Paul Thorsen (Pål Torsson) was born on the farm Søre Harildstad in the parish of HeidalinOppland, Norway. He was the seventh of eight children born to a farming family in the Gudbrand Valley. Paul Thorsen was married in 1792 with Rønnaug Larsdotter from the parish of Vågå. The couple lived on the farm Åmodt near the village of KvamatNord-FroninNord-Trøndelag where they raised their family of three sons.[3]
He was commissioned as an officer in 1788 and participated in the campaign against Sweden 1808–1809. He participated in the Battle of ToverudinAurskog during 1808 and was awarded the Order of the Dannebrog for bravery. He represented the Oppland Infantry Regiment (Oplandske Infanteriregiment) at the Norwegian Constituent Assembly together with Diderich Hegermann, Commander of the regiment. Both representatives were supporters of the independence party (Selvstendighetspartiet).[4][5]
