(Note: Charles was buried in a cemetery near where he died in Santa Clara, California.)
Charles was the son of Richard Curtis and Jane H. Robey (nee Davis), who married on 28 Feb 1870 in Indiana. It was a second marriage for Jane. She had previously wed James A. Robey in 1862 and they had two daughters together—Laura J. (1863 – 10 Mar 1895, married Lloyd Briggs Farrar in 1887, died eight years later of consumption), Ada/Addie C. (17 May 1865 – 15 Aug 1943, first married Robert C. O’Blenis in 1886, who died in 1916; next married L.J. Oliver in 1918).
I found the newlyweds on the 1870 Census, living in Liberty Township, Howard Co., Indiana. Richard Curtis, 26, was noted as a farming. Jane, 31, was home with daughters Laura, 7, and 5-year-old Ada, both enumerated with their Robey (Robie on the record) surname.
The year after that census, Richard and Jane would welcome the first of their four children, Charles H. (18 Sep 1871 – 8 Jun 1921, married Elsie O. Walter in 1899), followed by siblings Clara/Louvern (10 Mar 1873 – 6 Dec 1919, never married), Harvey Jackson (20 Jan 1876 – 28 Dec 1954, married Bessie Edna Johnson), and Luther Judson (18 Sep 1877 – 9 Mar 1963, married Mary Ella Allison and Elizabeth Herres).
Their blended family appeared together on the 1880 Census, living in Walnut Township (the Argos/Culver area), Marshall Co., Indiana. Richard Curtis, 35, was working a new farm. Jane, 40, was home with their combined six children—Charles, 8, Clara (aka Louvern), 6, Harvey, 4, Luther, 2, Laura (Robey), 17, and Addie (Robey), 15.
A moment of silence for the lost 1890 Census …
On 9 Aug 1899, Charles married Elsie O. Walter in Cassopolis, Cass Co., Michigan. Elsie was the daughter of Daniel George and Lydia Ann Walter. Charles and Elsie welcomed son Walter Wayne Curtis (9 Mar 1902 – 12 Feb 1985).
The 1900 Census placed Charles in two places. On one he was enumerated on Scott St. in Union Twp. (Culver area), Marshall Co., Indiana. Head of household was Charles’ father-in-law, Daniel G. Walter, 45 and working as a butcher. Wife Lydia, 44, reported that she had had two children—Clyde, aged 20, and Elsie, 22. Elsie reported that she had not yet had any children, and that she was a school teacher. Listed with her was husband Charles H. Curtis, aged 28 and the Deputy Clerk of the County Treasurer’s office.
On the other record, Charles is noted living with his parents Richard and Jane Curtis in Walnut Twp., Marshall Co., Indiana. Richard Curtis, 55, was still farming. Jane, 61, reported that she had had six children, but that only five had survived to that census. The casualty was daughter Laura Robey Farrar, who died in 1895 of tuberculosis, leaving behind her husband Lloyd Farrar and their son Virgil. Virgil Farrar, age 10, was there with his grandparents, along with Richard and Jane’s children Louvern, 25 and noted as a milliner, Harvey, 24 and a school teacher, Luther, 22 and also a school teacher, and Charles, 28, noted as a bookkeeper. Only children actually living in the household were supposed to have been named for the census enumerator, who has no way of knowing if that child is actually living there or not. It is possible that Charles and Elsie were living separately, as Charles’ health was precarious, as suggested in the following newspaper clippings from the local newspaper, The Argos Reflector. (Thu 8 Feb 1900 p. 8) “Charles H. Curtis, deputy treasurer made his appearance at the court house Saturday, looking very much improved.” (Thu 1 Mar 1900 p. 8) “Charles H. Curtis called at the Court House, and we were much surprised to see him looking so well. He has entirely recovered from his illness and says he has never felt more able. The zero weather seems to agree with him, giving him a rugged appearance.” (Thu 21 Jun 1900 p. 3) “—Mr. and Mrs. Charles Curtis and Luther Curtis (Charles’ brother) started Wednesday for an extended western trip. They will first go to Denver, Colo., where they will remain for some time, after which they will tour the west. Charles has been in failing health for some time, and he hopes to be benefitted by the trip.”
