Notes for William Armstrong "Tip" ERWINWILLIAM ARMSTRONG ERWIN
MARTHA ELIZABETH STINNETT
William Armstrong ("Tip") Erwin was born in McMinn County, Tennessee on May 30, 1840. The move to Texas (as a young boy) started in February 1846. The court records in McMinn Co., Tennessee indicate that his father left because he ran up intolerable debts. The family left for Texas in the company of the Stinnett's, the family of his future wife. They traveled first by wagon to Cotton Port on the Tennessee River. There they built a log raft and floated down the Tennessee River, into the Ohio and then into the Mississippi River. At the mouth of the Red River they traded their raft for passage on a steamboat to Shreveport, Louisiana. From there they headed west with a wagon and yoke of oxen. They went to Marshall in Harrison County, Texas. The Erwins appear in the 1850 Census in Harrison County. In 1854 they moved to Tarrant County, in a portion near Poolville, later to become Parker County. This was the extreme frontier for settlers. He, with his father and brother, each applied for 160 acres of land on the Clear Fork of the Trinity River, eighteen miles due north of Weatherford. As more Erwins arrived, or grew up, the place became known as the Erwin Community. Arthur Fuller, gives a thorough account of the homestead area (see reference 20) that will not be recounted here.
The Indians were initially friendly, but apparently began having conflicts with the new settlers just before the Civil War. Tip Erwin served for 3 years as a volunteer Texas Ranger guarding the immediate frontier around the Parker County area. Our grandmother stated this, probably echoing the words of her Uncle Horace who was generally an unreliable genealogist. However, I also find mention of this in some letters dating back before the turn of the century, making it sound more credible. Indian raids were apparently frequent and at one time a family of 7 was scalped within 2 miles of their cabin. Tip Erwin, with his father, hauled the first loads of lumber from the mills to Weatherford where it was used to construct the new courthouse for Parker County. The family kept in touch with relatives back in Tennessee. His father died in 1859, but his mother continued to live with or near his own family until her death in 1883.
Horace F. Erwin, son of William Armstrong and Martha Stinnett Erwin wrote of the early days in his parents lives. His direct account was relayed by Ruth Nisbet [456]:
"Treaties had been signed and the Indians moved westward by the time Parker County was organized and the Erwins arrived. Nevertheless, several times a year they made forays into the settlements, determined to rid the country of white man, to get horses and capture women and children for ransom. This continued through the Civil War period and into the next decade.
"William A. Erwin was twenty when he built a log cabin, about two miles from his parent's home near the bank of the Clear Fork of the Trinity River. He cut logs and smoothed them for the floor, put a nice smooth pole out from the wall and weaving with rawhide the springs for the bed, he fasted it securely to the pole and the log walls of the cabin. He fashioned a mantle over the fireplace and made a table.
"On March 1, 1860 he and Martha Elizabeth Stinnett were married. The two families were neighbors and long time friends, having made the long raft trip together when coming to Texas from Tennessee when William was five and Martha three years of age.
"After the preacher was gone and the wedding feast was over, he put his bride on his saddle pony and rode the two miles to their new home. In a few days they rode over to the village of Weatherford and purchased a few dishes and cooking utensils. A blacksmith had made a pot rack for the stick and mud chimney and fireplace where all the cooking was done. Martha had spun cloth for the bed tick and stuffed it with goose and duck feathers for the mattress. Soon a spinning wheel and loom were acquired so that Martha might makeclothes for the family, and a large black iron wash pot to be used for washing the clothes, making soap and at hog killing time.
"William plowed the field, raised a crop of corn, wheat and cotton that year. They had a garden, chickens and a cow. Wm. already had a few cattle on the free range. All was well until 1862 when William was called to the army. He served in Hoods Division, Yeagers Battalion, Texas Rangers. From the Ringold barracks and Brownsville, on the southern tip-end of Texas, to San Antonio, Sabine Pass on the gulf near the Louisiana border, they were guarding against invasion from the south.
"Martha was alone with little Samuel and baby Arminda. It was only about two miles to the Stinnetts (her father had gone to war too), and about that far to the Erwins. The only means of transportation was a saddle pony. Indians continued to raid occasionally, chiefly to get horses and cattle. An old man was scalped in the neighborhood and a woman and child taken. They would not take an injured or blind animal. Over half a century later, Martha and several of her grandchildren were sitting around the fire on one rainy, dreary afternoon, while she told stories of long ago. The subject of "Mollie", her small roan saddle pony was mentioned, as it often was. `Weren't you afraid the Indians would get her?', inquired a small voice. It was explained that the Indians would not take an injured or blind animal. `Was Mollie crippled or something?' the voice persisted. Martha's voice was husky, tears came into her eyes and rolled down her wrinkled face. She told of the warning that the Indians were coming. There was no choice if she were to save Mollie from the Indians. The most difficult decision and the hardest task that Martha had ever confronted. Taking a hot poker, she blinded Mollie in one eye. When the Indians came by, Mollie was still raring in pain. The children, some crying, put their arms around their grandmother in sympathy. Her daughter, from the doorway said `I never heard that before'. `Your father knew', was the reply.
