Linus Johannes Erickson
1908 - 1982 (73 years)Person ID: I023 | Tree: Marlys Jones - Pearson Family | Last Modified: 3 Jul 2018
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Name Linus Johannes Erickson [1, 2] Notes
Linus was born on his grandfather's farm, where his parents were living at the time. When he was about one year old, the family moved from the farm to a small house in Swedeburg, where they lived for a couple of years. The family moved back to the farm after Augustinus inherited it in 1912. Linus went to a one room elementary school near the farm for grades 1 through 8, and next attended grades 9 and 10 in Swedeburg. To finish high school, he then went to Luther Academy in Wahoo for two years. Linus spent his non-school time doing farm work. Mildred was born on her parents' farm. She went to a two room elementary school in Swedeburg for 10 years. She went on to attend the high school in Wahoo for the next two years, and graduated from that school. During her two years at the high school, she boarded with families in Wahoo from Monday through Friday and returned to her folks' farm near Swedeburg for weekends. To pay her board the first year in Wahoo, MMildred baby-sat and ironed for her host family. In addition, her parents provided that family with butter, eggs, and cream. During her last year in high school, Mildred's parents paid her board with that year's host family. After she graduated, she moved back to her parent's farm. She spent most of the winters for the next nine years working as a domestic for families in Omaha. The rest of the time, she helped with the chores on her parents' farm.
Linus and Mildred knew each other since childhood, as their family farms were only about three miles apart. They went together for seven years before they were married.
Linus was a farmer for his entire working life; Mildred was a housewife. Beginning a couple of years before their marriage, Linus farmed on some land he rented and raised livestock. After they were married, they moved to a farmhouse one mil west of Linus' parents' farm. Around this time, Linus began to farm his parents' land. In the fall of 1936, Linus' parents moved from the family farm to Ceresco; Linus and Mildred moved to the family farm where they lived for more than forty years.
Linus' father Augustinus had inherited the family farm debt free in 1912. Augustinus did not actively farm after 1912 and mortgaged the land over the years. After Linus began to manage the family farm in 1936, Augustinus was able to reducee mortgage substantially, using the income generated from the harvests. Corn and soybeans were the main crops grown, and occasionally milo and winter wheat. The farm was almost paid off when Augustinus and Hermanda died in the late 1940s. Durinng the next 20 years or so, Linus gradually bought out the equity of his brothers and sisters. At various time, Linus also had livestock, buying and raising calves until they were ready for slaughter. Linus and Mildred added to the home farm's 200 acres by buying an additional 40 acres in the 1960s. Their three children attended elementary school at a one room schoolhouse, which was a short walk from the family farm. At one time, the school teacher boarded at the farm.
Shortly after he took over management of the farm, Linus became concerned about the amount of soil in the fields that was regularly washed away. To reverse this loss, he tried contour farming. Although helpful, this technique did not ret with the full soil conservation he desired. His pursuit of effective conservation continued and he attended a demonstration on terracing, a new concept in farming. At this demonstration, he saw that terracing protected contour farming by coconserving soil and moisture. He began to construct terraces on the farm in 1945. He found that terracing along with contour farming kept the silt from washing away. He proceeded to protect all the fields with terraces and waterways, and farmemed on contours parallel to the terraces. In recognition of his pioneer efforts in terrace farming, the Saunders County Soil and Conservation District gave the family the Conservation Farm Family award in 1964. The Omaha Herald also recognized Linus' conservation efforts.
In the fall of 1941, Linus purchased a modern corn picker. He wasn't sure if he could really afford this purchase. His father-in-law and brother-in-law, C. O. and Norm Pearson, who jointly farmed nearby, agreed to buy a share of the corn pir. World War II began a couple of months later and the manufacturing of all farm equipment was suspended. The acquisition of the picker prove to be a wise investment and the envy of the neighboring farmers.
Except for the years Linus' brother Joe spent in the Army in World War II, Joe lived on the farm until he was married. Their brother Loyd also lived on the farm except for the time he spent in the Navy during and shortly after the War. Mild prepared meals, washed clothes, and kept house for the entire family. Linus and Loyd farmed jointly and usually worked around 700 acres - the home farm plus land they rented. After Joe was married, he and his family lived on their Uncle Herman's farm just west of the home farm and the brothers often farmed together.
