Kit Carson County, Colorado
Photographs

 COGenWeb Logo

Kit Carson County Pioneers:

Nels M. and Olivia Thorson, daughter Josephine (Mrs. Chris C. Anderson), 6 South 48 West



Nils M. Thorson married Jennie Jacobson on November 1, 1880 in DeKalb County, Illinois.
Josie Thorson, born about 1880 to E. M. Thorson and Jennie Jacobson, married Chris Anderson 25 on December 27, 1899 in Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa.

In 1885 Story County, Iowa, "Nils" M. Thorson is 29, Jeny 22, with Josephine 3, Talmar 1.

According to the obituary of her youngest child, Ella Thorson Peterson, Josephine died shortly after her birth in 1887. FindaGrave # 143663274 has a burial unknown, but dying in Palo Alto Count.
But FindaGrave # 123328382 has a stone in Ruthven, Palo Alto County 1862-1889.


Nils M. Thorson married Olara C. Lande on March 28, 1891 at Clear Lake, Hamilton County, Iowa.

Omer Thorson was born March 5, 1892 at Graettineger, Palo Alto County, Iowa to Nels M. Thoron and Olave K. Lande
Omer applied for a delayed birth certificate in 1958, living at Longmont, Colorado.

In 1895 Palo Alto County, Nels M. "Thorsen" is 39, with Olava 31 both born in Norway. Josephine 13 in Illinois, Thaliner 11 in Story County, Omer 2 and Simon 1 in Palo Alto County.
Anna L. "Thoresen" was born January 28, 1900 at Twelve Mile Lake , Emmet Couty, Iowa.

Selmer Ola Thorson was born Sept 4, 1902 in Lakeville, Dicksonson County Iowa to Nels M. Thorson and "Olara K. Laude."
"In 1860 a number of Norwegians came to Emmet County and settled along the Des Moines Valley south of Estherville. Among them were the Thorsons, Paulsons and Petersons, some of whom located in what is now Twelve Mile Lake Township, where they or their descendants are still living. "

In 1910 Kit Carson County, Nels Thorson is farming, 39, wife Olivia K. 46, both born in Norway. It's Nels' second marriage.
Omer 18, Simon P. 16, Kenneth T. 14, Silas R. 12, Anna L. 10, Selmer O. 7, and Norman R. 5 were born in Iowa, Olof M.L. one month in Colorado.
Nels proved up a quarter in 1, 6S 49W in 1914, and one in 6, 6 South, 48W in 1917.

In 1920 Kit Carson County, Nels is farming. He said he immigrated in 1875, and naturalized in 1883. Olava immigrated in 1882, naturalized in 1883. Kenneth T. is 23, Annie L. 19, Selmer 17, Norman R. 15, and Olaf M. L. 9 born in Colorado.

In 1930 Kit Carson County, Nelis is 74, Oliva 66, with Selmer O. 27 born in Iowa and Olaf M.D. 20 in Colorado.
Nels M. Thorson 1855-1936 is buried in Kit Carson County # 41006881, with "Olava" K. Thorson 1863-1946 # 41006847.


OLAF

Olaf Thorson married Norma Davis in Washington County, Colorado on October 10, 1936.

In 1940 they're farming in Washington County, Olaf 30, Norma 20, Zella 3, Orlene 1, and his mother Olive 76.

Olaf 1910-1984 # 41007524 and Norma M. 1919-2005 # 41007439 are buried in Kit Carson County, Smit Cemetery.

"Norma Maurine Davis Thorson was called to her heavenly home on December 14, 2005 at the age of 86 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was born to Norman and Pearl (Babcock) Davis on April 19, 1919 in Fairbury, Nebraska.
In 1930 Norma moved with her family to a farm south of Vona, Colorado. They later moved north of Vona where she met her husband Olaf. Norma and Olaf were married on October 10, 1936, in Akron, Colorado. They farmed north of Vona until 1966 when they sold the farm and moved to an acreage north of Burlington.
After moving to Burlington, Norma worked at the Burlington Bakery for several years. Later she worked at the Kit Carson County Hospital. She also worked in the pro shop at the Burlington Golf club. Upon her retirement she sold her home north of Burlington and moved into town.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Olaf Thorson; 1 sister; 4 brothers; 2 sons, Nels and Lief Thorson; a grand daughter Susan Jo Anderson; and a grand son Kent Harmon.
She is survived by 5 children and their spouses; Zella Serian of Hollywood, Florida, Arlene and husband John Anderson of Lake Havasua City, Arizona, Karen and husband Lynn Johnson of Windsor, Colorado, Carl Thorson and wife Barbara of Vona, Colorado, Sherry and husband Jim Harmon of Burlington, Colorado; a host of family and friends. She will be missed by her family and friends.
Services were held Saturday December 17, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 388 7th Street Burlington, Colorado with Pastor Bill Viergutz officiating followed by a short committal service at the Smit Cemetery, Vona, Colorado. "

