ALBER FAMILY
In 1920, the Alber family owned a 160 acres farm located in the NW 1/4, Section 21, T. 25 E., R. 5E., Curtis Township.
BAMFIELD FAMILY
The 1910 Census identified the following Bamfield family members living in Curtisville: Mary Bamfield (head of household), Thomas Bamfield (son) and William Bamfield (son).
The original Bamfield homestead was flooded when the Alcona Dam was built. The house and barn are under the Alcona Pond.
BARNES FAMILY
The 1900 Census identified the following members of the Barnes family living in Curtisville: James Barnes (head of household), Mary Barnes (wife), La Fleur (step-son), Harriet T. (step-daughter), and Manley Bell (son-in-law). James was identified as being a farmer.
This farm was located on the southeast corner of Bamfield and Curtisville Roads. James Barnes operated a "Squaring Mill" on this property. He built a two story log house on the property that was later sold to John Wesley Redmond.
Mary A. Barnes was a member of the Ancient Order of Gleaners - Curtis Arbor in 1903.
BELL FAMILY
BERMAN FAMILY
In 1920, R. Burman owned a 40 acre farm located in the SW 1/4, NW 1/4, Section 16, T. 25 E.-R. 5E., Curtis Township, Alcona County.
BERRY FAMILY
The 1910 Census identifies the following members of the Berry family living in Curtisville: Evor Berry (head of household) and Marie (wife); Arvinton Berry (head of household), Ellen (wife), Florence M. (daughter), Ernest (son) and Clara (daughter). Evor Berry was identified as being a School Teacher. Alvinton Berry was identified as being a Farmer.
Clara Berry was attending the Hillside School in the Fall of 1908.
Ernest Berry died while serving in the Polar Bear Division in Russia during World War I.
BIELBY FAMILY
The 1910 Census identifies the following members of the Bielby family living in Curtisville: George Bielby (head of household) and Blanche (wife).
BOUVIA FAMILY
Fred, Florence, Louis and Mertle Bouvia were attending the Hillside School in the Fall of 1908.
The 1910 Census identifies the following members of the Bouvia family living in Curtisville: Nelson Bouvia (head of household, Maud (wife), Myrtle (daughter), Fred (son), Lou (daughter), Arlena O. (daughter) and Ray (son). Nelson Bouvia was identified as being a Farmer.
BOWSER FAMILY
John Bowser married Clarissa Merrit, daughter of Rev. George Merrit. They came to Curtisville in the late 1800's. John Bowser helped organize Curtis Township. The Bowsers were active workers in the Curtisville Baptist Church and the Gleaner Life Insurance Society.
They had an interest in eduction. The first Curtisville school was held in their home. They boarded the school teachers for many years. Rev. George Merritt was ordained in the Bowser barn, which had been used for church services at that time.
John and Clarissa had one son, Fred. Fred married Emma Sinclair. Fred and Emma's only son, Walter, married Lois Healy of Glennie. Fredrick and Emma Bowser were members of the Ancient Order of Gleaners - Curtis Arbor in 1903.
The 1900 Census identified the following members of the Bowser family living in Curtisville: John Bowser (head of household), Clarissa (wife) and Fred (son). G. Goodfellow and ? Mc Dermott were listed as servants in this household. John Bowser was identified as being a Farmer.
The 1910 Census identified the following members of the Bowser family living in Curtisville: John Bowser (head of household) and Clarissa (wife). John Bowser was identifgied as being a Farmer.
The 1920 Census identified the following members of the Bowser family living in Curtisville: Fred M. Bowser (head of household), Emma (wife), Walter (adopted son) and Clarissa (mother).
In 1920, Fred and Emma Bowser owned a 120 acre farm consisting of the Sw 1/4 and E 1/2, SW 1/4 of Section 17, T. 25 N., R. 5E., Curtis Township. This property was located to the north of the Curtisville Civic Center.
One old timer told us that John Bowser always held a St. Patrick's Day party for the young folk.
Although we haven't been able to find out much about the Bowser's background, their influence on this community speaks well of them. The
epitaphs on their tombstones are fitting eulogies:
Clarissa Bowser
1852 - 1926
She has done what she could
She has gone to rest
John Bowser
1843 - Oct. 4, 1918
I have fought a good fight
I have kept the faith
CAGE FAMILY
Richard Cage and his family lived on what was later known as the Tanner Farm. Mrs. Cage served as midwife for the first white child, Richard Curtis, born in Curtis Township in 1868.
