Humboldt County
Historical Association
PO Box 162
Humboldt, Iowa
50548
NORWAY TOWNSHIP
TOWN OF THOR
FEATURES
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Historical features
Plat of NORWAY township 1896
Plat of town of Thor 1896
From History of Kossuth
and Humboldt Counties, Iowa.
Published by Union Publishing Co., Springfield, Ill., 1884
The Village of Thor
The hamlet, whose name recalls the memories of Norse mythology, is situated upon section 17, and was laid out by the Western Town Lot Company in the fall of 1881, the plat being filed for record on the 7th of March, of the succeeding year. The first store building on the town site was a small edifice, shanty would perhaps be the right name, built by L. And S. Olson, who in December, 1881, opened a general merchandise store for the accommodation of the population in this vicinity. This building was but 14 x 16 feet in size, but they put up with the inconvenience of such cramped quarters until May, 1882, when they built their present building. This is 20 x 32 feet, sixteen feet high. In April, 1883, they took in, as a partner, Ole Thompson, since which time the firm as been known as Olson Brothers & Co. They carry a stock of $3000 of general description and are doing a most excellent business, which they merit, being active, enterprising and upright business men.
Lewis and Stewart Olson, merchants at Thor, were born in Norway, the former, June 14, 1838, the latter June 17, 1849. They remained in their native country until 1859, when they emigrated to America, locating in Lee Co., Il,.., where they engaged in farming. In 1868 Lewis went to Benton county and lived there three years, them removed to Fort Doge and remained until 1874, when he came to this county, where Stewart was then living, having emigrated from Lee county in 1872. In 1879 Lewis returned to Lee county, remained until August, 1881, when he came back to this county and in December, of that year formed a partnership with his brother and engaged in their present business, and farming to some extent. Lewis was married in September, 1868, to Eveline Warner, a native of Pennsylvania. They have two children--Henrietta and Oscar. Stewart was married Dec. 24, 1872, to Jennie Kluge, a native of Norway. They have five children--Malinda, Ill., Clara, Alletta and Amanda. The Messrs. Olson are both members of the Lutheran Church, and have held prominent township offices.
In June, 1882, Lund & Do., of which O. W. Williksen was the company, opened a new store, in the general merchandise store which is in bull blast at present. They carry a good stock of all desirable goods in their line, and by close attention to the wants of the community, have succeeded in building up a good trade. Mr. Williksen continued in partner in this house until March, 1883, when he withdrew from it.
Christian J. Lund, merchant of Thor, is a native of Norway, born May 4, 1857. He remained in the old country until 1860, when he and his parents, Jane and Secelia Lund, came to America and settled down in Clinton Col, Iowa, and after four years removed to Benton Co., Iowa, where Christian remained with the family, farming, until 1877. In the fall of that year he came to this county and located on section 34, and followed farming. In the fall of 1879, after his parents had bought a farm and settled down in this county, he engaged in merchandising at what was then known as Verbeck post office, remaining about two years. He engaged in his present business in August, 1882. He was married Jan. 18, 1883 to Martha Riveland, of Benton Co., Iowa. They have one child--Jens Cornelius. Mr. Lund is at present justice of the peace and township clerk of Norway township.
The pioneer blacksmith shop was opened by Ommund Erickson, in September, 1882, and it still flourishes under his able hands.
Field & Smith established their drug store in Thor, in October, 1883, and are building up some desirable trade. The senior partner, Dr. D. L. Field, is a practicing physician, and attends to most of the aches and ills of the community.
Ole Olson opened a saloon here, in November, 1883, and it continues to supply the needs of the thirstily inclined.
The carpenter shop of S. Sivertson was opened in December, 1883, and already the convenience of the trade being located is appreciated.