William and his grown children farm land acquired in 1833 from the Canada Company and produce a substantial income each year from wheat, pork, beef, and other products, which he details in his diary and accounts at the back. In 1842, five sons and three daughters, all over the age of sixteen, still live with William and “Mrs T,” only Alex has left home. By 1847 when William’s “dear wife” dies, only Emily, Martha, and Wilfred remain. By 1848 Wilfred is running the farm. By 1861 no Thompsons live on the homestead.