CAMPBELL FAMILY
In 1920, the Campbell family owned an 80 acre farm located in S 1/2, NW 1/4, Section 29, T. 25 E., - R. 5E., Curtis Township. Kathryn and Jimmy Campbell attended the Hillside School during the period 1915-1917.
The 1920 Census identifies the following members of the Campbell family living in Curtisville: Catherine Campbell (head of household), Catherine Campbell (daughter) and James Campbell (son).
CLAREY FAMILY
The 1910 Census identifies the following members of the Clarey family living in Curtisville: William Clarey (head of household), Caroline (wife), Willhenina (daughter), William (son) and Catherine (daughter). William Clarey was identified as being a Farmer.
In 1920, the Clarey family owned an 80 acre farm located in N 1/2, NE 1/4, Section 19, T. 25 E., R. 5E., Curtis Township.
CURLEY FAMILY
The Curleys were early pioneers. The followed the lumbering norht. They took homestead land in Seciton 7 of Curtis Township. They timebered off their land, taking the lumber to the mill at South Branch. The mill was owned by Frank Trudell. Henry and Hugh Curley were excellent stone and brick masons.
Henry and Degreta Curley had eleven children: Maude, Isabelle, Peter, Thoms, Mabel, John, Lyle, Charlie, Louise, Esther and Elsie. Henry was born in 1855 and died in 1941. Degretha was born in 1870 and ided in 1943.
Hugh married Olive Spencer. They had no children. They took Bessie Spencer to raise as Bessie's mother had died. Bessie's mother was Olivia Spencer Curley's sister. Olive died at the age of 42. In later hyears Hugh married Mrs. McCloeman, a widow.
Charlie Curley was a lumberman. His wife was Rose. The had five children: Roy, killed at Alcona Dam; Elmer, marrided Ruby Deacon; Walter married Lousine Carter; Harry married Helen Herkle; Ray, whose wifes name is Ruth.
Warren Curley worked at the Gates Mill in Bay City. He and his wife, Margaret, came to Curtisville much later that his hree brothers. The had one son, Hugh. Hugh married Evelyn Sayce. They had tow daughters, Lynn and Stephanie. Warren was born in 1866. Margaret was born in 1872 and died in 1935.
CURTIS FAMILY
Ebenezer D. Curtis married Mary Hodgeson, probably in New Brunswick, Canada; as they were both born there. As was their oldest child, Allen. E. D. worked as a ship builder and also as a lumberman in Maine.
Mary's father was born in Maine. Her mother was born in Ireland.
Curtis' had seven children:
[1.] Allen, born in New Brunswick, Canade. Married Lillian Dawes of Wilber, Michigan. They had one child, Mary.
[2.] Malvina, born in Portland, Maine in 1851. Died in Seattle, Washington about 1927. Married Manley Wilber, Aprile 21, 1871. They had two daughters: Alberta and Ethel.
[ 3.] Edwin. Lumbered in Benizi, Minnesota. Died there. Nothing more is known of his life.
[ 4.] Jennie, born in Maine 1858. Died at Curtisville, Michigan on October 22, 1892. Married Joseph Bell, a Civil War veteran. Died at birth of son Daniel. Joseph and Jennie Bell had seven prior children: Edward, born April 12, 1876 at Wilbur, Michigan. Died October 29, 1927. Married Mary Wilkerson. One adopted daughter Nina Wilson Mousseau. Joseph born January 15, 1878 at Wilbur, Michigan. Died at Curtisville, Michigan May 19, 1945. Graduated from Ferris College, 1906. President of his class. Druggist in Seattle all his life. Five children: William, Keith, Richard, Patricia and Elizabeth. Manly A. born Stillwater, Minnesota September 30, 1880. Died at Curtisville, Michigna June, 1956. He was a lumberman, farmer, sportsman and Consumer Power foreman. He married Harriet T. La Fleur, November 12, 1899. They had five children: Maly Lyle, Alvin Edwin, Georgia Rose, Grace Martha, Arbutus Burnice. William Kenneth, remained a bachelor until well into his 60's, he then married Bessie Spencer ___?____ a childhood sweetheart. Their years together were very happy. Faith, died at age 35 following heart surgery in Ann Arbor. Never married. Buried in Curtisville Cemetery. Frederick Goodfellow, born at Curtisville, Michigan in 1891. Died July 17. Married Mabel Beldon of Goodar, Michigan. They had nine childrem: Iladawn, America, Wanda, Audrey, Curtis, Larry, Joan, Sharon, Tamara. Daniel, born October 22, 1892. Raised by his grandmother and grandfather Curtis. Married Myrtle Bovia. They had three children: Olga, Chancey Dan (died at six weeks) and Richard (Shop teacher at Scottsville, Michigan).
