Thorson, Henry A.

THORSON, SEVERSON

Posted By: Roseanna Zehner
Date: 7/25/2006 at 19:30:37

THORSON, HENRY A.

Henry A. Thorson's name will surely appear on any list of the old settlers of Lyon County, though he is by no means to be counted an old man. He was born in Norway, February 8, 1851,where his father followed the trade of a carpenter as his life business. Mr. Thorson was reared to manhood in his native land, where he was educated as far as the common schools would carry him. In 1868 he sought a home in the United States determined to profit by the opportunities of the larger life this country presented the enterprising and deserving.

Mr. Thorson crossed the ocean and landed in Quebec, where, however, he did not stop, but hurried on to eastern Iowa. He was assured the opportunity he sought was to be found, and for three years he worked out as a farm hand, and gradually accumulated a little money. In 1871 he entered Lyon County where he settled on a homestead claim, on which he built a claim shanty 14 by 16 feet, and a straw shed. His first breaking was done with oxen, and he had to solve for himself many difficult problems of life on the prairie, that are no problems at all today.

Mr. Thorson was married December 10, 1879 to Miss Regnald Severson, who was born in Norway in 1863, and to this union have come twelve children: Andrew, Sever, Amelia, Marie, Hannah, Theodore, Henry, Elma, Oscar, Edwin, Severene, and Irene. All the above children were born in Lyon County, and are noted for their health, bright and sunny spirit, and general good behavior. Mr. Thorson is a Republican, and is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land, well improved and under careful cultivation. His farm buildings are modern and commodious, his grove is green and growing, and he is widely known as one of the leading settlers of the county.

Source: Compendium of History Reminiscence and Biography of Lyon County, Iowa. Published under the Auspices of the Pioneer Association of Lyon County. Geo. Monlun, Pres.; Hon. E. C. Roach Sec’y; and Col. F. M. Thompson, Historian. Geo. A. Ogle & CO., Published, Engravers and Book Manufacturers. Chicago, 1904-1905

Transcribed by Roseanna Zehner, Darlene Jacoby and Diane Johnson