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Below is a family biography included in The History of Miami County, Ohio published by W. H. Beers & Co. in 1880.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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WILLIAM CURTIS, farmer; P. O. Troy; Mr. Curtis is a man to whom we gladly give space in our biographical department. He is a self-made man, having started in life with very limited capital; he is now reckoned as one of the wealthy men of the township; and his farm is perhaps the equal of any for beauty and fertility. He was born in 1824 in this county. His parents’ names were Hiram and Jane Curtis. Hiram was born in North Carolina, and came to Ohio when 7 years of age. Jane Sheets, the mother of William, was a native of Pennsylvania. During the war of 1812, Hiram helped supply the army with provisions. This lovely land was then the home of the Indian, wild deer and wolf. Today it is the model of civilization and prosperity; the heavy woodland has given way to the ax of the pioneer, and, in its stead, a heavy harvest is being gathered. William was married to Miss Sally Freese June 24, 1849; her parents were natives of North Carolina and were of German descent. William and Sally Curtis have had thirteen children, of whom twelve are now living— Sarah A. was born in 1850; Mary J. in 1851; Francis Z., July 25, 1853; William D., April 17, 1854; Martin A., April 5, 1856; Elwood J., Jan. 3, 1859; Peter H, Oct. 3, 1860; Calvin D., June 11, 1862; Lydia B., Nov. 5, 1863; Nannie E., Sept. 3, 1865; Minnie M., May 13, 1867; Burnette, Feb. 9, 1869, and Charles H., July 10, 1871. Calvin is the only member of the family that is not living. Sarah A. is the wife of David Stahl, and resides in Darke Co. All the other children live in this county, and have married well. Mr. Curtis has always been noted for his integrity, and has for several years been connected with the public schools in an official capacity. Both Mr. and Mrs. Curtis are members of the Christian Church, and live in accordance with its teachings. They have an elegant residence and live well, as Mr. Curtis is a generous provider. He never voted any other than the Republican ticket, but takes very little part in politics.

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This family biography is one of 964 biographies included in The History of Miami County, Ohio published in 1880 by W. H. Beers & Co.  For the complete description, click here: Miami County, Ohio History and Genealogy

View additional Miami County, Ohio family biographies here: Miami County, Ohio Biographies

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