John S. Iddings1,2,3

M, b. 1812
Last Edited16 Jan 2005
Birth*John S. Iddings was born in 1812 at Ohio.1,2,3 
Marriage*He married Sarah Hoover, daughter of David Hoover and Elizabeth Curtis, on 3 May 1837 at Montgomery, Ohio.1,2,3 
Census*John S. Iddings appeared on the census of 2 August 1850 at Peru, Miami, Indiana, page 87, occupation gunsmith, real estate valued at $1,000, 5 children at home.1 

Family

Sarah Hoover b. 12 Nov 1815

Citations

  1. [S1] Census of Population 1850.
  2. [S349] Hulda Hoover Mclean, Herbert Hoover History II, page 208.
  3. [S308] Computerized Heritage Association, Miami Valley (Ohio) Genealogy Index.

James Hoover1

M, b. 14 April 1819, d. 1889
FatherDavid Hoover1 b. 1766, d. 1 Jul 1841
MotherElizabeth Curtis1 b. 1783, d. 14 Oct 1851
Last Edited16 Jan 2005
Birth*James Hoover was born on 14 April 1819 at Miami, Ohio.1 
Marriage*He married Eliza Ann Edwards in 1842 at Preble, Ohio.2,1,3 
Census*James Hoover appeared on the census of 15 August 1850 at Lewisburg, Preble, Ohio, page 420, occupation none, real estate valued at $600, 3 children at home.2 
Death*He died in 1889 at Ohio.1 

Family

Eliza Ann Edwards b. 1825

Citations

  1. [S349] Hulda Hoover Mclean, Herbert Hoover History II, page 208.
  2. [S1] Census of Population 1850.
  3. [S308] Computerized Heritage Association, Miami Valley (Ohio) Genealogy Index.

Eliza Ann Edwards1,2,3

F, b. 1825
Last Edited16 Jan 2005
Birth*Eliza Ann Edwards was born in 1825 at Ohio.1,2,3 
Married Name As of 1842,her married name was Hoover.1,2,3 
Marriage*She married James Hoover, son of David Hoover and Elizabeth Curtis, in 1842 at Preble, Ohio.1,2,3 
(Witness) CensusEliza Ann Edwards appeared on the census of 15 August 1850 Lewisburg, Preble, Ohio, in the household of James Hoover; page 420, occupation none, real estate valued at $600, 3 children at home.1 

Family

James Hoover b. 14 Apr 1819, d. 1889

Citations

  1. [S1] Census of Population 1850.
  2. [S349] Hulda Hoover Mclean, Herbert Hoover History II, page 208.
  3. [S308] Computerized Heritage Association, Miami Valley (Ohio) Genealogy Index.

Susannah Hoover1,2

F, b. 18 September 1821, d. before 1848
FatherDavid Hoover1,2 b. 1766, d. 1 Jul 1841
MotherElizabeth Curtis1,2 b. 1783, d. 14 Oct 1851
Last Edited16 Jan 2005
Birth*Susannah Hoover was born on 18 September 1821 at Miami, Ohio.1,2 
Married Name As of 20 March 1842,her married name was Mote.2,3 
Marriage*She married Eli K. Mote on 20 March 1842 at Montgomery, Ohio.2,3 
Death*Susannah Hoover died before 1848 at Miami/Montgomery, Ohio; husband remarried in 1848; daughter living with Grandma in 1850.1 

Family

Eli K. Mote b. c 1820
Child

Citations

  1. [S1] Census of Population 1850.
  2. [S349] Hulda Hoover Mclean, Herbert Hoover History II, page 208.
  3. [S308] Computerized Heritage Association, Miami Valley (Ohio) Genealogy Index.

Eli K. Mote1,2,3

M, b. circa 1820
Last Edited30 Jan 2013
Birth*Eli K. Mote was born circa 1820.1,2 
Marriage*He married Susannah Hoover, daughter of David Hoover and Elizabeth Curtis, on 20 March 1842 at Montgomery, Ohio.1,2 
Marriage*Eli K. Mote married Annetta Jane Cisco on 12 January 1848 at Montgomery, Ohio.4,2,3 

Family 1

Susannah Hoover b. 18 Sep 1821, d. b 1848
Child

Family 2

Annetta Jane Cisco b. c 1820

Citations

  1. [S349] Hulda Hoover Mclean, Herbert Hoover History II, page 208.
  2. [S308] Computerized Heritage Association, Miami Valley (Ohio) Genealogy Index.
  3. [S2063] Ohio County Courthouses, Ohio County Marriages, 1790-1950.
  4. [S1] Census of Population 1850.

Andrew Hoover1,2

M, b. 22 November 1823, d. 1 May 1891
FatherDavid Hoover1,2 b. 1766, d. 1 Jul 1841
MotherElizabeth Curtis1,2 b. 1783, d. 14 Oct 1851
Last Edited16 Jan 2005
Birth*Andrew Hoover was born on 22 November 1823 at Miami, Ohio.1,2 
Marriage*He married Rachel Wertz on 23 September 1843 at Preble, Ohio.2,1,3 
Census*Andrew Hoover appeared on the census of 4 October 1850 at Randolph, Montgomery, Ohio, page 383, occupation cabinet maker, renting, 2 children at home.2 
Death*He died on 1 May 1891 at age 67.1,2 

Family

Rachel Wertz b. 1825

Citations

  1. [S349] Hulda Hoover Mclean, Herbert Hoover History II, page 208.
  2. [S1] Census of Population 1850.
  3. [S308] Computerized Heritage Association, Miami Valley (Ohio) Genealogy Index.

Rachel Wertz1,2,3

F, b. 1825
Last Edited16 Jan 2005
Birth*Rachel Wertz was born in 1825 at Canada.1,2,3 
Married Name As of 23 September 1843,her married name was Hoover.1,2,3 
Marriage*She married Andrew Hoover, son of David Hoover and Elizabeth Curtis, on 23 September 1843 at Preble, Ohio.1,2,3 
(Witness) CensusRachel Wertz appeared on the census of 4 October 1850 Randolph, Montgomery, Ohio, in the household of Andrew Hoover; page 383, occupation cabinet maker, renting, 2 children at home.1 

Family

Andrew Hoover b. 22 Nov 1823, d. 1 May 1891

Citations

  1. [S1] Census of Population 1850.
  2. [S349] Hulda Hoover Mclean, Herbert Hoover History II, page 208.
  3. [S308] Computerized Heritage Association, Miami Valley (Ohio) Genealogy Index.

Annetta Jane Cisco1,2

F, b. circa 1820
Last Edited30 Jan 2013
Birth*Annetta Jane Cisco was born circa 1820.1,2 
Married Name As of 1848,her married name was Mote.1,2 
Marriage*She married Eli K. Mote on 12 January 1848 at Montgomery, Ohio.1,2,3 

Family

Eli K. Mote b. c 1820

Citations

  1. [S1] Census of Population 1850.
  2. [S308] Computerized Heritage Association, Miami Valley (Ohio) Genealogy Index.
  3. [S2063] Ohio County Courthouses, Ohio County Marriages, 1790-1950.

Sarah Mote1

F, b. 1843
FatherEli K. Mote1 b. c 1820
MotherSusannah Hoover1 b. 18 Sep 1821, d. b 1848
Last Edited16 Jan 2005
Birth*Sarah Mote was born in 1843 at Ohio.1 
(Witness) CensusShe appeared on the census of 4 October 1850 Randolph Twp., Montgomery, Ohio, in the household of Elizabeth Curtis; page 383, occupation none, Sarah Mote, age 7 living with her; Andrew Hoover, age 27, lived next door.1 

Citations

  1. [S1] Census of Population 1850.

