Washington County
Ohio Genealogy Trails
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Washington County
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Herbert H. Curtis & Son, John Austin Curtis
Herbert Spencer Curtis was born in Newbury Ohio, June 6, 1867, and was the son of Austin L. and Betha Putnam Curtis. He was a descendant of two of the pioneer families of Belpre Township who had a leading part in the formation of a State in the wilderness. He selected dentistry as his chosen profession in life and opened an office in Parkersburg, West Virginia where he had a successful practice for about eighteen years. He gave his service freely and generously to many deserving children particularly those in the Children's Home of Parkersburg. He resided several years in Belpre Village where he was a public spirited citizen and gave an earnest support to every enterprise which benefitted the community.
He was married in 1904 to Bernice A. Smith of Belpre to whom two sons were born, John Austin, and Henry Starr.
Dr. Curtis was a charter member of the Belpre Masonic Lodge No. 609, and also a member of Parkersburg Lodge No. 198, B. P. O. Elks. On July 8th, 1919, Dr. Curtis and his son John Austin were instantly killed on a grade crossing at Little Hocking. They were on their way in an automobile to the Curtis farm in Newbury which they frequently visited. As there were no witnesses to the accident it cannot be described. It was a great shock to the whole community and a loud call for better safeguards at our railway grade crossings.
John Austin, eldest son of Herbert S. and Bernice A. Curtis, was born in Parkersburg, May 20, 1906. He was a quiet, lovable boy, a favorite with his companions, a diligent scholar and an omniverous reader. At the time of his death he was a pupil in the Parkersburg Junior High
Source: A History of Belpre, Washington County, Ohio, by C. E. Dickinson, 1920, Transcribed by C. Anthony