[5.] William born in Maine and moved to Roseburg, Oregon. Three children (possibily four): William, Ethel, and Edith and possibly another girl.
[6.] Mary (Mame) born in Maine in 1861. Married Truman Simons January 19, 1879. Died in Curtisville, Michigan in 1949. Four Children: Eben, Cora, Elva and Richard (Dick).
[7.] Richard born December 11, 1868. Married Mary Goodfrellow. One son Charles, who later married Alice Simons. They had three sons: Vivian Eugene, Richard, and Stanley.
CUSHWAY FAMILY
Beumont Cushway attended the Hillside School during the period 1915-1917.
ELDEN FAMILY
In 1920, E. Elden owned a 160 acre farm located in the NE 1/3, Section 30, T.25 E. - R. 5 E., Curtis Township.
ELLIS FAMILY
The Ellis family came to work at Gates Camp from the Tawas are, sometime before the McMillens. The Ellis family consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Ellis, sons Claude and Jay, and daughter Lizzie.
Lizzie had a unique occupation. After leaving Curtisville, she worked in a silk worm factory at Greenville, Michigan. She married and had a daughter, Lucille Webb. Lizzie died young and Lucille came here to live under the guardianship of uncle Jay. Claude and Jay remained bachelors and spent their entire lives working in the Cedar swamps.
EMILY FAMILY
Cookhouse at Gates Lumber Camp - Pete Emily, camp cook is wearing white apron
Peter and Minnie Emily lived in Curtisville during the lumbering days. Peter was a cook at Gates camp. They first lived on a little lake west and north of here. The lake still bears their name, Emily Lake. Mrs. Emily's father, Mr. Montgomery gave them a piece of property across form the Swayze Gordon farm. The present Curtis Township hall [Curtisville School, now the Curtisville Civic Center] is situated on a corner of that property. The Emily log house was in back of the present hall, whre lilac bushes and apple trees may still be seen. After the lumbering was over, Emily's moved to Detroit. Mrs. Emily and Mrs. Orra Spencer Jr. (Clara) were sisters. The Montgomerys are buried in the Curtisville Cemetery. Emily's had noine children: Cordon - married mary McGary, George - married Hazel Stevens, Lloyd - never married, Annie - married O-Conner, Sadie, Alice, Minnie and Mary.
GOODFELLOW FAMILY
Robert Goodfellow Sr. and Son Bill drove a pari of horses for the state of New York to Grayling and bought a farm there. The rest of the family came by train to join them. They next moved to Comins and later came down to Curtisville to lumber. They bought a piece of land along Wilbur Creek. Members of the family were, parents Robert and Agnes, sons Bill, Robert Jr., Janes and John; daughters Christina, Jane, Mary and Eva.
Bill drove a team of big grey horses to Minnesota to work in the woods in the fall, returning in the spring. When the horses became old, Bill broke a pair of oxen and farmed 80 acres of land with them.
Jim left here in 1900 for Minnesota then to the Black Hills of North Dakota till 1936. He then traveled to California whre he died.
John was also a raomer and died near Ann Arbor.
Bob remained on the moen place and died in Curtisville.
Jane married Justus Spencer of Oscoda, a commercial fisherman.
Mary married Riachard Curtis.
Eva married Peter Hielig. Peter first came to Oscoda form New York. He herdeed horses for Loud in the summr. In the winter he killed wild game for the lumber camps. In the 1880 census he stated his occupation as hunter.
Robert Sr., was a veteran of the Civil War.
Because the Goodfellow boys were all bachelors and left no heirs to carry on their mname, Pearl Spencer Brodie named a subdivision Goodfellow, in their honor.
Interview with James N. Hielig
GORDON FAMILY
Herbert and Alexander (Sandy) Gordon were sons of Jessie Grant and Alexander Gordon. They were of Scottish ancestry. Their birthpalce was in Glengary County, Ontario, Canada. Herbert was born November 7, 1862 and died at Curtisville, Michigan, February 22, 1953. Alexander was born in 1865 and died in 1906 at Gates Camp. He was loading a train load of logs and died of a heart attack.
