Background
Thomson was born in Camberwell, London in 1849 and his family migrated to South Australia in 1850 and later moved to Victoria.
Thomson was born in Camberwell, London in 1849 and his family migrated to South Australia in 1850 and later moved to Victoria.
He completed his education in England and spent some time in his uncle"s Liverpool business.
After spending two years as a sailor, he returned to Melbourne when he was 19. In 1877, he established the Sydney branch of the merchant firm Robert Harper & Company, which he managed until 1892, when he was forced to retire due to injury. He was Minister for Home Affairs from 1904 to 1905 in the Reid Ministry.
During his period in parliament he spoke often on maritime matters.
Thomson died in the Sydney suburb of Kirribilli, unmarried.