Charles was suffering from the same ailment that claimed his half-sister in 1895—tuberculosis, referred to as consumption in that era, named as such because of the significant weight loss associated with the disease. His trip to the warmer, drier climate in the west likely helped alleviate his symptoms, but at that time, there were no drugs available to cure the highly-contagious disease. It wouldn’t be until 1943 that an effective drug was developed to battle tuberculosis, two decades too late for Charles.
By the time the 1910 Census was taken, Charles and wife Elsie had divorced. She and 8-year-old son Walter were living with her parents in the Culver area, and Elsie, divorced, aged 32, was a hat and dress maker. I couldn’t find Charles on a 1910 Census record, but I suspect he was out west. On 19 Apr 1911, Charles filed for a patent for a method he had developed that preserved lumber in the same way nature petrified trees (see attached article about the method, and the patent file). Charles was clearly very intelligent.
Charles appears to have been back in Indiana for a time, but the west tugged at him, and in 1913, he headed that way again. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 16 Oct 1913 p. 5) “Charles H. Curtis, Walter Drummond and John Hutselman left last week for northern California.”
On 2 Dec 1918, Charles’ mother Jane Curtis died on her eightieth birthday, claimed by stomach cancer. The dark cloud hovered, and on 6 Dec 1919, Charles’ sister Louvern died of tuberculosis at age 46.
The 1920 Census had Charles living in South Bend, St. Joseph Co., Indiana, aged 48, noted as single rather than divorced, lodging on E. Wayne St., with no line of work noted for him. Within a short time after that record was taken, Charles reportedly left Indiana, still chasing relief for his lungs in the southwest. Charles’ son Wayne (aka Walter) was 17 years old and still living with his grandparents and mother in the Culver area. Charles’ ex-wife Elsie was working in a millinery shop.
In late fall of that same year, Charles’ father Richard Curtis died on 27 Nov 1920 at age 77, victim of pneumonia.
Charles’ final journey took him to Santa Clara, California, when on 8 Jun 1921, he succumbed to his illness at age 49.
Charles was the son of Richard Curtis and Jane H. Robey (nee Davis), who married on 28 Feb 1870 in Indiana. It was a second marriage for Jane. She had previously wed James A. Robey in 1862 and they had two daughters together—Laura J. (1863 – 10 Mar 1895, married Lloyd Briggs Farrar in 1887, died eight years later of consumption), Ada/Addie C. (17 May 1865 – 15 Aug 1943, first married Robert C. O’Blenis in 1886, who died in 1916; next married L.J. Oliver in 1918).
I found the newlyweds on the 1870 Census, living in Liberty Township, Howard Co., Indiana. Richard Curtis, 26, was noted as a farming. Jane, 31, was home with daughters Laura, 7, and 5-year-old Ada, both enumerated with their Robey (Robie on the record) surname.
The year after that census, Richard and Jane would welcome the first of their four children, Charles H. (18 Sep 1871 – 8 Jun 1921, married Elsie O. Walter in 1899), followed by siblings Clara/Louvern (10 Mar 1873 – 6 Dec 1919, never married), Harvey Jackson (20 Jan 1876 – 28 Dec 1954, married Bessie Edna Johnson), and Luther Judson (18 Sep 1877 – 9 Mar 1963, married Mary Ella Allison and Elizabeth Herres).
Their blended family appeared together on the 1880 Census, living in Walnut Township (the Argos/Culver area), Marshall Co., Indiana. Richard Curtis, 35, was working a new farm. Jane, 40, was home with their combined six children—Charles, 8, Clara (aka Louvern), 6, Harvey, 4, Luther, 2, Laura (Robey), 17, and Addie (Robey), 15.
A moment of silence for the lost 1890 Census …
On 9 Aug 1899, Charles married Elsie O. Walter in Cassopolis, Cass Co., Michigan. Elsie was the daughter of Daniel George and Lydia Ann Walter. Charles and Elsie welcomed son Walter Wayne Curtis (9 Mar 1902 – 12 Feb 1985).