The boys came to Tawas with their parents when they were t and 2 years of age respectively. They were both employed with Saginaw Salt and Lumber Company, in the Georgian Bay district. at one time they operated a boat, the "Merry Miller", transporting materials on Lake Huron. They were also Superintendents for the S. J. M. Gates Lumber Company whose head quarters was in Bay City. They worked at the Gates Camp west of Curtisville.
Herbert participated in the Klondike Gold Rush in 1898. He returned to Tawas afterward. He took over his brother's job as Superintendent of Gates Camp after Sandy's death and remained with Gates until 1909.
Mary Ellen Wilson was born on September 14, 1866 in Cumbermore, Ontario, Canada. She was married to Alexander Gordon in 1893. They had two sons and one daughter. Grant, orn May 3, 1895 and ided in the service in 1918. Cauis was born May 6, 1899 and died August 6, 1975. the daughter died at birth.
Herbert married Mary Ellen Gordon, widow of his brother, Alexander, in 1908.
Gordons purchased their farm from Thomas Phillips. The former owner, Eliza Wilbur purchased the land for the U.S. Government October 10, 1868. The farm was sold to Phillips in 1897.
Herbert was a civic leader in our township and held various township offices. He always had time to spin a tale or tow concerning his adventures in the gold rush.
Minnie was a special person. She was diplomatic in handling community problems. She took an active part in church activities. She taught the young peoples class and counciled with us long before and of us heard of psychiatry. She played the reed organ for church services for many years. We considered it a specail treat to be a recipient of a box of her homemade candy [see recipe below], each piece carefully decorated with nuts, cherries or raisins.
Historical dates supplied by Mrs. Cauis Gordon
MARY ELLEN GORDONS SOUR CANDY
6 Cups white sugar
1/2 Cup pure cream
Boil up - when boiling good add 1/4 Cup vinegar - large lump of butter.
Boil until it will form a hard ball in cold water. You may add shredded coconut or nut meats if you desire.
SWAZYE GORDON FAMILY
Swayze Gordon
Swazye Gordon and his family were pioneers in the Curtisville area. They are recorded as living here on the 1880 Census. Swazye was born in Pennsylvania. He homesteaded a piece of land across the road , to the west, of the present Curtisville Civic Center.
This property has been owned by James Simons, Wm. Clarey, Daniel McDermott, Cliff Latter, Larry Du Bois, Rev. Earl Redmond and Harold Schultz. Catherine Clarey Latter has a record that her father paid $1,500 for the 80 acres in 1903 and paid 6% interest.
Pastor Curtis Carrol and his wife Jackie currently own and live in the original Gordon house. Gary and sandy Myers of Munger, Michigan, own the remainder of the property and use it as a hunting camp.
The 1900 Censu identified the following members of the Gordon faimily living in Curtisville: Swazye Gordon (head of household), Frank (son), Bertha D. (daughter) and Guy (son).
Swazye Gordon was the first director of the Curtis School.
Swazye's children were: Frank, married to Olive Simons; Bertha, married to Reuben Simmons and Guy. Bertha and Reuben Simmons children were: Lynnie, married to George Perreutt Russel; Alice, married Charles Curtis and Stella, married to Ted Redmond.
Guy was very talented. James Heilig, Sr. recalls that when Guy was a small boy living at Gates Camp, he invented a small engine that actually worked.
Guy invented a 3-dimension camera and made prisms during World War II. He had a photo studio in Natick, Massachusetts. He also taught the science of photography at a college in Massachusetts. Guy also repaired clocks and watches.
[NOTE: Much of the information on the Swazye Gordon family was supplied by: Stella Simons Redmond, Inez Byce Abbott, Catherine Clarey Latter and Arbutus Milholin.]
HAMILTON FAMILY
In 1920, the Hamilton family owned a 160 acre farm consisting of the E 1/2, SE 1/4, Section 17 and W 1/2, SW 1/4, Section 16, T. 25 E., - R. 5 E., Curtis Township.
HAMPTON FAMILY
Andrew, Jennie, John, George and Chistina Hampton attended Hillside School during the period 1915-1917.
In 1920, the Hamton family owned an 80 acre farm located in the SW 1/4, NE 1/4, and NW 1/4, SE 1/4, Section 29, T. 25 E., R. 5E., Curtis Township.
The 1920 Cenus identifies the following members of the Hampton family living in Curtisville: George Hampton (head of household), Christie (wife), John J. (son), Jennie E. (daughter), George (son), Christina (daughter), Anna J. (daughter) and Richard (son).
