R. V. Ervin

    R. V. Ervin was born on the farm where he now resides, on Section 2, Licking Township, the date of his birth being 20 June 1851, and is a son of Samuel and Nancy (Alexander) Ervin, who were among the early settlers of Blackford County.

    Our subject was reared on the homestead farm, his youth being spent in assisting his father clear and improve the land, his education being obtained in the schools of his neighborhood and at Hartford City. In 1869 he went to the north part of the State, where he was engaged as contractor on a railroad for one year. He then went to Illinois for about one year, where he was engaged in the same business. He returned home in the fall of 1871, remaining here until 1873, when he went to Washington territory, going as far as San Francisco, and by steamer the remainder of the journey. He was contractor on a railroad in Washington Territory about one year, and in 1874 he went to Idaho, and while there followed mining the greater part of the time. In the summer of 1882 he returned to the old homestead in Licking Township where he has since resided, and in the year 1883 built his present fine two-story residence. which is one of the best in his neighborhood. He has a large barn and other farm buildings, and his land is well improved and under a high state of cultivation.

    Mr. Ervin was united in marriage 18 June 1883, to Miss Flora Veach, of Hartford City, a daughter of Jerry V. Veach. To this union two children have been born named Moffit H. and Ora Beryl. Though comparatively a young man Mr. Ervin is classed among the most successful citizens of his township, an by his fair and honorable dealing she has gained the confidence and respect of all who know him. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he casts his suffrage with the Republican party.

Source: Biographical and Historical Record of Jay and Blackford Counties, Indiana by The Lewis Publishing Company, 1887.