Thomas Barkley Erwin was born September 16, 1792 in Rowan County, North Carolina. He was the first-born child of Joseph Erwin, Sr. and Catherine (Nancy) Cowan. At the age of twenty Thomas served in the War of 1812. After he was released from military service he returned to North Carolina for a time, but eventually settled in Lafayette, Chambers County, Alabama, where he accumulated a substantial amount of property that he sold before moving to Texas.
Thomas married Agnes (Nancy) McLarty on March 2, 1822 in Cabarrus Cty, NC.
Attending the wedding were Bondsman: John W. Hamilton and Witness: John Travis.
Within two years after they married, Thomas and Nancy moved to Jasper County Georgia, according to records that show Thomas B Erwin winning the Georgia land lottery in 1827. Requirements for the lottery were, the individual must be a US citizen living in Georgia for three years immediately prior to 1 Jan 1827.
Tom and Nancy had one child, Augustus in 1823, but Nancy died in early 1827. Tom then married Elizabeth S. (Betsy) Owens on September 4, 1827 in Jasper County, Georgia.
Thomas and Betsy had nine children:
Catherine in 1832-1857
Thomas Gawes in 1837
James Robert in 1839 (died 1862, civil war)
Charles in 1842 (died 1861, civil war)
Henry Clay in 1843 (died 1899)
Benjamin Franklin in 1845
Mary Elizabeth in 1847
Emma in 1849 (died 1884)
Larissa in 1853 (died 1878).
"Some Biographies of Old Settlers."
Historical, Personal and Reminiscent. Volume I By Sid S. Johnson, 1900: Sid S. Johnson, Publisher
Tyler, Texas Chapter XXXVIII - Pages 185 - 188
Col. Thos. B. Erwin was born in 1792 and died in Tyler, Texas, in 1868, living to a good old age, beloved and honored for his good qualities of head and heart. He emigrated from the State of Alabama to Texas. He built the first (log) house in Lafayette, Alabama, out of hickory logs, in honor of Andrew Jackson, distinctly declaring his politics by following the fortunes of the hero of New Orleans. He landed in Smith county in 1850, and settled on Rabbit Creek, and opened up a large plantation and commenced the cultivation of the virgin soil fo Smith county, and made farming a complete success. Col. Erwin, at the age of twenty, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and after his return home was made a colonel of militia, which position he held up to the time of his moving to Texas. He and Col. L.B. Snoddy (his son-in-law) blazed the first road to Garden Valley, that is now a public thoroughfare for travel. Col. Erwin soon settled in Tyler with his intelligent family, and built a handsome residence, now standing on West Erwin street, which was known by all the old settlers and the most superb residence at the time of its completion in the small village of Tyler. In keeping up with the spirit of improvement, he erected two brick buildings on the South side of the square (Willis's drug store), besides other improvements in the town. Col. Erwin was highly esteemed for his sterling worth and financial abilities, as he was successful in all enterprises he undertook, thereby accumulating a large fortune for this country, at the time of his death. He was a large, tall, robust man, well built, and the estimate placed on him from appearance, indicates the character of the man. He was full of energy and made the main business of his life farming, and in his favorite pursuit of agriculture, everything prospered around him. But he made other large investments with equal good results. Col. Erwin was a large slave owner, but it was a notable fact that he was humane and kind to his slaves and they were well cared for in the way of good food and clothing. Even his manner and voice indicated the fact of his being a thorough business man, but he always had the faculty of being a gentleman and made every one his friend. The writer well remembers the hospitality of Col. Erwin and his excellent wife at their pleasant home. Every guest was made to feel at home under its roof. His domestic relations were of the most pleasant nature, and the old settler remembers well the many happy occasions of the gathering of the young people at the Erwin home. He was the friend of the struggling young man and always had an encouraging word for the young boy or girl. Tyler's prosperity was advanced by his money being put in improvements and the town grew wonderfully, assuming a business center. One of the principal streets of the city bears his honored name that he helped so much to beautify. Col. Erwin bore an honorable name through life, and at his death many regrets and pangs were felt among the people, sympathizing deeply with his bereaved family. It was his constant aim to educate his children and start them out in life. Gus Erwin married Miss Hudson, and they had several children. Gus was a leading merchant in Tyler in the early fifties. All of the family are dead. Captain John M. Jessup married Mary and they have several children. Capt. and Mrs. Jessup are both dead. Thomas G. Erwin married Miss Arthur, and they had two children. Tom and his wife are dead. Tom was a good business man. Clay Erwin married Miss Sallie McDaniel. Clay is dead and the family reside in this city. Several children are grown and married. Frank Erwin married Miss Laura Hoskins, of Kentucky, and the family reside in this city, having two daughters. Frank is the only member of Col. Erwin's family living. Henry Bullard married Emma, and they had several children. Mrs. Bullard is dead. Mr. Bullard is a business man of Bullard, Texas. Hal C. McFarland married Rissa and had several children. Mrs. McFarland is dead. Mr. McFarland resides a few miles west of Tyler, and is a good farmer. I have spent many happy hours at the Erwin homestead. It was the old Southern style of hospitality, and gay throngs of happy young people were made to enjoy life. It was a handsome family; a noble family; a Southern family.
