John Alford Ervin
1835 - 1925

PRIVATE
CONFEDERATE ARMY
COMPANY A 35TH REG'T
NORTH CAROLINA INFANTRY

John Alford Ervin, born December 22, 1835, left his mark in the history of Richlands before he left this world May 9, 1925. His marriage to Laura Elizabeth Mumford produced 10 children which today claim many heirs still prominent in the Richlands area. Laura was also born December 22, but in 1839. She preceded John in death on December 13, 1905.

John was one of eight [records show six] children born to Abner Ervin (December 9, 1804-May 16, 1898) and Molcy Basden (March 21, 1802-March 18, 1877). Abner was known as a very religious man and was one of the founders of the Richlands Methodist Church. He was also one of the organizers of Richlands Academy.

The Ervins lived about a mile west of Richlands. The area received its name of Ervintown because John and Laura gave each child a building lot to live on. John served in the War Between the States and taught school. He also traveled around selling fruit trees. Known as a great singer, John got his family together on the porch of [their] home during summer evenings and they would sing hymns which were reportedly heard all the way to Richlands.

John enlisted into the Confederate Army on May 8, 1862 as a private, Company A, 35th Reg't. North Carolina Infantry (State Troops). He volunteered at age 26, enlisting at Camp Ransom. In October 1862, John was listed as a hospital nurse at Petersburg.

According to John's family tree, Abner's father was Edward Ervin and Susan Bonner. Edward, known as Ned, received a 2,000 acre grant from King Charles of England and was the son of John Ervin. John moved to Jones County from Iredell County before Edward was born and the migration of the family to Richlands.

John lived 20 years beyond his wife Laura and was also preceded in death by sons Edward and Lucian.

"It is interesting to note the Ervins are said to be descendants from William Debwin, appointed by Robert Bruce [aka: Robert the Bruce - King of Scots] to be his armor-bearer. As you might have guessed, the *Ervins came to America from England."

*Correction: Records indicate that the Ervins from this line were actually Scottish, not British; as was Robert the Bruce.

--Source: Reamey Winn, [Original: Al Reyer, staff writer for an Onslow County newspaper, published date unknown]; accessed and transcribed with some editing and additional information by Annie Duckett Hundley.