My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Warrick County, Indiana published by Goodspeed, Bros. & Co. in 1885.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

* * * *

JOHN ERWIN, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Owen Township, in this county and State, May 24, 1820, and is the second of six children born to the marriage of William Erwin and Elizabeth Whittinghill, who were natives respectively of Virginia and Pennsylvania. William Erwin came to Warrick County, Ind., at the early year of 1818, and the county never knew a more loyal citizen. He died in 1855. John Erwin received his education from the old-fashioned log-schoolhouses of that day, and until twenty years old assisted his parents on the home farm. September 17, 1839, Mary J. Carnahan became his wife, and by him the mother of five children named Minerva, Sarah E., Nancy E. John F. and Mary. He was married to his second wife, who was formerly Alice Bethell, April 15, 1859. Mr. Erwin began life’s battle a poor boy, and by industry and good management has secured a comfortable home and valuable property. Although a Democrat of the stanchest kind, he is by no means an office seeker. Notwithstanding he has served over eight years as Trustee of Lane Township, and over two years as County Commissioner, in each office serving his constituents with fidelity and credit.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 274 biographies included in The History of Warrick County, Indiana portion of the book: History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties Indiana published in 1885 by Goodspeed, Bros. & Co.  For the complete description, click here: Warrick County, Indiana History and Genealogy

View additional Warrick County, Indiana family biographies here: Warrick County, Indiana Biographies

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.