ERICKSON, Newton 1840-1904

ERICKSON, OLDS

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 12/13/2016 at 18:45:38

Obituary of Mr. Erickson

N. Erickson died at his home Tuesday morning after an illness of several months. The funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon conducted by Rev. Geo. Shoemaker.

Newton Erickson was born in Norway on the tenth day of September in the year 1840. He died at his home in Grundy Center, Iowa, on Monday, May 9, 1904, being at the time of his departure from earth, aged 63 years, 7 months and 29 days. When Mr. Erickson was a boy ten years of age he came with his parents to the United States and the family settled in Clinton, Rock county, Wisconsin. They remained at Clinton only a short time when the family moved to Winona, Minn. Here when Mr. Erickson had reached the age of sixteen his mother died and one year later his father closed his eyes in death. Soon after the death of his father our brother returned to Clinton, Wis., where he was married and moved to Iowa. A younger brother, Charles, who lives in Danbury, Conn., is the only remaining member of the family. This brother could not be present at these services; a grief both to him and these sorrowing friends.

Mr. Erickson was married on the 4th day of September 1865, at Clinton, Wis., to Miss Emma Olds with whom he lived in happy wedlock for almost 39 years. Within a few days after their marriage they started on the journey to Iowa and settled first on what is known as the John Lynn farm where they spent about six years. They then bought the home place and made that their home until two years ago when Mr. Erickson's failing health compelled him to relinquish farming and they moved to Grundy Center.

Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Erickson. One a daughter, Lenna, died at the age of four years. The other children, Frank, Carrie and Mrs. Stevens remain with the mother to mourn their loss, while they cherish sacred memories of their loved one.

Mr. Erickson's illness began about five years ago since which time he has never been well. Beginning with last January he has been confined to the house and only for three weeks has he been bedfast.

Our brother was confirmed in the Lutheran church when fifteen years of age. He retained his membership in that church until he came to Iowa, when he and his wife united with the Methodist Episcopal church of which he was an honored member at his death.

Brother Erickson was patient in his sickness, studying to make as little work as possible for those who cared for him. His faith and trust in God were steady and bright to the end. To him, death had no terrors. He welcomed death as a friend who would open to him a more glorious home and life. He made all preparations for his departure as calmly as though he were going on a journey. He talked freely with his pastor and family and friends about his coming dissolution, and his heart was joyful in contemplation of his heavenly reward. He was grateful to have all his family with him on his last day on earth, and among the last things he said was "I am satisfied now, I can go to sleep now," and not long after these words he fell sweetly asleep in Jesus.

With the passing of Brother Erickson there is taken from our midst a loving husband and father, a good citizen and a worthy member of the church and faithful representative of the religion of Christ. Thank God that "We mourn not as those who are without hope," but look forward to a meeting in Heaven when through his providence we shall be called hence.

In absence of his pastor, Rev. Geo. B. Shoemaker of Eldora, a former pastor, preached the sermon in the M.E. church. Text Isaiah 25-8.

--The Grundy Republican (Grundy Center, Iowa), 12 May 1904, pg 1