"History of Cottonwood and Watonwan Counties of Minnesota, 1916"



In the cosmopolitan life of America many nationalities are represented. The virile stock of the old world has infused into our national life many elements of lasting benefit. In the state of Minnesota we find the sturdy offspring of the hardy Norseman predominant in the business and social life of this state. This also might be said in a great measure of Watonwan county.

The history of Watonwan county would be most incomplete if, in this volume the banking and other industries were not reviewed. There have been many forces in the business life of Watonwan county, and especially in St. James, that have contributed much to the general development of the county. Among those who stand out for personal achievement and public spiritedness is Thomas Tonnesson, well known throughout the county as a leading banker and man of public spirit. Thomas Tonnesson, cashier of the First National Bank of St. James, was born in Norway, October 7, 1867, the son of Hans and Ingeborg Tonnesson, both of whom were natives of Norway, the father dying in 1872, and the mother in 1915. Thomas Tonnesson was the only child born to his parents. His early youth was spent in the country of his nativity, and deciding to come to America, the land of opportunity, he arrived in this country in May, 1889. He immediately came to this section and at once entered into the spirit of the community and soon became known as a factor in the business life of Watonwan county.

On July 5, 1892, Mr. Tonnesson was united in marriage with Elise Olson, also a native of Norway. She was born a daughter of J. A. and Elizabeth Olson. To the union of Thomas Tonnesson and Else (Olson) Tonnesson have been born two children, Floyd, born on May 30, 1893, and Herbert, born on April 3, 1894, both graduates of the St. James high school, also both have taken business courses at Gustavus Adolphus at St. Peter, Minnesota.

Mr. Tonnesson, aside from his business activities, has always taken the proper interest of a good citizen in the civic affairs of this community. In politics, he is a Republican and has served for two terms as city treasurer of St. James. As cashier and stockholder in the First National Bank, he is known throughout the county as a man of splendid business integrity. The First National Bank has a high standing in banking circles and is recognized as one of the most substantial banks in this part of the state. This, in a measure, is largely due to the close attention given it by Mr. Tonnesson, and also largely due to the executive ability displayed in the office which he holds. He is also a director and stockholder in the St. James Telephone Company. Mr. Tonnesson's fraternal affiliation is with Libanus Lodge No. 92, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and Concordia Chapter No. 25. He and his family are faithful attendants of the United Norwegian church of St. James, Minnesota.

In a review of those forces that have been potent in the development of achievements of Watonwan county, Mr. Tonnesson is among those who stand in the forefront.



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