Erick J. Berdahl Biography


	This biography appears on pages 614-615 in "History of South 
	Dakota" by Doane Robinson, Vol. I (1904) and was scanned, 
	OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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        HON. ERICK J. BERDAHL is a native of Norway, where his birth 
occurred on the 8th day of August, 1850. When six years old, he was 
brought to the United States by his parents, and from that time until 
1860 lived at the family home in Winneshiek county, Iowa, removing, the 
latter year, to Houston county, Minnesota, where he worked on the farm 
and attended school during the six years following. In 1866 he 
accompanied the family to Filmore county in the latter state, and after 
living there until 1873 came to South Dakota, settling on a farm in 
Sverdrup township, Minnehaha county, which he still owns and which he 
took up under the homestead law soon after his arrival. Mr. Berdahl has 
been actively identified with the material interests of Minnehaha 
county during the twenty years of his residence therein, and few, if 
any, have exercised a more beneficial influence upon its development or 
have contributed in a more marked degree to the various agencies and 
enterprises making for its progress. From the original homestead of 
wild land in a sparsely settled locality, he has developed one of the 
finest and most valuable farms of its area in the county, a beautiful 
place of one hundred and sixty acres, all under cultivation, containing 
substantial improvements and presenting the appearance of a home in 
which few comforts and conveniences are lacking. As an agriculturist 
Mr. Berdahl stands in the front rank, and the ample competence he now 
commands, and the fine condition of his home, attests the energy and 
success with which he has prosecuted his life work. Mr. Berdahl, on the 
2d day of April, 1873, was united in the bonds of wedlock with Miss 
Hannah Brandvold, who was born July 5, 1848, in Norway, and who came to 
the United States about two years prior to her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. 
Berdahl are the parents of ten children, only three of whom are living, 
namely, John E. Carrie and Henry; the deceased are Christina, who 
married Erick Langness and died in her twenty-fourth year; Albert, 
Carrie, Anna, Alma and Anna, the last five dying in childhood. 

        Mr. Berdahl has been an influential Republican ever since 
attaining his majority and by reason of his activity in party circles 
and services rendered in different campaigns he has been from time to 
time honored with various official positions. He served for some years 
as justice of the peace, also as chairman of the township board, and 
for several years past has been treasurer of the Farmers' Mutual 
Insurance Company of Minnehaha County, a position of great 
responsibility, requiring of the incumbent much more than ordinary 
business talent. He also represented the county of Minnehaha one term 
in the general assembly and as a legislator sustained the high 
reputation in which he was held by the people, fully meeting the 
expectations of his constituents, Democrats as well as Republicans. 
        
        Mr. Berdahl is a man of great firmness, honest in his 
convictions, and ready at all times to maintain the soundness of his 
opinions. While diligent in the prosecution of his own affairs and 
successful in carrying them to conclusion, he is also interested in the 
welfare of the community and spares no reasonable sacrifice in 
encouraging agencies and enterprises for the promotion of the same. A 
pleasing presence combined with a genial disposition makes him popular 
with all classes and conditions of people, and his manly conduct and 
genuine worth are recognized and appreciated by those coming within the 
range of his influence.