Franklin "Frank" Curtiss (1835-1919)

CURTISS, SCHMITZ, CRAIG, CAMPBELL, PAXTON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 7/5/2014 at 22:47:44

From unknown newspaper December 1919

Mr. Frank Curtiss whose sudden and totally unexpected death occurred on his way to the evening westbound train, Thursday, Dec. 11, 1919, came as a great shock to our entire community. Since the recent departure of Mrs. Curtiss and daughter, Mrs. Paxton, for a winter's sojourn in California he had been making his home with his son, Dean C. F. Curtiss on the College campus at Ames. His frequent and almost daily visits to Nevada on matters of business had not permitted any lapse of his relations as a familiar figure on our streets. No one had noted any diminution in his usual vigor or gathered any suggestion from intercourse with him that his days were so soon to be numbered. Hence as stated his death came as a severe shock and sorrow to his business associates and fellow citizens in general. His collapse came apparently without warning to himself; for very soon after asking for assistance from passers-by and being taken into a home by the wayside, he expired. And though Dr. Houston was summoned at once, he reached the side of the stricken man too late to be of any service.

Mr. Curtiss was born in Shelton, Conn., Dec. 4, 1835. His education was obtained mainly in the public schools supplemented probably by other educational facilities. Subsequently he taught school and later was engaged in mercantile business. In 1860 he came to Illinois and began his farming career near Galena. In 1865 he moved with his family to Story County and settled on the home farm in Milford township. He had located the land a year or two previously, before the C. & N. W. had reached Nevada. He resided on the Milford farm and prospered, until 1892. After a residence of a year in Ames, he moved to Nevada having in the interval bought a block of lots and built a pleasant and commodious residence on the best corner thereof which has since been the Curtiss home. After coming to Nevada he continued the general management of several farms he had acquired in Story, Polk counties and in northwestern Iowa. In fact he was one Story County's substantial and successful pioneer farmers. He also was extensively engaged in feeding and raising stock, made several importations of pure breds from Scotland and England. He represented Story County very satisfactorily in the lower house of the State legislature in the session 1878. He also rendered efficient service as member of the Nevada city council, one or more terms. In his personal habits and character Mr. Curtiss was clean and upright. His activities along agricultural lines were such as advance the interests of both township and county. As a farmer in the large way, as a man of unquestioned ability and sterling qualities and a citizen of conservative views and wholesome influence, he won high rank in best citizenship of his adopted state.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Curtiss took place at Nora, Illinois, near Galena, Oct. 29, 1859. Her maiden name was Miss Margaret Schmitz. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in Nevada in 1909--the social part at the home and the anniversary dinner at the banquet rooms of the public library. The 59th anniversary was celebrated in October 29 somewhat informally at the home of their son Charles F. in Ames. A well balanced group of six children, three sons and three daughters, have blessed their home. Their careful and judicious rearing--in which service the mother is entitled to and freely receives her full share of credit has contributed, in large measure, to make them honored and ueeful citizens in the communities where they abide. Mr. Curtiss is survived by his wife, and children as follows: Dean C. F. Curtiss, I. S. C., Ames; Mrs L. B. Craig, Davenport; Mrs. Frank Campbell, Ft. Worth, Texas; Fredrick M. Curtiss, Minneapolis, Minn.; and Mrs. Gertrude Paxton, Nevada. All the family are expected to be present at the funeral, except the son Fredrick, who is unable to reach Nevada in time. Mr. Curtiss was a member of the Presbyterian church, as is also Mrs. Curtiss.

The funeral services will be held in the Presbyterian church at 2:00 p. m. Wednesday with Drs. Innes and Sanford, former pastors in charge.