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James Smallwood, in his "History of Smith County, Texas", mentions Col. Erwin and his family members several times:
Page 8: Five men, H.H. Curl, Hamlin Hardin, Robert Lyons, John McKinley, and T.B. Erwin, entered their occupations as “traders on notes,” indicating that they bought promissory notes at a discount hoping to sell or redeem them later at a higher price.
Page 29: On the sixth, a fire was discovered under the home of Mrs. Erwin two miles west of Tyler. A barking dog and an alert slave saved the home from serious damage (This Mrs. Erwin is thought to be Sallie McDaniel Erwin, wife of Clay Erwin, the third son of Col. Erwin by his first wife).
Page 86: In 1860 Thomas B. Erwin built two two-story brick store buildings corresponding to 116 and 118 West Erwin Street. He also owned the corner frame structure which had the gable end fronting north and stairs leading on the outside to the second floor. The identity of the occupants of these buildings during 1860 is uncertain, although Smith and Fleishel moved into one of the brick buildings in 1861.
Smith County Distilleries
Smith County History goes into great detail about individual economic endeavors in Smith County in the 1850s and 1860s, and there were many. Colonel Tom Erwin is mentioned under distilleries:
…Tyler also had two distilleries and the Canton (Omen) area had one. By 1860 the three plants – one owned by George Eaton, whose works were several miles from Omen; one by T.B. Erwin; and one by Terrell Copeland – produced 2,400 gallons of corn whiskey, along with 400 gallons of rye whiskey, both prodigious amounts.
Thomas Barkley Erwin died on July 6, 1868, and his wife Elizabeth passed on February 12, 1871. Both are buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Tyler, just a couple of blocks north of the street that still carries the family name. The 1870 census, dated September 27th, shows Elizabeth living with her oldest son Thomas, which was five months before her death.　
　
A Letter To His Brother
The following is a transcript of a five-page letter written by Thomas Barkley Erwin to his brother John Johnson Erwin in Henry County, Tennessee:　
Smith County, Texas July 3, 1852
Dear Brother Jno. J.
Your very kind and agreeable letter bearing date 3rd last month was recd on yesterday and as the vulgar saying is least you should become Pot Gutted about it I will answer it fourthwith, You and Joe are always rather too tenderfooted about your correspondence. The reason I have delayed writting to you so long which I think is a good one. I did not know where to address a letter to you until I reed yours. I thought you resided in Ky. Where I last herd of you. I was under that impression.
Since we saw each other I have had a great Many ups and downs. Always trying to do for the best but Mankind is of such a nature when they are a doing well they dont Know it. So it has been with me in More than one instance. Although I have had a goodeal of bad luck Since I got to this Country I cant say that I regret My move unless Misfortune should still follow me. I have lost several negroes Mules and Horses between [illegible] & [illegible] worth. I take it all easy. What ever is the will of providence We are commanded not to complain m [illegible] trusting that it will all be for the best in the end.
Jno. I never was more gratified to here of great change that has taken place in your general Habbit and the great pleasure that it afford your family and the good feeling that you enjoy yourseft (over)
I am like old Bob Miner. Still in the big Church and ready When I look & see the acts of Some [illegible] it would make me Blush to do as they do. and I am bound to beleive that I am better in the sight of My Maker than they are. but a true and devoted Christian I do reverance as Much as any Man. and believe in the Bible. I think it the greatest Book that was ever printed: and I am happy to here that you and your family all belong to the Church. You did not say what denomination, but I guessed the Methodist as they are the Most numerous in your State. Most Any Church will do if the Heart is right. And will prove there faith by there Works. You Stated you would as soon live in the Palmetto Swamps of Georgia as to live in Eastern Texas, from what you had lernt of the Country. I am under the impression that Your inforrnent must of got into the Sabine Bottom and saw one or two large lakes or the Markes of the overtlow on the trees of Spring./49. and [illegible] back and reported that the whole of the Country was about the Same thing. this is a Mistake. this Country is like all others on the Rivers and large creeks. it is sickly. Mostly Chills and fever. I had light cases last year. So far this year [illegible] enjoys as good health as they ever did in Ala. I am living on one Section of land 140 acres on the head waters of Rabbit Creek. acres Cleared 100 in Cotton & 100 in corn. I own between 26 & 2700 acres some 25 miles West and have made a Settlement there. this year got 150 acres cleared there. 100 acres in corn there and Fifty in Cotton. all new ground this year. new ground dont do so well in Cotton. last year it [illegible] finely, the Spring rains and cold weather did not suit cotton. My crops where I now live is fine. My Cotton generally about waist high and corn very good.
