Thorsten T. Thompson Biography


	This biography appears on pages 6-7 in "History of Dakota Territory" 
	by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. IV (1915) and was scanned, 
	OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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THORSTEN T. THOMPSON.  

	It is ability that has gained for Professor Thorsten T. Thompson 
the high position which he now occupies in educational circles of South 
Dakota as superintendent of schools of Minnehaha county. He was born on 
a farm in Freeborn county, Minnesota, May 13, 1874, and is a son of 
Thorsten and Anna (Opadhl) Thompson, who were pioneers of Minnehaha 
county, having moved there in 1874. He acquired his early education in 
the district schools of his native county and later entered Augustana 
College at Canton, South Dakota, leaving that institution in 1897. He 
was also a student in the Sioux Falls Business College.  

	Following the completion of his studies Mr. Thompson turned his 
attention to teaching in Minnehaha county and afterward farmed and 
taught school until 1907. In that year he was made principal of a 
school at Baltic, Minnehaha county, and his excellent work in that 
capacity won him the election on January 1, 1911, to the office of 
county superintendent of schools. He was re-elected without opposition 
in 1912 and has since discharged the duties of his responsible position 
in a capable and progressive way. Since attaining his majority he has 
given his entire life to educational work and has become a recognized 
leader in this field. He is also greatly interested in the development 
of the science of agriculture in this part of the country and is doing 
capable and farsighted work along this line as president of the Farmers 
Development Association of Minnehaha county, secretary of the Minnehaha 
County Farmers Institute and Stock Growers Association, and chairman of 
the Farmers Institute Board of Sioux Falls, which is a department of 
the Commercial Club.  

	On the 28th of May, 1902, Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Thora 
Nyhus, and they have four children, namely: Alma, Clara, Mildred and 
Richard.  

	Mr. Thompson gives his political allegiance to the republican 
party and while at all times he takes an active interest in public 
affairs, he has never been a politician in the usually accepted sense 
of the term. He is never neglectful of the duties of citizenship and 
his influence has been a tangible force for good in the community.