USA > Iowa > Boone County > History of Boone County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 1
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1
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2008 with funding from Microsoft Corporation
http://www.archive.org/details/historyofbooneco02gold
IVO (BOBBIE C'a.) Goldthwart
٢
.
HISTORY OF
BOONE COUNTY IOWA
1.37-111
1
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME II
CHICAGO PIONEER PUBLISHING COMPANY 1914
1
EW WORK LIBRARY 704505
AS U
LX AND
R U NDATIONS
1915 L
.
NE
PUBLIC LIS. ARY
x
TIL Di N
LNI IUN
三
BIOGRAPHICAL
HON. CHIARLES JOHN ALFRED ERICSON.
America is often spoken of as the land of opportunity. That it is so is a fact which finds proof in the history of such men as the Hon. Charles John Alfred Ericson, men whose privileges in early life were limited, but who found in the conditions of the new world the chance to work upward. While success came to Mr. Ericson in large measure, the attainment of wealth was never the ultimate aim of his life and as he prospered he gave freely of his means for the benefit of his fellowmen, for the upbuilding of schools and the dissemination of knowledge in various other ways. Few have recognized more fully the duties and obligations of the individual toward his fellows, and the news of his demise carried with it a sense of personal bereavement to the great majority of his fellow citizens in Boone county and among his colleagues in the state senate.
Mr. Ericson was born March 8, 1840, in Sodra VI parish, near Vimmerbi, province of Calmar, Sweden. His father, Erik Nilson, was born August 2, 1804, and his wife, Catherine Clemetson Nilson, was born October 9, 1803. They had three children : Nils P. Peterson, who was born in 1825 and who, learning the paper manufacturer's trade, adopted the name of his employer as was the custom of that time: Gustaf Adolf, born in 1829; and Charles John Alfred, born March 8, 1840. The father was a farmer and freeholder in his native province, where he remained until 1852, when he came with his family to the new world, settling near Moline, Illinois, where he engaged in farming and fishing, as he had done in Sweden. Subsequently he removed to Webster county, Iowa.
Charles John Alfred Ericson was a youth of twelve years when the family came to the United States and his education, begun in Sweden, was continued in the public schools of Rock Island county, Illinois. It was in 1845 that the first Swedish immigrants left Calmar for the new world, and in 1849 S. P. Sven- son, an uncle of Mr. Ericson, became a resident of New Sweden, Jefferson county, Iowa. The following year another uncle, O. Clemetson, took up his abode at Andover, Henry county, Illinois, and both wrote glowing accounts of the opportunities on this side of the Atlantic. The father, Erik Nilson, was further induced to come to America by the reports sent back by his two sons, Gustaf A. and N. P., who had settled near Moline. As stated heretofore, the father with his family made the long voyage, bidding adieu to home and friends on the 4th of April, 1852. They crossed the Atlantic in one of the oldtime ships, on which were one hundred and fifty immigrants. They were to pay twenty dollars
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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
passage for each member of the party and furnish their own food. The fresh water was carried in huge wooden casks and every morning about a quart was measured out to each person. They came in sight of New York on the 19th of July. One of the first experiences of Mr. Ericson was getting lost in New York. He and his father, with others from the ship, started out to see the city. At length, attracted by the music of a brass band, they followed on and on, thinking to remember the turning points in their course by certain signs, such as a lion and gilded clock, but they found that they could not make their way back to the ship and wandered around for hours. At length a kind-hearted man, understand- ing something of their dilemma, led them to one who could speak their language and within fifteen minutes they had been escorted back to their ship-tired and weary, for they had walked miles in linsey-woolsey clothing on a hot July day without anything to eat. The next morning the family proceeded up the Hudson river to Albany and thence went by rail to Buffalo, where they boarded a steamer bound for Dunkirk. From that point they continued by rail on to Chicago and by a canal-boat went to Peru, Illinois, where they hired teams to take them to Andover, twenty miles from Rock Island, where they found the first Swedish settlement. The trip, especially across the country, was a very hard one and it was not until the ist of August, 1852, that they reached their destina- tion near Moline, joining there the two elder brothers of Charles J. A. Ericson.
