Arnt Erickson
Arnt Erickson | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Norway |
| Died | September 8, 1932 (aged 66) |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, public official, banker, merchant |
| Years active | c. 1890–1932 |
| Known for | Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, president of Bank of New Auburn |
Arnt Erickson (July 4, 1866 – September 8, 1932) was a prominent American entrepreneur and public official from New Auburn, Wisconsin. He served a single term in the Wisconsin State Assembly and held numerous positions in local government.
Background
Originally from Norway, Erickson relocated to Wisconsin in 1882, with a short two-year period spent in Colorado. His education included attendance at public schools both in Norway and in Chippewa County, Wisconsin. In 1890, while residing in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, he married Tillie Christianson. Erickson gained six years of experience as a retail clerk in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin before establishing himself as a merchant in New Auburn and Chippewa Falls. He later diversified his business interests into real estate and banking, co-founding the Bank of New Auburn (currently known as Security Bank, New Auburn) in 1907 and serving as its inaugural president. Additionally, he led the Farmers Store Co. located in New Auburn.
Public office
By the year 1909, Erickson had dedicated approximately eighteen years to service on the local school board and held leadership roles such as chairman of the town of Auburn and supervisor of New Auburn village. His tenure on the Chippewa County board of supervisors spanned eight years, during which he was chairman on four occasions. In the 1908 election, running as a Republican, he secured a seat in the Assembly by receiving 2,887 votes compared to Democrat G. W. Heaverin’s 1,330 votes. During his legislative term, he was assigned to the standing committee on third reading but chose not to pursue re-election; his successor was Republican Chris P. Ellingson. Erickson declined subsequent invitations to re-enter state politics, opting instead to concentrate on municipal affairs. At the time of his passing, he was serving as chairman of the county board after thirty-two years representing New Auburn, including nine years as its chair.
Death
Erickson passed away on September 8, 1932, following an illness lasting two weeks that had intermittently troubled him over several years. He was survived by his wife Tillie.