Erastus Mitchell Birch, a native of Dutchess County, New York, was born on Jan. 19, 1801, and died on July 7, 1884. He was a friend and neighbor of Horace Mann, served Antioch College as a trustee, treasurer, and member of the executive committee board of trustees, and was an ardent supporter of Horace Mann and a generous contributor to Antioch College during its early years.