The 1900 Census placed Charles in two places. On one he was enumerated on Scott St. in Union Twp. (Culver area), Marshall Co., Indiana. Head of household was Charles’ father-in-law, Daniel G. Walter, 45 and working as a butcher. Wife Lydia, 44, reported that she had had two children—Clyde, aged 20, and Elsie, 22. Elsie reported that she had not yet had any children, and that she was a school teacher. Listed with her was husband Charles H. Curtis, aged 28 and the Deputy Clerk of the County Treasurer’s office.
On the other record, Charles is noted living with his parents Richard and Jane Curtis in Walnut Twp., Marshall Co., Indiana. Richard Curtis, 55, was still farming. Jane, 61, reported that she had had six children, but that only five had survived to that census. The casualty was daughter Laura Robey Farrar, who died in 1895 of tuberculosis, leaving behind her husband Lloyd Farrar and their son Virgil. Virgil Farrar, age 10, was there with his grandparents, along with Richard and Jane’s children Louvern, 25 and noted as a milliner, Harvey, 24 and a school teacher, Luther, 22 and also a school teacher, and Charles, 28, noted as a bookkeeper. Only children actually living in the household were supposed to have been named for the census enumerator, who has no way of knowing if that child is actually living there or not. It is possible that Charles and Elsie were living separately, as Charles’ health was precarious, as suggested in the following newspaper clippings from the local newspaper, The Argos Reflector. (Thu 8 Feb 1900 p. 8) “Charles H. Curtis, deputy treasurer made his appearance at the court house Saturday, looking very much improved.” (Thu 1 Mar 1900 p. 8) “Charles H. Curtis called at the Court House, and we were much surprised to see him looking so well. He has entirely recovered from his illness and says he has never felt more able. The zero weather seems to agree with him, giving him a rugged appearance.” (Thu 21 Jun 1900 p. 3) “—Mr. and Mrs. Charles Curtis and Luther Curtis (Charles’ brother) started Wednesday for an extended western trip. They will first go to Denver, Colo., where they will remain for some time, after which they will tour the west. Charles has been in failing health for some time, and he hopes to be benefitted by the trip.”
Charles was suffering from the same ailment that claimed his half-sister in 1895—tuberculosis, referred to as consumption in that era, named as such because of the significant weight loss associated with the disease. His trip to the warmer, drier climate in the west likely helped alleviate his symptoms, but at that time, there were no drugs available to cure the highly-contagious disease. It wouldn’t be until 1943 that an effective drug was developed to battle tuberculosis, two decades too late for Charles.
By the time the 1910 Census was taken, Charles and wife Elsie had divorced. She and 8-year-old son Walter were living with her parents in the Culver area, and Elsie, divorced, aged 32, was a hat and dress maker. I couldn’t find Charles on a 1910 Census record, but I suspect he was out west. On 19 Apr 1911, Charles filed for a patent for a method he had developed that preserved lumber in the same way nature petrified trees (see attached article about the method, and the patent file). Charles was clearly very intelligent.
Charles appears to have been back in Indiana for a time, but the west tugged at him, and in 1913, he headed that way again. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 16 Oct 1913 p. 5) “Charles H. Curtis, Walter Drummond and John Hutselman left last week for northern California.”
On 2 Dec 1918, Charles’ mother Jane Curtis died on her eightieth birthday, claimed by stomach cancer. The dark cloud hovered, and on 6 Dec 1919, Charles’ sister Louvern died of tuberculosis at age 46.
The 1920 Census had Charles living in South Bend, St. Joseph Co., Indiana, aged 48, noted as single rather than divorced, lodging on E. Wayne St., with no line of work noted for him. Within a short time after that record was taken, Charles reportedly left Indiana, still chasing relief for his lungs in the southwest. Charles’ son Wayne (aka Walter) was 17 years old and still living with his grandparents and mother in the Culver area. Charles’ ex-wife Elsie was working in a millinery shop.
In late fall of that same year, Charles’ father Richard Curtis died on 27 Nov 1920 at age 77, victim of pneumonia.
Charles’ final journey took him to Santa Clara, California, when on 8 Jun 1921, he succumbed to his illness at age 49.