"There was a little tin trunk in the dinning room closet, by the fireplace. In it were a number of keep sakes including some confederate money, little Fannie's china head doll, some lace made by an older generation and an Indian moccasin made of hide, probably buffalo, and decorated with a simple design made of blue and amber beads. Martha said the moccasin proved her story.
"Late one evening the two children were asleep and she was spinning by the light of the fire. She suddenly noticed the big door move as if someone was trying to get inside. Quietly the door moved again. Panic stricken, she grabbed the poker from the fireplace and stood near the wall beside the door opening. The door moved again as an Indian got his foot partly inside and as his head appeared she struck with the poker, using all her strength. The Indian fell back and she heard him hit the ground. His foot was caught in the door. Finally, she managed to push it out and fasten the door. The moccasin was inside. She did not sleep that night, sitting beside the door with the poker in her hand. The next day the Indian was gone.
"The war ended in 1865 while William A. was home on furlough. He received an honorable discharge and began the task of getting things in order. His stock was scattered or gone, the fields had grown up in shinery or weeds. With only the money he had saved from his meager army pay he bought a team, a few necessary farm tools and a few head of cattle. The saddle pony, Molly, was the only animal on the place. He prospered by hard work and determination. Within the next decade, they were able to build a plank house, large enough for their growing family, with a well of water near the kitchen door. His herd of cattle increased until several hundred bore his brand on the free range.
"In 1894 he traded farms and moved, with his oldest son Sam and his young family to Eastland County where he built a nice home on the 222 acre farm. The two also bought a large acreage of mountain pasture for their growing herd of cattle.
Ruth Nisbet
Tip Erwin's military records and obituary (probably written in part by Horace) add to the story. He served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War as far away as Fredricksburg. He enlisted in June 1862, with Stephen and Tom Erwin and James Stinnett, at Fort Mason, Texas. His unit was initially called Major Taylor's Battalion. They went to San Antonio to take charge of Federal prisoners until June 1863. They were then transferred to Ringold Barracks, Rio Grande city. In April 1863 they were merged with Yeager's battalion near Brownsville forming the 1st Texas Cavalry under Col. A. Buchell. Until April 1864 they patrolled between Brownsville and Sabine Pass. He became ill on November 15 and was hospitalized at Niblitts Bluff until February 15, 1865. He rejoined his unit at the mouth of the Brazos and did picket duty until April 1865. He was given leave and went back to Parker County; he was there when the war ended. William A. Erwin was, according to his military papers, 5 feet, 9 inches tall and had a fair complexion, grey eyes and light hair.
In 1892, the family was running Parson's College in Veal's Station, Parker County. The letterhead (from a letter of reference for Corbett Bullock) lists W. E. Green, business manager, W. A. Erwin, President. The faculty included W. A. Erwin, "Mental and Moral Philosophy and Flocution"; C. C. Bullock, "Academic"; and others. The departments were "Classical, Business, Normal, Elocution, Art and Music". Corbett Bullock went to the College from 1889, teaching there his Junior and Senior years and graduating in 1893.
In 1893 or 1894 the family moved to Eastland County, Texas. Their home there was located in the Sabanno community near Cisco, Texas. The Erwin community grew up there. The main house apparently had several adjoining it where other family members lived. The Green farm was located across the main road from the Church and little cemetery. Family would visit frequently. They would arrive by train in Cisco. Grandpa Erwin (William Armstrong) would come for them in the "surry with the fringe on top". The ride home was 18 miles! For the grandchildren, visiting was memorable: sliding down the hay stack, wading in the pool, eating ripe apricots and peaches in the orchards.
For 40 years Tip Erwin was an active member and elder in the Presbyterian Church. He had been moderator of the Presbytery and had been a delegate several times to the General Assembly. William Erwin died Monday, May 22, 1916 at 10:40 p.m. at his home in Sabanno, Eastland County. He was buried Tuesday afternoon in the Sabanno Cemetery, with his pastor, Rev. G. M. Rushing of Olney presiding. He lived a long and pleasant life, with a marriage of over 56 years! He was a successful farmer and stockman, an active citizen and a staunch Presbyterian. In his picture, he certainly looks like a patriarch of the family, and apparently he was in real life. There is much information on this colorful Southern gentleman.
Martha Stinnett was born in McMinn County, Tennessee on February 28, 1843 and named after her grandmothers. She moved to Texas as a young girl and her story parallels that of her husband (see above). Her family name was given to Stinnett, Texas. After the death of her husband, her sons prevailed on her daughter Sarah to live with and care for her. Martha Stinnett Erwin died of a cerebral hemorrhage in Sabanno, Eastland County, Texas on September 19, 1922. She is buried there in the family cemetery with her husband.
