Thomas Thorson
Thomas Thorson | |
|---|---|
| 2nd Secretary of State of South Dakota | |
| In office November 8, 1892 – November 2, 1896 | |
| Preceded by | Amund O. Ringsrud |
| Succeeded by | William H. Roddle |
| Mayor of Canton | |
| In office Two Terms | |
| Lyon County Auditor | |
| In office 1874–1875 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 14, 1848 Stavanger, Norway |
| Died | August 30, 1915 (aged 66) Canton, South Dakota, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
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]
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 a unnamed baby that died soon after birth.