Thomas Thorson

American politician and businessman (1848–1915) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Thomas Thorson (November 14, 1848 – August 30, 1915) was an American politician and businessman who was the South Dakota Secretary of State from 1892 to 1896.[1]

GovernorArthur C. Mellette
Charles H. Sheldon
Preceded byAmund O. Ringsrud
Succeeded byWilliam H. Roddle
Born(1848-11-14)November 14, 1848
Stavanger, Norway
Quick facts 2nd Secretary of State of South Dakota, Governor ...
Thomas Thorson
2nd Secretary of State of South Dakota
In office
November 8, 1892 – November 2, 1896
GovernorArthur C. Mellette
Charles H. Sheldon
Preceded byAmund O. Ringsrud
Succeeded byWilliam H. Roddle
Mayor of Canton
In office
Two Terms
Lyon County Auditor
In office
1874–1875
Personal details
Born(1848-11-14)November 14, 1848
Stavanger, Norway
DiedAugust 30, 1915(1915-08-30) (aged 66)
Canton, South Dakota, U.S.
PartyRepublican
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Early life

Thorson was born on November 14, 1848, in Stavanger, Norway, to Norwegian parents.[2] In 1854, he and his parents immigrated to United States when he was six years old. His parents and him resided in northeastern Iowa when they arrived in America.[2] He helped with his home farm until 1869.[2]

Career

In 1869, Thorson was hired a clerk at a hardware establishment.[2] He moved to Beloit, Iowa in 1871 and opened the town's first store, which was a successful general-merchandise business. In 1874, he was elected Lyon County Auditor.[2] After his term expired as Lyon County Auditor, he became a trading representative of the Sioux City Journal.

In 1881, Thorson moved to Canton, South Dakota,[2] where he made a career in real estate business. Later, he served two terms as mayor.[2] In 1892, he was elected Secretary of State of South Dakota.

Personal life

On July 12, 1882, he married Jessie Hunt.[2] They had an unnamed baby that died soon after birth.

References

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