Sarah Erwin's husband, Corbett had died several years before Tip Erwin. Sarah's daughter, Ruth Nisbet, having heard them as a girl, relays many interesting stories about her grandmother Martha Stinnett:
"She was about three when they with several other families migrated by river raft and wagon to Texas. Attending the little country school, she learned to read, write and do simple arithmetic. These skills were evident thru the later years. At one time, two granddaughters were going to the store and taking the eggs for sale in a large case which held ten dozen eggs. On returning, they announced the eggs were 30 cents a dozen today, she remarked `pretty good, that's two and a half cents a piece. Did you spend the three dollars?' She was an invenerate reader. Slow but enjoying every word apparently. The Bible, and Presbyterian Church paper, the Dallas Semiweekly News, and the Women's Home Companion. It seems as tho she called every word in her mind and if it were new or difficult she would spell or pronounce it with her lips, or perhaps say it aloud if she were not quite sure. Always busy if not reading perhaps piecing a quilt, knitting, crocheting, sewing a dress or shirt, in her early and middle years.
"Before she married William Erwin at age eighteen, she had learned to cook over the coals in an open fireplace, make butter, jelly and jam. She could spin thread from cotton or sheep wool, then weave it into cloth for clothing, dyeing it with the juice of wild berries, leaves, nuts, etc. Often the color would come out brown -- a color which she never liked. She learned to make soap -- I remember half a century later she made some for grandchildren to see. It was ivory colored, made a nice lather but was not fragrant. She took great pride in doing things well, made beautiful lace, embroidery, quilts, etc.
"Some years after the War, they built a large plank house, hauling the lumber from Ft. Worth. The railroad had been completed that far west, bring many things from the east and north for sale. They bought the first cook stove in the community, a rocking chair with arms, a large mirror. Soon cloth was available as well as some other necessities at the store at Veal's Station and Weatherford. Life was pleasant as the older children grew to adults, married and/or left home, but `into every life some rain must fall', two little girls died very young.
"In 1894, the Wm. ("Tip") Erwins, along with their eldest son, Sam and his young family, sold their property in Parker County and moved to Eastland County where each bought large farms and a tract of mountain pasture for raising cattle. They worked and prospered.
"Martha Erwin's pride and joy was her family and the home. Gradually conveniences were added such as a wind mill, and the old oaken buckets abandoned. Several years later water was pumped into the house, a bath room built on and a sink in the kitchen. White enamel fixtures! For heat, a portable kerosene heater was acquired. Cabinets were built in the kitchen, a wood burning range with a water tank attached for hot water, linoleum on the kitchen, dining room and pantry floors. Walnut bedroom furniture with marble top tables, braided rugs on the floors. The most impressive to a small girl so long ago was the parlor. The carpet was pink roses, as large as saucers, lace curtains, an organ with pedals, that I could barely reach, but the key board was like a piano and I could play a tune! A leather couch and chairs, a marble topped table with the most beautiful kerosene lamp and the photograph album. Some time later, Horace brought them an Edison phonograph which had a wire case which hung on the wall above the library table in their bedroom. The cylinder records fit in the spaces. Records were chiefly music -- hymns, Harry Lauder Scotch songs, some current popular music (before the time of Rock and Roll), several Wm. Jennings Bryan speeches or exerpts. They really enjoyed it, neighbors and friends would come to hear the talking machine. Usually Grandma had cookies, ginger bread or something to serve the guests. By then the children were all gone and they two were alone. The farm was rented to a tenant who worked the farm and lived in the "little house" on the farm. One of that family would do the chores like chopping wood, milking, feeding the animals or household chores. About that time telephone service was brought to the county and a bit later electricity was available. Before then, they acquired a washing machine as well as a sewing machine -- both run by manpower or womanpower.
"Staunch Presbyterians and deeply religious, the church doors were scarcely open but that the Erwin family was there. Singing was a great part of the service while the ambition of every girl was to be able to play the pump organ at church and the boys to lead the singing. At times they would have a chance, when often one of the budding young organists and the leader was chosen to play and lead a song at the opening exercise at Sunday School. George Erwin was the song leader, years later he said it was grandma's suggestion. Martha Elizabeth Stinnett Erwin was a Wife, a Mother and a Homemaker. Surely her influence is felt today through others as it was so many years ago."
Ruth Nisbet
Tip and Martha Erwin were both members of the Pioneer Association of Parker earn that he moved to Texas in April 1846 and to Parker County in July 1855. The Stinnetts came to Texas in January 1846 and to Parker County in December 1855. Apparently they were separated for some time and the account of the Stinnetts (see Samuel Stinnett biography) supports this notion. It occurred to me that perhaps the story of the raft rides together is legend rather than fact. However, this is very unlikely. The story is attributed directly to Martha Stinnett in several accounts and was written in her husband's obituary while she still lived and is probably true.
They raised a fine family of twelve children. The son William Albert was a Presbyterian minister in Fort Worth and was invited to many cities to hold meetings. Horace was an evangelical singer and played the coronet. They worked together as a team for many years. Tom and John Erwin were in the hardware business in Parker County. Tom was a county judge for many years, into the mid-1930s. Arthur was a druggist. Sam, Joe, Marion and George were farmers. George was also a mail carrier and singer. This musical family made many records, the most famous of which was "When They Ring Those Golden Bells". Arminda and Sarah Alpha ("Allie") married Presbyterian ministers.
