When Jacob Emory Ervin was born on 22 April 1836, in Ohio, United States, his father, John William Irwin, was 45 and his mother, Catherine Jane Mickey, was 32. He married Samantha MERCER about 1858, in Greenville Township, Darke, Ohio, United States. They were the parents of at least 3 sons. He lived in Licking Township, Jay, Indiana, United States in 1860 and Indiana, United States in 1870. He died on 21 March 1872, in Hartford City, Licking Township, Blackford, Indiana, United States, at the age of 35, and was buried in Hartford City, Licking Township, Blackford, Indiana, United States.