“Robert H. Ervin was a native and resident of Wilcox County, Alabama. His father Samuel Ervin, a South Carolinian, was in Alabama in 1814; while his mother’s father, Mr. John Eades, was here even earlier. Born at Coal Bluff, in 1822, he received a plain education, but graduated in medicine at Transylvania University in 1845. He retired from an extensive practice in 1853 when elected to represent the County in the legislature.

In 1858 he was Grand Master of the Masons of Alabama.  Early in 1861 he entered the army in a mounted company, and participated in the battle of Shiloh.

From 1863 to 1865 he represented Dallas and Wilcox counties in the State Senate. He later gave his public attention to agriculture. Dr. Ervin was stout and robust with a brusque but kind deportment. He was prudent and sagacious, his mind was of the practical order. Moral and honorable, he was a fair type of the Southern gentleman. He married a sister of Major Felix Tait.”