JOHN W. ERB.  this county, like other portions of the United States, is largely indebted to citizens of foreign birth for the development of her agricultural resources, the promotion of the cause of education and other movements for the public weal, and for examples of good citizenship.  The German Empire has sent forth many sons and daughters who have held prominent and honorable places among the number.  One of these is the subject of this biographical notice, who occupies a farm on section 13, Deerfield Township, and has acquired a comfortable estate.
     Phillip and Catherine (Schnur) Erb, the parents of our subject, were born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, emigrated to America in 1853, and located in this county on the section mentioned.  There they spent the remainder of their lives in industry and honor.  The husband breathed his last Apr. 12, 1877, and the wife May 2, 1887.  The good couple were the parents of six children, our subject being the third son.
     The natal day of John W. Erb was Feb. 24, 1834, and his birthplace the province in which his parents also had opened their eyes to the light.  He attended school in accordance with the laws of the Empire, acquiring a good practical education, to which he added somewhat after he was brought to this country.  He accompanied his parents here, and resided under t heir roof, assisting his father until his marriage to Catherine, daughter of Lewis and Catherine (Bumbergar) Martin, which occurred Apr. 19, 1860.  The bride was born in Biederhausen, Bavaria, Germany, Feb. 1, 1840.  After a brief wedded life she passed away Nov. 28, 1861, leaving a daughter, Anna born Mar. 22, 1861, who still lives with her father.
     Mr. Erb was again married May 13, 1862, his bride on this occasion being Anna M. Schnur.  This lady was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, Aug. 29, 1834, being the second child and eldest daughter of George H. and Mary M. (Muhl) Schnur.  Her parents, who were natives of the same province as herself, came to America in 1841, locating in Ohio.  Four years later they removed to Adams County, this State, and from that time until called hence, were residents of Burton Township.  Mrs. Schnur died July 6, 1864, and Mr. Schnur May 31, 1884.
     The present Mrs. Erb has borne her husband six children, of whom we note the following:  George Henry, born Mar. 44, 1864, is still at home; Ella E., born July 20, 1864, is the wife of William L. Elliott and lives in Fairview Township; Emma Olivia, born Sept. 12, 1866, has fitted herself for teaching, attended college at Carthage, and has taught in Joshua and Deerfield Townships; Amelia M., born Feb. 26, 1868, has taught in Deerfield and Cass Townships for two years, and has also taken a term of instruction in shorthand and type writing at Dixon; Maggie M. born Mar. 19, 1871, has been attending the Northern Normal School at Dixon; William E., born Jan. 24, 1877, died Feb. 12, the same year.|
     Immediately after his first marriage Mr. Erb rented a farm from his father, occupying it two years, after which he removed to Adams County.  He remained there until 1867, then returned hither and bought land on Section 13, Deerfield Township.  In 1886 he purchased thirty acres adjoining the farm on the north, and took up his residence upon the new tract, where he has since made his home.  He has a fine frame house, and in many ways improved the place.  The land, most of which he has cleared and improved, consists of one hundred and five broad acres from which a good support is obtained and the family supplied with all the comforts of life.
     Mr. Erb has taken great pride in educating his children, and fitting them for usefulness in life.  The entire family belong to the Lutheran Church, in which the father has been Deacon.  Mr. Erb has been a Democrat ever since he can remember, and always votes the straight ticket.  He belongs to the Joshua Union of the Farmers' Alliance.  The only office which he has held has been that of School Director, in which he served faithfully.  During the Civil war Mr. Erb was drafted, and paid $900 for a substitute.
 - Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Fulton County, Illinois - Published Chicago, 1890  - Page 702