Foldered & Finished: The Ervin Family Papers, (1875-2015)

Graduate assistant Troy Wade processed the collection we’re highlighting today and prepared the finding aid. Troy is from Robert Lee, Texas, and went to Angelo State University where he received a B.A. in English. He currently working towards an M.A. in Old Testament and has worked as a graduate assistant in ACU Special Collections since August 2018.


The Ervin Family Papers, (1875-2015), are now processed and ready for researchers.  A finding aid and several digitized selections from the papers are available on DigitalCommons@ACU.

Photograph of Camp Meeting at Brand, Texas, folder [Brad, Texas, Methodist Camp meeting Photographs], circa 1920, Ervin Family Papers, 1875-2015. Center for Restoration Studies MS #266. Abilene Christian University Special Collections and Archives, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.

These papers contain several folders of photographs from the early 20th century of the Ervin family, some correspondence (including World War II correspondence), gravestone photographs, genealogical information, and a 1904 marriage certificate.

Photograph of Evangelist E. S. Fitzgerald, folder Evangelist E. S. Fitzgerald, undated, Ervin Family Papers, 1875-2015. Center for Restoration Studies MS #266. Abilene Christian University Special Collections and Archives, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.

This collection represents the Ervin family, whose ancestry traces back to Scotland. This collection especially concerns the family of Jonas Lafayette and Mary Hamilton Ervin, Ruth and Abbie Ervin, and the history of Ervin Ranch.


Troy Wade and our other graduate assistants and student archives employees make it possible for us to provide increased access to our holdings. We have more student produced finding aids coming in the next few weeks. Stay tuned!