1880 United States Federal Census
Name: W. A. Erwin
Home in 1880: Weatherford, Parker, Texas
Age: 40
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1840
Birthplace: Tenn
Relation to Head of Household: Self (Head)
Spouse's Name: M. E.
Father's birthplace: Tenn
Mother's Name: Sarah
Mother's birthplace: Tenn
Neighbors: View others on page
Occupation: Farmer
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Male
Household Members: Name Age
W. A. Erwin 40
M. E. Erwin 37
J. S. Erwin 18
A. A. Erwin 17
W. N. Erwin 14
Joseph Erwin 12
S. A. Erwin 11
Tho. Erwin 8
C. M. Erwin 7
Jno. Erwin 5
Arthur Erwin 2
Geo. Erwin 4M
Sarah Erwin 74 Mother
1900 United States Federal Census
Name: William A E*In
[William Erwin]
Home in 1900: Justice Precinct 4, Eastland, Texas
Age: 60
Birth Date: May 1840
Birthplace: Tennessee
Race: White
Ethnicity: American
Relationship to head-of-house: Head
Father's Birthplace: Tennessee
Mother's Birthplace: Tennessee
Spouse's Name: Martha E
Marriage Year: 1861
Marital Status: Married
Years Married: 39
Residence : Justice Precinct 4, Eastland, Texas
Household Members: Name Age
William A E*In 60
Martha E Erwin 56
Arthur S Erwin 22
George Erwin 20
Horrace Erwin 15
Maud Erwin 5
Mamie Erwin 4
1910 United States Federal Census
Name: William A Erwin
Age in 1910: 69
Estimated birth year: abt 1841
Birthplace: Tennessee
Relation to Head of House: Head
Father's Birth Place: Tennessee
Mother's Birth Place: Tennessee
Spouse's name: Martha E Erwin
Home in 1910: Justice Precinct 4, Eastland, Texas
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Male
Household Members: Name Age
William A Erwin 69
Martha E Erwin 67
Notes for James Samuel ERWIN1880 United States Federal Census
Name: J.S. Erwin
Home in 1880: Weatherford, Parker, Texas
Age: 18
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1862
Birthplace: Texas
Relation to Head of Household: Son
Father's Name: W.A.
Father's birthplace: Tenn
Mother's Name: M. E.
Mother's birthplace: Tenn
Neighbors: View others on page
Occupation: Farm Hand
Race: White
Gender: Male
Household Members: Name Age
W.A. Erwin 40
M. E. Erwin 37
J.S. Erwin 18
A.A. Erwin 17
W.N. Erwin 14
Joseph Erwin 12
S.A. Erwin 11
Tho. Erwin 8
C.M. Erwin 7
Jno. Erwin 5
Arthur Erwin 2
Geo. Erwin 4M
Sarah Erwin 74
1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Samuel Erwin
Home in 1900: Justice Precinct 4, Eastland, Texas
Age: 38
Birth Date: Aug 1861
Birthplace: Texas
Race: White
Ethnicity: American
Relationship to head-of-house: Head
Father's Birthplace: Tennessee
Mother's Birthplace: Tennessee
Spouse's Name: Elen N
Marriage Year: 1884
Marital Status: Married
Years Married: 16
Residence : Justice Precinct 4, Eastland, Texas
Household Members: Name Age
Samuel Erwin 38
Elen N Erwin 35
Laura M Erwin 15
E*La M Erwin 12
Lorenora L Erwin 9
Fannie E Erwin 7
Edwin S Erwin 5
Rhea M Erwin 2
Finnis Erwin 3.12
William McFarland 28 Servant
1910 United States Federal Census Record
Name: James S Erwin
Age in 1910: 48
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1862
BirthPlace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Head
Father's Birth Place: Tennessee
Mother's Birth Place: Tennessee
Spouses's Name: Ellen
Home in 1910: Justice Precinct 4, Eastland, Texas
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Male
Household Members: Name Age
James S Erwin 48
Ellen Erwin 45
Eula Erwin 22
Lorena Erwin 19
Fannie Erwin 17
Edwin Erwin 15
Ray Erwin 12
Finis Erwin 10
Everett Erwin 7
Notes for Nancy Ellen WAMPLER1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Elen N Erwin
Home in 1900: Justice Precinct 4, Eastland, Texas
Age: 35
Birth Date: Feb 1865
Birthplace: Texas
Race: White
Ethnicity: American
Relationship to head-of-house: Wife
Father's Birthplace: Indiana
Mother's Birthplace: Illinois
Mother: number of living children: 7
Mother: How many children: 7
Spouse's Name: Samuel
Marriage Year: 1884
Marital Status: Married
Years Married: 16
Residence : Justice Precinct 4, Eastland, Texas
Household Members: Name Age
Samuel Erwin 38
Elen N Erwin 35
Laura M Erwin 15
E*La M Erwin 12
Lorenora L Erwin 9
Fannie E Erwin 7
Edwin S Erwin 5
Rhea M Erwin 2
Finnis Erwin 3.12
William McFarland 28
Notes for Laura Armanda ERWIN1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Laura Mccoy
Age in 1910: 25
Estimated birth year: 1885
Birthplace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Father's Birth Place: Texas