Early in his farming career, Linus saw the economic advantages of farmers working cooperatively, and became active in the Ceresco Farmers Co-op. In the early stages, the Co-op purchased large quantities of fuel for its members at a rate lessan what the farmers would pay individually. Linus later joined the Wahoo Co-op and the Saunders County Co-op. He was active in all three Co-ops simultaneously. It was said that Linus did not talk very much at meetings, but his input was always worth listening to. He served on the Board of all three Co-ops and for several years was the chairman of the Wahoo Co-op. Under his leadership, the Wahoo Co-op expanded significantly. In addition to fuel, the Co-ops purchased fertilizer, seed, and other farm supplies and equipment.
When the children were growing up, family activities usually involved visiting relatives. Often on Sundays, they drove to Omaha to visit Linus' sister Nellie Ann and her family. At Easter, they would drive to Oklahoma and stay with Linus'ter Bernice and her family. During the 1950s, the family spent several summer vacations at a lake in Minnesota.
As with most farms during the 1930s, a series of droughts took their toll and there were several lean years. The crops were generally very good in the 1940s. During some bad farming years in the 1950s, Linus worked in construction in Lincolnd Mildred worked for a short time at a hospital in Wahoo. Weather in the 1960s was mixed and there was a crop failure in 1970. Around that time when Linus thought about retirement, he was concerned on how they would make it financially, as the farm was still mortgaged. He felt that he might have to find some part time work after he retired from farming. As things turned out, the early 1970s brought a few years of excellent weather and high crop prices. Linus was able to retire in 1974, with the farm completely paid for. He even bought a new car. Linus and Mildred lived at the farm for four more years. Shortly after Linus retired, Loyd married and moved to Wahoo. Linus kept up a large vegetable garden as a retiremenment project. Linus and Mildred sold the farm house with 10 acres of land in 1978, and bought and moved into a house in Ceresco. They kept the farmland, which Loyd farmed until he retired. Then Mildred's nephew Kent took over farming the land. Mildred continued to live in the Ceresco house after Linus died in 1982, and moved to a rest home in Wahoo where she has lived since 1996.
Beginning in the early 1970s, Linus and Mildred spent the Christmas seasons in California with their children, Jack and Ann, and their families. Lee would usually join them there. Most of the time, Linus and Mildred drove on these trips.y usually went through Arizona where they visited Linus' sister Nellie Ann, and stopped in Oklahoma to visit another sister Bernice and her family. They liked to travel and do different things when they came to California. They enjoyed site seeing and going out to restaurants. For several years, Linus, Jack, and Randy went deep sea fishing during the annual visits. After Linus died, Mildred continued to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas in California for several more years.
Linus and Mildred were both quiet and reserved people. They had mild temperaments and did not complain about things. They were both sociable and liked to talk to relatives, friends, people they had just met or even to strangers. They werery devoted to their family. Like his father, Linus read a lot and could discuss a variety of subjects. He read books, magazines, and newspapers, and also liked to do crossword puzzles. He enjoyed watching baseball games on television. Mildred was an excellent cook and dedicated farm wife. She liked to crochet. At one time, she was an officer in the Saunders County Good Neighbors Extension Club. They were both active members of Grace Lutheran Church, a church that Linus' grandfather co-founded. Linus served as church deacon and for many years was the treasurer of the Church's cemetery. Mildred was active in the church's women's group, serving in various officer posts, including president and secretary.
LINCOLN STAR - SEPTEMBER 30, 1982
ERICKSON - Linus J, 73, Ceresco, died Tuesday in Lincoln. Retired farmer. Born Swedeburg. Member, Grace Lutheran Church, rural Wahoo. Board member, Swedeburg Lutheran Cemetery. Survivors: wife, Mildred; sons, Jack, Rodego Bay, Calif., Lee,n Minn.; daughter, Mrs. Randy (Ann) McGregor, Walnut Creek, Calif.; brothers, Joseph, Ceresco, Lloyd, Wahoo; sisters, Hilda Erdahl, Tucson, Ariz., Mrs. John (Bernice) Mostrom, Bartlesville, Okla., Nellie Ann Erickson, Prescott, Ariz.; two grandchildren.