For a few years thereafter the last named worked for his brothers and relates that his first lesson in English was to repeat, when sent on an errand to a neigh- bor. "Mr. Ericson sent me here to get your spade." He was afterward taught to drive three yoke of oxen to a breaking-plow and for two seasons he operated a ferry-boat across Rock river and also worked on a farm. He was afterward employed to run a stationary engine in a sawmill and flour mill and still later clerked in a store in Altona, Illinois. A brother, who had previously removed to this state, advised him to come to Iowa, which advice he followed. He was at that time in possession of about four hundred dollars saved from his earnings, and this he invested in a stock of general merchandise, which he opened at Mineral Ridge, Boone county. The wholesale merchants with whom he first dealt, unasked by him, offered him credit, recognizing in his face the stamp of honesty, which was current coin with him throughout life. In time his busi- ness at Mineral Ridge grew and further activities were manifest in service as post- master at that town. In 1870 he removed to Boone and for some time continued merchandising, building up the largest business at that time in the county. In 1872 he assisted in organizing the First National Bank of Boone, of which he was elected vice president, and upon closing out his store in 1875, he became cashier of the bank, which surrendered its charter and was reorganized as the City Bank of Boone in 1878. Later he succeeded to the presidency of the institution and so continued until his death. He deserved great credit for what he accomplished in a business way. On one occasion he said, "What little success I have attained I attribute to three things ; first, honest and fair dealings with every man ; second, refraining from speculations and investments in outside enterprises, but attend- ing strictly to my own business ; and, third, making my word as good as my bond." These rules which he laid down for himself were strictly adhered to and no one ever questioned the integrity of his motives and on no occasion did he ever attempt to over-reach another in a business transaction. His prosperity was the direct
...
7
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
and merited reward of his labors, and his entire business career proved the fact that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously.
Aside from his business, there were many interesting features in the life record of Mr. Ericson. He was married twice. In 1858 he wedded Miss Matilda Nelson, and they became parents of two daughters, Alice and Lorena. In 1873 he was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Linderblood, who died in 1899. He had pleasant fraternal relations with his brother Masons, holding member- ship in Mount Olive Lodge, No. 79. A. F. & A. M .: Tuscan Chapter, R. A. M .; and Excalibur Commandery, No. 13, K. T .; in all of which he held prominent offices, serving as treasurer of the Commandery from the early period of his residence in Boone until his death.
It was his political career that perhaps won Mr. Ericson widest fame, yet who can say upon what line his life reached out in greatest helpfulness, for he assisted many philanthropic and public projects, was a friend to the poor and needy and gave hearty cooperation to many plans and projects for the public good.
The first office which Mr. Ericson held was that of postmaster of Mineral Ridge, and he also served in other local positions, including that of road super- visor, school director, school treasurer and township clerk. After his removal to Boone he was elected to represent his ward in the city council, was elected for several terms to the office of city treasurer and was president and treasurer of the school board.
