Hon. Richard K. Erwin was born in Adams County, Indiana, July 11, 1860, and as a youth was reared in the midst of agricultural surroundings, acquiring his early education in the rural schools. Having ambitions for a professional career, he was given somewhat better educational advantages than the majority of farmers' sons of his day and locality, being sent to the Methodist College at Fort Wayne and subsequently taking up the study of law. After successfully passing the examination he was admitted to the bar and began practice at Decatur, Adams County, where he soon became one of the leading figures in his profession. In 1900 he was elected judge of the Twenty-sixth Judicial Circuit, a position which he held for six years, and then moved to Fort Wayne. In 1912 he was elected a member of the Supreme Court from Allen County, and at the time of his death was chief justice of this body. He was a man of splendid gifts and of the true judicial temperament, and held in the fullest degree the esteem and confidence of all with whom he came into contact. Judge Erwin was connected with all the bodies of Masonry, was a Shriner, and a member of the Knights of Pythias, and his religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He married Miss Luella A. Wass, who was born February 26, 1862, in Adams County, and now survives him as a resident of Fort Wayne. To them were born the following children: Dr. Harry G., of this review; Richard W., who is engaged in the real estate business at Fort Wayne; David Thomas, also a realtor of Fort Wayne; Mabel, who died October 5,1918, aged thirty-two years, as the wife of Robert B. Allesen, of Indianapolis; and Francelle, who died April 9, 1921, aged twenty-one years, as the wife of Guy S. Means, of Fort Wayne.