MAYOR

Thomas Torrison was born on October 10th, 1855. He was a Republican elected by a majority of 141 votes over Reinhardt Rahr. During his second administration, funding was received to dredge the river, harbor improvements were done and railroad passenger freight service was begun in the city. He also served on the first jury in the new Courthouse in 1908.

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THOMAS E. TORRISON (d. 1918)

EX MAYOR THOMAS TORRISON, HEAD OF TORRISON COMPANY IS SUMMONED BY DEATH
One of Best Known Residents of County, Prominent in Business Affairs
Here for 40 Years, Passes Away - Funeral to be Held Monday
Former Mayor Thomas E. Torrison, president of the O. Torrison Company,
and one of the best known of Manitowoc county residents, died at the
family home on North Eighth street last night after an illness of two
years, news of the death of Mr. Torrison, while not unexpected, proving
a great shock to the community. For some time past his condition had
been regarded as serious and friends had feared the worst. The nervous
shock which Mr. Torrison sustained at the time of the fire at the O.
Torrison company store a year ago when he suffered burns probably had
its effect upon his condition and undoubtedly contributed to hastening
his death. For some time past he had been forced to give up business
pursuits. The death of Mr. Torrison removes from the community one of
its best known businessmen and a citizen who was held in universal
regard.
Since 1876, more than 40 years ago, Mr. Torrison had been identified
with the O.Torrison company and for twenty five years had been president
of the company, whose store and interests are among the largest mercantile
enterprises of the city and county. Mr. Torrison gave his personal
attention to every detail of the business and was a most successful man.
Mr. Torrison was born in Manitowoc, sixty two years ago, the son of the
late Osuld Torrison, founder of the Torrison company. He graduated from
Luther college at Decorah, Ia., in 1876, and, returning to this city,
immediately became identified with the business enterprise which bears
the Torrison name. He assumed a prominent place in public affairs and
business circles of the county and served as a member of the school board
of joint district No. 1 for twenty years. He represented his ward in the
city council and as a member of the county board and served as mayor of
the city for four terms, giving the city a most successful administration.
Married on Jan. 2, 1884 to Jorgiana Tostensen, Mr. Torrison was the
father of one son, Anker, both of whom survive him. His aged mother, Mrs.
O. Torrison of this city, seven brothers, Rev. Isaac Torrison of Decorah,
Ia., Judge Oscar Torrison, Dr. George A. Torrsion and Aaron Torrison of
Chicago, Gustav, Norman and William of this city, and one sister, Mrs.
Charles Stewart of Chicago, also survive. Mr. Torrison had taken an
active part in politics and on several occasions had been prominently
mentioned and urged to become a candidate for congress from this district,
his name having, at one time, been presented to the district convention
for nomination. A member of the Norwegian Lutheran church, Mr. Torrison
had been active in the church and had given of his time and means to the
cause of moral uplift and citizenship. He was a man of broad mind,
progressive ideas and his life had been one that lived up to the principles
in which he believed. A kindly, courteaous man, Thomas Torrisons's friends
were limited only to his acquaintanceship. Although reserved, Mr. Torrison
was easily approachable and was a friend valued by all who knew him.
The funeral of Mr. Torrison will be held Monday at 2 o'clock from the home
at 520 North Eighth street, the Rev. Boyd officiating. A memorial service
for Mr. Torrison will be held at the First Norwegian Lutheran church,
Eighth and State streets, Sunday morning, Sept. 8, at 10:30 o'clock.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Friday, August 30, 1918
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[cause: pernicious]