James Robbins1

M, b. 7 January 1789, d. 25 September 1873
Last Edited30 Jan 2005
Birth*James Robbins was born on 7 January 1789 at Randolph, North Carolina.1 
Marriage*He married Miriam Davis on 9 August 1810.2,3 
Census*James Robbins appeared on the census of 21 July 1850 at Henry Twp., Fulton, Indiana, page 411B, occupation farmer, real estate valued at $2,000, 2 children at home.4 
CensusHe appeared on the census of 24 August 1860 at Henry Twp., Fulton, Indiana, page 739, occupation farmer, real estate valued at $900, son and daughter lived on same page of census form.5 
Death*He died on 25 September 1873 at Berlin, Clinton, Indiana, at age 84.1 
ObitJames's obituary was published in the Rochester Union Spy on 23 October 1873:

DIED. -At the residence of G. W. ROBBINS, Esq., near Berlin, Clinton county, Indiana. on the 25th day of September, 1873, JAMES ROBBINS, aged 84 years, 18 months and 18 days. The subject of this member was born in Randolph county, North Carolina, January 7, 1789. He was married August 9th, 1810, to MIRIAM DAVIS, who all life long was a worthy and estimable woman, and preceded him only a little over four years to the Unknown Land. With a familv of three children, in the year 1816, he emigrated to the State of Indiana, and settled on White Water, 7 miles below Richmond, in Wayne county; was one of the pioneers of this rich and populous county; he felled the tall sugar, beech, and buckeye, and planted, sowed and reaped while the cities of Richmond and Indianapolis were roamed over by the Indian and panther; he hauled with his team the first load of goods ever sold in Centreville. In 1838 he again emigrated and settled in Fulton county, Indiana, 6 miles east of Rochester, when said county had less than 100 inhabitants. He entered 400 acres of land in Henry township, and remained a citizen of the same until the year 1864, when he sold his farm and has been living with his three sons since that time. Five out of his nine children, with the companion of his youth, preceded him to that land "beyond Death's dark river," and all are buried in Fulton county. The weight of years and affliction had been bearing heavily upon him for two or three years, and on the 20th of September he was taken with cholera morbus, which ended his sufferings at about 4 o'clock, September 25th.
He was buried near Hillsburough, on the evening of September 30th. He was one of those industrious, thorough-going, independent men, that always have enemies but never regard them. His death was characteristic of his whole life, and when he saw his friends gathering about his bed, he seemed at once to realize that he was passing away. He placed one hand upon his wrist to examine the state of his circulation, and finding that he had none, he handed a fan he had been using to his son, crossed his hands upon his breast, closed his eyes and lips and breathed his last so calmly that his friends could not tell the exact moment. He had been a member of the M.E. Church for nearly 50 years, and, as was said of his brother, the Rev. HARLAN ROBBINS (,who fell at his post in 1840), he had not conferred with flesh and blood, for the faith that supported him through life did not fail him in death.1 
(Witness) BioJames Robbins (son of Moses and Alice Robbins) Born in North Carolina on January 7, 1789, probably Randolph County. He would have been the son shown in the 1790 census. Married to Miriam Davis, who was born in 1793. Her parents were Emmor and Alice Stocker Davis (Quakers) and Miriam was deprived of her membership when she married James, a Methodist.
James died September 25, 1873, and his wife preceded him in death on March 2, 1869. This family resided in Center Township, Wayne County, Indiana from 1816 to 1835 when he and his family moved to Fulton County, Indiana.
In the 1830 census, this family consisted of his wife, 4 sons from 1 to 20 years, and 3 daughters from about 2 to 19 years. One son was our ancestor, Emmor. Other known sons were George who became a druggist in Clinton County, Indiana, and Johnson. Johnson was the grandfather of the late Reverend Merlin Omer Robbins who was a Methodist minister in Indianapolis for many years. He had one daughter, Addis, who was a missionary to the Far East and was supported by the Indiana Conference. George was a Republican, member of the Society of Friends, Justice of Peace at Sugar Creek Township and postmaster besides being a druggist.
In the 1840 census James' family had increase by one son and one daughter.
James was a farmer, settling in Center Township for about 19 years and most of his and Miriam's children would have been born in that area. The family apparently lived out most of the balance of their lives in Fulton County, Indiana from 1835. The Doud Bible states that Miriam and five children were buried in Fulton County. Probably some of the children did not live to be very old, but it is known that three sons, Emmor, Johnson and George lived to be older men. There were 12 children in all, and our ancestor Emmor was the longest surviving child.
It is recorded that James, his son Johnson and son Emmor (who would have been only 13) came to Fulton County near Millark, chopped their way through forests and tangled underbrush, breaking a road for the toiling team of oxen and located and cleared a small place for a log cabin. They broke ground for a crop and brought the rest of the family to the new home a year later.3 
(Witness) BioThe 1886 biography of a great grandson of John Robbins posted below identifies John Robbins's wife as Elizabeth Curtis. I wish I had a good source for the name Sarah.

HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY, INDIANA (Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co., 1886), pp. 863-864 [Sugar Creek Township]:
George W. Robbins, druggist, Pickard's Mill, Indiana, came to Clinton County March 1, 1865, and settled in Sugar Creek Township, on section 35, buying 120 acres of land on which he lived seven years. In the fall of 1873 he exchanged a part of his property for lots in Pickard's Mill and money, and engaged in the general mercantile business a year. He then sold out and built his store building, and May 25, 1875, put in a stock of drugs and groceries. In 1876 he sold his stock and rented the building until April, 1886, when he and his son bought the stock of W. W. Cormack, and now are conducting a successful business. Mr. Robbins was born February 1, 1829, in Wayne County, Indiana, and when ten years of age accompanied his parents to Fulton County, Indiana. He was married in Montgomery County, April 22, 1855, to Rachel Fisher, who was born in Tippecanoe County, August 22, 1832, but was reared in Montgomery County, her parents moving there when she was ten years old. She was a daughter of James and Phoebe (Moon) Fisher, natives of Ohio, the father born in Highland County, January 3, 1808, and died in 1878, and the mother born in Clinton County in 1810, and died in 1846. Mr. and Mrs. Robbins have had seven children--Mary C., born January 17, 1856, died March 15, 1874; Olive, born October 15, 1857; Charles, born March 29, 1860; Emma, September 15, 1863; U. S. Grant, August 9, 1868; Schuyler Colfax, August 6, 1870, and Myrtle, August 7, 1874. In politics Mr. Robbins is a Republican. He is a member of the Society of Friends, his wife being a member of the Baptist church. He has served Sugar Creek Township as justice of the peace four years, and has been in the postoffice either as postmaster or assistant nine years. His parents, James and Miriam (Davis) Robbins,were natives of Randolph County, North Carolina, the father born January 7, 1789, and the mother in 1793. His mother died in Fulton County, March 9, 1869, and his father in Sugar Creek Township, September 25, 1873. His paternal grandparents were Moses and Alice (Harlan) Robbins, and his maternal grandparents were Emmor and Alice (Stocker) Davis. The latter were Quakers, and Mr. Robbins's mother was deprived of her membership because of her marriage to a Methodist. His paternal great-grandparents, John and Elizabeth (Curtis) Robbins, were also natives of North Carolina, of Welsh descent. The former was a Baptist clergyman, and at the battle of Guilford Court-House was taken prisoner by the Tories, and his ill treatment while a captive affected his mind and he never fully recovered although he lived to be 100 years old. On the same evening the grandfather of Mr. Robbins was carried off by the same band of Tories, but being only a boy was released in a few days. Alice Harlan, his grandmother, and an older sister were compelled by the same band to pilot them to the home of Captain John Bryant, whose wife was a sister of the grandfather's, he being at home on furlough at the confinement of his wife. The Tories surrounded the house, and while the two girls crouched inside of the door, Bryant was shot down in his house and the girls left to get home as best they could. 

Family

Miriam Davis b. 15 Mar 1793, d. 2 Mar 1869
Children

Citations

  1. [S124] Rochester Sentinel, 23 October 1873.
  2. [S124] Rochester Sentinel, James Robbins, 23 October 1873.
  3. [S866] Alyce H. Kenady, Robbins History (Kenady).
  4. [S1] Census of Population 1850.
  5. [S1] Census of Population 1860.
  6. [S1] Census of Population 1880.