on next Monday I will start up to my other place to build me some Houses to live in and will move up there this fall.
I have two as fine pure facestone Springs as you ever saw in Georgia or any other Country. though for all that we may not enjoy health. If we dont, Then I cant say what I shall do. I have got as far West as I want to go. What I dislike as much as any thing els is that I am too [illegible] from navigation, the Sabine River is near enough some 18 miles but it is too Small and runs down too quick. We had two or three Boats up this Winter but it was so long between Trips that it don but little good. I am of the opinion when they get a class of Boats to suite the size of the river that it can be navigated successfully some 4 or Months of the year. the most of our Cotton goes to Shreveport on Red River and Port Caddo and Jefferson. those two last Mentioned places are on Caddo Lake that makes out West from Red River And are some 27 miles nearer. from where I live to Shreveport is some miles. I have been there twice this Spring. sold part of my cotton there at 8 1/8. Some I sent down the Sabine to N. Orleans. at 3.00 per Bale freight. You named about Tobacco this is a great country to Sell Tobacco. a tolerable good a stick sells from 20 to 5Ocd a plug hardly any sold in the country by the pound so much a plug. from N. Orleans up to Shreveport. I suppose it would not cost more than 3Ocd per Box. and from there to my neighbourhood from $1 to 1.25 per hundred I dont Know any thing about the quality of your Ten. Tobacco. it has not the reputation of the Virginia Tobacco. if I was in business I would try some of it but I am out of it and exspect to keep out of it unless I start some of my younger Boys. I give Guss a good Stock of goods. he got tired and afraid to go in debt. sold out and quit and is farming. Says he would rather do that than any thing els and lose money. I tell you he is one of them make every edge [illegible] has one son. lost his wife since he come to this Country. She took stricken me through mistake in place of Morphine and died in 3 or 4 hours. Well from what you wrote me you seem to be doing well and my advice is to stay where you are and stilltry and do better. We have 9 Children. Catherine is married and doing well I give them 320 acres land. She married a fine good fellow by the name of Snoddy. he has 8 likely negroes and will live within 40 miles of us West of Tyler.
(Written across 1st Page)
My plantation west will be seven miles N.W. of Tyler. Splendid lands lies well, over half well timbered and the balance not so good. Will be fine Summer Range for years to come. can cut as much grass as I want out of the low grounds of Panaeu Creek. Just as good as you would want. So long as I can get my plantation open, I can go my one hundred and fifty bags of cotton. I have good water. if I can have the health I will write you again and then I can give you a better idea how I am. Plan to write me here. direct you letters to Tyler.
(Written across 2nd Page)
My childrens names are the two oldest you know. Tho Gawes, Jas. Robert, Charles H. Clay. our geals named Mary Elizabeth and Emaline.
(Written across 3rd Page)
Betsy joins with me in our kindest respect to Sarah, yourself and all of your children and if any of your friends should come to Texas, tell them where to find me and give my best and kindest regards to Joe and family and say to him that I suppose Arkansas will do as well as Texas but a great many living in this neighborhood who had lived near Mindon and says Texas is much the best country. no more at present. fare well and may god bless you all.
T. B. Erwin
Note:
Thomas mentions eight children, leaving out 7 year old Frank. The youngest, Larissa (Rissa) Erwin, was born the following year in 1853. Col. Tom Erwin was a financial supporter of Larissa College, and Sallie McKee Erwin, a daughter-in-law, was an early teacher at the college. It is thought that his 11th child (his ninth by his second wife) was named for the school.
The comment in the above paragraph about “Joe and family” refers to Joseph and Rebecca Erwin moving to Carroll County, Arkansas.
