Erick M. Rod (1860-1919)

ROD, JACOBSON, LUND

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 8/26/2016 at 19:41:36

From the Roland Record, Thursday, February 27, 1919.

PROMINENT CITIZEN LAID TO REST

Mr. E. M. Rod, a prominent citizen of this community and widely known throughout the county, passed away at his home here last Thursday afternoon, Feb. 20th, following an illness of but a few days duration. Although he had always been frail, he was nevertheless always able to attend to his work until a week ago Saturday when the fatal illness came over him. He had no suffering during his sickness.

It was the writer's good fortune to have known Mr. Rod long and well, and we only knew him to esteem him more highly as the years passed by. Today we miss his kind smile and friendly greeting, and his genial presence. He was a man who was always honest and upright in all his dealings with his fellowmen. He was a man of fine character, honored and esteemed by all who knew him.

Erick. M. Rod was born in Saude, Stavanger, Norway, on the 30th day of July, 1860. He came to this country in the spring of 1879, in company with K. K. Teig, coming to Nevada on the 4th of July. He served as a farm hand for a period of two years, after which time he was gendered a position as a clerk in a grocery store at Nevada. Two years later he moved to Roland being in the fall of 1884. He worked for Johnson & Michaelson for many years. In the fall of 1891 in company with T. C. Jacobson, built store building and opened same for business, in the following spring. Five years later he disposed of it and again went to work for Johnson & Michaelson Bros. In the spring of 1904 he moved to Dallas, Wis., where he farmed for 5 years. Then he moved back to Roland and entered the employ of S. J. Michaelson. Jan. 1, 1912 he was elected secretary of the Farmers Mutual and adjoining counties. Held this position until his death. Was for many years township clerk at one time Mayor, another time member of the town council, and member of the school board.

On the 25th day of April, 1882, he married Julia Jacobson. The ceremony was performed by Rev. C. B. Jacobson. Eleven children were born to them, three of them died in infancy, a daughter died in 1909 at the age of twenty years and seven living - M. O. Rod, O. E. Rod, M. J. Rod, living at Roland; G. E. Rod, near Story City; Arthur J. Rod in France; Juella and Esther at home. Aged mother and sister in Norway - sister, Mrs. Ellen M. Lund near Randall, and numerous other relatives.

The funeral services were conducted from Bergens church Monday afternoon, Rev. Smedal officiating. Interment was made in the Roland cemetery.

The pall bearers were Iver Johnson, S. J. Michaelson, J. J. Hoversten, K. J. Orthun, Henry Thompson, and J. P. Holland.

Those from a distance in attendance at the funeral services were: K. J. Jacobson and John Holverson, Dallas, Wis.; Mrs. Ellen Lund, Milo, N. S.; Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Berge, Madison, Minn., F. M. Ludvigson, Madison, Minn.; O. J. Teig, Bricelyn, Minn.; K. Knudson, J. J. Hereim, Jewell; T. T. and O. J. Henryson, J. H., O. H., and J. O. Jacobson and Mrs. Ira Benson of Story City.