George Robbins1

M, b. 1829
FatherJames Robbins1 b. 7 Jan 1789, d. 25 Sep 1873
MotherMiriam Davis1 b. 15 Mar 1793, d. 2 Mar 1869
Last Edited25 Jan 2005
Birth*George Robbins was born in 1829 at Indiana.1 
(Witness) CensusHe appeared on the census of 21 July 1850 Henry Twp., Fulton, Indiana, in the household of James Robbins; page 411B, occupation farmer, real estate valued at $2,000, 2 children at home.1 
Census*George Robbins appeared on the census of 24 August 1860 at Henry Twp., Fulton, Indiana, page 739, occupation farmer, real estate valued at $900, wife "Rocheal," 3 children.2 

Citations

  1. [S1] Census of Population 1850.
  2. [S1] Census of Population 1860.

Emmer (Emmor) D. Robbins1,2

M, b. 18 August 1822, d. 29 October 1910
FatherJames Robbins1,2 b. 7 Jan 1789, d. 25 Sep 1873
MotherMiriam Davis1,2 b. 15 Mar 1793, d. 2 Mar 1869
Last Edited25 Jan 2005
Birth*Emmer (Emmor) D. Robbins was born on 18 August 1822 at Wayne, Indiana.1,2 
Marriage*He married Alice Clendenning on 5 December 1847 at Miami, Ohio.1,3 
Death*Emmer (Emmor) D. Robbins died on 29 October 1910 at Miami, Indiana, at age 88.1,2 

Family

Alice Clendenning b. 4 May 1827, d. 3 Sep 1885
Child

Citations

  1. [S866] Alyce H. Kenady, Robbins History (Kenady).
  2. [S1] Census of Population 1880.
  3. [S343] Wendell C. and Jean C. Tombaugh, Miami County, Indiana Cemeteries-Tombaugh, Ebenezer Cemetery.
  4. [S343] Wendell C. and Jean C. Tombaugh, Miami County, Indiana Cemeteries-Tombaugh, Ebenzer Cemetery.

Alice Clendenning1,2

F, b. 4 May 1827, d. 3 September 1885
Last Edited25 Jan 2005
Birth*Alice Clendenning was born on 4 May 1827 at Tyrone, Ireland.1,2 
Marriage*She married Emmer (Emmor) D. Robbins, son of James Robbins and Miriam Davis, on 5 December 1847 at Miami, Ohio.1,2 
Death*Alice Clendenning died on 3 September 1885 at Miami, Ohio, at age 58; buried at Ebenzer Cemetery, Union Township.1,2 

Family

Emmer (Emmor) D. Robbins b. 18 Aug 1822, d. 29 Oct 1910
Child

Citations

  1. [S866] Alyce H. Kenady, Robbins History (Kenady).
  2. [S343] Wendell C. and Jean C. Tombaugh, Miami County, Indiana Cemeteries-Tombaugh, Ebenezer Cemetery.
  3. [S343] Wendell C. and Jean C. Tombaugh, Miami County, Indiana Cemeteries-Tombaugh, Ebenzer Cemetery.

Miriam Robbins1

F, b. August 1848, d. 28 April 1864
FatherEmmer (Emmor) D. Robbins1 b. 18 Aug 1822, d. 29 Oct 1910
MotherAlice Clendenning1 b. 4 May 1827, d. 3 Sep 1885
Last Edited25 Jan 2005
Birth*Miriam Robbins was born in August 1848 at Miami, Ohio.1 
Death*She died on 28 April 1864 at Miami, Ohio, at age 15; buried at Ebenezer Cemetery, Union Township.1 

Citations

  1. [S343] Wendell C. and Jean C. Tombaugh, Miami County, Indiana Cemeteries-Tombaugh, Ebenzer Cemetery.

John Curtis1,2

M, b. 1769, d. between 1854 and 1855
FatherThomas Curtis Sr. b. c 1746, d. bt 1811 - 1820
MotherEleanor Bryant b. c 1746, d. bt 1821 - 1830
Last Edited16 Oct 2009
Birth*John Curtis was born in 1769 at Rowan, North Carolina; no documentation for John as the son of Thomas & Eleanor; but no information that contradicts that being the case. The "Robbins connection" is the best evidence in favor of the proposition, i.e., John and Thomas Jr. being brothers, each marrying daughters of Joseph Robbins, and moving to the area of or around Humphreys County, Tennessee shortly before 1800. The John Rob(b)ins in the early Humphreys records is probably the brother of Nancy and Ann. John and Thomas guaranteed some sort of store credit for Thomas' son Joel, according to an 1810 Humphreys County record.1 
Marriage*He married Nancy Robbins, daughter of Joseph Robbins Sr. and Alice A. (Alse, Else) Robbins, in September 1789 at Randolph, North Carolina; alternate date of 10 April 1786 from unknown source.1,3 
CensusJohn Curtis appeared on the census of 1790 at Randolph, North Carolina, page 315, 1 male under 15, 1 male over 15 and 1 female; identify of younger male is unknown.4 
Tax List*He appeared on the personal property tax list of 1796 at Capt. Hulm's District, Wilkes, North Carolina; 1 poll, no acreage. There is no certainty John moved to Wilkes County, but the presence of the Holt family at the same time leads to the theory that John and Nancy moved with the Holts to Tennessee, with John appearing next in Dickson county, where he obtained deed to a land entry in 1809 and sold it the same year. Capt. Hulm's District includes Buffalo Cove, where Joshua Sr., et al settled first.5 
Land Sale* On 18 September 1809 John Curtis sold land at Humphreys, Tennessee, to Jacob Harder of Williamson County for $300, described as 200 acres where he now lives in Dickson County, Tennessee, on White Oak Creek, adjacent to Baily Hooper; signed by John Curtis, witnessed by Bailey Hooper and Samuel Parker, who signed with his mark; proven in court October 1810.6 
NoteB* On 23 September 1819 a petition was received by the Tennessee legislature requesting the establishment of Wayne County. Signatories include John Curtis (Senr.) and John Curtis (Jr.) [from Wayne County internet site] 
Census*He appeared on the census of 1820 at Wayne, Tennessee, page 328, 2 females under 10, 1 female 10-15, 1 male 16-18, 2 males 18-25, 1 female 16-25, 1 male and 1 female over 45 - 7 children and 2 adults.7 
CensusHe appeared on the census of 1830 at Wayne, Tennessee, page 294, 1 female 15-20, 1 male 50-60, 1 female 60-70.8 
CensusHe appeared on the census of 1840 at Wayne, Tennessee, page 97, 2 females 10-14, 1 female 15-19, 1 female 60-69, 1 male 70-80.9 
(Witness) CensusHe appeared on the census of 29 October 1850 District 7, Wayne, Tennessee, in the household of William Riley Curtis; page 333, occupation farmer, real estate valued at $500, 8 children and parents at home.1 
Death*John Curtis died between 1854 and 1855 at Wayne, Tennessee; On 19 July 1851, John sold his land to Gregory Sinclair, witnessed by W. R. and A.F. Curtis. That deed was filed 10 April 1854. W. R. and A.F. Curtis appeared in court and testified "they are acquainted with John Curtis," which implies John was still living [Wayne County Deed Book H, page 260] The probate files for John and Nancy were closed in 1855.1 
(Witness) BioCURTIS There were three brothers: Thomas Curtis, Amos Curtis and John Curtis along with two of their sisters who left Wayne County, TN for Arkansas about 1858. They settled in the southwest corner of Newton County, on the headwaters of the Buffalo River. They were the children of William R. Curtis and Nancy (Staggs) Curtis. Most, if not all, had been born and raised in Wayne County.
Thomas S. Curtis enlisted in the CSA, but didn't care much for it, as he was AWOL about a month later, never returning. He did serve as Justice of the Peace in Newton County, after the war, as well as postmaster. It might be noted that at the time of enlistment, Thomas was about 45. I don't think anyone would make a very good trooper at 45.
Amos enlisted as Private in Company E, 14th (Power's) Arkansas Infantry, CSA, for a one year term. He was mustered out in 1862, and went back to his farm and family. Then in 1863, he returned to the war, but this time he enlisted as a corporal in Company E, 2nd Rgt. Arkansas Infantry USA, and served in the Union forces for the rest of the Civil War. He saw combat in several locations in Arkansas, and went AWOL at least once. This was fairly common. Amos was called back to his family because Rachel Ellen (Ellie) was dying in 1864. She had given birth to their eighth child, Joseph. Amos then married Cecelia Daniels, leaving her to care for the children and returned to the army. According to the United States pension papers, Amos was 5' 8", with a fair complexion. He had blue eyes and black hair. His brother, John Curtis, also served as a private in Company G, 14th (Power's) Arkansas Infantry, CSA.
Amos, who lived to be 84, fathered 25 or so children. He was an apple grower and moonshiner, known as "By-Jacks", because of his frequent use of the phrase. A nephew, Dexter Curtis, said that By-Jacks would take loads of his apples and 'shine down to Clarksville, AR for sale. After selling his wares, he would often draw a circle in the street and dare any "SOB" to knock him out of it.
CURTIS I am descended from Amos F. Curtis. His oldest son, James Hiram Curtis, married Sara Caroline Nichols. Sarah's mother, Delilah, a widow, had married Thomas S. Curtis. Sarah and James Hiram setup housekeeping in a two story log cabin put up with the help of neighbors in Newton County, AR. There he raised wheat, apples, sheep, cattle and other things a family needed.
Jim and Sarah had 16 children of whom 13 lived to maturity. They were educated at home and learned to read from the Bible. Sarah was a pious woman, but also warm and loving. When one of her granddaughters (my mother) was in college and confused about life, Sarah would write letters that expressed love and confidence in her saying, "you're as good as anyone, and better than most."
She and Jim instilled this in all their children. Two, George and William L., became lawyers; Albert was a lawman; Joseph and Wade were merchants; James (Jimro) owned a bank: and John Harvey and Lee worked for Carter Oil Company in Tulsa. John Harv was an accountant for Carter. The daughters, Arrabelle, Martha Adeline (Addie), Minnie, Mert and Sarah Emmeline (Sally) all married good men. One of Minnie's grandsons is an attorney in Midland, TX.
George and William L. Curtis did not attend Law School. In fact, neither went to college. They became lawyers by reading the law and passing the bar exam. This was a common practice then.
William L., or Will, left the two story log house when he was 16. When their children were that age, Jim and Sarah would send them to Jasper, AR, county seat and location of the Newton Academy, the high school for the county. Will attended for two years and was hired as a teacher. He taught for several years, returning to see his family periodically. He met and married Hattie Harrison, daughter of a local merchant. They were both teenagers.
Setting up house in the loft of the Harrison Store, Will began to look for a way to achieve the better life he knew existed beyond the Ozark Mountains that surrounded Jasper, AR. He ran for, and was elected to the office of County Clerk. However, he was a month or so shy of 21, so he spent the time until he could assume office reading the law books there, and continued to do so after becoming clerk.
When he passed the bar, Will and Hattie followed older brother, George, to Sallisaw, Indian Territory and hung out his shingle. A likable man, Will was elected to almost every office he ran for: County Attorney, Mayor and State Representative. He headed the committee that compiled the statutes for the new state of Oklahoma.
Their fifth (of six) daughters, Katherine B., was my mother. She was born in 1909 and died in 1974. Submitted by Fred Denker.

