Grundy County IL Archives Biographies.....Erickson, Ole 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com May 13, 2006, 5:50 pm

Author: History of Grundy County, 1914

Erickson, Ole – The citizens of Morris, Ill., need no introduction to Ole 
Erickson, whose sterling integrity, upright character and high ideals of 
citizenship have made him one of the most useful members of his community for 
nearly forty-five years.  During this time he has been intimately connected 
with the business interests of Morris, his versatility permitting him to win 
success in several lines of endeavor.  He is a native of Norway, and was born 
in 1850, a son of Erik Erickson, also of Norway, who was born in 1803.  The 
latter came to the United States, July 20, 1880, and settled in Minnesota as a 
farmer and was so engaged up to the time of his death.  His wife Marit 
(Svarthaugen) Erickson, was born in Norway in 1812 and died there November 29, 
1879.  Three children were born to them:  One son, Ole, and two daughters, 
Mari and Marit.

Ole Erickson received his education in the common schools of his native land, 
and as a youth was reared to agricultural pursuits, but subsequently secured 
employment as a clerk in a store.  In 1866 he came to America and first became 
a clerk in a Chicago grocery store, but on May 17, 1870, came to Morris, which 
city has been his home to the present time.  He established himself in the dry 
goods business with a partner, but three years later sold his interests, and 
again became a clerk, being so occupied about eight years.  On November 12, 
1880, in partnership with W. B. Hull, he opened a full store of dry goods, 
boots and shoes.  This association continued until Mr. Hull sold his interests 
to B. W. Zens, who was a shoe dealer, and on March 5, 1899, Mr. Erickson 
bought Mr. Zens’ interest, taking into partnership his son, Albert E., an 
association which still continues in force.  In 1894, with Mr. Strong, Mr. 
Erickson started a grocery business, and the two stores adjoin, both doing a 
large business.  The dry goods business may be said to be the most up-to-date 
in this section, including a full line of carpets, rugs and ladies’ ready-to-
wear goods.

On September 10, 1871, Mr. Erickson was married in Morris to Miss Mary M. 
Frey, daughter of William Frey, she having been born in Pennsylvania, November 
23, 1851.  To this union there have been born the following children:  Anna 
M., born November 1, 1872; Albert E., born March 19, 1875, and still in 
business with his father; Blaney W., born June 20, 1885, and also in business 
with his father; Edna Louisa, born June 11, 1890, who is now Mrs. George C. 
Clement, of Chicago, Ill.; and Mildred Ruth, bon March 19, 1895.  Mr. Erickson 
is a Presbyterian in his religious belief, and since 1880 has been president 
of the board of trustees of that church.  He is a Republican in politics and 
has satisfactorily filled a number of town and township offices.

page 808

Additional Comments:
Source:  History of Grundy County, Illinois, Chicago: Munsell Publishing Co. 
Publishers; 1914

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