Thomas Thorson
Thomas Thorson was an American politician and businessman who was the South Dakota Secretary of State from 1892 to 1896.
Early life
Thorson was born on November 14, 1848 in Stavanger, Norway to Norwegian parents. 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. He helped with his home farm until 1869.Career
In 1869, Thorson was hired a clerk at a hardware establishment. 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. 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, where he made a career in real estate business. Later, he served two terms as mayor. In 1892, he was elected Secretary of State of South Dakota.