WILLIAM R. CURTIS According to census records, William R. Curtis was born about 1794 in North Carolina, son of John and Nancy Curtis, who made their home with him in Wayne County, TN in the 1850s. William R. married Nancy (?) about 1816. (Is theirs the marriage recorded in Williamson County, TN as William Curtis married Nancy Staggs on Oct. 11, 1815?).
Their children were all born in Tennessee. Besides three sons, four daughters were born between 1815 and 1830. William left no will naming them, so the girls have not been identified. Perhaps they married and/or died before 1850.
William was granted 412 acres of land in Wayne County by the State of Tennessee in the 1820s, 195 acres as assignee of James Morten or Marten. Settling there, he traded land in Wayne County between 1827 and 1860 with Keaton Holt, Joshua Beckham, Gregory Sinclair, Jesse Hinkle, John Hayes, James Moore and William Johnson. His family was listed on the 1830, 1840, 1850 and 1860 censuses of that same county in the Seventh Civil District. (Was he the William Curtice in Davidson County, TN in 1820?) No Curtises were slave owners on the 1850 slave census of Wayne County, TN. Sometime between the 1850 and 1860 censuses, both of William's elderly parents, John (born 1759, North Carolina) and Nancy (born 1773, North Carolina) Curtis, died and were buried in unlocated graves.
The Civil War dramatically impacted the family. Sons, Amos, Hamp, William, and James fought. Hamp died during the War in 1862 at Nashville, TN. It was not uncommon for men conscripted by the Confederate Army to serve out their "hitch" or desert, then enlist in the Union forces, where their sentiments actually were. William Sylvester Moore, husband of daughter Alcy, was a man who served on both sides of the conflict. As a Union soldier, he wrote a farewell letter, dated July 23, 1863, from Tuscumbia, AL, to inform his wife that he had been arrested and falsely accused by Union troops of being a Confederate spy, and was to be executed shortly. He assured her of his innocence and the certainty of his death.
On Aug. 7, 1865 an inventory of the estate of William R. Curtis, deceased, was recorded in Court in Wayne County, TN. The administrator of his estate was Isaiah Blackwood. His widow, Nancy, must have died shortly, as she was not on the 1870 census.
Children of William R. and Nancy Curtis:
Thomas S., born 1817 Tennessee, married first Anna and second to Delila Nichols.
Amos Ferguson (Dec. 10, 1825, Tennessee - Sept. 20, 1909), buried in private Curtis Cemetery in Newton County, AR, married first Rachel Ellie who died Nov. 20,
1864 Tennessee, removed to Arkansas about 1865, married Cecilia Daniels, daughter of Jeremiah and Susannah, third married Laura C. Niell and fourth married Rebecca Greer, divorced 1892. For his fifth marriage he wed Elizabeth Parton.
Wade Hampton, born 1829, buried Federal Cemetery in Nashville, married May 11, 1854 Sarah Ann Nelson.
William, born 1831, married Eliza.
John J. or James (Jan. 4, 1832-July 19, 1896), buried Whitten's Crossroad Cemetery, Wayne County, TN. Sarah, born 1834.
Louisa, born 1836, married a Hardison, removed to Newton County, AR.
Alcy, born 1837, married first William Moore about 1856 and second Robert Hill in 1866.
Eleanor "Nelly", born 1841, married Green B. Strickland in 1858 and Delilah Curtis, born 1843. Submitted by James Gammon.

Source: Wayne County Historical Society, Wayne County, Tennessee History & Families 1817-1895, Turner Publishing Company, Paducah, Kentucky, 1995.10 
NoteB In the 1790 census, they had one young male. William Riley and John Jr. were born in 1794 & 1795 and were both in their own households by 1820.
In the 1820 census, they reported 2 females under 10, 1 female 10-15, 1 female 16-25, 1 male 16-18 and 2 males 18-25--7 children, 3 boys and 4 girls, not including the three boys mentioned above. So they had at least 10 children--I have only 5. I have William R. & John, Nancy and Sarah, who married Holts, and Rebecca, about whom I know nothing.
In 1830, John's household had emptied out, leaving only one girl, probably Sarah Garner. So there should be 3 Curtis males, ages 25-35 popping up, but none appear in Wayne County. No one in Hardin County, only an Isaiah Curtis, age 30-40 in Lawrence. In 1840, no brothers living with him.
In 1840, John and Nancy had 3 female teenagers living with them, but there were no new Curtis male households in the Wayne census. No Curtis families in adjacent Hardin County. Lawrence County had a widow and a William P. Curtis, who obviously is not John's son.
The 1850 census for Wayne County has no one named Curtis born before 1820 that could be any of the missing 5 children, or Rebecca, for that matter. Lawrence County had a bunch of Curtises in 1850 besides William P., but none that would seem to be the missing Wayne County sons.
Old John apparently just squatted until 1850, when he entered 75 acres of land pursuant to the Tennessee occupant entry law. He then sold that 75 acres in 1851 to his neighbor Gregory Sinclair, so there was no land to divide among his heirs, hence no such deed to identify them. There was an administrator appointed for his estate, but other researchers have not found any papers naming the heirs. 

