CURTIS, J.J. - Putnam

The announcement of the death of J.J. Curtis was received with surprise Monday. No intimation had been received here that he had been in ill health. It will always be regretted that he was not able to spend his last moments in this city, which had been his home for so long. He came to this city in 1883, at that time building the residence which has been his home ever since. Before that time he had been a resident of northern Indiana, near Crown Point for a number of years.  He immediately after his arrival here, became a member of Locust Street, ME Church and there his membership remained until his death.  He passed his 76^th birthday last September.  He leaves two daughters, Mrs. Rice of Algona, IA and Mrs. Dickinson of Valparaiso. His death occurred on last Friday at the home of the former, on account of whose illness he was called to Iowa about a month ago. The interment occurred on Sunday at Crown Point. To friends in this city Mrs. Curtis writes that she returned to Valparaiso after the funeral and will remain there for a week after which she will come to this city. During his 14 years’ residence here, Mr. Curtis won the friendship of all with whom he came in contact. He was never found wanting in any duty assigned him as a church member or as a citizen. He had been for a number of years a member of the official board of Locust Street ME Church. He was at all times a conscientious Christian, always liberal when any request for financial contribution was made. – kbz

*****

The many friends of John J. Curtis learned recently of his death with profound sorrow and regret.  He died suddenly the evening of November 2 at the home of his daughter, Mrs. L.J. Rice in Algona, Iowa where he had been spending a few weeks. The deceased was born Sept 23, 1820 in Massachusetts and spent his boyhood and early manhood in southcentral New York, whither his parents had removed in his infancy.  In the early 50s he case to his lot with those who were seeking their fortunes in the great west and settled in Lake County, Indiana then almost a wilderness. Here, with his family, he endured the hardships of pioneer life, and in time, reaped the rewards of industry. 14 years ago he came to Greencastle to spend his remaining years, gaining here a large circle of warn friends who were attracted to him by the strength and beauty of his character. As one said who knew him well, “He was a remarkable man in many way s- a man of the firmest religious convictions and the biggest and purest motives, these combined and put into practice every day of his long life.

Religion, with him was indeed something to be lived, and it entered into all his relations with his fellows. It would be hard to find a kinder husband, a truer father or a finer and more generous friend than he.  Mr. Curtis had been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for more than 60 years and was a firm supporter of all that is good.  Though many years had passed over his head, he was still young in spirit, taking an active interest in questions of the day, and being especially attracted toward young people with bright possibilities before them. He lived less in the past than many who were younger than he.

A wife and two daughters, Mrs. Dickinson of Valparaiso and Mrs. Rice of Algona, iowa besides numerous other relatives and friends to mourn his loss. – kbz