Knud Thompson was born February 2, 1850 at Christiania, Dane County, Wisconsin. He was the son of Tosten Olson who was born in Norway and came to Wisconsin in 1844.

In 1866 Knud left home and went to Fillmore County, Minnesota, then in 1872 to Vermillion, South Dakota. He returned to Minnesota where in December 1876 he married Anne Odegard, a twin sister of Mrs. John Syverson. These ladies were sisters of John T. Odegard. Mr. Thompson with Mr. Odegard as his partner started the first store in Cooperstown.

Mr. and Mrs. Thompson were the parents of four children:

Theodore, Adolph, Grace and Oscar J. Theodore and "Ade" came here with their parents. Daughter Grace was the first girl born in Cooperstown. Grace and Oscar were born in the living quarters built onto the back end of the store. Mr. Thompson successfully managed the store for a period and then sold out to Mr. John Syverson.

Mr. Thompson handled various mercantile lines, including machinery, but during the latter part of his residence in Griggs County he concentrated on his farming interests and in 1917 owned about 1800 acres of land, of which 920 acres were in the home place. His land was largely devoted to wheat raising.

Mr. Thompson was county treasurer of Griggs County for four years, but his interests were in business rather than in any public or political office.

Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976 Page 380