Mother's Birth Place: Texas
Spouse's name: George E Mccoy
Home in 1910: Abilene Ward 3, Taylor, Texas
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Female
Household Members:
Name Age
George E Mccoy 28
Laura Mccoy 25
Lenna Mccoy 4
Dola Mccoy 23 Sister
Notes for Samuel Edwin ERWINWorld War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
Name: Samuel Edwin Erwin
City: Not Stated
County: Eastland
State: Texas
Birthplace: Texas
Birth Date: 30 Dec 1894
Roll: 1953274
DraftBoard: 0
1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Edwin Erwin
Age in 1910: 15
Estimated Birth Year: 1895
Birthplace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Son
Father's Name: James S Erwin
Father's Birth Place: Texas
Mother's Name: Ellen Erwin
Mother's Birth Place: Texas
Home in 1910: Justice Precinct 4, Eastland, Texas
Marital Status: Single
Race: White
Gender: Male
Household Members:
Name Age
James S Erwin 48
Ellen Erwin 45
Eula Erwin 22
Lorena Erwin 19
Fannie Erwin 17
Edwin Erwin 15
Ray Erwin 12
Finis Erwin 10
Everett Erwin 7
Notes for William Albert ERWIN Rev.Rev William Albert Erwin
Birth: 1866
Death: 1947
Llano burial 07/22/1947
Burial: Llano Cemetery, Amarillo, Potter County, Texas, USA
Plot: Section 13 Lot 19 Space 2
Record added: Nov 5 2006
By: Walter Dunn
1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Lula Erwin
[Lula Partwood]
Home in 1900: Henrietta, Clay, Texas
Age: 32
Birth Date: Apr 1868
Birthplace: Mississippi
Race: White
Ethnicity: American
Relationship to head-of-house: Wife
Father's Birthplace: Mississippi
Mother's Birthplace: Missouri
Mother: number of living children: 3
Mother: How many children: 3
Spouse's Name: William
Marriage Year: 1894
Marital Status: Married
Years Married: 6
Residence : Henrietta Town, Clay, Texas
Household Members: Name Age
William Erwin 34
Lula Erwin 32
William Erwin 4
Paul H Erwin 3
Marry E Erwin 9.12
Partwood 58 Mother-in-law
Bell Nowls 27 Lodger
1910 United States Federal Census
Name: W A Erwin
Age in 1910: 44
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1866
Birthplace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Head
Father's Birth Place: Tennessee
Mother's Birth Place: Tennessee
Spouse's Name: Lula
Home in 1910: Delhart Ward 3, Dallam, Texas
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Male
Household Members: Name Age
W A Erwin 44
Lula Erwin 44
William Erwin 14
Parel Erwin 13
Mary E Portwood 67
Notes for Laura "Lula" PORTWOODLula Portwood Erwin
Birth: 1866
Death: 1937
Llano burial 02/24/1937
Burial: Llano Cemetery, Amarillo, Potter County, Texas, USA
Plot: Section 13 Lot 18 Space 1
Record added: Nov 5 2006
By: Walter Dunn
1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Lula Erwin
Home in 1900: Henrietta, Clay, Texas
Age: 32
Birth Date: Apr 1868
Birthplace: Mississippi
Race: White
Ethnicity: American
Relationship to head-of-house: Wife
Father's Birthplace: Mississippi
Mother's Birthplace: Missouri
Mother: number of living children: 3
Mother: How many children: 3
Spouse's Name: William
Marriage Year: 1894
Marital Status: Married
Years Married: 6
Residence : Henrietta Town, Clay, Texas
Household Members: Name Age
William Erwin 34
Lula Erwin 32
William Erwin 4
Paul H Erwin 3
Marry E Erwin 9.12
Partwood 58 Mother-in-law
Bell Nowls 27 Lodger
1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Lula Erwin
[Lula Portwood]
Age in 1910: 44
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1866
Birthplace: Mississippi
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Father's Birth Place: Mississippi
Mother's Name: Mary E
Mother's Birth Place: Mississippi
Mother: number of living children: 2
Mother: How many children: 3
Spouse's Name: W A
Home in 1910: Delhart Ward 3, Dallam, Texas
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Female
Household Members: Name Age
W A Erwin 44
Lula Erwin 44
William Erwin 14
Parel Erwin 13
Mary E Portwood 67
Notes for William Portwood ERWINThe son of W. A. Erwin of Chicago, Illinois, William Portwood Erwin was assigned to the 1st Observation Squadron on 19 July 1918. A Salmson 2A2 pilot, he and his observers were credited with 8 victories. He and his navigator, Alvin H. Eichwaldt, were lost at sea while searching for two planes, the Golden Eagle and the Miss Doran, that were missing in the Pacific during the Dole Air Race from California to Hawaii in 1927.
