Axel Wilhelm Eriksson

Axel Wilhelm Eriksson (24 August 1846 – 5 May 1901) was a Swedish ornithologist, settler and trader in what is now Namibia.

[3] His activities gained much respect from a wide range of communities, including native and Boer, over a large geographic area.

His grave near Rietfontein, thirty kilometres south west of Grootfontein, was made a national monument in 1978; a sign beside the grave reads: "This is the last resting place of Axel Eriksson, well known traveller, hunter, trader and pioneer, through whose intercession the Cape Government sent food to the distressed thirstland trekkers in 1879 thus rescuing various families from certain death".

[3] Despite the grave's status, the site is virtually inaccessible and is not maintained, with its boundary fence no longer intact (as at October 2014).

There was also a daughter, Maud Alice Eriksson (who married in Cape Town and moved to England).