Nels Thorson, born Sept 17, 1940, died in May 1977.


SILAS

Silas married Edith Josephine Waterman on June 18, 1919 in Kit Carson Coumty.

In 1920 Silas is a laborer in Pmona, CAlifornia, married to Edith 20. They're living with Edith's parents Guy E. Watterman 48, and Mattie M. 41.

Silas Raphael Thorson, born April 5, 1898 in Iowa, died May 21, 1991 in Riverside County, California.

JOSEPHINE

In 1910, next to Nels Thorson, Carl C. Anderson is farming, 34, born in Iowa, married ten years to Josephine 28 Illinois. Mamie 9 Nellie 7, and Howard 5 were born in Iowa, Esther 2 and Clara one month born in Colorado.

Chris C. Anderson proved up two quarters in 6, 6S 48W, and 1, 6S 49W in 1912.
The Andersons are back in Kossuth County, Iowa in 1920, with Nellie 17, Howard 15, Esther 12, Clara 10, Elmer 8, Bernice 4, and Cecil 2. This census says all the kids were born in Iowa....

In 1930 Kossuth County, Christ is 55, Josephine 48, Esther M. 22 born in Colorado. Clar J. Snyder 20, married but no spouse, was also born in Colorado.
Elmer M. 18 was born in Colorado, Bernice E. 14 Cecil 12, adn Myrl K. 9 in Iowa.

Josephine (Thorson) Anderson 1881-1968 is buried in Faribault County, Minnesota # 31883431. So is Christ Carl Anderson 1875-1954 # 31883437.

Elmer is buried in Faribault County # 31861308.
"Elmer was born March 24, 1912, in Cope, Colo., the son of Carl Christ and Josephine (Thorson) Anderson. He attended a country school. He married Harriet Lyon, Sept. 27, 1933. They spent their entire married life in the Blue Earth and Elmore area where they were involved in farming.,"
Survived by one brother Myrl (Clarice) Anderson of Blue Earth. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, five sisters and infant son Eldon"

SIMON

Simon Peter Thorson registered for WWI in Washington County, Colorado, farming at Seibert, born Sept 14, 1893 at Gratinger, Iowa, single.

In 1920, Simon is working for the Frank and Alice Laybourn family in Cope.

Simon P. Thorson proved up 39 acres in 31, 5 1/2 S. 49W in 1931.
Simon, age 28, married Jessie F. Seamon on December 27, 1921, recorded in Kit Carson County.

In 1930 Cope precinct, Simon is 36, Florence 29 born in Missouri. Leon 7 and Gene 6 were born in Colorado.
Next household is Omer, 38, married to Jennie 31 born in New Jersey. They have Elaine 4 born in Colorado.

December 5, 1935

Florence is buried in Cope, 1900-1935 # 67354762.

Simon is widowed in 1940 Cope, 46, with Leon 17, Gene 16, and Leslie 9.
Next household is Omer 48, with Jennie 40, Elaine 14, and nephew Orin 5. Jennie's mother Cornelia Vandergenaven 73 born in Hollad is with them. Cornelia was in Denver in 1935.
He registered for WWII with an address of Seibert "Washington County", born at Ruthven, Iowa.

September 22, 1983

Simon 1893-1990 is buried at Kirk, # 67354764, with Blanche P. (Kiltelson) Thorson 1894-1984.
March 1, 1984

October 18, 1990

Orin K. Thorson 1834-2013 is buried in Longmont, # 121692044. "Orin K. Thorson, 79, of Longmont, passed away at his home September 18, 2013.

