Martin O. Ferkin (1860-1942)

FERKIN, JOHNSON, TWEDT, STEFFEN, SOLEM

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 12/31/2024 at 23:21:21

From Story City Herald September 10, 1942 (page 8)

M. O. FERKIN, ROLAND DIED LAST THURSDAY

M. O. Ferkin, 82, long time resident of the Roland community, died at his home last Thursday afternoon, after an illness dating back to March 18, when he submitted to a surgical operation.

Martin O. Ferkin, was a native of Norway, Europe, born at Ferkinstadt, on August 10, 1860. He came to America as a young man in 1883, coming directly to Roland. From that place he went to Des Moines where he was employed for a time. Returning to Roland he was united in marriage to Miss Isabelle Johnson April 5, 1888 and they located on a farm near McCallsburg. A few years later they moved to Roland where he was engaged in the hardware and implement business for a few years. He then moved onto a farm he owned northeast of town which he operated until 1914 when he moved back to Roland where he became connected with the Iver Johnson clothing store, work in which he continued for 22 years, or until the business was closed out after the death of Mr. Johnson.

Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ferkin. The only son, Otis, died a few years ago and he is survived by his wife and three daughters. The three daughters are: Mrs. Albert Twedt of Roland, Mrs. Vernon Steffen of Grundy Center and Mrs. Oswald R. Solem of Nevada. He also leaves eight grandchildren and one great grandchild.