(Note: Charles was buried in a cemetery near where he died in Santa Clara, California.)
Charles was the son of Richard Curtis and Jane H. Robey (nee Davis), who married on 28 Feb 1870 in Indiana. It was a second marriage for Jane. She had previously wed James A. Robey in 1862 and they had two daughters together—Laura J. (1863 – 10 Mar 1895, married Lloyd Briggs Farrar in 1887, died eight years later of consumption), Ada/Addie C. (17 May 1865 – 15 Aug 1943, first married Robert C. O’Blenis in 1886, who died in 1916; next married L.J. Oliver in 1918).
I found the newlyweds on the 1870 Census, living in Liberty Township, Howard Co., Indiana. Richard Curtis, 26, was noted as a farming. Jane, 31, was home with daughters Laura, 7, and 5-year-old Ada, both enumerated with their Robey (Robie on the record) surname.
The year after that census, Richard and Jane would welcome the first of their four children, Charles H. (18 Sep 1871 – 8 Jun 1921, married Elsie O. Walter in 1899), followed by siblings Clara/Louvern (10 Mar 1873 – 6 Dec 1919, never married), Harvey Jackson (20 Jan 1876 – 28 Dec 1954, married Bessie Edna Johnson), and Luther Judson (18 Sep 1877 – 9 Mar 1963, married Mary Ella Allison and Elizabeth Herres).
Their blended family appeared together on the 1880 Census, living in Walnut Township (the Argos/Culver area), Marshall Co., Indiana. Richard Curtis, 35, was working a new farm. Jane, 40, was home with their combined six children—Charles, 8, Clara (aka Louvern), 6, Harvey, 4, Luther, 2, Laura (Robey), 17, and Addie (Robey), 15.
A moment of silence for the lost 1890 Census …
On 9 Aug 1899, Charles married Elsie O. Walter in Cassopolis, Cass Co., Michigan. Elsie was the daughter of Daniel George and Lydia Ann Walter. Charles and Elsie welcomed son Walter Wayne Curtis (9 Mar 1902 – 12 Feb 1985).
The 1900 Census placed Charles in two places. On one he was enumerated on Scott St. in Union Twp. (Culver area), Marshall Co., Indiana. Head of household was Charles’ father-in-law, Daniel G. Walter, 45 and working as a butcher. Wife Lydia, 44, reported that she had had two children—Clyde, aged 20, and Elsie, 22. Elsie reported that she had not yet had any children, and that she was a school teacher. Listed with her was husband Charles H. Curtis, aged 28 and the Deputy Clerk of the County Treasurer’s office.
On the other record, Charles is noted living with his parents Richard and Jane Curtis in Walnut Twp., Marshall Co., Indiana. Richard Curtis, 55, was still farming. Jane, 61, reported that she had had six children, but that only five had survived to that census. The casualty was daughter Laura Robey Farrar, who died in 1895 of tuberculosis, leaving behind her husband Lloyd Farrar and their son Virgil. Virgil Farrar, age 10, was there with his grandparents, along with Richard and Jane’s children Louvern, 25 and noted as a milliner, Harvey, 24 and a school teacher, Luther, 22 and also a school teacher, and Charles, 28, noted as a bookkeeper. Only children actually living in the household were supposed to have been named for the census enumerator, who has no way of knowing if that child is actually living there or not. It is possible that Charles and Elsie were living separately, as Charles’ health was precarious, as suggested in the following newspaper clippings from the local newspaper, The Argos Reflector. (Thu 8 Feb 1900 p. 8) “Charles H. Curtis, deputy treasurer made his appearance at the court house Saturday, looking very much improved.” (Thu 1 Mar 1900 p. 8) “Charles H. Curtis called at the Court House, and we were much surprised to see him looking so well. He has entirely recovered from his illness and says he has never felt more able. The zero weather seems to agree with him, giving him a rugged appearance.” (Thu 21 Jun 1900 p. 3) “—Mr. and Mrs. Charles Curtis and Luther Curtis (Charles’ brother) started Wednesday for an extended western trip. They will first go to Denver, Colo., where they will remain for some time, after which they will tour the west. Charles has been in failing health for some time, and he hopes to be benefitted by the trip.”