He was born August 12, 1934 in Cope, Colorado to Simon and Florence (Seaman) Thorson. Orin moved to Longmont in 1950 from the Cope, Colorado area. He married Betty Jo Miller on June 5, 1955 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Longmont. Orin was a carpenter and woodworker. Orin was of the Lutheran faith, a member of Colorado Columbine RV Club. An avid hunter, he enjoyed fishing and loved woodworking, traveling in the RV and wintering in Arizona.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Leon and Leslie and great granddaughter, Courtney.
Orin is survived by his wife, a son, three daughters, a brother, a sister, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. :
In 1959 Eldon Misner "was preceded in death by his father on September 26, 1954. Surviving are his widow, Bernice Emelia, three daughters, Darlene Bernice, 4, Star Lynn, 2, and Valerie Joe, 4 weeks, all of Silver Plume. Also surviving is his mother, Rilla D. Misner of Seibert; three brothers, Ernest R. and Cleo H. of Seibert and Donald W. of Denver; two sisters, Mrs. Leon Thorson of Seibert and Mrs. Gene Thorson of Kirk, numerous other relatives and a host of friends."

Leon E. Thorson 1922-2001 is buried in Kirk # 67354763, with Arveen June (Misner( Thorson 1922-2014.

Arveen June Thorson was born on June 12, 1922 to William and Rilla (Drake) Misner in McCook, Nebraska. She passed away on April 6, 2014, at the age of 91 in Pueblo, Colorado.
Arveen attended school through the eighth grade and later married Leon Thorson, they eloped to Kansas. To this union one son, Simon and one daughter, Linda were born. Arveen was a housewife and really enjoyed sewing and embroidery. Leon passed away on Mother's Day of 2001. Arveen was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Thorson; parents, William and Rilla Misner; three brothers, Eldon Misner, Ernest Misner and Donald Misner.
She is survived by her son, Simon Thorson and wife, Sharron of Fountain, Colorado; grandson, Dustin Thorson and wife, Kahala and great grandsons, Casson and Tripp of McKenney, Texas; daughter, Linda Thorson of Pueblo, Colorado; Sister, Opal and Gene Thorson of Strausburg, Colorado; Brother, Cleo and Nora Misner of Norman, Oklahoma along with many other relatives and friends.
There was a graveside service on Thursday, April 10, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Kirk Cemetery in Kirk, Colorado with Pastor Terry Covert officiating. Baucke Funeral Home directed the service.


Their son George is most likely the one buried in Kirk, # 78354871
May 16, 1946.

Gene L. Thorson married Opal L. Misner on September 30, 1948 in Washington COumty.

November 29, 1979


Leslie R. Thorson, 75, of Lochbuie, passed away on September 2, 2005 in Denver. Leslie was born June 15, 1930 to Simon and Florence (Seaman) Thorson in Seibert, Colorado on his father's homestead. He attended school in a one-room building in rural Cope, Colorado. Leslie received his GED from Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, CO.
On May 18, 1950, Leslie married Dorothy M. (Dever) in Kirk, Colorado. They raised three daughters, Arla Hitchcock, Anniston AL; Cheryl(Ken) Gillespie, Northglenn, CO; Patricia(Daniel) Hillen, Katy TX.
Leslie truly enjoyed the job of being a farmer. He began farming in Cope CO., and did custom hay work and hauling in Ft. Lupton and Brighton. He also worked for the State Highway Department for seven years. Leslie enjoyed everything he did, including listening to music, but his work as a farmer was his passion.
Leslie was a member of Zion Lutheran Church of Brighton, Flagler, Pueblo, Littleton, and Northglenn, and was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran Faith at the Grace Lutheran Church of Hudson, CO.
Survivors include brothers, Gene (Opal) Thorson, Burlington, CO; Orin(Betty Jo) Thorson, Boulder, CO; sister, Norma(Bob) Pickerill, Littleton, CO; and sister-in-law, Arveen Thorson,Cope, CO. Leslie is also survived by seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Leon, in 2001.

