SKETCH OF AUTHOR'S LIFE. 



(From LaFayette, Ind., Herald, 1895.) 

 The Herald takes pleasure in presenting to its many readers today 

 a brief outline of the career of Fred Erb, Jr., LaFayette's champion 

 shot. 



Fred Erb, Jr., was born 41 years ago in this city, in a modest frame, 

 one-story dwelling on Oregon street, on the i6th day of August, 1857. 

 He was given a fair education in the public schools of this city. Young 

 Erb was a born shot, having inherited his talent from his father, who 

 also in his day was a king at the traps, and was the first man ever 

 to shoot a live pigeon match in this country, defeating William King, 

 of London, England, for the world's championship and $i,ogo a side. 

 Fred Erb, Sr., akso shot a great match with Jack Taylor, of New Jer- 

 sey, for $2,500 a side, but was defeated in his match. This great event 

 was shot off at the old Opp homestead many years ago. Old timers 

 will still remember this great event, as John Opp at the time made a 

 big barbecue out of the event and over 5,000 persons witnessed the 

 great match. 



Fred Erb, Jr., at the age of eight was sent to Lexington, Ky., by his 

 father as a rider of running horses, Fred keeping this up until the age 

 of 18. During his career as a jockey he rode the great winners of those 

 days, known to turf fame as Rambler, Prairie Boy, Silver Tail, Bull 

 of the Woods, Gypsie and other celebrated blue grass stock. 



At the age of 12 years his shooting qualities first came into publicity, 

 and while riding the circuit of running horses he was often backed by 

 his father in live pigeon matches, in which he scored signal victories 

 at the trap. Erb's great achievement that brought him into national 

 fame was his challenge to Captain Bogardus, who was then the all 

 around champion of the world. This match came cff in March, 1880, 

 at St. Joseph, Mo., Erb killing 93 to Bogardus' 83 birds. 



At St. Louis, in January, 1881, Erb in a contest with a number of 

 celebrated shots killed 25 straight birds, winning $800. 



Several years ago Erb retired from the professional arena to engage 



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