My Genealogy Hound

William D. Erwin, a representative of one of the earliest families of Black township, Posey county, Indiana, was born in that township February 15, 1859, son of Jefferson and Hannah (Howard) Erwin, both natives of Tennessee. Hannah Howard was the daughter of Baldwin and Susan (Racier) Howard, also natives of Tennessee. The mother of our subject came to Posey county from Davis county, Indiana, and the father came here from Tennessee. He was born in 1814 and she on November 16, 1828. Jefferson Erwin was engaged in farming and stock-raising and ran a carding machine to which the settlers brought their wool for many miles. This was the “hangout” for the settlers at certain seasons of the year. He also had a store at Farmersville for seven or eight years. He died December 20, 1875, and his wife November 13, 1888. William Erwin attended school for a short time at Crab Orchard school, but received most of his education at Farmersville. After finishing his course he began farming and has continued in this occupation, making a specialty of Jersey cattle and Poland China hogs at one time. He is a Democrat in politics and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Encampment, the Rebekahs and the Ben Hur lodge. On March 14, 1882, Mr. Erwin married Mattie A. Redman, daughter of David and Johanna (Johnson) Redman, the former a native of England and the latter of Ireland, both coming to this country in childhood. Mrs. Erwin was born in Mt. Vernon on April 17, 1859, and attended common school at Farmersville and at Mt. Vernon. They have two children: Carrie, born August 23, 1884, and Dalton, April 15, 1883. Carrie attended the schools of Crab Orchard, Farmersville and graduated from high school, 1902, at Mt. Vernon and taught school for one term of eight months. Dalton received his education in the Crab Orchard and Mt. Vernon schools and is a graduate of the Evansville Commercial College. On January 24, 1906, he married Mary E. Ashworth, daughter of David and Frances Ashworth, of Mt. Vernon, and lives in Mt. Vernon, where he is employed by the Chicago & Eastern Illinois railroad. They have two children, Agnes Ellen, born January 19, 1907, and William D., born February 20, 1909. Agnes E. is attending school in Mt. Vernon.