Family

Nancy Robbins b. 1773, d. bt 1851 - 1855
Children

Citations

  1. [S1] Census of Population 1850.
  2. [S867] Mary Hays and Alden Evans, "Ancestral File-Curtis (Hays-Evans)", Ancestral File.
  3. [S905] Randolph County Clerk, Randolph County Court of Common Pleas, September 1789 session.
  4. [S1] Census of Population 1790.
  5. [S933] Wilkes County Genealogical Society, Wilkes County Tax Lists, 1796.
  6. [S1074] Humphreys County Deed Records: Book A, pages 55-56, unknown repository.
  7. [S1] Census of Population 1820.
  8. [S1] Census of Population 1830.
  9. [S1] Census of Population 1840.
  10. [S884] Wayne County Historical Society, Wayne County Heritage.
  11. [S873] Thomas A. Holt, Wayne County, Tennessee Cemetery Records, Holt Family Cemetery (probably).
  12. [S873] Thomas A. Holt, Wayne County, Tennessee Cemetery Records, Holt Cemetery.

Nancy Robbins1,2

F, b. 1773, d. between 1851 and 1855
FatherJoseph Robbins Sr.3 b. c 1730, d. bt Jun 1788 - Sep 1788
MotherAlice A. (Alse, Else) Robbins3 b. c 1734, d. bt Jul 1790 - Apr 1793
Last Edited9 Jul 2009
Birth*Nancy Robbins was born in 1773 at Guilford, North Carolina.1 
Married Name As of September 1789,her married name was Curtis.1,4 
Marriage*She married John Curtis, son of Thomas Curtis Sr. and Eleanor Bryant, in September 1789 at Randolph, North Carolina; alternate date of 10 April 1786 from unknown source.1,4 
(Witness) CensusNancy Robbins appeared on the census of 1790 Randolph, North Carolina, in the household of John Curtis; page 315, 1 male under 15, 1 male over 15 and 1 female; identify of younger male is unknown.5 
(Witness) CensusNancy Robbins appeared on the census of 1830 Wayne, Tennessee, in the household of John Curtis; page 294, 1 female 15-20, 1 male 50-60, 1 female 60-70.6 
(Witness) CensusNancy Robbins appeared on the census of 1840 Wayne, Tennessee, in the household of John Curtis; page 97, 2 females 10-14, 1 female 15-19, 1 female 60-69, 1 male 70-80.7 
(Witness) CensusNancy Robbins appeared on the census of 29 October 1850 District 7, Wayne, Tennessee, in the household of William Riley Curtis; page 333, occupation farmer, real estate valued at $500, 8 children and parents at home.1 
Death*Nancy Robbins died between 1851 and 1855 at Wayne, Tennessee.1 
(Witness) DeathShe witnessed the death of John Curtis between 1854 and 1855 at Wayne, Tennessee; On 19 July 1851, John sold his land to Gregory Sinclair, witnessed by W. R. and A.F. Curtis. That deed was filed 10 April 1854. W. R. and A.F. Curtis appeared in court and testified "they are acquainted with John Curtis," which implies John was still living [Wayne County Deed Book H, page 260] The probate files for John and Nancy were closed in 1855.1 

Family

John Curtis b. 1769, d. bt 1854 - 1855
Children

Citations

  1. [S1] Census of Population 1850.
  2. [S867] Mary Hays and Alden Evans, "Ancestral File-Curtis (Hays-Evans)", Ancestral File.
  3. [S1004] Sarah Robbins Lehman, Back Creek, page 120.
  4. [S905] Randolph County Clerk, Randolph County Court of Common Pleas, September 1789 session.
  5. [S1] Census of Population 1790.
  6. [S1] Census of Population 1830.
  7. [S1] Census of Population 1840.
  8. [S1] Census of Population 1820.
  9. [S873] Thomas A. Holt, Wayne County, Tennessee Cemetery Records, Holt Family Cemetery (probably).
  10. [S873] Thomas A. Holt, Wayne County, Tennessee Cemetery Records, Holt Cemetery.

John Curtis Jr.1,2

M, b. circa 1795, d. 1838
FatherJohn Curtis1,2 b. 1769, d. bt 1854 - 1855
MotherNancy Robbins1,2 b. 1773, d. bt 1851 - 1855
Last Edited1 Feb 2016
Birth*John Curtis Jr. was born circa 1795 at Randolph, North Carolina; could be Randolph or Wilkes, depending on when the family left Randolph.3,1 
Marriage*He married Mrs. John Jr. Curtis circa 1811 at Tennessee.4 
(Witness) NoteB On 23 September 1819 a petition was received by the Tennessee legislature requesting the establishment of Wayne County. Signatories include John Curtis (Senr.) and John Curtis (Jr.) [from Wayne County internet site] 
(Witness) CensusJohn Curtis Jr. appeared on the census of 1820 Wayne, Tennessee, in the household of John Curtis; page 328, 2 females under 10, 1 female 10-15, 1 male 16-18, 2 males 18-25, 1 female 16-25, 1 male and 1 female over 45 - 7 children and 2 adults.4 
CensusJohn Curtis Jr. appeared on the census of 1820 at Wayne, Tennessee, page 328, 3 males and 1 female under 10, 1 male 18-25, 1 female 16-25. 
Census*He appeared on the census of 1830 at Wayne, Tennessee, page 294, 1 male and 3 females under 5, 1 male and 2 females 5-9, 1 male 10-14, 1 male 15-19, 1 male and 1 female 30-39.5 
Death*He died in 1838 at Maury, Tennessee; There is a Maury County record for estate sale of John Curtis in 1838. The household items reflect a reasonable sized family, not a young or an old household. The purchasers and administrator(s) are associated with the Thomas Curtis family, who would be relatives through both the Robbins and Curtis families. No other record has been found that fits John Curtis Jr., and there is no record of who his children were. "B. Curtis" was a prominent buyer and seems more likely to have been Benj. b. 1798 than Benj. F., b. 1821. 
NoteB* Nothing is known about the members of John's family, except that they were numerous. Two Newton County, Arkansas men named John Curtis appear to be desendants. 

Family

Mrs. John Jr. Curtis b. c 1795
Children

Citations

  1. [S867] Mary Hays and Alden Evans, "Ancestral File-Curtis (Hays-Evans)", Ancestral File.
  2. [S1] Census of Population 1850.
  3. [S1] Census of Population 1820, 1830.
  4. [S1] Census of Population 1820.
  5. [S1] Census of Population 1830.
  6. [S1] Census of Population 1820-1830.
  7. [S1368] Find A Grave, Find A Grave.
  8. [S1] Census of Population 1860-1900.

William Riley Curtis1,2

M, b. 1794, d. before 7 July 1862
FatherJohn Curtis1,2 b. 1769, d. bt 1854 - 1855
MotherNancy Robbins1,2 b. 1773, d. bt 1851 - 1855
Last Edited27 Feb 2013
Birth*William Riley Curtis was born in 1794 at Randolph, North Carolina.1,2 
Marriage*He married Nancy Staggs on 11 October 1815 at Williamson, Tennessee; Wayne County marriage records through 1850 were lost in a fire; there were a number of Staggs families in Williamson and Wayne Counties in 1820.1,2,3 
NoteB* In the winter of 1812-20 the first county court was organized at old Town Branch by the following named Justices of the Peace, who were commissioned by Gov. Joseph McMinn, including William R. Curtis. [Taken from a manuscript in the Tennessee Historical Society Collection, Tennessee State Archives and Library.] 
(Witness) CensusWilliam Riley Curtis appeared on the census of 1820 Wayne, Tennessee, in the household of John Curtis; page 328, 2 females under 10, 1 female 10-15, 1 male 16-18, 2 males 18-25, 1 female 16-25, 1 male and 1 female over 45 - 7 children and 2 adults.4 
Census*William Riley Curtis and Nancy Staggs appeared on the census of 1830 at Wayne, Tennessee, page 294, 1 male and 1 female under 5, 2 males and 3 females 5-10, 1 male 15-19, 1 male and 1 female 30-39; more young children than accounted for in later censuses.5 
CensusWilliam Riley Curtis appeared on the census of 1840 at Wayne, Tennessee, page 106, 1 male and 2 females under 5, 2 males and 1 female 5-10, 1 male and 1 female 10-14, 1 male and 2 females 15-19, 1 male and 1 female 40-49, 13 in household.6 
CensusHe appeared on the census of 29 October 1850 at District 7, Wayne, Tennessee, page 333, occupation farmer, real estate valued at $500, 8 children and parents at home.1 
Land Sale* On 12 August 1859 William Riley Curtis sold land at Wayne, Tennessee, to Wm W. Johnson for $150, described as 150 acres on Indian Creek, Range 10, Section 2.7 
CensusHe appeared on the census of 16 June 1860 at Cromwell Mills P.O., District 16, Wayne, Tennessee, page 304b, occupation farmer, real estate valued at $1,000, 1 child and Sarah Martin, age 5, at home.8 
Death*He died before 7 July 1862 at Wayne, Tennessee; William R. Curtis, dec., letter of administration issued to G.G. Stricklin, 7 July 1862, page 79, County Court Minute Book.9 
NoteB On 8 February 1871, Thomas S. Curtis, John Curtis, Lucinda Hardison and Amos T. Curtis, all of Newton Co., Arkansas, appointed Robert P. Cypert of Wayne Co., as attorney to collect their distribute share of the estate of William R. Curtis Wayne County Power of Attorney Records listed on Wayne County website.) 