HAYES FAMILY
In 1920, the Hayes family owned two 80 acre farms in the Curtisville area. The first was owned by T. Hayes in N 1/2, SW 1/4, Section 21, T. 25 E., R., 5E., Curtis Township. The second was owned by L. Hayes in the S 1/2, SW 1/4, Section 21, T. 25E., R. 5E., Curtis Township.
The 1920 Census identifies the following members of the Hayes family living in Curtisville: Thomas Hayes (head of household), Joseph H. Hayes (head of household), Fannie (wife), Milton (son) and Wilma (daughter).
HEILIG FAMILY
The year was 1866 and folks were pushing westward from the eastern colonies. It was the year 1880 and a young man named Peter Heilig came to this area. According to the Detroit Census Bureau at that time, he was born in New York, and his mother and father were born in Germany. His occupation was listed as a hunter in the winter and he herded horses in the summer. The other few settlers in this area at the time, were the Curtis’s Bamfield’s, Caleb Smith, Colegraves, and the Thomas Phillips. (There may have been others).
The country was very rugged. There were no roads, only trails. The early settlers had to walk to Tawas to get their provisions. There were several Indian groups in the area. Some came there to spend the winter.
At about this time, a family named Goodfellow’s came from New York to Grayling and from there down to Curtisville to work in the Lould Lumber Co. Eva Goodfellow was the youngest of seven children. She went to school in Bowser’s home and they had a schoolteacher come in and live for the winter. The first church in the area was held in Bowser’s barn. Eva’s father was a civil war veteran. Eva and Peter were married when she was 16 yrs. Old. Eva was the first postmistress in the Curtisville area.
Peter Heilig was one of the first deacons and trustees of the Curtisville Baptist Church where church is held regularly yet today.
Eva and Peter had 10 children: Florence, Clarence, John, Jessie, Katie, Jim, Edith, Nellie, Violet, and Gladys of whom four are still with us. Those are John, Jim, Nellie and Violet.
It was the year 1959 when Aunt Nellie, who had been living in Canada for many years came for a visit and the idea of a Heilig reunion was born. Each year since then, many happy gatherings have been spent in this place..
This was the report given at the Heilig Family Reunion by Elaine Heilig. The Heilig Family have a family reunion held at the High Rollaways every year on the last Sunday of July.. Only a couple of years since its start has it been held other places and then it was at the Curtisville Civic Center.
HOLLOWAY FAMILY
The 1910 Census identifies the following members of the Holloway family living in Curtisville: William Holloway (head of household) and Laura (wife). William Holloway was identified as being a Farmer.
LA CHAPELLE FAMILY
Ernest and Edith La Chapelle were both employed as teachers at the Curtisville School. Edith La Chapelle was a member of the Ancient Order of Gleaners - Curtis Arbor in 1903.
LA FLUER FAMILY
LANDON FAMILY
William Landon served in France during World War I.
LINDAY FAMILY
In 1920, the Linday family owned a 120 acre farm consisting of the W 1/2, NW 1/4 and NW 1/4, SW 1/4, Section 20, T. 25 E.,R. 5E., Curtis Township.
LATTER FAMILY
Arthur and Harriet Hutchinson Latter brought their family to the Gates Ranch in September 1917. They formerly lived on the Cleveland Sheep and Ctock Company Ranch at Hale, Michigan. Mr. Latter desired more acreage and so moved to Curtisville. Arthur and Harriet had three children:
[1.] Clifford - now of Flint, married Catharine Clary.
[2.] Anne - of West Branch, married William Bamfield. Son of one of Curtisville's first pioneer families.
[3.] Bill - of West BRanch, a successful rancher.
A fouth child, a baby girl, was born and died in infancy in 1929. The three children attended Curtisville School. In 1950, Mr. Latter sold his property to Howard Beach of Bay City, Michigan. At present it is owned by the Harold Schultz family of Munger, Michigan. Mr. & Mrs. Latters last days were spent n West Branch, Michigan.
Arthurs parents, Edney and Lucy, were natives of England. Edney was a merchant and when free trade was abolished in England he moved his family to the new world, first to Canada and finally to Iosco County.
Interview - Anne Latter Bamfield
MILLS FAMILY
Violet Mills attended the Hillside School during the period 1915-1917.
MCCOLMAN FAMILY
MCDERMOT FAMILY
MCMILLAN FAMILY
MERRITT FAMILY
MONTNEY FAMILY
Cashius Montney was a member of the Ancient Order of Gleaners - Curtis Arbor in 1903. Stanley and Mary Montney were added to the membership in 1904.
