Rev. Jacob R. Emrick Jr. was born on August 20, 1807. His parents, Jacob and Susannah Emrick, moved to Butler County in 1812. Jacob Jr. relocated to Illinois with his parents in 1824. Jacob decided to be a preacher while living in Illinois. He moved back to Butler County a year later and began working for John Kemp. Jacob met John Kemp's daughter, Christina Kemp, while working on the Kemp Farm. Jacob and Christina were married in 1827. Jacob rented a farm after the marriage and began saving for his own land. In 1847, he purchased the Kemp Farm.

The Emrick Family were among the largest landowners in the area. They became quite wealthy from Jacob's hard work and Christina's large inheritance. Jacob was a prosperous farmer and a highly respected minister. He served the United Brethren Church in Miltonville and Jacksonburg. Jacob donated the land, and helped build, the Pleasant Ridge United Brethren Church.