In 1871 higher political honors came to him in his election on the republican ticket to the fourteenth general assembly, in which he served during the regular session and through one extra session, which was called in 1873 to revise the code. Twenty-four years later, while a member of the senate, he also rendered aid in code revision. In 1895 he was elected senator, serving through six regular sessions and one extra session. He did important committee work as a member of the ways and means committee and as chairman of the committee on claims in the twenty-sixth and twenty-seventh general assemblies. He was later made chair- man of the committee on public libraries and in the thirty-second general assembly he was chairman of constitutional amendments and suffrage. During the last three sessions he served on the committee on banks. Many tangible evidences of his public spirit may be cited. It was he who introduced and secured the passage of the bill, whereby corporations are taxed twenty-five dollars for the first thousand of capital stock and an additional dollar for each one thousand thereafter ; not, however, to exceed three hundred and fifty dollars for any one corporation. In the twenty-seventh general assembly he introduced a bill reduc- ing the interest on state warrants from six to five per cent. His efforts, however, concentrated largely upon the development and support of the historical depart- ment, public libraries and the Agricultural College through legislative enactment. He introduced the bill for the establishment of good roads, becoming a pioneer in inaugurating that movement. Twice he introduced bills for the protection of birds, their nests and eggs. W. C. Hayward, secretary of state, said: "During three of the five sessions that I served in the state senate, Hon. C. J. A. Ericson was a member of that body. We were both members of the ways and means con- mittee, and both lived, during the session, at the Savery Hotel and I then had an opportunity of becoming quite well acquainted with him. He was a large man in every way, physically and intellectually. He was of fine appearance and of
8
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
the most kindly disposition. He took a special interest in educational affairs and was a firm and steadfast friend of our educational institutions. He was a careful and considerate man, one of whom it could be said that he was 'safe and sane': at the same time he was in every sense of the word 'progressive' and an advocate and supporter of all progressive measures along reasonable lines. He was mild and pleasant in manner, but, at the same time, firm and unyielding in support of what he deemed to be right. A splendid, big strong man. It was a distinct loss to the state he loved so well when he passed away." Warren Garst wrote of Mr. Ericson: "My people moved to Boone in June of 1866. Almost from the first the name of Mr. Ericson became a household word on account of the prominent position he held in that community. It was not strange, therefore, when I became associated with him in a legislative way I should remember the earlier impressions I had received in the community in which we then lived. I found Senator Ericson to be a powerful force in all remedial legislation ; always throwing his influence and vote to any cause he thought to be for the betterment of society. He was especially active and exceedingly fortunate in formulating plans to increase the revenues of the state from sources that would not be burden- some and at the same time would be greatly remunerative. As I remember it, under the old law any incorporation organizing in Iowa was required to pay a mere nominal fee into the coffers of the state. Senator Ericson introduced a bill that changed this and we now have had instances where very large corporations have paid many thousands of dollars in single fees.
"He also introduced and secured its passage through the senate, a bill to tax corporations through an annual fee. Senator Ericson figured that if his bill became a law it would add to the revenues of the state from one hundred and fifty thousand dollars to two hundred and fifty thousand dollars annually. It is not my purpose to go into the discussion of this proposition as to its justice or fairness, but I was then and am now in thorough smypathy and accord with Senator Ericson's position.
"While Senator Ericson was seeking every way to secure additional revenues for the state, through any of the then established means, he was liberal with sug- gestions as to distribution. He was anxious to see the great agricultural school at Ames become one of the leading institutions of this character, not only in this country, but in the world. His success along this line is best attested by what this great institution is doing and is. He always had a great interest in the history of the state, and perhaps it is more due to him and his untiring energy than to that of any other man that we have the magnificent Historical building, which is an asset of state-wide importance, for it seems to me that no man, woman or child can visit this elegant structure without having a greater pride and a greater love for this great state. I have no disposition to go into detail as to Senator Ericson's legislative experience. I am indeed glad to have the opportunity to say to the people of Iowa that, while there have been men who have perhaps been more conspicuous, there has been no man who has done more along material and ethical lines than the Senator from Boone." Again we quote, this time from the Iowa Library Quarterly : "He was deeply interested in the work of the Iowa Library Association, having served as vice president of that body, and repeatedly on legislative committees, attending the annual meetings regularly. His pres- ence will be greatly missed, as well as his advice and counsel. Senator Ericson
9
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
was a man of gentle character, with strong friendships and deep convictions. His place is not likely to be filled again in the library circles of the state or in the hearts of those whose friendship he had gained."
