Hawthorne, Julian, Ed. "The History of Washington: The Evergreen State from Early Dawn to Daylight." New York, American Historical Publishing Co., 1893. p. 463. THRONSON, JOEL A., of Dayton, Sheriff of Columbia County, Wash., was born in Santa Clara County, Cal., June 30th, 1864. His father, Willis Thronson, was a Norwegian farmer, and his mother, Annie Thronson, was of the same nationality. Educated in the public schools of California and Washington, though practically a self-educated man, in September, 1873, Mr. Thronson located on a farm near Dayton, and followed agricultural pursuits until about three years ago, when he became a dealer in grain. He was elected, in 1890, Sheriff of Columbia County, on the Democratic ticket, to hold office for two years. He is engaged in the real-estate business under the firm name of Raymond & Thronson. He is the owner of one of the finest residences in the city. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Ancient Order United Workingmen, and Woodmen of the World. Politically he is a Democrat, and one of the leading men of that party in Eastern Washington. He makes hosts of friends, thanks to his genial and generous nature, and is the youngest man who may claim to hold the office of Sheriff in the Northwest. He was, in January, 1893, united in marriage to Miss Etta Fouts, the estimable daughter of the present Postmaster of Dayton. Submitted by: Jenny Tenlen * * * * Notice: These biographies were transcribed for the Washington Biographies Project. Unless otherwise stated, no further information is available on the individual featured in the biographies.