Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of
Fulton County, Illustrated, Edited by Newton Bateman, LL.D, Paul Selby,
A.M. - Edited by Jesse Heylin 1908
John W. Curless - The growth of intelligence and sound
optimism has advanced agriculture to a combination of art and science,
the profound possibilities of which can be but imperfectly mastered by
any one man during his comparatively brief span of years. Man whose
faith is pinned to the soil, and whose delight and reward is to use its
stored fertility to the most enlightened needs of civilization, has
brought it to a stage of usefulness unequaled in any other walk of
life. To such must come the greatest material satisfactions also, as
witnessed in all prosperous farming communities, of which Fulton County
is one of the best examples. Since the earliest history of this part of
the State certain families have been connected with its continuous
advancement, lending color and enthusiasm and splendid purpose to its
unfolding prosperity. Of these none are better or more favorably known
than that of which John W. Curless represents the present working
generation. Mr. Curless was born in Section 35, Woodland Township,
Fulton County, September 22, 1865, and is a son of Moses L. and
Annentha (McDaniel) Curless, the former of whom was born in Coshocton
County, Ohio.
Moses L. Curless was one of those who helped to push the
frontier toward the Pacific, and he came to Fulton County while still
there were evidences of Indian occupation, taking up unbroken land in
Young Hickory Township. Later, with hope buoyed up by modest success,
he came to Woodland Township and to a small farm added surrounding land
until he owned 260 acres. In the midst of his striving he gave heed to
the need of his country, and, enlisting at the outbreak of the Civil
War in Company 0, Eighty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, he was
promoted for bravery to the rank of lieutenant. The long marches and
exposure, however, finally undermined his health, and in the latter
part of 1862 he was discharged for disability and returned to his home
in Woodland Township. Increasingly successful as an agriculturist, he
was equally useful as a general citizen, setting an encouraging example
of public spiritedness and clean, upright living. Although not an
office seeker or holder, he gave stanch support to local Republican
politics, and encouraged education, charities and social advantages. No
one ever was turned from his home empty-handed, and the number of
people whom he lifted above discouragement and want probably never will
be known. It was while upon an errand of mercy to a sick friend that he
met his tragic death, March 7, 1885. A shot fired through the window
lodged in his back and, passing through his lungs, caused his untimely
death at the end of three days. No man who has come and gone upon the
highway of the township and mingled in its affairs for a term of years
has been more profoundly missed than was this honorable, high-minded
and generous early settler. Of his ten children seven grew to maturity
and six are living: Frank, a farmer in Woodland Township; Edward, who,
with his mother, occupies the old homestead where all of the children
were born and where the father originally settled; Thaddeus L., a
farmer of Woodland Township; William, also a resident, of this
township; Gertrude, wife of William Button, of this township, and John
W.
Until his twenty-second year John W. Curless remained with his
parents, In the meantime availing himself of such educational and
general advantages as the township offered. Early in life he evinced
industry and business sagacity and acquired the habit of doing well
whatever tasks confronted him. From the first he believed in his work
and hoped much from it, and expecting success, drew it within the
radius of his environment. He married December 1, 1886, when barely of
age, Hattie Farwell, also a native of Woodland Township and daughter of
John Farwell, one of the foremost pioneers of Fulton County.
In the fall of 1887 Mr. Curless settled in Section 26, Woodland
Township, upon 160 acres of land, and he now owns 550 acres in the home
place, besides 460 acres in Schuyler County and 590 acres in Woodland,
making in all 1,600 acres of land. He is the largest feeder and shipper
of high-grade stock in the southern part of Fulton County, and at the
present time has on hand 100 head of heavy cattle, averaging 1,600
pounds each, besides 200 head of average weight cattle and from 400 to
500 head of hogs. He has excellent facilities for handling his enormous
stock and produce interests, and in his management supports the most
improved methods known to scientific agriculturists of the present
time. Aside from any intrinsic value, his home surroundings evidence a
more than ordinarily exacting nature, tastes which are content only
with the best that a country life has to offer, and large requirements
in the way of mind improvement and diversion. To bear upon his work Mr.
Curies brings not only a thorough knowledge of what already has been
discovered and tested, but an earnest desire to improve upon the kind
and extent of his own operations. He is a student as well as teacher in
ever-widening avenues, and as such is a source of encouragement and
help to those of his co-workers who are less extensively interested.
Mr. Curless is a Republican in politics, but want of inclination
and the pressure of his large business interests have kept him without
the circle of office holders. Fraternally he is connected with the
Bluff City Camp, No. 5594, M. W. of A. Mr. and Mrs. Curless are the
parents of seven children: Rosa, Granville R., Bonnie B., John F.,
James B., Jennie and Benjamin R. Mr. Curless is a genial, approachable
gentleman, wearing modestly his intelligently won success and
contributing wisely of his means to charitable and public-spirited
causes.
submitted by Sara Hemp