Services: 2 p.m. Friday, Grace Lutheran Church, rural Wahoo. The Rev. Richard Woolard. Swedeburg Lutheran Cemetery, Swedeburg. Memorials to the church or American Cancer Fund. NELSON FUNERAL HOME, Ceresco.
LINCOLN STAR - OCTOBER 1, 1982
ERICKSON - Linus J, 73, Ceresco, died Tuesday in Lincoln.
Services: 2 p.m. Friday, Grace Lutheran Church, rural Wahoo. Pallbearers: Lawrence Lindquist, Leland, Loren, Russell Swanson, Vernon Olson, Lyle Wedberg. Swedeburg Lutheran Cemetery, Swedeburg. Memorials to the church or American Cancer Fund.LSON FUNERAL HOME, Ceresco.
Birth 26 Dec 1908 Swedeburg, Saunders County, Nebraska 
[1, 2, 3] Gender Male Died 28 Sep 1982 Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska [1, 2, 3] Buried 1 Oct 1982 Grace Lutheran Church, Swedeburg, Saunders County, Nebraska Burial 1 Oct 1982 Grace Lutheran Cemetery, Swedeburg, Saunders County, Nebraska [1, 2, 3] -
Parents
Father Augustinus Erickson (ID:I228), b. 1 Aug 1873, Saunders County, Nebraska d. 3 Nov 1946, Saunders County, Nebraska (Age 73 years) Relationship natural Mother Hermanda Bengtson (ID:I234), b. 28 Apr 1885, Swedeburg, Saunders County, Nebraska d. 19 May 1948, Saunders County, Nebraska (Age 63 years) Relationship natural Marriage 25 Mar 1908 Grace Lutheran Church, Swedeburg, Saunders County, Nebraska Children (Siblings) 1. Linus Johannes Erickson (ID:I023), b. 26 Dec 1908, Swedeburg, Saunders County, Nebraska d. 28 Sep 1982, Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska (Age 73 years) -
Family
Wife Mildred Charlotte Pearson (ID:I019), b. 23 Jan 1910, Swedeburg, Saunders, Nebraska d. 7 Mar 2004, Wahoo, Saunders, Nebraska (Age 94 years) Marriage 22 Mar 1935 Grace Lutheran Church, Swedeburg, Saunders County, Nebraska Notes
CERESCO NEWS - MARCH 28, 1935
THEY SAY - "I DO"
The marriage of Miss Mildred Pearson and Mr. Linus Erickson was solemnized at 8:00 P.M. March 22, at the Swedeburg Lutheran Church, Rev. C. L. Lindberg officiating.
Preceding the wedding ceremony, Joseph Erickson sang, "Oh, Promise Me." "I Love You Truly" was sung by Miss LaVerne Olson.
The bridal procession entered to the strains of Lohrengrin's Wedding March played on the organ by John Erickson. Little Frans Eliason was the ring bearer. Charlotte Willsie of Omaha, dressed in a pink silk dress and carrying a basket of pinkes was the flower girl. Mrs. Ralph Peterson served as matron of honor. She wore a pale blue dress and carried a bouquet of white carnations.
The bride was charmingly gowned in white satin with a long veil. She carried a bouquet of pink roses. The bride was given away by her father, Mr. C. O. Pearson.
The bridegroom was attended by Mr. Ralph Peterson of Omaha, as best man.
The church was tastefully decorated with ferns, potted plants and cut flowers.
After the ceremony a reception was held in the church parlors. The decorations were and refreshments were carried out in a pink and white color scheme. The bridal party was immediate relatives and friends were seated at a long table. A larged beautifully decorated wedding cake baked by Mrs. Henry Olson, formed the centerpiece.