MONTGOMERY FAMILY
W. Montgomery, his wife Elizabeth, and family lived on the south side of Route 604 a short ways west of Emily Lake. Elizabeth died on February 1, 1903 at age 61 years.
Their daughter Minnie was married to Peter Emily who was employed as a cook at Gates Lumber Camp. The Curtisville Civic Center (previously the Curtisville School) is built on the property were Peter and Minnie lived.
Their daughter Clara Montgomery was married to Orra Spencer, Jr.
W. Montgonery and his wife Elizabeth are buried in the Curtisville Cemetery.
O'MEARA FAMILY
William O'Meara was married to Thelma Stevens [see Stevens Family below]. They had two sons: Franklin was killed in an automobile accident, Robert and his wife Dorthy, Lived in the old Stevens homestead. Robert still lives in Curtisville.
William O'Meara served in the Army during World War I. Hisi son Franklin served in World War II.
PEMBERTON
The 1900 Census identifies the following members of the Pemberton family living in Curtisville: Walter Pemberton (head of household), Hannah (wife), Walter (son), Marlon R. (son), Leslie (son), William (son), Albert W. (son) and Brett (son). Walter Pemberton was identified as being a Blacksmith. Albert and Brett Pemberton were attending the Hillside School in 1908.
PHILLIPS FAMILY
From 1880 Census: Thomas Phillips, 33, born England also his mother and father. Cathy Phillips, 32, born Mich. father born in Vermont, mother in England. Children: Mabel, 12, born Mich., Francis (male), 10, born Mich., Fred, 8, born in Virginia, Nellie, 4, born in Virginia, Ernest, 2, born in Michigan, Aleneza, 20, Nephew born in Canada.
The Phillips came to Curtisville from Memphis, Michigan. They purchased a large piece of land from Marvin Wilbur. Even living is such a remote ilderness area as Curtisville was at the time, the never forgot their English heritage. Mrs. Phillips and the girls dressed formally for tea every fternoon. Fred and Nell died of "comsumption" and are buried in the Curtisville Cemetery. The Phillips' returned to Memphis. Their son, Ernest, lived or years on a protion of the old Phillips farm. Ernest married Hannah Stewart Dawson of Memphis. They had one adopted daughter, Undine. Hazel, youngest daughter of Tom and Cathy Phillips was born in Curtisville. She now resides in Alpena with her grandson, David. In later years, Hannah and rnie purchased the Wilkerson place on Bamfield road. They nmoved their house to the new location from the old Phillips place behind the Gordon arm. The house had been moved once previsous from the Frank Phillips place which was across Wilbur Creek and to the west of the Tom Phillips arm. Recently, Jim Heilig Sr. observed that Ernie Phillips was so sentimentallhy attached to his house that he took it with him each and every time he oved. Jim humorously speculated that if Ernie moved to California, he would have hitched his team to the house and taken it with him. The origianl house and property is now owned by the Robert Suda's of Livonia. The house may be the oldest original dwelling remaining in Curtisville.
Those who knew Hannah, Ernie and Undine know that a volume could be written about them. They were great fun, generous people and made our livesa little richer because they were a part of our community.
Hannah was full of the joy of life. She was never seen depreseed, and now that she is gone, her secret of optimism may have been iscovered. Written in her Bible several times and on many pages of her daily diary are these words: "Put your troubles in the bottom of your heart and sit on the lid and smile."
The following psalm was written in the fly leaf of her Bible:
I've shut the door on yesterday
Its sorrows and mistakes
I've locked within its gloomy walls
Past failures and heartaches
And now I throw the key away
To seek another room
And furnish it wiht hopes and smiles
And every sprintime bloom
No thought shall enter this abode
That has a hint of pain
and every alice and distruct
Shall never entrance gain
I've shut the door on yesterday
tomarrow holds nor fear for me
Since I have found today.
1880 Census search and notes by Arbutus Milholin
REDMOND FAMILY
John W. Redmond Family
John W. Redmond was born in Ontario, Canada, February 19, 1846. His parents were Irish immigrants from Cork County, Ireland. He married Liza Gorman of Scotch and Irish descent. The date of their marriage is unknown. Liza died after bearing one child, Francis. John W. and 12 year old Francis moved to Memphis, Michigan, where they became acquainted with the Spencer family. The Spencers came to Memphis from Pennsylvania. They were Pennsylvania Dutch and English descent.
Orra and Sarah Spencer had five children. Rosetta, Olive, Orra Jr., Ira and Albert.
