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         DAVID P. CURRAN, deceased. We take pleasure in mentioning the name of Mr. Curran as one of the prominent and representative pioneers of Louisa County, of which he became a resident in 1835, when the county formed a part of the Territory of Michigan. He was born in Carroll County, Md., Oct. 16, 1826, and is a son of Francis and Mary (Dell) Curran, both of whom were also natives of Maryland, and . . .

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. . . were prominent citizens of that State. The subject of this sketch commenced his school days in his native State, but at the age of nine years came with his parents to Louisa County, they settling in Morning Sun Township, where they were among the pioneer settlers. Being a young lad full of energy and also a close observer, fond of study, he early fitted himself for a teacher, and although not a graduate from any High School, he was always well posted and had an excellent knowledge of both local and National affairs. He was honored many times by his fellow-citizens with township and county offices, and was elected Township Clerk when quite a young man. For a number of years he was one of the County Supervisors, and whatever office of trust he filled it with credit to himself and his constituents. For twelve years he followed the profession of a teacher, in which he ranked high. In his political views Mr. Curran was an ardent and enthuastic member of the Republican party. All social, educational or religious enterprises found in him a ready advocate, and to all matters of public interest he gave his ready support.

On the 6th of April, 1854, David P. Curran was united in marriage with Miss Maria Patterson, who was born in Licking County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Hupp) Patterson, who were prominent citizens of Virginia. The mother died when Mrs. Curran was but four years of age. At an early day Mr. Patterson had located in Licking County, Ohio, where he was one of the prominent men. He served his district in the State Senate two terms, in one of which ex-Gov. Kirkwood, of Iowa, was his colleague. In 1848 he removed from Ohio to Iowa City, Iowa, and there made his home until his death, which occurred about the year 1860.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Curran at once began their domestic life upon the farm on section 27, Morning Sun Township. The farm then was but a wild prairie, with no improvements but a small log cabin. Into this they moved living in true pioneer style. Mr. Curran immediately began the work of cultivation and improvement, and the many beautiful trees which now throw their shade over and around the beautiful house were set out by this gentleman. In 1870 Mr. Curran had a comfortable two-story frame building erected, but was only permitted to enjoy his new home for four short years, being called to his rest Jan. 8, 1874. He and his wife were both lifelong members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he having held all the minor offices of that body. In his death the county lost one of her best citizens, the neighbors a respected friend, and the family a kind and indulgent husband and father.

To Mr. and Mrs. Curran were born eight children: Oscar S., now a resident of Kansas City; Clara E., who died in infancy; Edward P., remaining at home; Minnie, who died at the age of sixteen months; Howard, now a commercial salesman; Charles F., William D. and Della Pearl, still inmates of the parental home. At the time of his death Mr. Curran was the owner of 640 acres of land, all well improved. His estimable wife immediately took charge of the farm, caring for all its interests and successfully managing the business. Mr. and Mrs. Curran gave all their children good educations, thereby enabling them to become useful citizens, and they now rank among the highly respected and honorable people which place Louisa County in equal rank with others in the State of Iowa.