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William P. Erwin, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the Chateau-Thierry and St. Mihiel Salients, France. Lieutenant Erwin, with Second Lieutenant Byrne E. Baucom, observer, by a long period of faithful and heroic operations, set an inspiring example of courage and devotion to duty to his entire squadron. Throughout the Chateau- Thierry actions, in June and July, 1918, he flew under the worst weather conditions and successfully carried out his missions in the face of heavy odds. In the St. Mihiel sector, September 12 - 15, 1918, he repeated his previous courageous work. He flew as low as 50 feet from the ground behind the enemy's lines, harassing German troops with machine-gun fire and subjecting himself to attack from ground batteries, machine- guns, and rifles. He twice drove off enemy planes which were attempting to destroy an American observation balloon. On September 12 and 13, 1918, he flew at extremely low altitudes and carried out infantry contact patrols successfully. Again on September 12 he attacked a German battery, forced the crew to abandon it, shot off of his horse a German officer who was trying to escape, drove the cannoneers to their dugouts, and kept them there until the infantry could come up and capture them.
General Orders No. 70, W.D., 1919
French Croix de Guerre
On 20 July 1918, he volunteered for an infantry liaison mission at night fall, executed this mission at 200 meters altitude. He brought back his observer, who was mortally wounded, and his plane was full of bullet holes.
Croix de Guerre citation
World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
Name: William Artwood Erwin
City: Not Stated
County: Eastland
State: Texas
Birthplace: Oklahoma;United States of America
Birth Date: 18 Oct 1895
Race: White
Roll: 1953274
DraftBoard: 0
1920 United States Federal Census
Name: Wm P Erwin
Home in 1920: Wichita Falls, Wichita, Texas
Age: 24 years
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1896
Birthplace: Oklahoma
Relation to Head of House: Lodger
Father's Birth Place: Texas
Mother's Birth Place: Mississippi
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Sex: Male
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Image: 513
Household Members: Name Age
H H Hamlin 41
G H Hamlin 22
Edric Hamlin 20
Louise Hamlin 19
J W Hamlin 25
Grady H England 25
H G England 25
G E Watson 24
J E Cude 23
H R Patterson 45
H B Patterson 41
Wm P Erwin 24
Wm P Erwin 21
Virgie Philips 24
Notes for Paul Handel ERWINWorld War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
Name: Paul H Erwin
City: Not Stated
County: Potter
State: Texas
Birthplace: Texas
Birth Date: 6 Dec 1896
Roll: 1983578
DraftBoard: 0
Notes for Mary Elizabeth ERWINMary Elizabeth Erwin
Birth: unknown
Death: Oct. 16, 1902
Age 3yrs 1mo 11days
Burial: Llano Cemetery, Amarillo, Potter County, Texas, USA
Plot: Section 13 Lot 17 Space 1
Record added: Nov 5 2006
By: Walter Dunn
Notes for Joseph Rodgers ERWIN1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Joseph R Erwin
[Joseph R Ermis]
Home in 1900: Justice Precinct 4, Eastland, Texas
Age: 27
Birth Date: Aug 1866
Birthplace: Texas
Race: White
Ethnicity: American
Relationship to head-of-house: Brother
Father's Birthplace: Tennessee
Mother's Birthplace: Tennessee
Marital Status: Widowed
Residence : Justice Precinct 4, Eastland, Texas
Household Members: Name Age
Marion Erwin 27
Pearl Erwin 23
Reuel Erwin 2
Joseph R Erwin 27
1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Joe R Erwin
Age in 1910: 42
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1868
Birthplace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Head
Father's Birth Place: Tennessee
Mother's Birth Place: Tennessee
Spouse's Name: Pollie
Home in 1910: Justice Precinct 4, Eastland, Texas
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Male
Household Members: Name Age
Joe R Erwin 42
Pollie Erwin 25
Zed Erwin 18
Maud Erwin 16
Mayme Erwin 13
Mabel Erwin 3
Bruce Erwin 7/12
1930 United States Federal Census
Name: Joseph R Erwin
Home in 1930: Precinct 7, Eastland, Texas
Age: 62
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1868
Birthplace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Head
Spouse's Name: Polly A Erwin
Race: White
Household Members:
Name Age
Joseph R Erwin 62
Polly A Erwin 45
Bruce R Erwin 20
Jerrel L Erwin 18
Hulon R Erwin 15
Wordis R Erwin 12
Flora B Underwood 71 [ Mother-in-Law ]
Notes for Polly Ann UNDERWOOD1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Pollie Erwin
Age in 1910: 25
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1885
Birthplace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Father's Birth Place: Alabama
Mother's Birth Place: Texas
Mother: number of living children: 2
Mother: How many children: 4
Spouse's Name: Joe R
Home in 1910: Justice Precinct 4, Eastland, Texas
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Female
Household Members: Name Age
Joe R Erwin 42