Charles was suffering from the same ailment that claimed his half-sister in 1895—tuberculosis, referred to as consumption in that era, named as such because of the significant weight loss associated with the disease. His trip to the warmer, drier climate in the west likely helped alleviate his symptoms, but at that time, there were no drugs available to cure the highly-contagious disease. It wouldn’t be until 1943 that an effective drug was developed to battle tuberculosis, two decades too late for Charles.
By the time the 1910 Census was taken, Charles and wife Elsie had divorced. She and 8-year-old son Walter were living with her parents in the Culver area, and Elsie, divorced, aged 32, was a hat and dress maker. I couldn’t find Charles on a 1910 Census record, but I suspect he was out west. On 19 Apr 1911, Charles filed for a patent for a method he had developed that preserved lumber in the same way nature petrified trees (see attached article about the method, and the patent file). Charles was clearly very intelligent.
Charles appears to have been back in Indiana for a time, but the west tugged at him, and in 1913, he headed that way again. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 16 Oct 1913 p. 5) “Charles H. Curtis, Walter Drummond and John Hutselman left last week for northern California.”
On 2 Dec 1918, Charles’ mother Jane Curtis died on her eightieth birthday, claimed by stomach cancer. The dark cloud hovered, and on 6 Dec 1919, Charles’ sister Louvern died of tuberculosis at age 46.
The 1920 Census had Charles living in South Bend, St. Joseph Co., Indiana, aged 48, noted as single rather than divorced, lodging on E. Wayne St., with no line of work noted for him. Within a short time after that record was taken, Charles reportedly left Indiana, still chasing relief for his lungs in the southwest. Charles’ son Wayne (aka Walter) was 17 years old and still living with his grandparents and mother in the Culver area. Charles’ ex-wife Elsie was working in a millinery shop.
In late fall of that same year, Charles’ father Richard Curtis died on 27 Nov 1920 at age 77, victim of pneumonia.
Charles’ final journey took him to Santa Clara, California, when on 8 Jun 1921, he succumbed to his illness at age 49.
Charles was the son of Richard Curtis and Jane H. Robey (nee Davis), who married on 28 Feb 1870 in Indiana. It was a second marriage for Jane. She had previously wed James A. Robey in 1862 and they had two daughters together—Laura J. (1863 – 10 Mar 1895, married Lloyd Briggs Farrar in 1887, died eight years later of consumption), Ada/Addie C. (17 May 1865 – 15 Aug 1943, first married Robert C. O’Blenis in 1886, who died in 1916; next married L.J. Oliver in 1918).
I found the newlyweds on the 1870 Census, living in Liberty Township, Howard Co., Indiana. Richard Curtis, 26, was noted as a farming. Jane, 31, was home with daughters Laura, 7, and 5-year-old Ada, both enumerated with their Robey (Robie on the record) surname.
The year after that census, Richard and Jane would welcome the first of their four children, Charles H. (18 Sep 1871 – 8 Jun 1921, married Elsie O. Walter in 1899), followed by siblings Clara/Louvern (10 Mar 1873 – 6 Dec 1919, never married), Harvey Jackson (20 Jan 1876 – 28 Dec 1954, married Bessie Edna Johnson), and Luther Judson (18 Sep 1877 – 9 Mar 1963, married Mary Ella Allison and Elizabeth Herres).
Their blended family appeared together on the 1880 Census, living in Walnut Township (the Argos/Culver area), Marshall Co., Indiana. Richard Curtis, 35, was working a new farm. Jane, 40, was home with their combined six children—Charles, 8, Clara (aka Louvern), 6, Harvey, 4, Luther, 2, Laura (Robey), 17, and Addie (Robey), 15.
A moment of silence for the lost 1890 Census …
On 9 Aug 1899, Charles married Elsie O. Walter in Cassopolis, Cass Co., Michigan. Elsie was the daughter of Daniel George and Lydia Ann Walter. Charles and Elsie welcomed son Walter Wayne Curtis (9 Mar 1902 – 12 Feb 1985).
