Laforrest Holman Thompson was born in Bakersfield, Vermont, on January 6, 1848.

He was educated at Kimball Union Academy, taught school while studying law, was admitted to the bar in 1871, and opened a practice in Irasburg.

[3][4] In 1880 and 1882 Thompson was Irasburg's member of the Vermont House of Representatives.

He served one term, 1884 to 1886, and was the Senate's President Pro Tem.

Later in 1890 he was appointed to the Vermont Supreme Court, on which he served until his death.