My Genealogy Hound

Ambrose S. Erwin, retired merchant, Des Arc, Ark. In these days of money-making, when life is a constant struggle between right and wrong, it is a pleasure to lay before an intelligent reader the unsullied record of an honorable man. To the youthful it will be a useful lesson, an incentive to honest industry. Ambrose S. Erwin, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Arkansas, his birth occurring at old Austin, in what is now Lonoke County, on February 26, 1834, and is the son of Hon. James and Olivia (McCaleb) Erwin, both natives of North Carolina. The father was of Irish descent and grew to manhood in his native State, where he remained until 1822. He then moved to Arkansas, settled in what is now old Austin, and erected the first house in Lonoke or Prairie Counties, being one of the first actual settlers of these counties. He resided in that vicinity and carried on agricultural pursuits until about 1850, when he, in partnership with G. C. Watkins, of Little Rock, entered the land and laid off the town of Des Arc. He then settled there, erected a residence, mill and gin, and there died on January 1, 1853. He held several prominent official positions, and was the first man to represent Prairie County in the legislature. He contracted with the United States to assist in removing the Indians west of the Mississippi and was engaged in that business for a number of years. Mrs. Erwin survived her husband a few years, dying in 1859; she was of Scotch descent. Their family consisted of three sons and one daughter, all of whom grew to mature years, but Ambrose S. and an elder brother are the only ones now living. The former attained his growth in Des Arc, and remained with his parents until they received their final summons. In 1855 he began clerking in Des Arc, and continued at this until 1859, when he formed a partnership with a Mr. P. H. Haley, in the general mercantile business and which he has continued the principal part of the time since. He began as clerk, but by his good business management has made a comfortable competence which he now enjoys, and is one of the substantial men of Prairie County. He left his business during the war, and in 1861 enlisted in Col. Churchill’s regiment, serving about three months, when he was discharged. In 1862 he reenlisted in Col. Crawford’s regiment and served until the close of the war. He entered the army as a private, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, and at the close of the war had charge of a company. He participated in the following battles: Oak Hills, Poison Springs, Mark’s Mill, and was in all the battles of Gen. Price’s raid through Missouri. He was captured with Gen. Marmaduke at Big Blue, but succeeded in making his escape within two hours afterward. He was at Camden and had command of couriers when peace was declared and he was disbanded at that place. Returning home after the war he formed a partnership with S. N. Jackson, which continued for three years, and then he and Mr. Plunkett formed a partnership in the mercantile business, which continued for about twenty years. Mr. Erwin was married in Des Arc, in February, 1859, to Miss Lucy Bethell, a native of Memphis, but who was reared in Arkansas, and the daughter of Dr. William Bethell. They have five children: Anna (wife of Reuben Lee), Albert L., Carrie (wife of F. P. Cates, of Little Rock), Mabel and Minnie (two young ladies at home). Mr. Erwin is a Master Mason, and he and wife and family are members of the Old School Presbyterian Church.