Nothing can afford the Biographical writer greater pleasure than to record the deeds of heroes who have struggled against adverse circumstances, and under discouragements which would have thoroughly disheartened many men, have determinedly pursued their way displaying sterling qualities of character and high principal. Particularly is this true when success has at length rewarded the efforts of the subject and he has been able at last to surround himself with comfort and do for his family and the deserving public that which stamps him as a man of benevolent spirit and friendly nature.

The subject of this biographical notice has resided in Pike county for nearly half a century and has been closely identified with the improvement of the surface of the country, having worked long and arduously in developing the land and fitting various tract for high cultivation. He was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, July 24, 1818, and worked with his father until he was about sixteen years of age, having little or no schooling, although his parents did the best they could to give their children an education. When he left the shelter of the parental roof he worked by the day in the neighborhood, receiving thirty-seven cents per day for his labor. He says that he has spent many a day in grubbing for that price.

In 1845 Mr. Ervin left his native State, and coming to Illinois, rented a tract of land in Pike County. It belonged to Moses Cadwell and formed a part of Griggsville Township. After operating it about a year our subject moved, and during a few years following worked for different parties. He then bought forty acres one mile north of Maysville and building a log house, moved into it, broke the sod and began to improve the raw land. After getting it in a tillable condition, he bought another forty in Salem Township, this tract being already improved. After residing on it two years he sold it and moved west five miles, buying one hundred and six acres which he cultivated four years.

Again selling, Mr. Ervin spent two years as the operator of a rented place, then bought forty acres, one mile north of his present home and removing thereto remained twelve years. His next removal was in 1869, to his present location on section 24, Salem Township, where he purchased fifty-five acres. This farm was one of the first placed under improvement in this region. The residence now occupied by our subject and his good wife was built in 1873, its predecessor having been a double log cabin. Mr. Ervin now has eighty acres of improved land which he personally superintends, although he is quite advanced in years and in but moderate health.

The parents of our subject were James and Elizabeth (Barnes) Ervin, who were born either in Maryland or Pennsylvania. Some time after their marriage they settled in Harrison County, Ohio, where they helped to open up the country, and endured all the hardships incidental to pioneer life. Their neighborhood was infested by wild animals and our subject, although one of the youngest members of the family, distinctly remembers hearing the howling of the wolves about their little home. The father secured one hundred and sixty acres of land and worked very hard to place it in good condition and supply the wants

of his family. It was a matter of great regret to him that the school privileges of the neighborhood were very limited and that his means would not allow him to send his children elsewhere to be educated. Mr. (James) Ervin died in 1846 and his widow survived until 1859. They were the parents of seven children, of whom William, John and Phoebe (Phebe?) are deceased. James is now living in this State, Henry in Ohio, and Mary, a widow of Ralph Bliss, in Missouri. (See note at end.)

In 1841 Mr. (Isaac) Ervin secured a faithful companion and efficient helpmate in the person of Catherine McCarty, a daughter of Joseph and Juliann (Wise) McCarty, both from Pennsylvania. Mrs. Ervin was born May 4, 1817, in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, whither her parents had removed and where they subsequently died. our subject and his wife are the parents of two living children and four have been removed from them by death. Their son S. W. married Mattie Fife, occupies a farm adjoining that of his parents, and has one child. Walker C. married Abigail Foreman and his home also is in Salem Township, he has one child (Pearl) by a former marriage to Sadie Gear, now deceased.

When Mr. and Mrs. Ervin came to Pike County there was so much sickness here that there were not enough well people to properly care for those who were ill and the settlers had a terrible time. Mr. Ervin has always been a strong supporter of Democratic principles and cast his first vote for James E. Polk. He served as School Director for six years and has also acceptably filled the office of Road overseer. When he came here he was in debt over $2,500, but he freed himself from encumbrance, secured a comfortable home by hard toil and honest dealings, and has been able to help both of his sons in making a start in life. Mr. and Mrs. Ervin have always endeavored to follow the Golden Rule and they have therefore secured the goodwill and esteem of all who enjoy the pleasure of their acquaintance.

Recopied by Robert L. Ervin 7/20/1994 - Portraits and Biographical 1891 Pike County
** (Note from Robert L. Ervin) - Mr. Paul Ervin, my Father and son of Walker C., stated that Isaac had another sister not mentioned in the above, by the name of Sarah Ann who married a Nelson and had fourteen children. She and her family resided in or near LaHarp in Hancock County Ill. He has discussed this with Mr. Kermit Klinefelter of Pittsfield who is a descendant of these Nelsons. She actually was Isaac’s niece, the daughter of Isaac’s brother James.