Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1857-04-22
FROM me FCrlLan hecoFd
Rev Joseph W. Curtis.

Dlcu, IA AldoicS, MASSEY 49,"
after a severe sskAess oc~casioaed by
cold, Rev. Jostpa WsecvRris, 30 the
9Th real of hisage, He was son Of .the
late Ger. Curtis OF Windsor Vi, whsfe
he was bsfasja April, 1870; aud was
bsother 81 Edward Curtis lately deceas;
ed, the eadesred and faithful friend Of
Eshfel Me5slers The numerous carly
acs uaieances II the Rev. Mr.. CARTS,
vii nus be surprised 10 learn that his
character lost none of its1qstre'as he dtew
near The grave, and that he died as he
had livsd-a lovely and consistent CHRIS.
tisn. ~
His atfention was early devoted 10 the
pursuits OF learning He entered Dart
mouth Collegeid 1e07, and was gradua.
ted with credit in hal institution in 1911.
He bad a correct taste and a welinf2rm-
ed and disciplined mind. 1t was during
his collegiate course, that he dated the
Semtaencemenfo of The divine life in his
soul; and from that time he seems TO have
devoted himself, with great strength OF
purpose and with humble reliance on the
grace Of God, 10 the service Of his Lord
and Redeemer. After leaving College he
studied theology forn numbet Of months
with the patriarchal. Rev. Asa Burton,
D. d., of Tbe,ford, W.. a profound think.
'ef, and much -disIlngnished ia bis day,
not only as a metaphysician, but as a
very pi6us minister Of the Gospel, whose
Influence was widely telt for good, and
whose enduring memorial is in the hearts
of a few, enlightened and redeemed by
grace. Subsequently, Mr.. Curtis went
through the regular course OF study at
the Seminary..in Andover, where he was
much esteemed by his fellow students,
and BY the professors. He was account
ed a youthful preacher Of uncommon
promise, and was employed as a candi.
date in some Of the most respectable par
ishes in the land. His health, however,
had, been previously much impaired. rem
dering il unsafe for him 10 assume the
responsibilities of a large aud lsborious
pastorate. He was Notwithstanding call
ed in his youth to a position al once high
~ respectable, and demanding the ut
masfiexeition Of his intellectual and NOR
al enc rgy. He succeeded the popular
President Brown, as pastor OF the church
in North Yarmouth, Maine, and the ef-
forts which he deemed necessary IN that
situation were too great for his slender
frame. After a brief trial, being almost
crushed under the weight of his conscious
responsibilities, he asked and Obtained a
dismission. He was loved by the people,
who, it is believed, sti1l cherish his mem
CRY with grateful affection, and some OF
the more agedof whom may perhaps drop
a tear over this brief record of a departed
friend. -sa s .4o
He afterwards speni about a year sup,
plying destitute places, in the vicinity of
his residence; and then, in or near 1919,
he went 10 Ohio, and was settled in War
rem, TrumbuA County, where ne Iabored
for several years with interchangeable indus
try and fidelity. There he was much
beloved; but his labors were too severe
for MS e~nfeebled constitution, and he felt
himself obliged, against the ardent wish
es of his friends, to retire from that field
also. so 3e
Alter leaving Ohio, he was engaged
for a time in Home Missions; and, not
c~on6ning his services to his ownconntry,
he travelled under commission Unto sever.
al parts of Canada, where he faithfully
labored in his divine Masters cause. -
1t became at length evident 10 all his
familiar acquaintance that he needed
comparative repose. His constitution
was like that of a tender plant, suscepti-
bic of influence from all changes of the
weather; he was dyspeptic; was followed
by an incurable racking cough, and was
moreover, subject 10 various other mala-
dies, which were often very distressing.
and seemed even TO threaten the speedy
lie termination of his life. He returned 10
Vermont, where he remained for a time,
and buried while there the wife of his
youth, and one at least of his children.
10 1896, he married Mrs, Lois E, wild
ow Of Dea. N Nathaniel Coolidge, of Hadlcy
Mass, from which time he became a res
ideni of the town, and he continued to
adorn. as long as he lived, his Christian
profession, aud his sacred calling by o
consistent example, and by unceasing en-
deavors, according 10 his ability, in behalf
of the best interests Of those around him,
of a world lying in wickedness, and for
the glory of the Savior. In bin, we have
seen united the love of peace, kindness
gentIeness and q%uenchiess zeal for the
cause Of Christian holiness and ofGo1.-
He loved 10 contribute 10 the support OF
the Gospel; he was q goot Parlshloner,
as well as a warm-hearted Christian, the
Lords day found him in his place in the
sanctuary; he was diligent in the Sabbath
school; he was among the first al the
prayer meeting; he delighted 10 carry in
s~truclion and comfort to the bouse'ef sor-
row; and he evidently sought, with great
fervor oil spirit, the conversion AMI saliva
lion Of sinners. gs..
In bis natural temper, he was genial,
mild and cheerful, and these traits were
rtndered the more prominent and attract
i've, by the evident influence of grace in
his heart. His Affections were very great;
sick himself. and not seldom suffering
severe pain, he saw most OF his family,
and many Of his other dear friends, laid
in the grave; yet one well and long &C,
quainted with him, can truly say, lhal
according 10 The best Of his recollection.
he never knew him complain; and he was
accustomed 10 speak Of his merciss, as
~transcendeni in number and in value
One reason of this was, his low esiima.
lion of himself, as by nature a child o
wrath, connected with a deep and humii-
iaiing consciousness Of the sin which
mingied with and defled his hottest ser
vices. as a Christian. He embraced, an6
he appeared mos cordially 10 love the
Distinguishing doctrines Of grace as they
were held by the fathers of New Eog'
land. He WIS no, afraid that these doc
~ttrines would be too clearly preached. Oh