Pollie Erwin 25
Zed Erwin 18
Maud Erwin 16
Mayme Erwin 13
Mabel Erwin 3
Bruce Erwin 7/12
Notes for Ralph Hulon ERWIN1920 United States Federal Census
Name: Hulon Erwin
Home in 1920: Justice Precinct 6, Callahan, Texas
Age: 5
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1915
Birthplace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Son
Father's Name: Joseph R Erwin
Father's Birth Place: Texas
Mother's Name: Pally Erwin
Mother's Birth Place: Texas
Marital Status: Single
Race: White
Sex: Male
Household Members:
Name Age
Joseph R Erwin 52
Pally Erwin 34
Mabel Erwin 13
Bruce Erwin 10
Jerrell Erwin 7
Hulon Erwin 5
Wordie Erwin 2 6/12
1930 United States Federal Census
Name: Hulon R Erwin
Home in 1930: Precinct 7, Eastland, Texas
Age: 15
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1915
Relation to Head of House: Son
Father's Name: Joseph R Erwin
Mother's Name: Polly A Erwin
Race: White
Household Members:
Name Age
Joseph R Erwin 62
Polly A Erwin 45
Bruce R Erwin 20
Jerrel L Erwin 18
Hulon R Erwin 15
Wordis R Erwin 12
Flora B Underwood 71
Notes for Wordis Registration ERWIN1920 United States Federal Census [ Feb. 6 or 7, 1920 ]
Name: Wordie Erwin
Home in 1920: Justice Precinct 6, Callahan, Texas
Age: 2 6/12
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1918
Birthplace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Son
Father's Name: Joseph R Erwin
Father's Birth Place: Texas
Mother's Name: Pally Erwin
Mother's Birth Place: Texas
Marital Status: Single
Race: White
Sex: Male
Household Members:
Name Age
Joseph R Erwin 52
Pally Erwin 34
Mabel Erwin 13
Bruce Erwin 10
Jerrell Erwin 7
Hulon Erwin 5
Wordie Erwin 2 6/12
1930 United States Federal Census
Name: Wordis R Erwin
Home in 1930: Precinct 7, Eastland, Texas
Age: 12
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1918
Relation to Head of House: Son
Father's Name: Joseph R Erwin
Mother's Name: Polly A Erwin
Race: White
Household Members:
Name Age
Joseph R Erwin 62
Polly A Erwin 45
Bruce R Erwin 20
Jerrel L Erwin 18
Hulon R Erwin 15
Wordis R Erwin 12
Flora B Underwood 71 [ Mother-in-Law ]
Notes for Zed ERWINWorld War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 Record
Name: Zed Erwin
City: Not Stated
County: Eastland
State: Texas
Birthplace: Texas
Birth Date: Sep 17 1892
Race: Caucasian
Roll: 1953274
DraftBoard: 0
Texas Death Index, 1903-2000
Name: Zed Erwin
Death Date: 2 Nov 1963
Death County: Lubbock
Certificate: 71643
1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Jed Erwin
Home in 1900: Justice Precinct 4, Eastland, Texas
Age: 8
Birth Date: Sep 1891
Birthplace: Texas
Race: White
Ethnicity: American
Relationship to head-of-house: Lodger
Father's Birthplace: Texas
Mother's Birthplace: Texas
Marital Status: Single
Residence : Justice Precinct 4, Eastland, Texas
Household Members: Name Age
William B Porter 57
Ann T Porter 55
Nancy A Porter 93
Jed Erwin 8
1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Zed Erwin
Age in 1910: 18
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1892
Birthplace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Son
Father's Name: Joe R
Father's Birth Place: Texas
Mother's Name: Pollie
Mother's Birth Place: Texas
Home in 1910: Justice Precinct 4, Eastland, Texas
Marital Status: Single
Race: White
Gender: Male
Household Members: Name Age
Joe R Erwin 42
Pollie Erwin 25
Zed Erwin 18
Maud Erwin 16
Mayme Erwin 13
Mabel Erwin 3
Bruce Erwin 7/12
1920 United States Federal Census
Name: Zed Erwin
Home in 1920: Cisco, Eastland, Texas
Age: 28
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1892
Birthplace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Roomer
Father's Birth Place: Texas
Mother's Birth Place: United States
Marital Status: Single
Race: White
Sex: Male
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Household Members:
Name Age
Sam Hunt 51
Minnie Hunt 41
Hugh Hunt 21
Emmalee Hunt 20
Francis Hunt 19
Doris Hunt 14
Margaret Hunt 12
Zed Erwin 28
Notes for Fannie Maude ERWIN1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Maud Erwin
[Maud]
Home in 1900: Justice Precinct 4, Eastland, Texas
Age: 5
Birth Date: Nov 1894
Birthplace: Oklahoma Ter
[Oklahoma]
Race: White
Ethnicity: American
Relationship to head-of-house: Granddaughter
Father's Birthplace: Texas
Mother's Birthplace: Texas
Marital Status: Single
Residence : Justice Precinct 4, Eastland, Texas
Household Members: Name Age
William A E*In 60
Martha E Erwin 56
Arthur S Erwin 22
George Erwin 20
Horrace Erwin 15
Maud Erwin 5
Mamie Erwin 4
1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Maud Erwin
Age in 1910: 16
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1894
Birthplace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Daughter
Father's Name: Joe R
Father's Birth Place: Texas
Mother's Name: Pollie
Mother's Birth Place: Texas
Home in 1910: Justice Precinct 4, Eastland, Texas
Marital Status: Single
Race: White
Gender: Female
Household Members: Name Age
Joe R Erwin 42
Pollie Erwin 25
Zed Erwin 18
Maud Erwin 16
