Hans Christoffersen Erickson

Hans C. Erickson, a well-known and successful farmer of Ettrick Township, is a good example attained by those foreign-born citizens of Trempealeau County who came to this region endowed with the necessary qualities of industry and perseverance. He was born in Stange, Hedemarken, Norway, May 9, 1863, a son of Christopher and Bertha Erickson. His parents were natives of the same district in Norway, where the father worked for a number of years for wages, but seeking greater opportunities for success, in 1869 he emigrated with his family to the United States, locating in La Crosse, Wis., where he resided until 1877, working in a sawmill during the summers and in the pineries in winter. In the year last mentioned he came to Trempealeau County and bought the farm now owned by his son, Hans C. Here he remained for about 18 years engaged in its improvement, in which task he made considerable progress. In 1895 he bought another farm, located on Beaver Creek, to which he removed in the following year, and which was his home until his death, Dec. 10, 1916. He had before that become an extensive land owner and was recognized as one of the successful men of his township. In his selection of stock he favored Shorthorn cattle, always kept good horses, and his farm presented an air of thrift and prosperity that made a favorable impression upon every passer-by. He was an upholder of religion, morality and good government, and every Sunday, unless he was prevented by sickness or other strong reasons, found him in his place, with his family, in the French Creek Lutheran church. For many years before his death he was a widower, his wife Bertha having died in 1871. They were the parents of seven children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the second in order of birth.

Hans C. Erickson's education was begun in the Fifth Ward School at La Crosse, and he continued his studies later in District School No. 1, at French Creek. When 12 years old he began working in a sawmill at North La Crosse and was thus occupied for two summers. His connection with the lumber business was continued for many years after he came to Trempealeau County, as he spent 17 winters in the north woods cutting timber. At the end of that period, or about 1894, he bought his father's farm and has since given his whole time to agriculture and stock raising. The farm is known as Crystal Springs Stock Farm, and is now a highly-improved piece of property, the most valuable improvements having been made by himself. It takes its name from one of the finest springs in the State, which is located on it, and contains 217 acres of good, fertile land. Mr. Erickson is a stockholder in the Ettrick Creamery and the Ettrick Farmers' Telephone Co., and, like his father, is affiliated with the Lutheran church.

In June, 1900, Mr. Erickson was united in marriage with Dorthea Folkedal, who was born in Hardanger, Norway, daughter of Amund and Anna (Meckletuen) Folkedal, the parents being natives of the same district. The father, Amund Folkedal, who was for 18 years a surgeon in the Norwegian army, in 1885 came to the United States, his family joining him two years later and settling in Osseo, this county. After another two years' interval they removed to Ettrick, wher [sic] both the father and mother died, the former March 12, 1913, and the latter April 30, 1915. Their daughter Dorthea (Mrs. Erickson) was the second born of eight children. Mr. and Mrs. Hans C. Erickson are the parents of seven children, who were born as follows: Christopher, June 10, 1901; Eddie Francis, Feb. 2, 1903; Anna Birdella, Feb. 17, 1905; Haakon Goodwin, Oct. 27, 1908; Albert Einar, April 15, 1910; Gulena Elizabeth, April 29, 1912, and Donald Ludvik Bernard, Dec. 26, 1916.

-Transcribed from the "History of Trempealeau County Wisconsin, 1917," pages 319 - 320

HANS C. ERICKSON (STANGE) - Hans C. Erickson, 75, died at his home in French Creek Friday, March 3, 1939, having been in failing health since he suffered a stroke in January. Erickson was born in Stange, Norway May 9, 1863, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Erickson. In 1869 he came with his parents to America, the family locating in LaCrosse. In 1877 they moved to Trempealeau county and bought the farm in the French Creek Valley where Mr. Erickson resided until his death. He received his education at LaCrosse and at the district school in French Creek. When 12 years old, he began working in a sawmill in North LaCrosse, and he spent 17 winters in the north woods cutting timber. About the year 1894 he purchased his father�s farm and where his time to agriculture and stockraising. He was a member of the French Creek Lutheran church and he was a stockholder of the Ettrick creamery. In June 1900 (?) he was united in marriage to Dorthea Folkedahl, a native of Hardanger, Norway. He is survived by his wife; a half sister, Mrs. Anna Folkedahl of Ettrick; three half brothers, Bernt of Chicago and Christ and (?) of Ettrick; five sons, Christopher of Ettrick; Edward of Centerville; Haakon, Albert and Donald at home; two daughters, Mrs. Lester Luthro of Eau Claire and Mrs. Kenneth Hagestad R.N. of Mankato, Minnnesota; and four grandchildren. Two brothers preceded him in death. Funeral services were held Tuesday at the home and at the French Creek Lutheran church, the Rev. Johan Olsen officiating. Burial was in the French Creek cemetery. THE BLAIR PRESS - MARCH 9, 1939