Amanda M. Thomson (b. DeSpain) (1841-1918) was born in McDonough County, Illinois, and died in North Platte, Nebraska. By 1860 she was living in Sugar Township, Missouri, and by 1870 in Plattsmouth, Nebraska. She was a milliner and dressmaker. In 1880 she married Robert D. Thomson in North Platte. He was a carpenter and was appointed Postmaster of North Platte in 1901. Thomson learned of Christian Science from her sister Maud E. Morton (b. DeSpain) who had taken a class from Jennie B. Fenn, one of Mary Baker Eddy's students, and who went on to take the Primary class from Eddy herself. Thomson read Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures and in 1887 wrote a letter to Eddy expressing interest in taking a class from her, although the available records do not show that she did. Thomson attended the Christian Science Society in North Platte and remained a Christian Scientist for the rest of her life.

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