Laura Elizabeth Mumford Ervin
1839 - 1905

Laura Elizabeth Mumford (Montford) was born 22 December 1839 to James Mumford and Ann Henderson. Laura's father died 5 December 1846, when she was not quite seven years old; her mother later married Elijah Murrill.

Laura married John Alford (Alfred) Ervin 20 December 1855, two days before their common birthday; four years apart. She was two days shy of her 16th birthday, very young, but not uncommon in the mid 1800s.

According to family stories, Laura's mother gave her two slaves as a wedding present when she was married in 1855 (not a proud family heritage but a common truth we must face). The slaves were "Aunt Mary" and her son, George. Aunt Mary was extremely superstitious. She would not sleep where moonlight could shine on her face. She would sleep with her head inside a closet to prevent any moonlight exposure. (NOTE: My research finds many superstitious beliefs related to moonlight shining on the face while asleep and have existed for generations: danger that you will die within that year, or will cause disturbing dreams/nightmares or cause madness; thus, the word lunacy). Our hope is that this family legend exists as an indication that they took real interest in the lives and beliefs of their slaves; perhaps it's longevity suggests our residual guilt regarding slavery. The fact remains, Aunt Mary is remembered.

John and Laura owned a good size farm or plantation. They gave each of their children acreage to build on. This area, about one mile west of Richlands, became known as Ervintown. The Abner Ervin Cemetery is still located in this area.

Laura died of cancer of the gall bladder on 12 December 1905, ten days before her 66th birthday. She is buried with the family in the Abner Ervin Cemetery near Richlands, Onslow County, North Carolina.

--Sources: Reamey Winn, Old Superstitions Online www.superstitions.ca, www.associatedcontent.com; accessed online, add'l research, notes and transcription with some editing by Annie Duckett Hundley.