Family

Nancy Staggs b. 1800, d. b Jul 1865
Children

Citations

  1. [S1] Census of Population 1850.
  2. [S867] Mary Hays and Alden Evans, "Ancestral File-Curtis (Hays-Evans)", Ancestral File.
  3. [S869] The Generations Network, Tennessee State Marriages 1780-2002.
  4. [S1] Census of Population 1820.
  5. [S1] Census of Population 1830.
  6. [S1] Census of Population 1840.
  7. [S1806] Wayne County Register of Deeds, Wayne County, Tennessee Deed Records, Book J, page 172.
  8. [S1] Census of Population 1860.
  9. [S880] Nelle J. Berry and June L. Scott, Wayne County, Tennessee Wills and Letters of Administration, page 408.
  10. [S1652] Fred Denker, "Descendants of William Riley Curtis", Ancestral File.
  11. [S1] Census of Population 1860-1870.

Nancy Staggs1,2

F, b. 1800, d. before July 1865
Last Edited9 Jul 2009
Birth*Nancy Staggs was born in 1800 at Kentucky.1,2 
Marriage*She married William Riley Curtis, son of John Curtis and Nancy Robbins, on 11 October 1815 at Williamson, Tennessee; Wayne County marriage records through 1850 were lost in a fire; there were a number of Staggs families in Williamson and Wayne Counties in 1820.1,2,3 
Married Name As of circa 1816,her married name was Curtis.1,2 
CensusNancy Staggs and William Riley Curtis appeared on the census of 1830 at Wayne, Tennessee, page 294, 1 male and 1 female under 5, 2 males and 3 females 5-10, 1 male 15-19, 1 male and 1 female 30-39; more young children than accounted for in later censuses.4 
(Witness) CensusNancy Staggs appeared on the census of 1840 Wayne, Tennessee, in the household of William Riley Curtis; page 106, 1 male and 2 females under 5, 2 males and 1 female 5-10, 1 male and 1 female 10-14, 1 male and 2 females 15-19, 1 male and 1 female 40-49, 13 in household.5 
(Witness) CensusNancy Staggs appeared on the census of 29 October 1850 District 7, Wayne, Tennessee, in the household of William Riley Curtis; page 333, occupation farmer, real estate valued at $500, 8 children and parents at home.1 
(Witness) CensusNancy Staggs appeared on the census of 16 June 1860 Cromwell Mills P.O., District 16, Wayne, Tennessee, in the household of William Riley Curtis; page 304b, occupation farmer, real estate valued at $1,000, 1 child and Sarah Martin, age 5, at home.6 
Death*Nancy Staggs died before July 1865 at Wayne, Tennessee; William R. Curtis, dec., letter of administration issued to Josiah Blackwood, July 1865, page 256.7 

Family

William Riley Curtis b. 1794, d. b 7 Jul 1862
Children

Citations

  1. [S1] Census of Population 1850.
  2. [S867] Mary Hays and Alden Evans, "Ancestral File-Curtis (Hays-Evans)", Ancestral File.
  3. [S869] The Generations Network, Tennessee State Marriages 1780-2002.
  4. [S1] Census of Population 1830.
  5. [S1] Census of Population 1840.
  6. [S1] Census of Population 1860.
  7. [S880] Nelle J. Berry and June L. Scott, Wayne County, Tennessee Wills and Letters of Administration, page 400.
  8. [S1652] Fred Denker, "Descendants of William Riley Curtis", Ancestral File.
  9. [S1] Census of Population 1860-1870.

Rachel Davis1

F, b. 1832
Last Edited10 Feb 2005
Birth*Rachel Davis was born in 1832 at Indiana.1 
Married Name As of 17 July 1851,her married name was Curtis.1 
Marriage*She married Davis Curtis, son of John Curtis and Catherine Hoover, on 17 July 1851 at Wabash, Indiana.1 

Family

Davis Curtis b. 27 Nov 1826

Citations

  1. [S240] Works Progress Administration, Indiana Marriages 1845-1920, Wabash, Book A, page 208.

Albert Curtis1

M, b. 1853
FatherAndrew Curtis1 b. 24 Feb 1816, d. 28 Jun 1896
MotherMary A. Davis1 b. 28 Aug 1817, d. 14 Mar 1899
Last Edited10 Feb 2005
Birth*Albert Curtis was born in 1853 at Butler Twp., Montgomery, Ohio.1 
(Witness) CensusHe appeared on the census of 11 July 1860 Noble Twp., Wabash, Indiana, in the household of Andrew Curtis; page 215, occupation farmer, real estate valued at $2,000, 6 children at home.1 
(Witness) CensusAlbert Curtis appeared on the census of 15 July 1870 Noble Twp., Wabash, Indiana, in the household of Andrew Curtis and Mary A. Davis; page 136b, occupation farmer, real estate valued at $4,500, 3 children at home.2 

Citations

  1. [S1] Census of Population 1860.
  2. [S1] Census of Population 1870.

Sarah E. Curtis1

F, b. 1852
FatherAndrew Curtis1 b. 24 Feb 1816, d. 28 Jun 1896
MotherMary A. Davis1 b. 28 Aug 1817, d. 14 Mar 1899
Last Edited10 Feb 2005
Birth*Sarah E. Curtis was born in 1852 at Butler Twp., Montgomery, Ohio.1 
(Witness) CensusShe appeared on the census of 11 July 1860 Noble Twp., Wabash, Indiana, in the household of Andrew Curtis; page 215, occupation farmer, real estate valued at $2,000, 6 children at home.1 
(Witness) CensusSarah E. Curtis appeared on the census of 15 July 1870 Noble Twp., Wabash, Indiana, in the household of Andrew Curtis and Mary A. Davis; page 136b, occupation farmer, real estate valued at $4,500, 3 children at home.2 

Citations

  1. [S1] Census of Population 1860.
  2. [S1] Census of Population 1870.

Remelda Ellen Curtis1

F, b. 1858
FatherAndrew Curtis1 b. 24 Feb 1816, d. 28 Jun 1896
MotherMary A. Davis1 b. 28 Aug 1817, d. 14 Mar 1899
Last Edited1 Dec 2007
Birth*Remelda Ellen Curtis was born in 1858 at Wabash, Indiana.1 
(Witness) CensusShe appeared on the census of 11 July 1860 Noble Twp., Wabash, Indiana, in the household of Andrew Curtis; page 215, occupation farmer, real estate valued at $2,000, 6 children at home.1 
(Witness) CensusRemelda Ellen Curtis appeared on the census of 15 July 1870 Noble Twp., Wabash, Indiana, in the household of Andrew Curtis and Mary A. Davis; page 136b, occupation farmer, real estate valued at $4,500, 3 children at home.2 

Citations

  1. [S1] Census of Population 1860.
  2. [S1] Census of Population 1870.