John W. was attracted to the beauty of Rosetta the eldest of the Spencer children and they were married. There no children from this union. Some years later Albert the youngest Spencer sone and Frances Redmond were married. They had four children: Pearl, Raymond, John and Theodore. Francis passed away at the birth of Theodore May 16, 1904 at Curtisville, Michigan
John W. and Rosetta moved form Memphis, Michigan to Farwell, Michigan. Thye lived there a short time and then moved to Curtisville. they purchased a peice of land from James Barnes. Barnes had errected a two story log house on the property in 1897 [see photograph under Barnes Family above]. This was the Redmond's home for the rest of their lives.
In the 1890's John W. carried the mail form McKinley to Curtisville. Then in 1900 from South Branch to Curtisville, later from Long Lake to Curtisville. He held the mail contract from the late 1800's till his death may 30, 1930 p with the exception of a few years when Fred Bowser and Charlie Barry were the mail carriers. He lived to be 84 years of age. John W. and Rosetta had a small country store with the Post Office combined. Edward Bell was the Post Master. John w. was Notary Public, Justice of the Peace and Clerk of Curtis Township. He wrote news for the Alcona County Review and the Bay City Times. He raised some nice Swiss acttle, was a lumber jack, river driver, a wonderful father and grandfather and wouldn't have backed down from Paul unyon. John W. and Rosetta were members of the Curtisville Baptist Church. John served as Deacon, Church Clerk and Sunday School Superintendent. Rosetta taught Sunday School and also served as Clerk.
Rosetta was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She was always busy, and she passed away sitting in a chair with a dish towel in her hand. Rosetta was born August 30, 1858 and died October 16, 1933.
Material provided by Francis Theodore Orra Alonza Spencer Redmond
Wesley Redmond Family
esley Redmond's great grandfather, John Walker, was born in the County of Fermanaugh, Ireland. He was married to Jame Gorman. The came to mercia in the Spring of 1831. Setting sail with their six children from Port Derry, Ireland and landing at Quebec; they traveled down the St. Lawrence iver to Montreal and proceeded to the Province of Ontario. They settled on government land in Matilda Township, Dundee County. liza Walker, fourth child in the John Walker family, married John Redmond. Eliza and John Redmond were Wesley Redmond's grandparents. The anuary, 1868 minutes of the Loyal Orange Lodge in Varna, Ontario are signed by John Walker, secreatry, and record John Redmond as a member., who as present at this meeting. Some of John (brother of Eliza) and Jane Walker's children remained in Canada - others came to Michigan. Their Fist son to come to Michigan was William, who settled in Marlette, Michigan in 1856.
Altough the exact birthplace of Wesley Redmond is not kn owm, it is assumed to be Marlette, Michigan. The tombstone at the Curtisville Cemetery ndicates that he was born May 12, 1874 and died Febraury 4, 1942.
As lumbering gave way in the area extending from aPort Huron through Owosso. In the 1880's, many adventurous men of independent spirit, moved orth in Michigan to Alcona County. Among these were Orra Spencer, Sr., grandfather of Bessie Spencer, and John Redmond, uncle of Wesley Redmond. Orra Spencer, Sr. and his wife Sara had five children who were Rosetta, Olive, Orra Jr., Albert and Ira. Mr. & Mrs. Orra Spencer, Sr. Albert Spencer, rra Spencer Jr. and Mrs Hugh Curley were members of the Curtisville Baptist Church when it was organized in 1888. The lathe and plaster for the new hurch was donated by Hugh Curley, Hank Curley and Orra Spencer Sr., Orra Spencer Jr. and Albert Spencer. The chimney was built by Hugh Curley. rra Spencer Jr. and Albert Spencer cleared the land on their farms, which are now known as the Lewis L. and Norma L. Remond Farm. This farm was ot cleared until about 1913.
Bessie Spencer was born May 16, 1885 to Maraget Jane (Halley) Spencer and Orra Gilbert Spencer, Jr. in Marlette, Michigan (Sanilac County). Her birth ertificate indicates that her father was a plasterer. Bessie Spencer's mother died at the time of her birth. At the death of Margaret Spencer, Olive pencer Curley (Mrs. Hugh Curley) took her brothers daughter, Bessie, to raise her in Curtisville. Olive died inh 1892 and Bessie was then raised by Hugh Curley and his mother.
