GOLDFIELD HISTORICAL SOCIETY
GOLDFIELD HISTORY
GOLDFIELD HISTORY MINUTE
FRED THOMSON A MOVIE STAR FROM GOLDFIELD - PART TWO
In the previous episode we told the story of Fred Thomson who played the part of the frontier scout Kit Carson in the silent western hit named "Kit Carson". Fred Thomson came to Goldfield in 1914 to preach in the Presbyterian Church, was very popular, started the Goldfield Boy Scout Troops, and in 1915 was appointed Nevada Commissioner to the Boy Scouts of America, and started many other activites in Goldfield.

Thomson was charming, loved to dance and made a point of dancing with all the ladies young or old. The congregattion at the Presbyterian Church swelled. He not only appealed to the ladies, but as a champion runner, he also appealed to the men and children. But in 1916 his wife Gail died and the minister plunged into depression. He struggled on with his pastorate, but Goldfield had too many memories for him and in 1917 he left to become an army chaplain in San Diego. It was not long thou that the young chaplain fell in love with Frances Marion, a well known screen writer at the time. Frances however was twice divorced and Thomsom was resolved to staying in the ministry. He went on duty overseas in World War l and tried to forget her, but this was impossible and in 1919 gave up the ministry to marry Frances.
The History minute has been brought to you by the:
Goldfield Historical Society
Dominic Pappalardo, President
and
Hidden Tresure Trading Company
right here in Goldfield
Brian Smalley, Proprietor
Return to Main Page
Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1