The Carbon County news. [volume] (Red Lodge, Mont.) 1924-1931, 1924-11-20

a drab, dull life on the farm and when
John had completed his high school
course he longed for further learning
He wanted to fit himself to be Of use
o his friends and neghbors, his FAM
lily and himself.
Other members Of the family had
grown to take his place at home ana
he farm was now beginning to give
some small return for all the years OF
labor and hardship, when young john
betook himself to Washington college
Topeka, to acquire a professional
training.
Money there was none. Business
was largely matter of barter for the
carly Kansas farmer but one couldn't
barter shoats and calves, wheat and
potatoes for college course, so young
Erickson did the best he could, sup
porting himself and paying his tuition
by his labor.
More toll, more self denial, more
economy, more burning Of midnight
oil and finally the glad day arrived
when the future judge and governor
Of Montana was granted his coveted
sheepskin.
The world was his oyster and he
proceeded to use the pen for a shell
pick. He took over a struggling news
paper and engaged in the uphill game
of trading advertising for groceries
and clothing and subscriptions for
turnips and cabbages. More study,
more work, more self denial and John
L. Erickson graduated out of the
newspaper profession into that Of the
law.
He arrived in Great Falls, Montana,
in 1898, which was a lean year in the
West. Great Falls was a new and
struggling village with vast POSSIBLE
tiles, but Choteau, the county seat Of
Teton county, in that day offered more
immediate returns and the young at
torney accordingly transferred his
single to that place. Three years af-
ter his arrival in Choteau, John E
Erickson, a Democrat, was elected
county attorney in community chat
was rock ribbed Republican" III
made good and was reelected in 1928
His Republican opponent in 1900 tri
unphed against him, but in 1929 join
Z. Erickson was elected to that Office
for the third time.
His record during this term and hi
popularity in 1904 won him the judge
ship Of the district composed Of re
ton and Flathead counties.
He was re-nominated and re-electeI
in 1908 and again in 1912. In 1915
with another year to serve, Judg
Erickson decided that he wished to re
turn to private life. He rendered hi
resignation. 1t was regretfuIly &C
ceptcd Nv the county fathers.
For the past nine years Judge Erick
son has devoted himself to his pro
fession, except in those periods whe
, large duties called him.
In 1920 he was elected a delegat
to the Democratic national conventio
: and later he was elected chairman Q
the Democratic state central commits
tee. He was reelected chairman
J 1922.
Judge Erickson record as chair
man, his integrity as judge, his 10,
atty to his party, made him the logici
choice Of Democrats for the guberns
torial nomination.
Judge Erickson was married in 1875
to Miss Grace Vance, member of tn
well-known Iowa family, who befor
her marriage was active in education
al work in this state. Three childre
have blessed their union, the eldes
William, is graduate Of Stanfor
university. He majored in chemistr
and although only 81 is holding r.
sponsible and lucrative position on tn
Pacific coast. A daughter is attend
ing school in Alabama. The thir
5 child, Vance, is at home with his pal
ents in Kalispell.