JACOB ERICSON.

JACOB ERICSON is a stock and grain farmer, living in Elsmore township, Allen county. He has always resided in the middle west and is characterized by the true western spirit of progress and advancement. He was born in Knoxville, Knox county, Illinois. His parents were Ole and Elna Ericson, both of whom were natives of Sweden. (See sketch of Eric Ericson.)

In the common schools of his native town Jacob Ericson pursued the studies which fitted him for the practical duties of a business life. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-eight years of age, farming till he was twenty-two years of age and mining the next six years. During his boyhood he learned the painter's trade and followed that pursuit through the summer months, while in the winter season he worked in the mines. His home, however, was upon a farm and he thereby became familiar with the labors of the field. He was married in 1888 and afterward took up his abode in Knoxville where he engaged in the painting business through the succeeding period of seven years. During that time he had saved earnings enough to enable him to come to Kansas, where he had two brothers living, and purchase a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He has made good improvements upon the place and is still adding to his farming facilities. His farm is located two miles west of Elsmore and is approaching one of the finest in the entire community, for he is progressive and enterprising and as far as possible is adding to his place all the modern accessories. He raises stock and grain and keeps on hand good horses to do the farm work.

Before leaving his native State Mr. Ericson was married on the 13th of December, 1888, to Miss Hannah Basser, a native of Sweden. She came alone to America in 1886 at the age of eighteen years, and her parents still reside in Sweden. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ericson have been born five children: Harold E., born in 1889; Herman E., born in 1890; Hazel W., born in 1893; Glenn H., born in 1896, while Myrtle, the baby, was born February 1, 1900. Mr. Ericson is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America in Elsmore. Like his brothers, who are residing in this county, he can claim the distinction of being what the public calls "a self-made man." He has never had a dollar given him, and from early boyhood has earned his own living. Labor has been the key which has unlocked to him the portals of success and from its storehouse he has gained rich treasures. He is numbered among the valued and respected citizens of his community and well deserves mention in this volume.

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