John S. Curtis 1818-1901

CURTIS, CARPENTER

Posted By: Michael J. Kearney (email)
Date: 12/31/2002 at 15:46:05

The Clinton Daily Herald February 27, 1901 p. 8 This morning at 7:45 o'clock occurred the death of John S. Curtis, the aged father of George M. and Charles F. Curtis of this city, at the advanced age of 83 years. The deceased was one of the well-known men of the city. He came to Clinton in 1866 to be with his sons, to whom he was much devoted, and to the end of his life was a forceful man, ever identified with everything that is for the good of the city and its people. In earlier life, in fact till he was past middle age, he was a successful farmer. He moved among the people in his quiet way, but his physical and mental strength, his strong personality and high principles, made him respected and a natural leader among men. Strict integrity and love of justice, coupled with an honorable and upright life, were his characteristics. For more than sixty years he was a consistent member of the Baptist church. The life of Mr. Curtis has not been an eventful one, because he preferred the quiet of his home to the excitement of a more public career. Yet he met every duty and shirked no responsibility. His long married life, almost sixty years, was one of contentment and happiness. He extracted the joys of life and found the most comfort in the company of his family and his greatest satisfaction was in the success of his children. His devoted wife passed away December 29, 1899, a little over a year ago. Mr. Curtis was born May 29, 1818, at Oxford, Chenango county, New York. In March 1840, he married Elizabeth M. Carpenter and to them were born ten children. Of them the survivors are the two sons in this city and Cornelius S. Curtis of Wausau, Wis. In 1856, Mr. Curtis removed with his family to Rochelle, Ill., and in 1868 located in Clinton, where his sons were engaged in business. An accident happened to him in 1881 when he was struck and severely injured by an engine at the Fourth street crossing. For some time his life was despaired of, but his strong constitution prevailed and he recovered, so that while the effects of the injury were always felt, he was fully restored to health. The funeral services will be from the family home on Sixth avenue at 10 a.m. Friday.