My Genealogy Hound

HORACE B. ERB, M. D., a practicing physician of Steinsville, is a native of Montgomery County, Pa., having been born there April 28, 1859. The family has long been identified with the history of our country, and especially of Pennsylvania, whither about 1620 came Isaac Casper Erb, a native of Germany. Settling in Montgomery County, he bought from the then existing Government twenty-two thousand acres of land, for which he paid £50. From him are descended the present representatives of the family in the Keystone State.

The Doctor is a son of Israel M. and Rachel (Bleim) Erb, natives of Montgomery County, Pa., who still make their home in the locality of their birth. Horace B. was reared to manhood upon the home farm, and received a good common and high school education. For one year he attended the Millersville State Normal, and for the same length of time was a student in the Normal at Valparaiso, Ind. Upon completing his studies he commenced to teach school in Montgomery County, where for four years he followed the profession of a teacher. The success which has crowned his exertions is due to his own indefatigable energy, as he was obliged to earn the money with which to gain his education. The success which he has gained is therefore highly commendable, and proves that he is a man of energy and force of character.

For about a year our subject read medicine with W. J. Ashenfelter, of Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pa. In 1885 he entered Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, and there attended two courses of lectures. Subsequently he conducted his studies in the Medico-Chirurgical College, Philadelphia, from which he was graduated on the 6th of April, 1888. At once after completing his studies he opened an office at Steinsville, where he has gradually built up an excellent practice, including patients in this village and much of the surrounding country. It has ever been his aim to keep abreast with the latest developments in the science of medicine, andiieis well posted in everything pertaining to the profession.

November 25, 1888, occurred the marriage of Dr. Erb to Miss Amanda Sweisford, a native of Montgomery County, Pa., and a daughter of Josiah and Maria (Geiger) Sweisford, also born in that county. Mrs. Erb passed away February 1, 1892, leaving, one child, a daughter, Minnie, who was born April 28, 1890. Her death was mourned by all who knew her, for she was a lady of sweet and lovable disposition and noble character.

In his political views the Doctor affiliates with the Democratic party, and takes a commendable interest in all enterprises having for their object the promotion of the welfare of the people. His religious connections are with the Lutheran Church. Socially he is identified with the Blue Mountain Lodge No. 249, I. O. O. F., in which he officiates as Past Grand. He is also a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America, belonging to Lodge No. 288, at Steinsville.