Thos. J. Curran, one of Comanche-co.'s pioneer settlers, and for nearly 41 years a citizen of the county, died at the home of his son-in-law, S. J. Gilchrist, in the western part of this city, at 9:30 o'clock on last Sunday morning September 13, 1925. He had been in failing health for two or three years, and the end came quietly and peacefully, the machinery of his physical body seeming to have simply worn out.Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church at 3 o'clock p.m. on Tuesday, the pastor, Rev. W. T. Walker, being in charge. A large number of neighbors and friends of the deceased were present, and it was evident that they all felt a good friend, neighbor and citizen has passed away. The entire funeral services were very impressive. Burial was made in Crown Hill cemetery by the side of the wife, who died on January 27, 1915.
In the passing away of Tom Curran, Comanche-co. loses another pioneer settler and respected citizen. Few men in the county were better known than was Mr. Curran. Having lived in the county continuously almost from the time the county was organized in 1884, Mr. Curran had become a prominent figure in the development of the county and was known not only all over this county, but to many people who live in adjoining counties. He was one of the many early day settlers who turned their attention to stock raising, and to the building up of a ranch. But, like most others, he had to contend with a good many reverses and hardships. He did not have much capital to start with, and was compelled to practice economy in every way possible.
He settled on some land near where Mayo post office now is, stocked the land with a few head of cattle, and from year to year, managed to add a little until he had built up a 6,000 acre ranch. He taught school to help along, and worked at anything that was honorable and that would bring in a few dollars. It was evident that he had faith in the country, and that faith inspired him to stay with it and to labor on. That is just what he did, and he was well rewarded for having done so.
Mr. Curran was prominent for many years as a stock raiser, but his health began to make active ranch duties a too heavy tax upon him, and he moved to town in 1910, continuing to make this city his home up to the time of his death. He always showed an active interest in public affairs, and was well informed on all subjects. He represented Comanche-co. in the State Legislature for two terms in 1905 and 1907. He served for one or two terms as a member of the Coldwater city council.
Mr. Curran was honest, law abiding, hospitable and neighborly to an extent which won for him the esteem of all who knew him. Up to the time when his condition of health forbade, he was on our streets almost daily, and his friendly greeting and brief social chats will be greatly missed by our people. We cannot but realize how rapidly the pioneers in our county are passing away, but we know that they have lived and wrought well, and to them we owe much for helping to make out county what it is today.
Thos. J. Curran was born in Summersville, W. Va., on November 7, 1848. His age at the time of his death was, therefore, 76 years, 10 months and 6 days. His father was a native of Ireland coming to America and settling in Virginia in the year 1835. Thomas was the eldest of ten children. On the 6th day of May, 1876, in Summersville, W. Va., he was united in marriage with Miss Ada Macomb. Four children were born to the union - one son, George, who died on May 27, 1898, and three daughters, Mrs. Maud Holcomb of this city, Mrs. Anna C. Lonker of Ashland and Mrs. Idress Gilchrist, who died in this city on October 17, 1918.
Besides the surviving children named Mr. Curran is also survived by six sisters and six grandchildren. One sister, Mrs. O. J. Guseman, lives in this county. Three sisters - Mrs. Sullivan, Mrs. Sauerenson and Mrs. Rader live in Colorado. Two sisters, Mrs. Murphy and Mrs. Dodson, live in West Virginia. The grandchildren are Tom Curran and Patricia and Virginia Gilchrist of this city, and Mary Louise and Walter Allen Lonker of Ashland. Three brothers preceded Mr. Curran in death.
CARDS OF THANKS - We desire to express our thanks to the many friends for their deeds of kindness during the illness and death of our father, Thomas J. Curran. We are also grateful for the beautiful floral offerings. Dr. and Mrs.
F. L. Holcomb , Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Lonker, Mr. and Mrs. S. J. Gilchrist.
Also see:
A Terrible Tornado!
Visits Coldwater on Tuesday Night, Leaving Death, Destruction and Desolation in its Path.
The Western Star, May 12, 1899.Some Surviving Pioneers in Comanche-co.
The Western Star, July 20, 1924.BAD ACCIDENT: George Curran Drowned Last Saturday, The Western Star, May 28, 1898.
Idress (Curran) Gilchrist, daughter of Thomas J. Curran.
Maude (Curran) Holcomb, daughter of Thomas J. Curran.
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