Theodore O. Torberson Biography


	This biography appears on pages 326-329 in "History of Dakota 
	Territory" by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. V (1915) and was 
	scanned, OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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				THEODORE O. TORBERSON. 

	Theodore O. Torberson is a prominent and well known citizen of 
Lincoln county, residing at Canton. He is numbered among the worthy 
native sons of South Dakota, his birth having occurred in Canton 
township, Lincoln county, on the 23d of March, 1874, his parents being 
Ole and Svanoug Torberson, natives of Norway. They emigrated to the 
United States in young manhood and young womanhood, the former making 
the voyage in 1869 and the latter in 1870. Ole Torberson located in 
Oskaloosa, Iowa, and the lady who later became his wife took up her 
abode in Stoughton, Wisconsin. Their marriage was celebrated in Lincoln 
county, South Dakota, in 1873. Mr. Torberson filed on a homestead in 
Canton township, that county, and resided thereon throughout the 
remainder of his life, passing away on the 10th of August, 1908. His 
widow still survives. 

	Theodore O. Torberson was reared under the parental roof and in 
the acquirement of au education attended the rural schools of Lincoln 
county. On attaining his majority he began farming for himself, renting 
a quarter section of land near the homestead which he cultivated in 
company with his brothers. During the years 1896, 1898, 1900 and 1902 
he taught in the district schools, and in the alternating years 
remained at home in order that his brothers might attend school. In 
1902 he bought his first tract of land, in association with his 
brother, Bernard, with whom he farmed in partnership for some years. 
Subsequently they divided their interests and in 1908 our subject 
bought the farm of two hundred and forty acres which he now owns and 
which is located in the southwestern corner of Canton township and 
adjoins the home place, one of the finest farms in Lincoln county. Mr. 
Torberson has never lived on that farm but resided within a half mile 
of that section until 1911, when he took up his abode in Canton to 
assume the duties of the county auditor,s office, to which he had been 
chosen in the November election of 1910, and to which he was reelected 
in 1912. He proved an efficient and conscientious official. He is a 
republican in politics and has been an active worker in the interests 
of the party since attaining his majority. 

	Mr. Torberson was married September 2, 1914, to Matilda, a 
daughter of Peter and Marie Kjerstad, natives of Norway, who emigrated 
to America and are now residing in Canton, South Dakota. Mr. Torberson 
has fraternal relations with the following organizations: Centennial 
Lodge, No. 10, I. O. O. F., of Canton, and its auxiliary—Columbia 
Lodge, No. 17; and Homestead No. 307 of the American Brotherhood of 
Yeomen at Canton. He is also a popular member of the Commercial Club at 
Canton, and in the community where his entire life has been spent 
enjoys an enviable reputation as a leading, enterprising and 
progressive citizen.