The 1900 Census placed Charles in two places. On one he was enumerated on Scott St. in Union Twp. (Culver area), Marshall Co., Indiana. Head of household was Charles’ father-in-law, Daniel G. Walter, 45 and working as a butcher. Wife Lydia, 44, reported that she had had two children—Clyde, aged 20, and Elsie, 22. Elsie reported that she had not yet had any children, and that she was a school teacher. Listed with her was husband Charles H. Curtis, aged 28 and the Deputy Clerk of the County Treasurer’s office.
On the other record, Charles is noted living with his parents Richard and Jane Curtis in Walnut Twp., Marshall Co., Indiana. Richard Curtis, 55, was still farming. Jane, 61, reported that she had had six children, but that only five had survived to that census. The casualty was daughter Laura Robey Farrar, who died in 1895 of tuberculosis, leaving behind her husband Lloyd Farrar and their son Virgil. Virgil Farrar, age 10, was there with his grandparents, along with Richard and Jane’s children Louvern, 25 and noted as a milliner, Harvey, 24 and a school teacher, Luther, 22 and also a school teacher, and Charles, 28, noted as a bookkeeper. Only children actually living in the household were supposed to have been named for the census enumerator, who has no way of knowing if that child is actually living there or not. It is possible that Charles and Elsie were living separately, as Charles’ health was precarious, as suggested in the following newspaper clippings from the local newspaper, The Argos Reflector. (Thu 8 Feb 1900 p. 8) “Charles H. Curtis, deputy treasurer made his appearance at the court house Saturday, looking very much improved.” (Thu 1 Mar 1900 p. 8) “Charles H. Curtis called at the Court House, and we were much surprised to see him looking so well. He has entirely recovered from his illness and says he has never felt more able. The zero weather seems to agree with him, giving him a rugged appearance.” (Thu 21 Jun 1900 p. 3) “—Mr. and Mrs. Charles Curtis and Luther Curtis (Charles’ brother) started Wednesday for an extended western trip. They will first go to Denver, Colo., where they will remain for some time, after which they will tour the west. Charles has been in failing health for some time, and he hopes to be benefitted by the trip.”
Charles was suffering from the same ailment that claimed his half-sister in 1895—tuberculosis, referred to as consumption in that era, named as such because of the significant weight loss associated with the disease. His trip to the warmer, drier climate in the west likely helped alleviate his symptoms, but at that time, there were no drugs available to cure the highly-contagious disease. It wouldn’t be until 1943 that an effective drug was developed to battle tuberculosis, two decades too late for Charles.
By the time the 1910 Census was taken, Charles and wife Elsie had divorced. She and 8-year-old son Walter were living with her parents in the Culver area, and Elsie, divorced, aged 32, was a hat and dress maker. I couldn’t find Charles on a 1910 Census record, but I suspect he was out west. On 19 Apr 1911, Charles filed for a patent for a method he had developed that preserved lumber in the same way nature petrified trees (see attached article about the method, and the patent file). Charles was clearly very intelligent.
Charles appears to have been back in Indiana for a time, but the west tugged at him, and in 1913, he headed that way again. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 16 Oct 1913 p. 5) “Charles H. Curtis, Walter Drummond and John Hutselman left last week for northern California.”
On 2 Dec 1918, Charles’ mother Jane Curtis died on her eightieth birthday, claimed by stomach cancer. The dark cloud hovered, and on 6 Dec 1919, Charles’ sister Louvern died of tuberculosis at age 46.
The 1920 Census had Charles living in South Bend, St. Joseph Co., Indiana, aged 48, noted as single rather than divorced, lodging on E. Wayne St., with no line of work noted for him. Within a short time after that record was taken, Charles reportedly left Indiana, still chasing relief for his lungs in the southwest. Charles’ son Wayne (aka Walter) was 17 years old and still living with his grandparents and mother in the Culver area. Charles’ ex-wife Elsie was working in a millinery shop.
In late fall of that same year, Charles’ father Richard Curtis died on 27 Nov 1920 at age 77, victim of pneumonia.
Charles’ final journey took him to Santa Clara, California, when on 8 Jun 1921, he succumbed to his illness at age 49.
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