P. O. Ferkin (1858-1920)

FERKIN, JOHNSON

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 9/4/2016 at 11:40:31

From the Roland Record, Roland, Story County, Iowa, Thursday, June 17, 1920.

ROLAND MAN PASSES AWAY

P. O. Ferkin Died Friday Morning Funeral Held Monday

P. O. Ferkin died at his home in southwest Roland early Friday morning after having suffered some time with Bright's Disease. Mr. Ferkin had been able to be up and around up to a couple of weeks ago when he was taken seriously ill, and from that time on he was gradually failing until Friday morning when he was called by his Master and Maker.

P. O. Ferkin was born in Ferkinstad, Norway, on March 21, 1858, making him 62 years of age at the time of his death. He grew to manhood in his native land and at the age of 24 he emigrated to this country, coming direct to Roland. On October 15 he was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Johnson, who now survives him. In December, 1894, in company with his brother, M. O. Ferkin, he made a trip to Norway to see his aged parents. On his return to this country he purchased a farm northeast of Roland where he lived until 1901, and then moving to a farm, that he purchased near Garden City. Here he continued to live, with the exception of the time he and his wife spent in Norway in 1903, up til 1908 when he moved to Roland.

He was a faithful member of the Bergen church. He was not only faithful to his church, but just as faithful in believing that it was his duty as a Christian to do the will of his Master at all times He was always ready to lend a helping hand in time of need, both in acts of kindness and words. His last words were expressive of peace in God and a willingness to depart and be at rest with him. His cheerful, helpful life, his devotion to his wife and family and kindness to everybody will long linger as a fragrant memory in the community in which he lived.

He leaves to mourn his death a wife, two children whom he has raised from infancy, Howard and Doris Perkin, three brothers, M. O. Ferkin of this place and two brothers living in Norway. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon from the Bergens church. Interment took place in the Roland Cemetery.