that his right hand and lower arm would need to be amputated. After P.D. healed from his injuries, he returned as a maintenance supervisor and prided himself in not missing a day of work.
In 1925 it became apparent to the Gilman family, who owned the Mill, that P.D. was in failing health. They offered him retirement at full pay. P.D. was quick to respond, saying, “When I quit work, I quit drawing pay.” On December 7 many employees noticed that P.D. was not feeling well; management suggested that he go home. Instead, P.D. insisted on working the rest of his shift. He went home after work and died that night from what doctors determined to be heart disease.
P.D. is one of many employees who worked at the mill during its operation from 1873 to 1959. His story today continues to inspire the imagination of all who visit the Neligh Mill and see firsthand the history behind milling in the nineteenth century.
By Don (Harv) Ofe, December 2024
Site Manager for the Neligh Mill State Historic Site
