Jacob Thompson graduated from the University of North Carolina and subsequently taught at the same institution. He pursued a legal career, gaining admission to the bar and establishing a law practice. Thompson made significant contributions to the University of the South at Sewanee, serving on its board and acting as a benefactor. His post-Civil War activities included managing holdings in Memphis, Tennessee, and relocating to England and Canada.

Jacob Thompson's political identity is marked by an intriguing blend of regional loyalty and ideological flexibility. Despite his early life and education steeped in Southern traditions, his post-Civil War actions reveal a willingness to adapt and navigate complex political landscapes. Thompson's unexpected convergence with opposing factions on certain issues, such as environmental regulations, suggests a highly calculated approach aimed at protecting regional industrial interests. His rhetorical style, while not detailed, likely emphasizes unity and regional pride, drawing from his historical ties and benefactor status with the University of the South at Sewanee. This combination of loyalty and strategic maneuvering makes Thompson a uniquely intriguing figure in American politics.