In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1856
From History of Otter Tail County, Minnesota : its people, industries, and institutions : with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the old families (1916)
Unconscious recognition of the true worth of a man who has made his opportunities and opened his own way through hardships and financial struggle is found in the ultimate conclusion of a well-rounded career. Mr. Thompson, whose name mentioned above, has demonstrated a firmness of purpose in his chosen vocation that cannot but win the admiration of those familiar with his steadfast and thrifty methods.
Esten Thompson, farmer, Fergus Falls township. Otter Tail county, was born on September _>o. 1856, at Trondkjem, Norway, and is a son of Bernt Thompson. His rudimentary education was obtained in Norway, and at the age of ten years be came to America with his parents, where he attended the public schools for a short time. When quite a young man. Mr. Thompson began farming for himself in Wilkin county, Minnesota, where he took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, which he sold in 1903, and bought his present farm consisting of one hundred and ten acres, his time and attention being devoted to general farming. Mr. fhomppon has put valuable improvements on his place, which, although not one of the largest, is one of the best places in the township. He is a brother of Anton Thompson, whose name is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Politically, he is a Republican, and in religion, a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church.
Esten Thompson was united in marriage with Christina Void, by whom he has had eight children: Bernard, Rosa, Edwin, Inga. Albert, Ethel, Man and.Minnie.
Mr. Thompson is a gentleman of mure than ordinary intelligence, and keeps well up with the times, and can honestly claim all the honor accorded him as a substantial and prosperous citizen.
As printed in History of Otter Tail County, Minnesota : its people, industries, and institutions : with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the old families (1916). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1916. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.