MUSCATINE COUNTY IOWA REGISTER OF OLD SETTLERS BOOK ONE

Source: REGISTER OF OLD SETTLERS , BOOK One, page 419
submitted by Jo Ann Carlson, November 10, 2007

Death’s Harvest
JACOB ERB
March 22, 1895 (hand written)

This patient sufferer passed quietly to rest at 1:45 this morning. He was born in Cumberland county, Penn., March 2, 1824. His father, Christian Erb, was a brother of Bishop Erb, of the United Brethren church, and his mother’s maiden name was Elizabeth Witmer. His earlier years were spent on the farm, but when at the age of seven his father died, he removed with his mother to Wurmersburg, which continued to be the family home for many years. He spent about nine years clerking in the store of Mr. John Kunkle, of Harrisburg. Accompanied by his mother, he reached Muscatine in 1850, and the following year went to California, following year went to California, where he remained four years. Shortly after his return he was employed by Mr. S.G. Stein in the lumber yard, on the corner of Pine and Second streets, where he remained for nearly thirty-nine years. In all these long years he never missed a week’s time on account of sickness until within the last year.

The day after reaching his majority he became a member of the I.O.O.F., with which fraternity he had been identified for fifty years. From its origin he had been treasurer of the Muscatine City and County Mutual Aid Society.

He was united in marriage with Miss Susan Funk, Jan. 3rd, 1861. Nine children have blessed this home. Eight are still living, all of whom, with his faithful wife were with him at the time of his death.

Mr. Erb was a rare character; scrupulously honest, of untiring activity and unbounded generosity. His fairness in business matters, and his cheerful, social nature, together with his long residence in this community, secured for him many hosts of friends who will learn with sadness of his departure.

He united with the United Brethren church in 1851 and was one of its most faithful and consistent members.

In all the struggles through which his church has passed he was ready with counsel and service and financial help to secure its success, and in no place outside of his happy home will he be missed more than in the church of which he was a pillar. Cheerful, faithful and true as he was everywhere, yet he was a his very best in his home.

The funeral sermon will be preached by his pastor, Rev. N.W. Burtner, in the Unitd Brethren church at half-past two o’clock on Sunday afternoon, March 24th, after which the lodge of which he was a long member will have charge of all further services.

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