INSCRIPTION: SGT US ARMY
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Photos:
William Oscar Curtis
Courtesy of Kay Sain on Ancestry (March 19, 2016)

The Curtis Boys
Courtesy of David Schenk on Ancestry (March 20, 2016)

Click on photos to enlarge
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William's only child, Dovie Leona Clayborn, was born to Waltzie Ann Clayborn in Limestone, AR on April 2, 1915.

William & Waltzie were very much in love & planned to get married. Unfortunately, she was controlled by two older brothers whose overpowering actions wouldn't allow them to get married.

In 1960 Waltzie shared her story with her granddaughter, May Lee (Dovie's daughter), who said it was heartbreaking to hear. Waltzie told her that she & William had made a promise to each other & vowed never to marry anyone else if they couldn't get married. They were true to their vows. Waltzie had other children but never married, dying on August 23, 1971. William never married & went on to become a school teacher & lawyer. Ironically, Waltzie's brothers, who caused her such heartbreak, were never married.

May has often wondered why they didn't just run off, elope, & get married. She says their "love story" would have made an awesome movie.
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William's parents were:
Amos "Bud" Ferguson Curtis 1860–1939
Harriett Owens 1862–1943

William & his siblings:
Ada Ellen Curtis 1885–1965
Lawrence B Curtis 1887–1887
Sarah 'Jeanette' Curtis 1888–1975
Nancy Ida "Ider" Curtis 1890–1973
James Alfred Curtis 1891–1988
William Oscar Curtis 1893–1975
Joseph Wesley Curtis 1896–1980
Hugh Lee Curtis 1898–1967
Troy Denver Curtis 1900–1974
Vernie 'Elmer' Curtis 1902–1995
Orville D 'Arvell' Curtis 1905–1971
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On June 5, 1900,
Willie Curtis, age 6 lived on a farm owned by his parents, Bud & Harriet, ages 38 & 23, in Union, Newton Co, AR. Bud & Harriet had been married 15 years; she had given birth to 9 children, 8 of whom were still living. They were:
Ader Curtis 13
Jenette Curtis 10
Ider Curtis 10
Alfred Curtis 7
Willie Curtis 6
Joseph Curtis 6
Lee Curtis 2
Tray Curtis 2/12
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William, age 23, single, was living in Limestone, AR, where he was farming, when he registered for the WWI Draft on June 5, 1917. He gave his place of birth as Limestone & date of birth as July 8, 1893. He was described as medium height & build with dark blue eyes & light brown hair. He signed his name: William Oscar Curtis. Records indicate that he was called to service.
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On January 12/13, 1920,
Willie, age 25, lived in Pleasant Hill, Newton Co, AR with his parents, F. & Harriet Curtis, ages 60 & 56, on their farm. His siblings were:
Ida Curtis 29
Joseph Curtis 23
Troy Curtis 19
Vernie Curtis 17
Arvel Curtis 14
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On May 10, 1940,
William O., age 46, single, lived on the farm in Union, Newton Co, AR with his widowed mother, Harriet Curtis, age 77. William, who was farming, had completed his 2nd year of college.
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William was 48 years old when he registered for the WWII Draft (shown in photo section).

Researched & compiled by Virginia Brown
March 2016