Thovson, Eli 1820-1910

THOVSON, CRARY, KNUTSON

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 12/17/2015 at 18:17:38

Died, at her old home in Wagner township, March 15th, 1910, Mrs. Eli Thovson, at the age of 90 years. In the death of Mrs. Thovson, Wagner township loses one of its oldest pioneers. The old settlers' ranks are growing smaller and the past year especially, a good many have answered the last call.

Mrs. Thovson was born in Norway on Jan. 23rd, 1820, and she lived and grew up in her native land, and no doubt some of her happiest days were spent there among her childhood and girlhood friends.

In 1841 she was united in marriage to Halvor Thovson, with whom she lived a long and happy married life extending over a period of about forty-two years.

Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Thovson: Thove, of Canbry, Minn.; Agnetina, now Mrs. Judge Crary; Lars, who died Dec. 13th, 1909; Martha, now Mrs. H. Knutson of this township; Carrie and Andrew, who died in infancy; Annie, who for a number of years has been a dutiful and devoted daughter, has taken the best of care of her aged mother; and Hans, who until about a month ago has lived in and near St. Olaf for many years and then sold out, is at present living in Canbry, Minn.

In the year 1862 Mr. and Mrs. Thovson left their native land and came to this county, which has been their home ever since. They settled on a farm on the road between St. Olaf and Farmersburg, and that was destined to be the place where both of them should end their days. Mr. and Mrs. Thovson were among our most respected and well known pioneers and their children in their respective places of life today are all well and favorably known.

The writer of this sketch has enjoyed the privilege of being a life long friend of Mr. and Mrs. Thovson, and their family, and I have many pleasant memories of the long ago when we used to visit and associate with each other. In the old days their home was a pleasant place and a hearty and cordial welcome was given to all who came. The old-time hospitality was there.

Mrs. Thovson was a good Christian woman, a good wife, a kind mother, and a friend to all. Mrs. Thovson has had her share of hard work and sorrow and as a pioneer woman, her life was not strewn with roses, but she lived through it all to a ripe old age and her declining years were made comfortable. Her health was good until about four years ago, when she began to fail, but her mental faculties were as bright as ever up to her death, which released our old friend and neighbor from her sickness and trouble in this world, and on March 15th the end came in peace, and she died in the belief that she was saved and safe in the arms of Jesus who said, "Come unto Me and I will give you rest and a home in Heaven."

Mrs. Thovson was laid to rest beside her husband in the Norway Lutheran cemetery on Friday, March 18th, and a goodly number of friends were there to pay the last tribute to their pioneer friend and neighbor of almost a half a century. Rev. Arveson preached the funeral sermon.

~Register & Argus, Thursday evening, March 24, 1910