ELLA

Ella is buried in Emmetsburg, Palo Alto County # 75729698.
"Ella Kristina Thorson-Peterson, born 9 May 1887 in Story Co., Iowa, passed away 8 Feb 1933 at the age of 45 years and 9 months. She moved to Lost Island, Palo Alto Co., IA in 1889 with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nels Thorson. When her mother died in Sep of 1889, she was taken into the home of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Peterson. She remained with the Petersons the rest of her life, moving with them to Emmetsburg in 1898. After suffering many years, she succumbed to Bright's disease. Left to mourn her passing are her father, Nels Thorson of Vone, CO; a sister, Mrs. C.C. Anderson and a brother, Ben Thorson, both of Elmore, MN; a half sister, Mrs. P.F. Gylling; and seven half brothers.  "


THALMER

Thalmer Thorson is in Washington County, Colorado in 1910, 5S 49W, 26, born in Iowa, just married to Pearl 17 Kansas. SSDI has her as Pearl Johnson.


In 1920 Washington County, "Thadner" is 36, Pearl 26, with Bennie 10, Marvin 7, and newborn Kenneth.

Thalmer 1883-1921 is buried in Bird City, Kansas, per # 54957276.

Pearl is in Kit Carson County in 1930, now married to Enos D. Goodrich 57. They have Enos 2, and Kenneth Thorson 10 is with them.

Enos was in 1880 Phillips County, Kansas, 10, with Clark 44 born in Michigan, and Francis E. 44 in Ohio. Eldorus is 21, James E. 16, Enos 10, all three in Michigan, and Henry 4 in Kansas.
In 1900 Phillips County, Enos is farming, married one year to Lillie M. July 1877 in Kansas.

In 1910 Phillips County, Enos and Lily have Robert 9 and Velma 3.

Enos claimed a tract in 7, 9S 48W in 1920. In the 1920 census, Enos 47 and Lilie M. 43 have Robert Hl .19, Velma M. 13, and adopted son Julious B. Baker 13.

Lillie M. Goodrich 1876-1925 is buried in Cope, # 159058976.

Velma Goodrich married George Wood on October 27, 1924 in Lincoln County, colorado.
(George 1903-1970 might be the one in Aurora # 19752516._
In 1940 Denver, George is 36, Velma 34, Letha Mae 14, and George R. 12.
Letha Mae Wood, born June 18, 1925 at Seibert or Vona, was Vescio in 1952, and Buckman in 1970.
She died August 16, 1991.

Georgie R. Wood, born July 1, 1927, died January 14, 2008, last residence Denver.


In 1930 Kit Carson County, Enos D. 57 born in Michigan, first married at 27, and Pearl 37, first married at 17, have Enos D. Jr. 2 and Pearl's son Kenneth R. Thorson 10.
Next household is Velma Wood - married but no spouse...with Letha 4 and George 2.

Robert Goodrich 1900-1970 is buried in Flagler # 510017, with Orpha (Jensen) Goodrich 1907-2000 # 5097406.

In 1940 Kit Carson County, Enos 68 born in Virginia, and Pearl 48 have Kenneth Thorson 20 born in Colorado and Enos D. 13, born in Colorado.

Enos 1871-1957 is buried in Cope, Colorado # 159058966.

His son Enos D. 1928-2002 died in Snohomish County Washington January 12, 2002
Pearl Nancy Goodrich 1893-1986 is buried in Hotchkiss, Colorado # 30857511.
Bennie L. Thorson 1909-1971 is buried in Bennett, Colorado # 30315323, with Edna A. Overman 1922-2000.

Bennie 21 and Marvin 17 are in Washington County, Colorado in 1930.

Marvin is a laborer in Mesa County, Colorado in 1940, 27, with Esther 24, Earl 2, and Clarice eleven months.

On the same page in 1930 Kit Carson County are Nels M. Thorson 74, with Oliva K. 66. Selmar is 27, Olof M.L. 20.

Also on the same page is Norman R. Thorson 25, married four years to Lois 28 Missouri.
OMER

Omer, age 27, married Jennie Ruby Van Der Zouwen on November 19, 1919 in Seibertt.

Omer 1892-1976 # 110876048 and Jennie 1899-1987 are buried in Longmonth>

Peter Vanderzouwen 1861-1929 and Cornelloa 1866-1941 are buried in Kit Carson County.


Back to Family History Index

This page is maintained by Steve Stein.