Justin Edward Erickson

Justin Edward Erickson was born April 8, 1900 in Lewiston, Utah to Englebert and Agnes Smith Erickson. Justin was a veteran of World War I. Justin served as the 9th Bishop of the Richmond Ward.

History

Early Life

"I was born in a small log cabin in Lewiston, Utah.... I do not remember by mother because she died to 'blood poisoning' 10 days after the birth of my sister [in 1905].

"After my mother died, I lived with my mother's parents, Frederick and Ann Page Smith for three years.... I received my schooling at the Richmond district schools. I did not begin first grade until I was seven years old. I don't know why my grandparents didn't send me to school sooner."1

After Justin's father remarried, he moved back to Lewiston and worked for local farmers.

"I attended North Cache high school in Richmond and graduated in 1918. While attending school there, I particpated in the field and track events. I ran and won the first cross-country race held at the school."1

On Nov 17, 1926, Justin married Irma Berneice Merrill in the Logan, Utah Temple. They moved to Richmond were Justin worked at the Richmond Merchantile and as a farmer.

Later Life

"After Berneice came home from Zelle's where she had been helping her after Jayne's birth, she went to the doctor to see what was causing the pain she has gaving in her stomach. After x-rays showed that she had a growth there, she had surgery. The doctors shaid that the cancer had gone too far. They could not help her. She suffered for a year then died on September 15, 1956 at the age of 53. Before she died the last she said to me was, 'I love you and it's been fun living with you.'"1

After a year, Justin was introduced to a widow, Wavel Eulalia Wilde, of Preston, Idaho by a friend. The two were married on June 27, 1959 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

World War I Service

Justin registered for World War I on Sep 12, 1818, but by the time he finished his paperwork, the war ended.2

Church Service

Missionary

Justin was set apart to serve the Northern States Mission on Nov 6, 1923, and was set apart by Stephen L. Richard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He served in many parts of Minnesota and Indiana.

"I was asked by the mission president to extend my mission for six months. I wrote and aksed by Dad if he would support me. I had used up all of my savings. He said that he would not, but my step-mother, Victoria worte me and said that she would get the money to me somehow. When my dad found out that she was sending me money, he sold my team of horses and the two cows that I had."1

Justan was released on March 5, 1926.

Richmond Ward Bishop

In 1950, Justin was called to serve as the 9th Bishop of the Richmond Ward, calling William 'Bill' Richard Harris and Elmer G. Skidmore and his councilors.

"While I served as Bishop, we remodeled the old tabernacle. We put in new benches and chairs, carpet, painted and put in a new heating system. Apostle Joseph F. Merrill really helped us out with that. I'd just tell him what was needed and he'd see that the projects were approved by the brethren in Salt Lake. He had an interest in our ward because his father, Marriner Wood Merrill, had been instrumental in building the tabernacle. Joseph had also grown up attending church there."1

Justin's son, Stephen Merrill Erickson, also served as Bishop of the Richmond Ward. Because Justin is the son-in-law of the Merrills, this is the only four-generational Bishops in Richmond history: Marriner Wood Merrill, 1st Bishop; Thomas Hazen Merrill, 3rd Bishop; Justin Edward Erickson, 9th Bishop; Stephen Merrill Erickson, 14th Bishop. 

Justin was released after the death of his wife in 1957.

Epilogue