Thomas mentions daughter Catherine “married and doing well,” but the following month her husband, Lewis B. Snoddy, died on August 4, 1852, and Catherine died about six weeks later on September 18, 1852. One can only assume it was the result of sickness, most likely typhoid fever, also known as “swamp fever.”
Thomas mentions having “lost several negroes.” Although he does not mention the cause, it is probable that they succumbed to typhoid as well. The 1860 census shows him owning thirteen Negro slaves, aged one month to 32, two of which were mulattos.
He also mentions Gus’ wife, Martha, dying of an accidental stricken (Strychnine) poisoning. They were using it to kill crows.
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Reflections Of A Ball Ticket
"Some Biographies of Old Settlers." Historical, Personal and Reminiscent. Volume I By Sid S. Johnson, 1900: Sid S. Johnson, Publisher, Tyler, Texas Chapter LVII - Pages 240-247
I gather from an old scrap book the following ball ticket, dated August 21, 1866. It is thirty-four years ago: R. R. CONVENTION HALL Tyler, Texas, September 13, 1866. "At the Erwin Hall to which you are respectfully invited. Managers-- Geo. W. Chilton, J. H. Bullard, Alf Davis, D. C. Williams, Jas. P. Douglas, N. L. Roberts, Sid S. Johnson, Ed B. Wiggins, H. C. Erwin. "Committee on Arrangements-- Dr. H. J. McBride, H. V. Hamilton, Jas. B. Long, Jno. B. Douglas, R. C. Long. "Floor Managers-- Sam D. Williams and Sons." From memory, I call up the forms of each. Thirty-four fleeting years have gone with its many, many changes. Time has accomplished its work, and many unforeseen events have transpired now, that was hidden in the coming years then, to the remaining few living today. This was an evening entertainment since the civil war; sweet strains of delightful music filled Erwin Hall that night, and fleeting feet keep time with voluptuous music. The gay throng of human souls have mostly paid the last debt of human affairs. The arms and cultivated ears that directed the lovely music, sleeps in death; the gay laughter of the reigning belles have (sic) been carried with the gentle winds, never to return. The blushes on that evening by the love-sick youth and blushing dear young girl were carried off on balmy breezes and returned by a trusted messenger of Cupid himself, on tinted paper with a fallen tear of innocence and lovely young womanhood. Fleeting forms come and go! I see them. Recollections crowd the mind too fast to write them; memory, the good gift of a merciful and All wise God, plays its part in this life, and in the one to come; it broadens and widens under the guidance of the Great Master. Separate the mind from the human form, the body dies and decays like animal and vegetable life. The rose after its sweetness passes away after performing its allotment here. The most shapely human form bends with age; the smiles of a pretty face becomes (sic) wrinkled in the course of time. Hardships, disappointments and the rough waves of life marks (sic) the decay; makes the crows-foot; slackens the pulse and weakens the human form. But what of memory? It goes with Time in its flight in the coming years, not diminished, but brightened as the ages come. Thought is a gift of heaven. It must be; but why should man be so much honored? I will drop this. The ball, the dance, the music caused it; it was thirty-four years ago, and the reveries of the mind cannot be controlled. It will perform its work. Let us trace a line or two of the names on this ancient ball ticket.
Col. Geo. W. Chilton sleeps in the Tyler cemetery. He was a Confederate major, a brilliant lawyer and a man of eloquence and ability, marked with genius. He was the father of Senator Horace Chilton and Mrs. L. A. Henry. His widow lives in Tyler.
J. H. Bullard is now a leading business man of Bullard, Texas. He retains many of the same traits of character that made him so popular when a young man. He married the pretty and aimable (sic) Miss Emma Erwin, and raised quite a family of children. Mrs. Bullard is dead.
D. C. Williams was a printer boy before the war; he enlisted in Douglas' Texas Battery and saw the rough side of cruel war. He made a journalist and editor. Married the pretty Miss Carrie Shuford of Wood county. He is dead and his wife living. Mrs. Pink Murphey, of Tyler, is his daughter. Crockett Williams possessed many noble qualities.
Alf Davis was a popular young man of fine social qualities. He had a good Confederate record. Married the accomplished Mrs. Edwin Baxter and raised a good sized family. Alf died in Eatonton, Georgia, where he and his family had removed.
2nd lieutenant Alf Davis
Douglas Texas Battery
James P. Douglas was a Confederate major of artillery in the Confederate army; a State Senator, lawyer, and business man. He has worked for Tyler, enjoying the confidence of the people. Maj. Douglas has been married twice. The first marriage was with Miss White, of Omen; second. Miss Smith, of Tyler. Both accomplished and Christian women. The Douglas family is noted for intelligence and good standing.
