California Biographies

Source: History of Fresno County, California, with biographical sketches of 
the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with 
its growth and development from the early days to the present (1919)

History By Paul E. Vandor 
Illustrated, Complete In Two Volumes 
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1919
 
Notes: Missing+page1185-1186

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm


CARL O. ERICKSON. � A reminder of the important contribution made 
by Sweden to the developing of America, and particularly through the intel- 
ligence, industry and special adaptability of her steady-going sons and daugh- 
ters, to the success of one or another department of agriculture, is 
offered in the life story of Carl O. Erickson and his brother who live on a 
ranch two and a quarter miles north of Kingsburg on Grant Avenue. He was 
born at Askesund, Sweden, on February 13, 1872, the son of Gustav Oscar 
and Sophia Matilda (Person) Erickson, who married and died in their native 
country, the parents of six children, four of whom are still living. The other 
sons are Emil Erickson, who was born in June, 1870, in Sweden and is now 
Carl's partner, and Flugo Valentine and John August Erickson, both of whom 
live in Sweden. Carl grew up in Sweden on the little farm of his father's, 
there attended the district schools, and was confirmed in the Lutheran Church. 

Emil was the first to break away from home and country and to come to 
America, and in 1901 Carl sailed from Goteborg, and landed in New York 
City in November. He soon came through to Chicago, and there he remained 
for a year and a half. If he did not immediately see his goal, he profited by 
his environment to get rapidly acquainted with the characteristics of Amer- 
ican institutions. 

In 1903 Mr. Erickson continued West and reached California, accom- 
panied by Emil ; and since then the two brothers have pooled their interests 
and worked hand in hand. Three years later they bought their present forty 
acres, sixteen acres are planted to peaches, three and a half to Thompson 
seedless, eight to Sultanas, eight to Muscats, while four acres are given up 
to yard, a drying yard, etc. The Erickson brothers belong to and heartily 
support the work of both the California Associated Raisin Company and the 
California Peach Growers, Inc. 

Mr. Erickson is a member of the Swedish Methodist Church at Kings- 
burg, and with his brother, bought liberally of liberty bonds and otherwise 
supported the War work. In civic matters, also, they endeavor to give their 
votes and support only to the best men and the best measures.