Jacob Thorkelson

Jacob Thorkelson was a Norwegian-born American politician who served as a Republican U.S. Representative for Montana's 1st congressional district from January 3, 1939, until January 3, 1941. His tenure in Congress was marked by controversial views and actions that drew significant attention and criticism during his time in office. Thorkelson's political career followed a diverse background that included military service and a medical profession.

Early life and career

Jacob Thorkelson was born on September 24, 1876, in Egersund, a coastal town located in Rogaland, Norway. In 1892, at the age of 16, he immigrated to the United States, where he initially pursued a career in nautical navigation. Thorkelson worked as a navigator and sailing master on ocean-going vessels, which provided him with extensive maritime experience. His educational journey led him to the College of Physicians and Surgeons at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, where he graduated in 1911. Following his graduation, he served on the faculty of the institution from 1911 to 1913, contributing to the education of future medical professionals.

In 1913, Thorkelson relocated to Montana, where he transitioned from academia to practicing medicine. He lived in several towns, including Dillon, Warm Springs, and Butte, establishing himself in the medical community. His background in navigation and medicine reflects a diverse skill set that he would later apply in his political career.

Thorkelson's military service began with the Virginia Naval Reserve, a militia organization, where he served from 1897 to 1899. Later, he joined the United States Navy Reserve in 1936, attaining the rank of lieutenant commander before his resignation in 1939. His military background may have influenced his perspectives and decisions during his time in public office.

House tenure

In 1938, Thorkelson entered the political arena by running for a seat in the United States House of Representatives, representing Montana's 1st congressional district. He was elected as a Republican, defeating the incumbent Democratic Congressman Jerry J. O'Connell. His election marked the beginning of a two-year term in which he became known for his controversial views and actions.

During his time in Congress, Thorkelson was a polarizing figure. He utilized the Congressional Record to disseminate anti-British and anti-Jewish propaganda, which garnered significant media attention. His political stance was characterized by a strong opposition to the acceptance of Jewish refugees into the United States, which he claimed were part of an "invisible government" linked to what he described as "communistic Jew" and "Jewish international financiers." His rhetoric and actions led to him being labeled by contemporary journalists as "rabidly pro-fascist and antisemitic."

Thorkelson's controversial reputation was further solidified through his association with retired General George Van Horn Moseley, who shared similar views. His actions included mailing out thousands of copies of a sympathetic interview with Adolf Hitler, in collaboration with Nazi agent George Sylvester Viereck. Such actions drew severe criticism and contributed to his portrayal as a pro-fascist figure within Congress.

Despite the controversies surrounding him, Thorkelson continued to assert his beliefs, claiming that terms like "Nazi," "fascist," and "anti-Semitic" were used by "anti-Americans" to undermine his political stance. His tenure in Congress concluded when he lost the Republican primary in 1940 to former Congresswoman Jeannette Rankin, marking the end of his time in the House.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his congressional career, Thorkelson's legislative focus was heavily influenced by his controversial views on various social and political issues. He is best remembered for his vehement opposition to the New Deal and his outspoken anti-Semitic sentiments. His actions in Congress included inserting quotations from various anti-Semitic texts into the Congressional Record, which further highlighted his controversial stance on Jewish issues.

Thorkelson's legislative activities were characterized by his attempts to revise the United States Constitution, reflecting his broader ideological beliefs. His focus on constitutional revision was part of a larger narrative that sought to challenge the prevailing political and social norms of his time. His engagement with these issues positioned him as a figure of significant contention within the political landscape of the late 1930s and early 1940s.

Following his defeat in the 1940 Republican primary, Thorkelson continued to pursue political ambitions. He ran for the United States Senate in 1942 but finished third in the primary election. In 1944, he sought the Republican nomination for Governor of Montana, challenging the incumbent Governor Sam C. Ford, but was again unsuccessful.

Jacob Thorkelson's political career was marked by a complex interplay of personal beliefs, military service, and medical practice. His tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, although brief, left a lasting impact on the discourse surrounding anti-Semitism and fascism in American politics during a tumultuous period. Thorkelson passed away on November 20, 1945, in Butte, Montana, due to heart ailments and was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in the same city. His life and career continue to be subjects of study and discussion regarding the intersections of politics, ideology, and social issues in American history.