Bessie Spencer spent her early childhood on a farm about 3/4 miles north of the lake on the present Lewis L. Redmond farm. Indian children were her laymates. The family has always fondly referred to this sites at "the old places" and it abounded with many varieties of apple trees, hugh oak and aple shade trees until the United States government had all trees cut down on this section in 1975. Bessie's step-mother Olive taught her how to play he piano and organ. Bessie played the organ at Curtisville Baptist Church when sshe was 9 years old. She usually walked to church (3 miles) and chool (4 miles). The school was then located at the site of the present civic center (town hall).
She joined the Curtisville Baptist Church in 1905. The family later moved to the location of the house which is now owned by James andl Lilian Waters t the Southeaste corner of Curtisville and Wissmiller Road. The following information from the tombstones in Curtisville Cemetery gives informa;tion regarding persons previously mentioned in this history.
RYEMER FAMILY
The 1910 Census identified Christopher Ryemer and his son Jay as being Farmers.
The 1920 Census identified the following member of the Ryemer family living in Curtisville: Christopher Ryemer (head of household) and Jay Ryemer (son).
In 1920, Chris Ryemer owned a 20 acre farm in E 1/2, SW 1/4, SE 1/4, Section 8, T. 25 E., R. 5E., Curtis Township. This farm was located on the north side to the Wissmiller Road between the S. Adams and J. Heilig farms.
His son Jay Ryemer served in France during World War I. Chris Ryemer was the local "Water Witch."
SINCLAIR-COLE FAMILY
Peter Sinclair drove harness race horses all his life. He was forced to retire when nearly 80 yrs. of age. He came to Curtisville from Sanilac County and took a homestead. A son and daughter came with him, but later left their father and returned to the thumb area. Mr. Sinclair sent for Rebecca, his other daughter, to come and care for him. He wrote an eloquent letter to Rebecca convincing her that this was a wonderful place to live. Becky and two small children, Winifred and Thomas had a frightening trip. A big forest fire was raging. Even the train tracks were afire. Becky recalls that her impression of Curtisville was frightening. Her dad took them to live in an old log lumber camp on Smith Creek. Becky says, “Oh, how I wish to be back home! What an awful place!” Rebecca soon changed her mind and found the neighbors friendly and kind. She recalls that E.D. Curtis and Orra Spencer Sr. were “such nice elderly men”.
Rebecca’s bachelor brother Daniel lived with Coles all his life. Dan was a great trout fisherman. He played the violin for area house parties.
Peter, Rebecca’s father, lived to be 97. He is buried in the Curtisville Cemetery.
Rebecca’s parents were: Father - Peter Sinclair born in Scotland, 1829 Died in Curtisville 1926. Buried in Curtisville cemetery. Mother - Sarah Elizabeth Edwards. English descent Born Marine City, Mich. Died in Sanilac County when Becky was born, then raised by an aunt.
Rebecca - Born Nov. 29, 1878 at Port Sanilac, Mich. Rebecca and Mr. Cole had two Children: Winifred-born Feb. 11,1899, Blaine, Mich. Married Guy Rickel of Glennie. Son Thomas- born July 30, 1902 Croswell, Mich.
We are justly proud of Rebecca Cole, our oldest Curtisville citizen. At 97 she is still able to help prepare meals. She says when she was 80 she could work circles around a number of youngsters! Becky and Tommy entertain several lonely ladies for dinner every Sunday. Her black eyes snap as she recalls happy moments of yester-years. Rebecca Cole is truly Curtisville’s First Lady.
STEVENS FAMILY
Archie Stevens married Jamima Wilson, one of Bill Wilson’s daughters. Archie worked in the lumbering camps. He took a piece of land on Aldrich Rd. Jamima died leaving a young family, Stella age 10, Hazel 8, Allen 6, Ira 4, and Thelma 2. Stella took care of her brothers and sisters until she married Peter Curley.
Ira told us that his dad was a good provider and a great cook. He made pies and cakes and could cook and bake just about everything. He was a kind man. After working in the woods all day, splitting his own wood and doing chores, he would walk down to a needy family, taking them prepared food and see to it that they had wood for the night.
- Stella married Peter Curley. Lived in Monroe. Their children were, Vern, Sybil, Grant, Henry, Tom, Maude, and Beverly.
- Hazel married George Emily. Lived in Detroit. Two children, Julia and Darrell.
- Allen married Helen, a girl from Illinois. No children, worked for the Packard Co. in Detroit till it closed.
- Ira never married. Also worked for Packards till the plant closed. Retired here on the old McDermott place. Loves trout fishing and rabbit hunting.
|
