This is the wife of the ex-commissioner of Mount Vernon, Mr John S. Curtis.


Margaret was the daughter of Wilson and Elizabeth (Downen) Jones, settlers in the early 1800s who established farms in Black Township, Posey County, Indiana. Margaret was born on the family farm on January 14, 1826(?). She was from a large family of twelve. Her siblings were: Louisa J., William D., Samuel R., Mary Jane, Elizabeth, Angeline, Emaline, Elva, Levitus B., Leory and Angelitha. On May 6, 1852 in Posey County she married John S. Curtis, a school teacher. John was born on August 6, 1828. By 1860 they were living in the town of Mount Vernon and three chilren had been added to the family: Laura (6), Geneva (3) and Noble W. (1). Also living with them was James Huff (42), a teacher. Ten years later in 1870 John was still teaching and living in Mount Vernon. The value of their real estate was given as $4,000. Margaret was listed as being forty years of age, (incorrect). Children living at home included: Noble (13), Genevia (11), Charly (9) and his twin sister Emma (9) and George (6). No mention was made of Laura as she had died on March 2 of that year. The U S Census of 1880 shows John as being 50 years of age, Margaret being 52 (more accurate), and four children still living at their home in Mount Vernon: Noble (21), Charlie (18) and his twin sister Emma (18), and George (16). John's occupation was left blank so one can assume he was no longer teaching school. John died in January 11, 1882 and is buried at Blacks Cemetery in Posey County. Margaret passed away on December 26, 1888 and is buried next to her husband and daughter Laura. Laura was born on October 12, 1853 and died on March 2, 1870. Their son Charles ("Charlie") was born in 1860 and died in 1916. He also is buried in Blacks Cemetery