T. H. Thoresen: The Life and Political Career of North Dakota's 18th Lieutenant Governor
Thorstein Hartvig Haugen Thoresen was a distinguished Norwegian-American lawyer and politician who left a significant mark on the governance of North Dakota. From his early days as a local attorney to his tenure as the 18th Lieutenant Governor, Thoresen's career was defined by a commitment to public service and a lifelong affiliation with the North Dakota Nonpartisan League (NPL), a populist political organization focused on agrarian interests.
Key Facts
- Full Name: Thorstein Hartvig Haugen Thoresen
- Role: 18th Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota (1937–1939)
- Political Affiliations: North Dakota Nonpartisan League and Republican Party
- Other Key Offices: Mayor of Grand Forks, North Dakota Tax Commissioner, and Assistant Attorney General of North Dakota
- Origin: Born in Horten, Norway
Early Life and Legal Foundations
Born on December 9, 1885, in Horten, Norway, to parents Thor and Maren Sibile Thoresen, Thoresen eventually emigrated to the United States. He established himself in the legal profession, practicing law in Dunn Center, North Dakota. His early career in public service began at the local level, where he served as the state attorney for Dunn County.
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Rise Through North Dakota Politics
Thoresen's political trajectory involved several high-stakes campaigns and administrative roles. Between 1925 and July 1929, he served as the North Dakota Tax Commissioner. During the 1920s, he sought higher office on two occasions, running for Attorney General in 1924 and for Governor in 1928. In both instances, he was defeated by George F. Shafer.
Following his term as Tax Commissioner, Thoresen transitioned back to private practice, establishing a law office in Grand Forks, North Dakota. This period of professional legal work provided a foundation for his subsequent return to executive leadership.
Executive Leadership and Later Years
The pinnacle of Thoresen's state-level political career came when he served as the 18th Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota from January 6, 1937, to January 5, 1939. He served under Governor William Langer, a Republican, despite Thoresen's own strong ties to the Nonpartisan League.
Thoresen continued to serve his community in various capacities after his term as Lieutenant Governor. He was elected Mayor of Grand Forks, serving from 1940 to 1944. In 1952, he was appointed as the assistant attorney general of North Dakota, a role that led him to relocate to the state capital, Bismarck.
Thorstein Thoresen passed away on April 17, 1956, at a hospital in Bismarck at the age of 70.
Career Summary
| Period/Year | Position/Event | Location/Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1924 | Candidate for Attorney General | North Dakota (Unsuccessful) |
| 1925 – 1929 | Tax Commissioner | North Dakota |
| 1928 | Candidate for Governor | North Dakota (Unsuccessful) |
| 1937 – 1939 | 18th Lieutenant Governor | Under Governor William Langer |
| 1940 – 1944 | Mayor | Grand Forks, North Dakota |
| 1952 | Assistant Attorney General | Bismarck, North Dakota |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was T. H. Thoresen?
Thorstein Hartvig Haugen Thoresen was a Norwegian-American lawyer and politician who served as the 18th Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota from 1937 to 1939.
Which political party was Thoresen affiliated with?
Thoresen was affiliated with the North Dakota Nonpartisan League throughout his life, though he also had affiliations with the Republican Party.
What other public offices did Thoresen hold?
Beyond being Lieutenant Governor, he served as the North Dakota Tax Commissioner (1925–1929), the Mayor of Grand Forks (1940–1944), and the assistant attorney general of North Dakota (appointed 1952).
Where was T. H. Thoresen born?
He was born on December 9, 1885, in Horten, Norway.
Who succeeded Thoresen as Lieutenant Governor?
T. H. Thoresen was succeeded by Jack A. Patterson.