Erick G. Erickson. The maturer years of this gentleman have been devoted almost exclusively to the calling of a farmer, and he has acquired a valuable knowledge of this occupation in performing the duties and labors incident to the management of a large estate. He owns and occupies a pleasant and remunerative tract of land in section 3, of Norway township, Steele county, and enjoys a comfortable home and enviable reputation.
Our subject was born near Christiania, Norway, January 5, 1840, and was the only child born to Gilbert and Marte ( Hanson ) Erickson. At the age of sixteen years he learned the carpenter's trade, and in 1862 he and his father came to America, the mother having died in their native land. They first resided in Spring Grove, Houston county, Minnesota, and our subject plied his trade there for over ten years. He later resided in Allamakee county, Iowa, and about 1878 went to Dakota to make a home for his family. He went direct to Fargo, and during the working months for about six years followed carpenter work in that vicinity. He filed claim to his land in 1883, and in the spring of the following year removed his family to the new home, where they have since remained. His sons operated the farm for some time and our subject continued at his trade. From time to time he purchased additional land, and is now the owner of seven hundred and fifty acres, forming a fine property.
Our subject was married in 1862 to Miss Anne Olson. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Erickson, as follows: Gilbert, deceased; Michael, now residing at home; Mary, now Mrs. O. Feld, of Mayville; Gilbert, residing at home; Emma, deceased; Christina, residing at home; and Oscar, deceased. Mr. Erickson served as township clerk about seven years, and in the fall of 1898 was appointed county commissioner for the fourth district to fill the office made vacant by the election of O. W. Williams as county treasurer. Mr. Erickson is an influential citizen and is held in high esteem by his fellow men. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and in political sentiment is a Republican.
Source: Compendium of History and Biography of North Dakota 1900 Page 226