CURTIS, Thomas Arthur

CURTIS, BAINUM, TRESSENRITER, BURNER

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 2/3/2006 at 21:08:25

"Batavia News", Thursday, October 10, 1918

SKETCH OF LIFE OF ARTHUR CURTIS

Thomas Arthur CURTIS, son of Judson and Louisa BAINUM CURTIS, was born at Aurora, Indiana, May 9, 1878. He grew to manhood in that vicinity. Arthur attended the common schools of Indiana and later the High Schools at Aurora, Ind. At the time he reached his majority of years, he went to Belleflower, Illinois, where his parents with the remainder of the family later moved and lived for a number of years.

At this place he was united in marriage to Miss Ada TRESSENRITER. They took up their home on a farm near Sabina, Illinois, where they resided for a few years, later moving to Whiting, Iowa. After a residence of a few years at this place Arthur and his family moved to Batavia, Iowa, at which place he passed into the future life, Oct. 2, 1918.

To Arthur and his wife were born eight children, Estol, who is now serving his country in the Signal Service; Ethan, Chester, Bertha, Lawrence, Naomi, Willard and Leonard, all of whom are living at home except little Willard, who preceded his father to his heavenly home.

Besides the lving wife and children who mourn their loss, there are his father and mother, Stanley and Walter and their families of Batavia, Mrs. C. A. BURNER and family of Normal, Illinois; Hubert and family, of Northwood, Iowa, and Robert and Ralph and families of Stuttgart, Arkansas, five brothers and one sister who sympathize with his loved ones and mourn his departure.

Arthur at the age of 24 years united with the Methodist Episcopal Church of Weedam, Illinois. He later moved his membership to Batavia, Iowa, remaining true to his vows to the church and his Savior until called to higher activities in the life beyond.

Arthur was a farmer of prominence and a man of sterling qualities; respected by all who knew him; loved by all his associates and friends. He was a man among men, one of high aspirations, noble purposes and worthy achievements, extending a helping hand to all. He was a loving, thotful father and husband, living with his family a true and consistent Christian life.

How well the language of the poet expressed his life:
"So live, that when thy summons to join the innumerable caravan that moves to that mysterious realm, where each shall take his chamber in the silent halls of death, thou go not, like a quarry slave at night, scourged to his dungeon, but, sustained and soothed by an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave, like one who wraps the drapery of his couch about him and lies down to pleasant dreams."

The funeral service was held at the home three miles northwest of Batavia, Saturday morning, October 5, at 10 o'clock, conducted by his pastor, Rev. J. C. Caughlan of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Batavia. Interment at Old Ashland cemetery.

*Transcribed for genealogical purposes; I have no relation to the person(s).