Mary Margaret Martha Wiley1,2

F, b. between 1720 and 1725, d. circa 1789
Last Edited4 Nov 2006
Birth*Mary Margaret Martha Wiley was born between 1720 and 1725 at Frederick, Maryland; Sylvia Baird has both born earlier than would be expected based on children dob's.1,2 
Married Name As of December 1744,her married name was Harman.1,2 
Marriage*She married George Harman in December 1744 at Maryland.1,2 
Death*Mary Margaret Martha Wiley died circa 1789 at Randolph, North Carolina; or Rowan.1,2 

Family

George Harman b. c 1722, d. bt 1788 - 1789
Child

Citations

  1. [S870] Sylvia Baird, "Ancestral File of Sylvia Baird", Ancestral File.
  2. [S871] Lisa Anderson & Shirley Lineback, "Ancestral File-Harman Family", Ancestral File.

Wade Hampton Curtis1

M, b. 1829, d. 8 February 1863
FatherWilliam Riley Curtis1 b. 1794, d. b 7 Jul 1862
MotherNancy Staggs1 b. 1800, d. b Jul 1865
Last Edited22 Sep 2008
Birth*Wade Hampton Curtis was born in 1829 at Wayne, Tennessee.1 
(Witness) CensusHe appeared on the census of 29 October 1850 District 7, Wayne, Tennessee, in the household of William Riley Curtis; page 333, occupation farmer, real estate valued at $500, 8 children and parents at home.1 
Marriage*Wade Hampton Curtis married Sarah A. Nelson on 11 May 1854 at John Stribling's Home, Wayne, Tennessee.2,3 
Census*Wade Hampton Curtis and Sarah A. Nelson appeared on the census of 16 June 1860 at Cromwells Mills P.O., District 16, Wayne, Tennessee, page 305, occupation farmer, owned real estate valued at $400, 3 children at home.2 
Milit-Beg*Wade Hampton Curtis began military service on 16 April 1862 at Nashville, Davidson, Tennessee, as a Sergeant, Company A., 10th Tennessee Infantry USA; described as age 22, 5'10 1/2" tall, fair complexion, light hair, blue eyes.4,3 
Death*He died on 8 February 1863 at Nashville, Davidson, Tennessee; from illness, in a military hospital; interred in grave #2032, Fort Gillem, Nashville, Tennessee.3 

Family

Sarah A. Nelson b. 1837, d. 14 Feb 1870
Children

Citations

  1. [S1] Census of Population 1850.
  2. [S1] Census of Population 1860.
  3. [S1669] Civil War, Military Service and Pension, 1876 National Archives.
  4. [S1213] Ancestry.com, "Ancestry.com", Ancestral File, Civil War service records.
  5. [S1652] Fred Denker, "Descendants of William Riley Curtis", Ancestral File.

William Riley Curtis Jr.1

M, b. 1 January 1830, d. 23 December 1887
FatherWilliam Riley Curtis1 b. 1794, d. b 7 Jul 1862
MotherNancy Staggs1 b. 1800, d. b Jul 1865
Last Edited28 May 2013
Birth*William Riley Curtis Jr. was born on 1 January 1830 at Wayne, Tennessee.1,2 
(Witness) CensusHe appeared on the census of 29 October 1850 District 7, Wayne, Tennessee, in the household of William Riley Curtis; page 333, occupation farmer, real estate valued at $500, 8 children and parents at home.1 
Marriage*William Riley Curtis Jr. married Eliza McCrary circa 1852 at Tennessee.3 
Census*William Riley Curtis Jr. and Eliza McCrary appeared on the census of 16 June 1860 at Cromwells Mills P.O., District 16, Wayne, Tennessee, page 305b, occupation cooper, renting, 4 children at home.3 
Marriage*William Riley Curtis Jr. married Sarah A. Morris circa 1861 at Wayne, Tennessee; per Edwards County, Illinois history. 
Land Sale* On 24 October 1862 William Riley Curtis Jr. sold land at Wayne, Tennessee, to Green B. Strickland for $25, his undivided interest in the lands of William R. Curtis, dec'd, described as two parcels lying on Wetherford's Fork of Indian Creek, witnessed by William Sinclair and Joseph G. Stribling, recorded 21 November 1866.4 
Census*He appeared on the census of 16 August 1870 at Graysville Precinct, White, Illinois, page 395b, occupation farm laborer, he and Martha were living with James & Elizabeth Penfold family.5 
Marriage*He married Elizabeth (?) between 1875 and 1880 at Illinois; Wayne County, IL marriage records unavailable.6 
CensusWilliam Riley Curtis Jr. and Elizabeth (?) appeared on the census of 17 June 1880 at Indian Prairie Twp., Wayne, Illinois, page 36B, occupation farmer, 3 children.6 
Death*William Riley Curtis Jr. died on 23 December 1887 at Wayne, Illinois, at age 57; buried at Hale Cemetery.2 
(Witness) BioEdwards County (Illinois) History Volume I

John Curtis (1769) migrated prior to 1824 from Randolph County, North Carolina, to Wayne County, Tennessee, where the family, headed by William R. Curtis, is household 912 in the 1850 federal census. William (1830), son of William R., married Sarah Morris. As Union sympathizers, this couple brought their large family, including John Thomas, six months old, to southern Illinois in 1862. Sarah Morris Curtis died in childbirth and is buried at Phillipstown. The children, including Wade, Delilah, Eliza, Ellen, John Thomas, and the infant Samuel, were dispersed into other families and reared as orphans. John Thomas eventually came to Edwards County and in 1885 married Mary Hearsum, daughter of George and Elizabeth Ann Woodham Hearsum, who also married in Edwards County in 1849. The Hearsums are household 43 in the 1870 census of French Creek Precinct. George Hearsum had enlisted in company E, Seventh Illinois Cavalry, which participated in the dramatic military maneuver, “Grierson’s Raid.” George died in 1910 and is buried in the Veterans’ Cemetery in Danville. Elizabeth Ann Woodham Hearsum m (1832-1899) is buried in a small family cemetery beside her parents.
John and Mary Hearsum Curtis had two children, Mamie (1886-1971) and Benjamin Harrison (1890-1977). Mary Hearsum Curtis died in 1893. Haunted by his own lonely childhood, John vowed to keep Mamie and Benjamin together. Later John married Eva Jennings, a gentle stepmother. John Curtis bought a farm north of Brown’s Chapel, and his children attended Ridge School. Circa 1905, John Curtis introduced peach growing to the area. Elbertas were shipped, and other varieties sold locally. A self-made man, and a faithful member of Brown’s Chapel, John Thomas Curtis died in 1949 and is buried in the Ridge Cemetery between his two wives. Mamie married Harry Tinckham and Benjamin married on 13 September 1911 Zella Tait, oldest daughter of Julian and Alice Dunk Tait. They farmed many years in the Dixon Precinct, and were faithful members of the Mt. Zion—Brown’s Chapel congregations. Now they lie in the Mt. Zion church yard.
Benjamin and Zella Tait Curtis had two sons. Everett (1913) married in Henderson, Kentucky in 1938 Madeline Hortin, daughter of Frank and Anna Wick Hortin. After their marriage, they farmed in Edwards County, practicing conservation principles and continuing active church membership.
Cyril (1920), while stationed in the army at Los Alamos, participated from a distance of six miles in the explosion of the first atomic bomb. He married in 1948 in Urbana, Helen Ulrey, born 1922 in Whitley County, Indiana, older daughter of Carl and Mabel Jellison Ulrey. Cyril is a physicist at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Batavia. Cyril and Helen Ulrey Curtis have two sons. Jonathan (1951) spent numerous summers on his Uncle Everett’s farm near Mt. Zion, and was graduated a University of Illinois Bronze Tablet Scholar in 1973. Christopher (1956) was graduated from Harvard cum laude (1978) and is at Harvard Law School, Class of 1981. 

Family 1

Eliza McCrary b. 1833, d. c 1860
Children

Family 2

Sarah A. Morris b. 1836, d. c 1867
Children

Family 3

Elizabeth (?) b. 11 Jan 1829, d. 28 Jan 1896

Citations

  1. [S1] Census of Population 1850.
  2. [S1368] Find A Grave, Find A Grave, Hale, Wayne, Illinois.
  3. [S1] Census of Population 1860.
  4. [S1806] Wayne County Register of Deeds, Wayne County, Tennessee Deed Records, Book K, pages 113-114.
  5. [S1] Census of Population 1870.
  6. [S1] Census of Population 1880.
  7. [S2187] Unknown, Edwards County, Illinois History.

