Bernhard Erickson (1859-1926)

ERICKSON, LARSON, OLSON, THOMPSON

Posted By: Eileen Reed (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:54

September 21, 1859 --- August 8, 1926

BEN ERICKSON A SUICIDE

Turns On Gas in Kitchen Sunday Morning While Family Is At Sunday School

Ben Erickson took his own life Sunday morning by shutting himself up in the kitchen of his home and turning on the gas. The family at the time was attending Sunday school and on their return found him sitting in a chair by the stove, dead. Local physicians were called but were unable to revive the stricken man. The county coroner, Dr. Walker, came over from Clarion and pronounced it a case of suicide.

Worry over financial matters is given as the cause of Mr. Erickson's act. He was a heavy landowner and farms, sold and exchanged during the boom times had come back on him. He was also a stockholder and director in the Citizens State bank and lost heavily when the bank closed.

Mr. Erickson had been in poor health for some time, and this circumstance, coupled with his financial worries, it is assumed, temporarily unbalanced his mind and caused him to take his own life. In all his business dealings Mr. Erickson was the soul of honor and the strictest integrity characterized all his transactions. The universal sympathy of all is extended the bereaved family in the hour of their great sorrow.

Obituary

Bernhard Erickson was born Sept. 21, 1859, at Lofoten, Norway, of parents Elias and Anna Erickson. He came to America in the spring of 1881 to Humboldt county, Iowa. Dec. 20, 1883, he was married to Miss Isabel Olson. Five children were, born to this union: Mrs. Bert Larson, Kanawha, Iowa; Mrs. Sam Thompson and Mrs. Edd Thompson, both of Clarion, Iowa; Clarence, of Spencer, Iowa, and Irvin, at home in Eagle Grove. There are also nine grandchildren: Tolfred, Irene, Bernice and Muriel Larson and Andrew, Arthur, Burdette and Norris Thompson and Betty Ann Erickson.

Both of Mr. Erickson's parents passed away in Norway years ago. He has three sisters living in Norway.

Mr. Erickson has resided in Humboldt and Wright counties, Iowa, since coming to America. He moved to Eagle Grove in the spring of 1914 at where then he passed away, Sunday, August 8, 1926, at the age of 66 years, 10 months and 19 days.

Funeral services were conducted Tuesday afternoon from the home and the West Side Lutheran church conducted by Rev. H. C. Holm, assisted by Rev. T. J. Severtson. Burial was made in Rose Hill cemetery.

Eagle Grove Eagle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
August 12, 1926