N. L. Roberts, a good Confederate soldier of the 7th Texas, Granbury's brigade. He saw hard service and always "toated (sic) his end of the log." Married Miss Long of Rusk, Texas, who was a lovely woman, who died about two years ago. He is a prominent farmer near Swan, Texas, and is the father of an interesting family.
Sid S. Johnson passed through the war, somewhat weather-beaten, tough as a leather string, and lives in Tyler. He married Miss Zelda Smith, an accomplished Christian woman; both living on this side of the dividing line. They have seven living children, and six grand children.
Ed B. Wiggins, another old veteran of Company K, 3rd Texas Cavalry, Ross' Texas brigade, who saw the rough and tumble part of the civil war. He married the attractive Miss Eliza Roberts; both are living and have an interesting family. He is the popular clerk of the Criminal Court of Appeals of the Tyler branch. He is the same genial man and popular fellow.
H. C. Erwin made a good Confederate soldier, a big hearted speciman of noble manhood. Clay has many noble traits of character. Clay married Miss Sallie McDaniel, who was pretty and popular. They had several children; Clay is dead. The family reside in Tyler. Everybody was his friend, and he was everybody's friend. True as the needle (sic) to the pole, in his friendship.
Dr. H. J. McBride, the genial fellowfine dentist, at the top round professionally, lives in Tyler. He married the intelligent Miss Angeline Middleton, of Starrville, Texas, who dies a number of years ago. They had three children. He can spin a yarn with the same interesting details as when a young man. Still, at this writing, he is a busy man.
James H. Long, another veteran of Douglas' battery, has answered the final roll call on high. Jimmie was a noble fellow; dying in early manhood. Jimmie married Miss Dora Shuford, who afterwards married Rev. S. W. Turner, now of Ft. Worth, Texas. She is a Christian woman, Shuford Long is a son. If his life here had been spared, he would have made it a success.
H. V. Hamilton, the Nestorian of Tyler journalism; the father of Mark, Van and Hanse Hamilton, all up-to-date newspaper men, lives in Tyler. Van, Sr., has been married three times. An intelligent family has blessed him in his declining years. Retiring from newspaper work has only lasted a short time. The constant busy life of years brings him back to editorial work. The monotony of a quiet life is straining on a busy brain. He must have something to do. It drives dull thoughts away. His life will be busy when the Master comes. Forty-six years in Tyler newspaper work is a long time; as age creeps on, memory clings to the dead past.
John B. Douglas made a gallant Confederate soldier and served through the war. John was married twice: first to Miss Mittie Wiggins; second, Miss Kettie Walker. His last wife is a resident of this city. Both are accomplished and lovely women. John died early in this city several years ago, after making life a success financially. He was a Christian gentleman. His first wife died soon after marriage; he had one son by the second marriage, a very bright-minded young man.
R. C. Long returned to Florida soon after this social event, and I must have lost sight of Dick. He was the son of Col. M. A. Long and a charming bright-minded young fellow, handsome and popular. Dick was gay and genial. It was on the evening preceding a railroad meeting; Gen. John B. Hood and Col. Jack Wharton made railroad speeches; this was before railroads had reached Tyler, and many grown-up people present had never seen a railroad then. It was a big crowd on that eventful occasion. Music at the ball was furnished by Sam D. Williams & Sons, noted musicians and dancing masters of the old school, and I fear the present generation don't know what good music and good dancing people had then. Graceful dancing "with flying feet," to the strains of sweet music as the "the dance went on." It was an evening of raptuous (sic) joy; peals of merry laughter and sparkling wit turned loose without the frills and gewgaws of modern culture. Mirth and pleasure marked the sands (sic) of the dial dropped one by one in its regular measured time. The quiet assent of the blushing girl to the wooing lover; the merry throng made it a glorious evening in the annals of Tyler's early history. Where are the boys and girls who were at Erwin Hall that evening? Thirty-four years has wrought many changes, for Time in its flight never looks backward. The past is buried in its ruthless decayed sepulcher; memory alone resurrects and in fancy weaves the threads together and draws the picture. Forms come and go. The grave is robbed of its precious charge while the mind's reveries reach back into the dead years. Count the number; note the marble-slabs in the city of the dead. We too, dear reader, shall be laid there, too, with breaking hearts and tender hands. The law of God is the end we shall reach. Four-by-six is the allotted space of ground. The marble-slab is a creation of human skill, the soul, the handy work of the Eternal God.
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