William F. Erp, one of the leading business men of Arcadia, is a member of the mercantile firm of Erp Brothers. This firm was established in the early history of the town, and the three brothers, being energetic and enterprising business men, have succeeded well in business, having by the accommodating manners and strict attention to the wants of their customers established a good trade. In September, 1883, a frame store building, built in 1880 by I. N. Voris and bought by Erp Brothers in 1883, was destroyed by fire. They then erected the substantial brick store, 25 x 80 feet, which they still occupy. The firm is composed of William F., D. Erp, Jr., and Claus Erp, sons of Detlef Erp, who immigrated with his family from Germany to America in 1873. The family spent two years in Chicago, Illinois, where William F. obtained a good practical business education while acting as clerk in a business house in that city. After leaving Chicago the father settled with his family on section 7, Arcadia Township, where he improved a farm. He subsequently removed to the village of Arcadia, where he still lives. In connection with their general mercantile pursuits the firm of Erp Brothers do an extensive business in grain and lumber, and are classed among the active and public-spirited citizens of Arcadia.

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