Albert G. (Ab) Erskine, 1877-1942

ERSKINE, RHOADS, WILSON

Posted By: Debbie Truitt (email)
Date: 2/5/2016 at 14:43:31

Obituary From “Ottumwa Courier,” April 3, 1942:

Capt. Ab Erskine Dies Early Today

Albert G. (Ab) Erskine, 64, retired city employe who served for many years as sanitary and quarantine officer, died at the Wapello county hospital at 4:45 a.m. today.

He was the son of Andrew and Mary Erskine, was born in Rapids City, Ill., August 21, 1877. He came to Ottumwa in 1908, and lived here the rest of his life.

When he first came here, it was as superintendent of the Henry Phillips coal mines at Rutledge, Bear Creek and Foster. He entered police service April 4, 1920, and was pensioned from the department January 1, 1941, with the rank of captain.

Mr. Erskine was a member of the Iowa State Policeman’s association, the local police association and the Iowa association of Police Chiefs.

Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. G.E. Rhoads, Ottumwa; two sons, Donald and Howard of Ottumwa; three grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Elmer Wilson of Kirkville, and a brother, Al, of Sioux Falls, S.D.

His wife, Nellie, preceded him in death June 1, 1941.

The body is at the Johnson funeral chapel awaiting the completion of funeral arrangements.

Funeral Notice From “Ottumwa Courier,” April 4, 1942:

Funeral services for Albert G. Erskine, who died Friday, will be held at the Johnson funeral chapel at 2 p.m. Sunday, in charge of the Rev. A.D. McClure of the Pentecostal church. Burial will be in the Shaul cemetery. Policemen’s services will be held at the grave by Chief Carl Higdon. The casket will be closed at the beginning of the service. Pallbearers will be W.M. Hicks, Otto Dobratz, Forrest V. Bennett, C.A. Elliott, Charles F. Kapp and Chief Higdon.