Edward Charles Ericson

Born: 24 August 1856
Finspång, Östergötland, Sweden

Died: 8 February 1910
Flandreau, Moody, South Dakota

Married: Sylvia Ann Hayes
22 February 1881

Father: Eric William Eriksson
Mother: Johannah Christina Nordén

Occupation: School teacher, Mayor of Elk Point, Superintendent of Schools of Union Co. (two terms), Member of the territorial and state legislature, first State Senator from Union Co., Lawyer, President of the Regents of Education, President of the Bar Association of Union Co.

1856 August 24, born in Finspong (later changed to Finspång). He was born Carl Edward Eriksson. Birth Record.

1859 January/June 27, father died. (almost 3) Florence Ericson Tone.

1865 Came to America. Is quoted by O.W. Coursey as saying, "Mother, let's go to America." (9) Newspaper article after his death.

He attended the public schools of New York and Brooklyn including New York Free Academy (founded in 1849 internet). Flo Tone spiral notebook.

1871 Entered the College of the City of New York. (15) History of South Dakota ©1904.

1872 Mother and brother, Eric W., came to Big Springs, Union County, Dakota Territory. Edward stayed in New York City to finish school.

1874 Came to Dakota Territory, (before August). (17) Flo Ericson. History of SD says, “..in September”.

Worked on the farm and taught in Union and Clay counties. History of SD. The school was made of sod and there were 8 students, some older then 21 years of age. Each student brought any kind of book that could be secured. Taught at Vermillion log schoolhouse. (18) Flo Tone

1879 March moved to Elk Point. Studied law. Studied law with Alexander Hughes. History of SD. (22)

1881 Admitted to the territorial bar. In partnership with Alexander Hughes, ‘Hughes & Ericson’. (24) History of SD.

Married Sylvia Ann Hayes she was 25. He was 25.

1882 Helped draft the State Constitution. (26) Flo Tone.

1883 End of partnership; A. Hughes moved to Bismarck, N.D., having been appointed attorney general. (27) History of SD.

1884 First child, a son born. Harry Francis. (28)

1886 Second child, a daughter born. Nell Hayes. (30)

1886-87 Member of the Territorial Legislature at Bismarck. (30) History of SD.

Mayor of Elk Point, South Dakota. History of SD.

1889 November 2, Dakota Territory became a state.

1889-90 Member of the State Senate. (33) History of SD.

Early '90's Served on the University Board.

1892 Was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis. (36) History of SD.

1894 Third and last child, a daughter born. Sylvia Florence. (38)

1897 Traveled to Europe with his wife Sylvia. They were gone 3 months. He was able to meet some of his relatives in Sweden and visit the grave of his father in Jönköping, Sweden. (Almost 41) Travel journal.

1900 Formed partnership with Charles Stickney under the name of ‘Ericson & Stickney’. (44) History of SD.

1903 Only son, Harry Francis died November 4^th. He was 20 years 11 days old. (47)

1907 Became a member of the Board of Regents and soon after was voted in as President of the Board of Regents. (51)

1908 Delivered a speech to 600 people at the Northern Normal and Industrial school at Aberdeen (N.N.I.S.). (52)

1910 Traveled to New York with Governor Vessey to meet with Andrew Carnegie about a library building for the State University (they received $40,000). Edward told him he had played ball in a lot across the street where Carnegie lived. Flo Tone. While there he caught a severe cold, but he seemed to recover. On the way home he stopped to see his daughter Nell. He over exerted himself when catching the train home and suffered a partial collapse. He consulted an expert physician in Chicago who told him that he had hardening of the arteries and a weak heart. He returned home and then traveled to Flandreau (on Friday) for medical advice from Dr. F.A. Spafford, a personal friend. Monday morning he suffered from apoplexy at the breakfast table and his family was sent for, but he was unconscious before they arrived. He died in Dr. Spafford's home Monday evening. (53)

“Mother and I went to Flandreau. He was unconscious when we got there and died that night. I can remember hearing his terrible gasps for breath. My poor sister Nell was sent for and learned of her father’s death on her way home when she saw the headlines in a Sioux City Journal.” Flo Tone.

Governor Vessey attended his funeral and many other prominent men. Ira L. Nichols was a pallbearer. Two coaches were attached to the noon freight train from the west to accommodate people from Yankton and Vermillion who wished to attend the funeral. The city school, all the state schools, and the State University at Vermillion were closed for the day in his honor. He was a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, Modern Woodmen of America and the Maccabees. His brother, Eric Ericson was not able to attend his funeral due to sickness. Obits and History of SD.

“Though not formally identified with any religious body, he and his family attend the Congregational church, and he has been a member of its board of trustees for over fifteen years.” History of SD.

He suffered from severe headaches and took alkaselzer to relieve them. He died of cerebral hemorrhage. His wife said he was taking too much. He told her he couldn’t make it to the office without it. Flo Ericson.

He is buried in the Elk Point Cemetery. He was 53 years 5 months 8 days old.

Grave #5, Lot #63, Block #1, Section #1.