S.B. Thornby

Thornby served as mayor of Emmons from 1906-1908. He was also co-owner of the Thornby-Olson Store and director of the Symra Singing Society. In an article on the Symra Singing Society a profile reads: "Mr. Thornby is a native of Norway, as he was born in Vanler, Solor. In 1879 he came to this country and after attending various schools and graduation he taught school for several years in southern Minnesota. In 1888 he went into business at Emmons, Minnesota, and has since then been the moving spirit in all things musical in that part of the country, as one of the organizers of Symra he has always maintainted an interest in this society and is looked up to and respected by his brother singers for the work that he has done in their behalf." Photo from "Emmons: A Century of History"