My Genealogy Hound

Mrs. Mary E. Curlin, widow of James V. Curlin, who was an old resident of Arkansas, was born in Jackson County, Ala., October 6, 1845, and is a daughter of C. A. and Elizabeth (Shell) Chadick, of Tennessee and Alabama, respectively. Charles A. Chadick was a noted Methodist minister, and was born May 13, 1820. In 1841 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Shell, a daughter of Adam Shell, of Alabama, and in 1845 removed with his wife to Arkansas. He was licensed to preach in that State in 1848, and located in Jefferson County, where he labored in the religious field until August 14, 1888. As a preacher of the gospel he was far above the average, being able to propound the Bible with a clearness and earnestness that would convince the most skeptical. The entire community in which he resided, as well as his congregation, loved and honored him as few men are regarded, and his loss was sincerely mourned by those who had heard his voice in life. Mr. Chadick was a Mason in good standing for a number of years, and in politics he was a stanch Democrat. During the war he entered the Confederate army, and served as lieutenant of artillery for three years, operating in Arkansas and Missouri, and taking part in almost every battle west of the Mississippi River. Previous to serving in the artillery he was a member of Capt. McGee’s company, and operated in Virginia, but was discharged on account of disability. Two of his sons were also in the Confederate army. James C. was a member of Company C, Arkansas Infantry, and took part in many engagements east of the Mississippi, while William J. belonged to Company D of the Ninth Arkansas Infantry, and fought, in the same territory. The latter was twice wounded and once taken prisoner, but escaped by making a bold break for liberty. The Chadick family are of Scotch-Irish descent, while the Shell family are German. Miss Mary E. Chadick was reared and educated in Jefferson County. In December, 1869, she became the wife of James V. Curlin, who came to Arkansas with his parents and located first in Dallas County, and a few years later moved to Jefferson County. He was born on October 9, 1845, in the State of Tennessee, and was a son of Jesse J. Curlin, who died in Randolph County on May 21, 1888. Mr. Curlin began life as a poor boy in 1867, and it was not until his marriage with Miss Chadick that the brightest part of his life was exhibited. By her sound advice and help, added to his own good judgment and untiring industry, he became one of the most successful farmers in Central Arkansas. He was never interested in politics to any great extent, but an appeal from the distressed and needy was always sure to enlist his sympathies. He was a true friend to the church, always ready to help advance the cause of religion until his death, which occurred July 2, 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Curlin were the parents of five sons and two daughters, of whom six are still living: Anna E. (deceased), Benjamin M. (born December 6, 1871), Charles J. (born September 6, 1873), James C. (born December 4, 1875), Claude M. (born October 27, 1878), George W. (born October 16, 1880), Mary E. (born September 14, 1882). Mr. and Mrs. Curlin were both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, which the latter has attended since fourteen years of age. She is an earnest Christian woman and very popular with the community.