Lyonel D. Erickson was born in Sverdrup Township, Cooperstown, November 2, 1940. He is the son of Ernest and Doris Erickson, Cooperstown. Lyonel graduated from Cooperstown High School in 1958. He attended North Dakota State University, Fargo. He served in the National Guard from 1962-1968. In 1963, Lyonel returned home and began farming.
In 1971, he married Kathy Grover, Hannaford. They farm in Broadview Township (six miles east of Hannaford). They have two children: Jill, born in 1973; and Amy, born in 1976.
Source: Hannaford Area History North Dakota Centennial 1889 - 1989 Page 108