One of Mr. Ericson's most generous gifts to Boone was what is known as the Ericson Library, erected and equipped at a cost of ten thousand seven hundred dollars. On the occasion of its dedication Judge Horace E. Deemer said : "It is a proud day for Boone, and a pleasant one, I know, for the generous donor who has built a monument to himself which will outlive any mere creation of the builder's art, chiseled simply to perpetuate the memory of a name. Within the past few years at least three generous and loyal men within the boundaries of this state have made large contributions for the building and founding of public libraries; and it is my deliberate judgment that they have made the best possible use of their money. That the communities to which they have been given fully appreciate the generosity, I have no shadow of doubt ; and that the people of this little city of Boone are filled with gratitude to their honored fellow citizen, Senator Ericson, is so plainly evident that it scarcely needs mention. I am not so sure, however, that any of these men fully appreciate the value and the full significance of his generosity. In this building rich and poor alike may meet the best and greatest thinkers of the age. Wealth gives no advantage, and social position counts for nothing. No matter how poor the boy or girl, no matter how thinly clad, no matter though the prosperous of their own town or time will not recognize them on the street, no matter though they are excluded from the so-called best society, here they shall not pine for companionship or society. Here Milton will tell of Paradise, Shakespeare open all the flood gates of the imagination, Franklin give forth his practical advice, Bryant sing of nature's beauties, Darwin and Huxley elucidate their theories, Proctor search the skies and Thackeray forget his snobbery. Here one may select his own associates from among the greatest thinkers and actors and writers the world has ever known. He may meet the most eminent statesmen and scientists, poets, and philosophers of all time. As said by another, 'He that loveth a book will never want a faithful friend, a wholesome counsellor, a cheerful companion, and an effectual comforter.' But better than all, here, perhaps, may some spark set fire the smouldering fumes of genius, and a flame go forth that will illuminate for all time the pages of our western literature."
Mr. Ericson always displayed the highest sense of honor in politics as well as in business and other relations of life and would never deviate from any course which he believed to be right. In July, 1903. he was appointed chairman of the Scandinavian Relief Committee to assist the famine stricken districts of northern Scandinavia, and his success in raising funds for this purpose is indi- cated in an excerpts from a letter written by Governor A. B. Cummins : "The success of the plan must be credited, in a large measure, to your patriotic and intelligent labors. For this work, and in behalf of suffering humanity, I thank you."
In 1904 Senator Ericson was appointed a member of the Iowa Commission for the Louisiana Purchase Centennial Exposition and as such had charge of the dairy and apiary department, which was splendidly managed, not only as regards its exhibition, but also its finances. He came to be one of Iowa's most honored, representative and distinguished men. Where he was best known, however, he
10
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
was most loved and the regard entertained for him in his home town is indicated in a speech delivered on the fiftieth anniversary of his settlement in Boone county, when a banquet was tendered him by his friends, on which occasion C. S. Mason said: "Men often criticise : sometimes they flatter. Avoiding both, 'tis my desire to speak the truth, for he who even roughly paints a picture. using brush, or pen, or lips, should first of all paint true. In such a spirit I approach the pleasing task I have undertaken. and, happily, in this case there is little incentive to over-state the facts or over-paint the picture, for in the life and character and record of our friend, the truth is an all-sufficient eulogy. Should I say he is a king of finance, you would not believe me; should I report him possessing, far above his fellows, the qualities of great statesmanship, I would not believe myself : or, should 1 picture him possessed of genius, he would per- haps laugh me to scorn : but when I say that in finance he is wise and just and withal merciful, I am saying that which I suppose you now believe : and when I say that he has brought to the performance of his publie duties the same test of high manhood and good intentions that has guided him in business affairs, 1 am saying that which I believe will meet the approval of his conscience and win for me the smile of approbation.