Mayme Erwin 13
Mabel Erwin 3
Bruce Erwin 7/12
Notes for Mamie ERWIN1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Mamie Erwin
[Mamie]
Home in 1900: Justice Precinct 4, Eastland, Texas
Age: 4
Birth Date: Mar 1896
Birthplace: Oklahoma Ter
[Oklahoma]
Race: White
Ethnicity: American
Relationship to head-of-house: Granddaughter
Father's Birthplace: Texas
Mother's Birthplace: Texas
Marital Status: Single
Residence : Justice Precinct 4, Eastland, Texas
Household Members: Name Age
William A E*In 60
Martha E Erwin 56
Arthur S Erwin 22
George Erwin 20
Horrace Erwin 15
Maud Erwin 5
Mamie Erwin 4
1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Mayme Erwin
Age in 1910: 13
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1897
Birthplace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Daughter
Father's Name: Joe R
Father's Birth Place: Texas
Mother's Name: Pollie
Mother's Birth Place: Texas
Home in 1910: Justice Precinct 4, Eastland, Texas
Marital Status: Single
Race: White
Gender: Female
Household Members: Name Age
Joe R Erwin 42
Pollie Erwin 25
Zed Erwin 18
Maud Erwin 16
Mayme Erwin 13
Mabel Erwin 3
Bruce Erwin 7/12
1920 United States Federal Census
Name: Mamie Cozart
Home in 1920: Justice Precinct 6, Eastland, Texas
Age: 22
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1898
Birthplace: Oklahoma
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Spouse's Name: Robert E Cozart
Father's Birth Place: Texas
Mother's Birth Place: Texas
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Sex: Female
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Household Members:
Name Age
Robert E Cozart 25
Mamie Cozart 22
Viola G Cozart 3
Robert Z Cozart 1
Notes for Thomas Rodgers ERWIN JudgeTexas Death Index, 1903-2000
Name: Thomas R. Erwin
Death Date: 2 Jul 1955
Death County: Parker
Certificate: 35826
1910 United States Federal Census
Name: T R Eddin
[T R Erwin]
Age in 1910: 39
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1871
Birthplace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Head
Father's Birth Place: Tennessee
Mother's Birth Place: Tennessee
Spouse's Name: Benona
Home in 1910: Weatherford Ward 4, Parker, Texas
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Male
Household Members: Name Age
T R Eddin 39
Benona Eddin 39
Bear Henry Arth 6
1920 United States Federal Census
Name: Thomas R Erwin
Home in 1920: Weatherford Ward 4, Parker, Texas
Age: 49 years
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1871
Birthplace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Head
Spouse's Name: Benona
Father's Birth Place: Tennessee
Mother's Birth Place: Tennessee
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Sex: Male
Home owned: Own
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Image: 735
Household Members: Name Age
Thomas R Erwin 49
Benona Erwin 49
Ben Henry Erwin 15
Notes for Benorah Henry PORTERTexas Death Index, 1903-2000
Name: Benona Henry Erwin
Death Date: 26 Mar 1960
Death County: Dallas
Certificate: 15804
Notes for Cyrus "Charles" Marion ERWINWorld War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 Record
Name: Charles Marion Erwin
City: Not Stated
County: Eastland
State: Texas
Birth Date: Feb 24 1873
Race: White
Roll: 1953274
DraftBoard: 0
1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Marion Erwin
Home in 1900: Justice Precinct 4, Eastland, Texas
Age: 27
Birth Date: Feb 1873
Birthplace: Texas
Race: White
Ethnicity: American
Relationship to head-of-house: Head
Father's Birthplace: Tennessee
Mother's Birthplace: Tennessee
Spouse's Name: Pearl
Marriage Year: 1897
Marital Status: Married
Years Married: 3
Residence : Justice Precinct 4, Eastland, Texas
Household Members: Name Age
Marion Erwin 27
Pearl Erwin 23
Reuel Erwin 2
Joseph R Erwin 27
1910 United States Federal Census
Name: C Marion Erwin
Age in 1910: 37
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1873
Birthplace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Head
Father's Birth Place: Tennessee
Mother's Birth Place: Tennessee
Spouse's Name: Pearl
Home in 1910: Justice Precinct 6, Eastland, Texas
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Male
Household Members: Name Age
C Marion Erwin 37
Pearl Erwin 32
Ruel Erwin 12
Arwin Erwin 7
Agnes Erwin 3
1920 United States Federal Census
Name: Charles M Erwin
Home in 1920: Justice Precinct 4, Eastland, Texas
Age: 47 years
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1873
Birthplace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Head
Spouse's Name: Pearl
Father's Birth Place: Tennessee
Mother's Birth Place: Tennessee
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Sex: Male
Home owned: Own
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Image: 1048
Household Members: Name Age
Charles M Erwin 47
Pearl Erwin 42
Erwin Erwin 17
Agnes Erwin 12
Alvis Erwin 9
Dorthy Erwin 6
This page, and all genealogical data contained on it are © 2000- Leonard Avilla (leonard@avicom.com).
This page was created by GedTree version 1.60.