During the evening a program appropriate to the occasion was given. Messers. Elmer Pearson and Herman Pearson sang a duet; Miss Margaret Hagstrom gave a toast to the bride; Miss Bernice Erickson sang "Because" and Miss Marcelyn Erickson, "Atning;" Mrs. Lloyd Rutherford played two piano selections; Dr. C. O. Gulleen and Dr. Alfred Trued gave toasts to the bridal couple. Rev. C. L. Lindberg served as toast-master.
The bridal couple received a large number of beautiful gifts.
Mr. and Mrs. Erickson are well and favorably known. The congratulations and well-wishes of this community are extended to them.
WAHOO DEMOCRAT - THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1935
PEARSON - ERICKSON
In the presence of 200 guests and before a setting of ferns and flowers on March 22 at 8 o'clock Miss Mildred Pearson, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. O. Pearson became the Bride of Lenus Erickson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Augustine Erickson ate Lutheran church of Swedeburg. Rev. C. L. Lindberg officiating. Joe Erickson sang "Oh, Promise Me," Miss Laverne Olson sang "I Love You Truly" with John Erickson at the organ and who also played "Lohrengrin's Wedding March."
The bride was given in marriage by her father. She wore a white satin dress fashioned a high neck line and long sleeves. Her long tulle veil was held in place by a cap of lace and flowers. She carried a bouquet of pink roses.
Mrs. Ralph Peterson, the bridesmaid, wore a blue crepe and carried a bouquet of white carnations. Frans Elliason carried the ring on a white satin pillow, Charlotte Jane Willsie, dressed in pink silk, was flower girl.
Ralph Peterson acted as best man and the ushers were Melvin Pearson and Vernon Olson. Misses Cecil Davis, Iradell Engstrom and Irvin Pearson were in charge of the gift room. Following the ceremony a reception was held in the basement of the cch. After congratulations, refreshments were served. The tables were decorated with flowers and a wedding cake decorated with a miniature bride and groom, and those serving were; Misses Beulah Olson, Signe Olson, Leona Olson, Maxine Pearson, Alvlvina Larson, Eldine Eliason, Eunice Olson, Gevevieve Larson, and the following program was given: Duet, "I Never Knew What God Gave to Me," Herman Pearson, Elmer Pearson. Talk - Dr. C.O. Guleen; Solo - Bernice Erickson; Toast to Bride - Margareret Hagstrom; Piano Selections - "Love Dreams" and "Frolic," her own compositions, which she dedicated to the bride and groom - Mrs. Lloyd Rutherford; Toast to the Groom - Dr. Alfred Trued; Solo "At Dawning" - Marcelyn Erickson. Among the out of town guests were: Mrs. Anna Erdahl, grandmother of the bride, Mr. and Mrs. Roland Erdahl and Lucille of Weston, Mrs. Henry Meyer, Mrs. Mable Carlson and family, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Peterson, Genevieve Larson, Charlotte, Ann Willete of Omaha, Dr. and Mrs. C.O. Gulleen, Mr. and Mrs. Norris Walther of Fremont, Dr. and Mrs. Alfred Trued and Eleanora Trued of Stromsburg. Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Pearson and family. Mr. and Mrs. Omer Sutton of Waverly, Mrs. Alfreda Benson of Lincoln. Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Rutherford of Springfield. Mr. and Mrs. Don Rolofson of Cedar Bluffs.
Children 1. Living (ID:I024) 2. Living (ID:I025) 3. Living (ID:I026) -
Other Personal Events
1920 Federal Census Between 19 and 20 Jan 1920 Richland Precinct, Saunders County, Nebraska Baptism 7 Feb 1909 Grace Lutheran Church, Swedeburg, Saunders County, Nebraska 1910 Federal Census 16 Apr 1910 Stocking Precinct, Saunders County, Nebraska Confirmation 1 Apr 1923 Grace Lutheran Church, Swedeburg, Saunders County, Nebraska Occupation 1930 Laborer [4] 1930 Federal Census 2 Apr 1930 Richland Precinct, Saunders County, Nebraska -
Event Map
Birth - 26 Dec 1908 - Swedeburg, Saunders County, Nebraska 
Burial - 1 Oct 1982 - Grace Lutheran Cemetery, Swedeburg, Saunders County, Nebraska = Link to Google Earth -
Source Citations