"Is this man wise? I know of no better test than to apply the record. Born in a humble home across the sea, he left when young the confines of the old world that he might stand upon the shores of the new. where, looking out upon a splendid age, in a splendid republic, he might search for a place where he could struggle and perhaps achieve. Fate or some subtle influence that we cannot explain, led him to locate near this vicinity, and for fifty years he has gone in and ont among, and been one of the people of this community. I think it fair to estimate that in all those years he has averaged ten business transactions daily : one hundred and fifty thousand business transactions with his neighbors and the people among whom he lives, and if about a single one there is a taint, or even a suspicion of dishonesty, then has my information been at fault. Surely such a business record as this is one of which he or any man may well be proud. Not only has he gained high reputation for business honesty, but in a larger way he has achieved success in that he has succeeded first in winning the kind regards. and in more recent years, the loving esteem of a great majority of the better class of people among whom he lives. To such an extent is this true, that the people have delighted to place upon him political honors and have asked of him the performance of important political duties. Not only has he gained a high reputa- tion for business honesty, and gained the respect of the people in all the other matters of which I speak, but during these years he has been gathering together in an enterprising way and without in the least injuring others, that which we believe to be a sufficient competency which has enabled him not only to meet generously the many, many requirements made upon men of reasonable wealth. but has enabled him in more recent years to do those things which he hopes, and which we believe, will redound to the benefit of this and other communities for many years to come. Surely such a record as I have briefly, and I trust, truth- fully described, needs little comment.
"Is our friend kind beyond the average man? Upon this point I have testi- mony, and first I will place upon the stand yourselves, and ask if. in the few or many years you have known him. there has not been some one, perhaps many,
11
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
occasions, when, by kind words or some kindly act, he has won the affection of . your heart and gained the confidence of your understanding. There are many witnesses I should like to call whom I cannot secure, for many of them are resting under the infirmities of old age and living quietly in their declining years in the homes and upon the farms that the kindness of our friend has helped to secure, while many more have finished their work and made their records and have gone home to their reward and rest within their graves in different portions of this country ; and, as I cannot present to you their testimony, permit me briefly to call attention to it second hand. First and last and at different times, and not by design, but accidentally or in a casual way, I have heard from the lips of at least twenty different men, the story of the help they have received from our kind friend. Some have spoken of these obligations without any show of senti- ment, while others have shown upon their faces that there was within them the spirit of gratitude. If, in a casual way and without design. I have heard from the lips of twenty men of the assistance they have received from our kind friend. is it not fair to presume that there are in this vicinity, living and dead, hundreds who, could they speak to us, would add to the volume of our testimony? Permit me to take the stand myself. Some years ago our country was swept by a financial tornado, the worst financial panic 1 have ever known ; great business houses tottered and some fell; and, while the general business interests of the country were to some extent palsied, the fierceness of the storm centered upon those engaged in banking business, for everywhere men seemed to have lost con- fidence in banks and in each other: hundreds of millions of dollars of deposits were drawn from banks and hid away in stockings and in safety deposit vaults, and everywhere the depositors in banks were watching for the least sign of danger, that they might quickly pounce upon the banks that held their deposits and bring to them temporary disaster, if not destruction. At such a time as this, the business firm of which I am a member needed funds. I spoke to a banker of this town about it, and quickly, almost fiercely, got his refusal. A little later 1 saw our friend and spoke briefly of our needs and said. 'I guess I will have to ask you for some money.' He said, 'Ilow much ?' I replied that temporarily two or three thousand dollars would answer. Drawing a long breath that was mighty near a sigh, and speaking in a tone of almost pleading, he said, 'Keep it as near two thousand as you can.' Any man can assist another when it is in his regular line of business and for his profit to do so. There are here and there some, perhaps in the aggregate many, who, upon some occasion, will assist their fellowmen even though the element of profit does not attach to the transaction; but there are mighty few men in all the world, nor have there ever been, nor will there be in all the years to come those who, in time of storm and stress and danger, will weaken their own position that they may extend a helping hand to a business acquaintance. I presume the transaction I speak of was forgotten by our friend within an hour, for he had other important matters on his mind; but I did not so soon forget, nor have I yet forgotten, nor will I forget during all the years that are spared me, for I thought then, and it seems to me now, it was a bright spot in the midst of surrounding gloom, and an oasis in the desert of human selfishness.
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