Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: 10 Aug 1873, Grace Lutheran Church, Swedeburg, Saunders County, Nebraska
• Confirmation: 21 Apr 1889, Grace Lutheran Church, Swedeburg, Saunders County, Nebraska

Notes:

Augustinus was born on his father's farm near Swedeburg. He was brought up on the farm and then moved with his family to the living quarters above his father's store in Swedeburg. For a time, Augustinus worked in his father's store. His first wife, Hilda Bengtson, died from childbirth complications, three days after their daughter Hilda was born. The baby lived with Augustinus' parents until Augustinus remarried, his second wife being Hilda's sister Hermanda. Hermanda and her siblings were born on their parents' farm. After that marriage, Augustinus, Hermanda and Hilda lived on Augustinus' father's homestead farm where their son Linus was born. Augustinus farmed during this period.

In 1910, Augustinus' sister Theolina and her husband became missionaries and moved to China. Theolina had been managing the Swedeburg store. Augustinus agreed to stop farming and to manage the store. He, Hermanda, Hilda and Linus moved to a small house in Swedeburg.

Upon the death of his father in 1912, Augustinus inherited the 200 acre farm, part of which was the original homestead 80 acres. Although the deed listed a transaction price of $50 an acre, presumably there was no financial obligation incurred with the inheritance. The store in Swedeburg was sold and Augustinus, Hermanda, and the children moved back to the farm. Augustinus rented out the land as he had no great interest in either farming or money. In 1917, Hermanda inherited $5,500 from her father. Augustinus tore down the old farm house in which they were living and built a new house, paying for the material with Hermanda's inheritance. He did most of the work himself.

In 1919, Augustinus and a couple of minister friends went on a driving trip for several months, going west and visiting among other places Yellowstone Park. At another time, he made living space available in the cellar of the house for an old man, who was homeless and liked to tinker. The man was also not very well. The situation became too much for Hermanda and she made it clear that the old man was no longer welcome in their home.

Augustinus was talented with his mind and hands, designing and making equipment for the farm. An intellectual, he liked to read especially philosophy, and would often read until 4 a.m. and sleep until noon. He was not shy about expressing himself and could discuss a variety of issues. He was considered impractical by some.

Augustinus and Hermanda moved to a house in Ceresco in Oct 1936, where they lived through their retirement years.

LINCOLN JOURNAL - NOVEMBER 6, 1946

DEATHS

ERICKSON - Augustine, age 73, died Sunday evening. Funeral services Wednesday, 2. p.m. at Lutheran Church, Ceresco. Rev. A. H. Peterson officiating. Burial at Swedeburg. Nelson

WAHOO DEMOCRAT - NOVEMBER 7, 1946

AUGUSTINE ERICKSON DIES IN LINCOLN

Augustine Erickson, aged 74, passed away Sunday evening in the Lincoln General Hospital in Lincoln after a long illness. He is survived by his wife Hermanda, three sons, Linus, Joseph and Lloyd all of Ceresco; three daughters, Mrs. Hilma Erf Tucson, Ariz., Mrs. Bernice Mostrom of Bartlesville, Okla., and Mrs. Nellie Ann Erickson at home; one brother, Herman and one sister, Miss Agatha Erickson, both of Wahoo.

Augustinus married Hilda Bengtson on 17 Jun 1905 in Grace Lutheran Church, Swedeburg, Saunders County, Nebraska. Hilda was born on 28 Sep 1881 in Swedeburg, Saunders County, Nebraska; died on 30 Apr 1906 in Saunders County, Nebraska; was buried on 2 May 1906 in Grace Lutheran Cemetery, Swedeburg, Saunders County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Hilda Elsonora Erickson was born on 27 Apr 1906 in Nebraska; died on 27 Apr 1984 in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona.

Augustinus married Hermanda Bengtson on 25 Mar 1908 in Grace Lutheran Church, Swedeburg, Saunders County, Nebraska. Hermanda was born on 28 Apr 1885 in Swedeburg, Saunders County, Nebraska; died on 19 May 1948 in Saunders County, Nebraska; was buried on 21 May 1948 in Grace Lutheran Cemetery, Swedeburg, Saunders County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Linus Johannes Erickson was born on 26 Dec 1908 in Swedeburg, Saunders County, Nebraska; died on 28 Sep 1982 in Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska; was buried on 1 Oct 1982 in Grace Lutheran Church, Swedeburg, Saunders County, Nebraska.
2. Living
3. Bernice Agatha Erickson was born on 14 Aug 1915 in Swedeburg, Saunders County, Nebraska; died on 3 Oct 2000 in Bartlesville, Washington County , Oklahoma.
4. Loyd Russel Erickson was born on 5 May 1918 in Swedeburg, Saunders County, Nebraska; died on 22 Mar 2011 in Saunders County Medical Center, Wahoo, Saunders County, Nebraska.
5. Living