The man who owns 500 acres of land in Kent Township, Stephenson County, may be considered fortunate, and in that sense we must refer to the subject of this sketch, who owns 550 acres on section 24, the quality of which is very superior. He is the son of David Erwin (see sketch of J. Albright and D. F. Thompson), and was born in Stark County, Ohio, Feb. 10, 1839. He accompanied his parents to Stephenson County, and lived with them at home until he was about twenty-two years of age, when he married. In his boyhood he attended the common schools, and on account of his quick receptions and constant application to study received and education which has stood him in good stead in after life. He has resided in Kent Township continuously since 1848. Besides being constantly occupied in farming he has also engaged in contracting for the past eight or ten years, and in both occupations has been successful. In 1875 he purchased a farm, on which he settled and to which he has added, from time to time, until his place aggregates 550 acres. He has taken considerable pride in erecting upon his farm suitable and necessary buildings. Having ample facilities for the business he has engaged largely in raising stock, and has introduced many improvements in cattle and other domestic animals.

On the 16th of June, 1861, Mr. Erwin was married to Miss Rebecca A. Unangst, daughter of Phillip and Leah Unangst, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Stephenson County about 1857, and settled in Kent Township, where the father died July 8, 1871. The mother still survives. They had nine children, of whom Mrs. Erwin is the eldest. She was born in Northampton County, Pa., Oct. 6, 1836.

Mr. and Mrs. Erwin are the parents of three children - Addie, Franklin R. and Mabel. Addie is the wife of George W. Miller, and resides in Kent Township; she has two children - Emma O. and Amos L. Mabel died when three months old. Mr. Erwin has held some of the responsible offices in Kent Township. He believes in the doctrines of the Republican party, and gives his vote to the candidates of that party. Mrs. Erwin is a member of the Lutheran Church.

Cotnributed by Carol Parrish Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 542