BIOGRAPHY OF HON. CHARLES JOHN ALFRED ERICSON.

By CHARLES L. DAHLBERG.

In recording the life of Hon. C. J. A. Ericson, I have drawn freely from comments of the press, the views of some of those who knew him best, as expressed by them while he was yet living, as well as expressions called forth by his death, believing that by so doing a truer and clearer conception of his life and character may be obtained.

Charles John Alfred Ericson was born in Sodra VI parish, near Vimmerbi, province of Calmar, Sweden, on the 8th day of March, 1840. His father, Eric Nelson, was a farmer by occupation, and with his family came to America in 1852, settling near Moline, Illinois, where he engaged in farming and fishing, both of which occupations he had followed in Sweden. Later he removed to Webster county, Iowa.

The early education of Charles J. A. Ericson was obtained in the common schools of his native land, where he pursued his studies until twelve years of wen he accompanied his parents to this country, and continued his education in the common schools of Rock Island county, Illinois. Although his attendance at school was very limited, the lack of knowledge in this respect was remarkably well supplied by his extensive reading, his study of human nature, and, in later years, his travels, all of which gave him a mind well stored, especially with reference to matters of business and the affairs of the world generally, in the time in which he lived. He once stated to a friend that one means he had used in acquiring information was the constant attempt to associate himself with those from whom he could learn, an example well worthy of emulation by all, for Mr. Ericson was not only able to tell what he knew, and to express it well, but he was also a good listener and listened with profit to himself.

At the age of thirteen he began work for his elder brother upon a farm, and still later he assisted in running a flat-boat ferry across Rock River. The family then moved to Altona, Knox county, Illinois, where he worked in a general store for his two elder brothers. In the spring of 1859 he located in Boone county, at Mineral Ridge, where he opened a small store, having but little capital. He also engaged in buying and selling cattle and other live stock, and in both branches of his business he met with creditable success.

Mr. Ericson was six feet two in height, his body erect, with no surplus flesh, weighing on an average two hundred pounds or a little over. He was an athlete of no mean ability, and in his younger days often accepted challenges to friendly contests of strength, in which he rarely failed to come off victor.

Mr. Ericson was twice married. In 1858 he wedded Miss Matilda Nelson, and to them were born two daughters, Alice and Lorena. In 1873 he was united in marriage with Miss Nellie Linderblood, who died in 1899.

Among Mr. Erickson's early experiences which he has related to his friends, was his first visit to Des Moines to buy goods, after locating at Mineral Ridge, driving across the country with team, the only mode of freighting in those days. He had very little ready money and on arrival at Des Moines selected. only a small bill of goods. The wholesale merchant with whom he was dealing, impressed by his personality, told him to take what he wanted, pay down what he could and bring him money or exchange produce for the remainder when convenient. This was Mr. Ericson's initiation into a business in Boone county that grew ultimately into a large general merchandise store in the city of Boone. It was the largest in the county, perhaps, at that time and laid the foundation for a business career that led not only to the accumulation of a handsome fortune, but a competence that enabled him to do a wonderful amount of good to his own, the Swedish, people, which has certainly been greatly appreciated by them as well as those who are conversant with his life and methods.

His appreciation of humor, even at his own expense, is seen in an incident he sometimes referred to, which occurred

in his early experience at Mineral Ridge. At a certain season of the year it was his custom to buy cattle, principally what is now called "butcher stock." His first purchase of a drove was at a uniform price per head for an animal, large or small. His surprise can be imagined when in Iowa City, where he had to go for a market, he learned that cattle were bought by weight, and that an animal weighing seven hundred pounds was worth less than one of twelve hundred. Of course one lesson was sufficient.

In 1870 he purchased the general store of Jackson Orr, in Boone, and for five years carried on a general merchandise business. In 1872 he assisted in the organization of the First National Bank of Boone, and was elected its vice-president. In 1875, he closed out his mercantile interests and became cashier of the First National Bank, which surrendered its charter and was reorganized as the City Bank of Boone in 1878. On the death of Mr. Frank Champlin, Mr. Ericson became president of this bank, which position he held at the time of his death.

In all his business undertakings he seemed possessed of those traits of character which always lead to success, of which no better description can be given than to quote the last paragraph of an article which he himself wrote for the Boone News Republican of date May 23, 1907, under the title of "Memories of a Swedish Immigrant of 1852," as follows:

What little success I have attained I attribute to three things; first, honest and fair dealing with every man; second, refraining from speculations and investments in outside enterprises, but attending strictly to my own business; and, third, making my word as good as my bond.

In 1863 he became a Mason, holding membership in Mount Olive Lodge, No. 79, A. F. & A. M. He was also a member of Tuscan Chapter, R. A. M.; Excalibur Commandery, No. 13, K. T.; and held all the principal offices in these organizations, serving as treasurer of the Commandery there from the time of his first residence in Boone until his death.