James MacNaughton Thompson

The plaque affixed to this granite headstone reads:

 James MacNaughton Thompson President Class of 1894 Princeton University - Erected In Loving Memory By His Classmates and Friends.

The burial card on file gives the usual information:  Mr. Thompson was thirty-six years old, married to Florence Jones, the father of three children, and a resident of 166 Chestnut Street when he died of "acute dilation of the heart" on December 26, 1908. 

An article in the New York Times tells a bit more about him.

James MacNaughton Thompson died in the office of the Albany Embossing Company, of which he was Secretary, while engaged in conversation, this afternoon.  He was born in Albany thirty-six years ago, and was graduated from Princeton in 1894.  He was the manager of the successful football team that year.  He was admitted to the bar, but became interested in mining and manufacturing companies.  When the Champlain and Sandford Railroad was organized, Mr. Thompson was made its president.  He was a lover of drama and wrote the successful play, "Patons of Virginia," and several comedies.

This granite monument is located in a family plot not too far from that of Chester A. Arthur on the South Ridge and the flag beside the Presidential grave site is visible in the background of the photo.