John Curtis1

M, b. 10 December 1832, d. between 1882 and 1899
FatherWilliam Riley Curtis1 b. 1794, d. b 7 Jul 1862
MotherNancy Staggs1 b. 1800, d. b Jul 1865
Last Edited23 Oct 2008
Birth*John Curtis was born on 10 December 1832 at Wayne, Tennessee; exact date from unsourced internet page.1 
(Witness) CensusHe appeared on the census of 29 October 1850 District 7, Wayne, Tennessee, in the household of William Riley Curtis; page 333, occupation farmer, real estate valued at $500, 8 children and parents at home.1 
Marriage*John Curtis married Rebecca Taylor circa 1851 at Tennessee.2 
Census*John Curtis and Rebecca Taylor appeared on the census of 29 June 1860 at Pleasant Hill Twp., Newton, Arkansas, page 999, occupation farmer, renting, 4 children at home.2 
CensusJohn Curtis and Rebecca Taylor appeared on the census of 21 April 1870 at Jasper P.O., Jefferson Twp., Newton, Arkansas, page 164b, occupation farmer, real estate valued at $1,000, personal $600, 8 children at home.3 
(Witness) NoteB On 8 February 1871, Thomas S. Curtis, John Curtis, Lucinda Hardison and Amos T. Curtis, all of Newton Co., Arkansas, appointed Robert P. Cypert of Wayne Co., as attorney to collect their distribute share of the estate of William R. Curtis Wayne County Power of Attorney Records listed on Wayne County website.) 
CensusJohn Curtis and Rebecca Taylor appeared on the census of 7 June 1880 at Spadra Twp., Johnson, Arkansas, page 19 of 63, occupation farmer, 7 children at home.4 
Marriage*John Curtis married Angeline Skaggs on 23 May 1881 at Newton, Arkansas; by Thomas S. Curtis, J.P; John of Clarksville, Angeline of Cassville.5 
Death*John Curtis died between 1882 and 1899 at Newton, Arkansas; Angeline was widowed in 1900 and reverted to Beasley, her previous name.6 

Family 1

Rebecca Taylor b. 1836, d. c 1880
Children

Family 2

Angeline Skaggs b. Mar 1840
Child

Citations

  1. [S1] Census of Population 1850.
  2. [S1] Census of Population 1860.
  3. [S1] Census of Population 1870.
  4. [S1] Census of Population 1880.
  5. [S1650] Newton County Court, Newton County, Arkansas Marriage Records.
  6. [S1] Census of Population 1900, 1910.
  7. [S1] Census of Population 1910.

Sarah Curtis1

F, b. 1834
FatherWilliam Riley Curtis1 b. 1794, d. b 7 Jul 1862
MotherNancy Staggs1 b. 1800, d. b Jul 1865
Last Edited11 Sep 2008
Birth*Sarah Curtis was born in 1834 at Wayne, Tennessee.1 
(Witness) CensusShe appeared on the census of 29 October 1850 District 7, Wayne, Tennessee, in the household of William Riley Curtis; page 333, occupation farmer, real estate valued at $500, 8 children and parents at home.1 
NoteB* Said to have married Martin; no record.2 

Citations

  1. [S1] Census of Population 1850.
  2. [S1652] Fred Denker, "Descendants of William Riley Curtis", Ancestral File.

Louisa Elizabeth (Eliza) Curtis1

F, b. 1836
FatherWilliam Riley Curtis1 b. 1794, d. b 7 Jul 1862
MotherNancy Staggs1 b. 1800, d. b Jul 1865
Last Edited17 Mar 2009
Birth*Louisa Elizabeth (Eliza) Curtis was born in 1836 at Wayne, Tennessee.1 
(Witness) CensusShe appeared on the census of 29 October 1850 District 7, Wayne, Tennessee, in the household of William Riley Curtis; page 333, occupation farmer, real estate valued at $500, 8 children and parents at home.1 
Married Name As of circa 1855,her married name was Blackwood.2 
Marriage*Louisa Elizabeth (Eliza) Curtis married Isaiah Blackwood circa 1855 at Tennessee.2 
Census*Louisa Elizabeth (Eliza) Curtis and Isaiah Blackwood appeared on the census of 15 June 1860 at Cromwells Mills P.O., District 16, Wayne, Tennessee, page 303b, occupation blacksmith, renting, personal property valued at $1,500, 2 sons at home.3 
Census*Louisa Elizabeth (Eliza) Curtis appeared on the census of 15 June 1880 at District 10, Wayne, Tennessee, page 97B, occupation farmer, 9 children at home.4 
NoteB* Louisa Elizabeth, "Eliza" Curtis (1836-?) married, in 1852, Isaiah Blackwood.She is remembered for two incidents in her life: her telling Confederate recruiters that her prematurely white-haired husband, seen from a distance, was too old to fight; and the time she was so delighted to hear her grandson, James Blackwood, preaching, that she stood suddenly to praise him, dropping to the floor an infant descendent whom she had forgotten was in her lap. (Source has been misplaced.)2 

Family

Isaiah Blackwood b. 1821
Children

Citations

  1. [S1] Census of Population 1850.
  2. [S1652] Fred Denker, "Descendants of William Riley Curtis", Ancestral File.
  3. [S1] Census of Population 1860.
  4. [S1] Census of Population 1880.

Alice (Alcy) Curtis1

F, b. 23 September 1837, d. 18 January 1917
FatherWilliam Riley Curtis1 b. 1794, d. b 7 Jul 1862
MotherNancy Staggs1 b. 1800, d. b Jul 1865
Last Edited10 Oct 2008
Birth*Alice (Alcy) Curtis was born on 23 September 1837 at Wayne, Tennessee.2,3 
(Witness) CensusShe appeared on the census of 29 October 1850 District 7, Wayne, Tennessee, in the household of William Riley Curtis; page 333, occupation farmer, real estate valued at $500, 8 children and parents at home.1 
Married Name As of circa 1856,her married name was Moore.4 
Marriage*Alice (Alcy) Curtis married William S. Moore circa 1856 at Tennessee.4 
Census*Alice (Alcy) Curtis and William S. Moore appeared on the census of 30 June 1860 at Cypress Inn P.O., District 10, Wayne, Tennessee, page 268, occupation farmer, renting, 2 daughters at home.4 
Married Name As of circa 1865,her married name was Hill.5 
Marriage*Alice (Alcy) Curtis married Robert Hill circa 1865 at Tennessee.5 
Census*Alice (Alcy) Curtis and Robert Hill appeared on the census of 12 August 1870 at District 10, Wayne, Tennessee, page 506, occupation farmer, real estate valued at $175, 6 children at home.5 
CensusAlice (Alcy) Curtis and Robert Hill appeared on the census of 11 June 1880 at District 9, Wayne, Tennessee, page 85B, occupation farmer, 5 children at home.6 
CensusAlice (Alcy) Curtis and Robert Hill appeared on the census of 5 June 1900 at District 7, Wayne, Tennessee, ED 102, sheet 2A, occupation farmer, owned farm, married 43 years, 9 children, 7 living.7 
Caste*Alice (Alcy) Curtis and Robert Hill were belonged to the ED 130, sheet 5A, occupation farmer, owned farm, married 44 years, 9 children, 7 living caste on 25 April 1910 at Martins Mill Precinct, Wayne, Tennessee.8 
Death*Alice (Alcy) Curtis died on 18 January 1917 at Wayne, Tennessee, at age 79; buried at Pinhook Cemetery.9,3 

Family 1

William S. Moore b. 1839
Children

Family 2

Robert Hill b. 25 Jul 1826, d. 7 Dec 1924
Children

Citations

  1. [S1] Census of Population 1850.
  2. [S1] Census of Population 1850, 1900.
  3. [S873] Thomas A. Holt, Wayne County, Tennessee Cemetery Records, Pinhook.
  4. [S1] Census of Population 1860.
  5. [S1] Census of Population 1870.
  6. [S1] Census of Population 1880.
  7. [S1] Census of Population 1900.
  8. [S1] Census of Population 1910.
  9. [S1] Census of Population 1920.