Erickson, Lars, 1855-1924

ERICKSON, ANDERSON

Posted By: Lydia Lucas-Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/9/2011 at 07:20:09

DEATH FOLLOWS LONG ILLNESS
Lars Erickson Passed Away Wednesday Morning
Was an Old Time Resident of Union County.--Funeral Will Be Held Here Friday Afternoon

Lars Erickson, one of Union county's best known citizens, passed away at his home a few miles southwest of Hawarden, about 9 o'clock Wednesday morning [April 9] following an illness of four years' duration from rheumatism. During his long illness Mr. Erickson visited many health resorts and sought the advice of numerous specialists in an endeavor to secure relief from his trouble but was never able to secure more than very temporary benefit. During most of this period he has been practically helpless and required almost constant attention. About a week ago he became suddenly worse and failed rapidly until death ended his suffering Wednesday morning.

Lars Ericson was born in Uppeland, Sweden, Nov. 28, 1855, and died April 9, 1924, at the age of 68 years, 4 months and 11 days. He came to America in July, 1883, and spent some time in Chicago and at other points. He first came to this section of the country about 1885 when he purchased the home farm in Union township. He did not remain here for any length of time, however, but went out west and spent about five years in Montana and Idaho, working on the railroad and in ore smelters. He returned in 1890 and went to farming on the place which he had previously purchased.

He lived the life of a bachelor during his first year on the farm, but on July 17, 1891, he was united in marriage with Miss Matilda Anderson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hans Anderson, well known pioneer settlers of the Big Sioux valley. Eight children were born to this union but one son, Verner, died in infancy. The seven who survive are Erick, Albert, Lawrence, Everett, Kermit and Mrs. Erick Nelson, all of this vicinity, and Mrs. Ed. J. Linton of Sterling, Ill. Mrs. Erickson passed away in 1910.

Mr. Erickson was a successful farmer and a spendid citizen. Any movement for community betterment always found in him a hearty champion. In 1916 he was chosen as a member of the Board of County Commissioners of Union county. His wide popularity was attested at this time inasmuch as he was elected as a candidate on the democratic ticket in a strongly republican district. He served as a County Commissioner for a number of years, but was finally compelled to resign the office on account of failing health. His death will be mourned by many outside the family circle and sincere sympathy is extended to the members of the bereaved family.

Funeral services will be conducted at the home at 1:15 Friday afternoon and at the Associated church at 2:30, with Rev. Wm. F. Vance in charge. Burial will be made in Grace Hill cemetery and members of the Masonic lodge, of which order he had long been an honored member, will have charge of the services at the grave.

Source: Hawarden Independent, April 10, 1924.

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From the Hawarden Independent, April 17, 1924:
T. J. Reeves came over from Orange City last Friday afternoon to conduct the Masonic burial service at the funeral of his old friend, the late Lars Erickson.