William Curtis

CURTIS, KIPOR, WATSON, HOWE

Posted By: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs (email)
Date: 3/24/2009 at 16:51:20

WILLIAM CURTIS, an active farmer of Exira Township, was born in Oneida County, New York, July 14, 1856. He is the third son of Joseph and Mary (Dipor) Curtis, natives of England, who emigrated to the United States when quite young. They were married in Oneida County, New York, in the year 1866. Joseph Curtis and family removed to Johnson County, Iowa, and lived there until 1876, when they moved to Audubon County, settling in Greeley Township, which is still their home. He was a tailor by trade, and for many years worked at the business in Hampton, New York. The boyhood of William Curtis was passed in his native county in attending school. At the age of ten years he removed with his parents to Johnson County, Iowa, and there continued his studies. He remained with his parents until he was twenty four years of age, and then he was married to Miss Georgianna Watson, second daughter of Thomas and Mary A. (Howe) Watson. She was born in Princeton, Bureau County, Illinois, June 20, 1861, and at the age of two years was taken by her parents to Johnson County, Iowa. There she resided until she was eighteen years old, attending school; she also paid some attention to music, and was an accomplished horsewoman, taking much pride in riding and the training of horses. Mrs. Curtis's parents are Scotch Irish descent; they removed from New York to Illinois, and thence to Iowa, and are still living on the place that has been their home for twenty six years. They began life with very little of this world's goods, but by industry and good management have acquired a comfortable living. They are the parents of six children, all of whom are living. After his marriage Mr. Curtis spent one year in Johnson County, and in the spring of 1882 he came to Audubon County and settled on his present farm; this place contains 240 acres, all fenced and under cultivation. Mr. Curtis has added to the improvements already made a comfortable residence and a good barn. He has been successful in raising and handling livestock, especially sheep and cattle.Mr. and Mrs. Curtis have had born to them five children Charity E., Ellsworth, T. J. Seymour, Chester Arthur and C. Florence Nevada. In politics Mr. Curtis votes with the Republican party. He commenced life without any capital, and now has a good farm well stocked, to show as a result of industry, thrift and wise management.

1889 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF
SHELBY AND AUDUBON COUNTIES, IOWA
W. S. DUNBAR & CO., PUBLISHERS
113 ADAMS STREET, CHICAGO

pages 762-763