The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1882-07-05
OBITUARY /.

OBITUARY
Curtis kooser Was born near StaliistowD,
Wcstmoreland county, Pa, and was the old
CT of family Of four brothers consisting
besides himself, of Benz. p. late edi,orof the
Santa Cruz, California, iS,7,tiaei, who died in
1877 /; William, now farmer in West
moreland county. and Herman H. living
near San Jose, California. When quite a
youth, his father moved TO the State of
Ohio After remaining there few years he
returned to this State, locating in Jefferson
township, Somerset county, Pa When
Curtis was about IA years of sge his mother
died After her death be made his home
with an uncle at Layansyille, where he was
apprenticed to the trade of Wagonmaking.
After he had learned his trade, he establish
ed himselfin business in Somerset, manu-
featuring wagons exclusively; but success
attending his venture, with commendable
foresight, he combined with wagon making
the manufacture of buSgies and carriages,
giving special attention to this last depart
ment His skilled workmanship. his fair
dealing, together with his promptness in
all business engagements, enabled him to
close the 40 years of his business career with
the mos; honorable and gratifying success.
He was 4 man of much natural reserve,
and dignity, and yet not at all unapproacha-
ble for he was remarkable for the great
number of close personal friends, .snd was
not unfrequently sought out by them for
his counsels in matters of importance. His
fidelity to his friends and the readiness with
which he granted fayors, drew TO him not
only the people of Somerset, but the people
of the surrounding country as well. His
extensive personal acquaintance throughout
the county gave him a knowledge of the
preferences, wishes and demands sf the peo-
pie such as few possessed. In public mat
tiers, therefore, he was capable of giving
wise counsel regarding the selection of men
who would be acceptable with people gener-
ally and secure the united suffrage of the
party of which he was member. Men in
the county desiring office, not unfrequently
came to him before their desires were made
hhoWH, dShiHS hia aPP'ph'Si oh" ie"'"'
men,laiion, and when this was once obtain
ed they felt reasonable assured of success.
His superior Judgment enabled him, so to
speak, to make and remake men and yet
il can be said that he never used his infiu-
ence to resent any supposed personal injury,
nor did he seek his own personal preferment
to the detriment of Others who might be
asking,,for political favors. For many years
there WAS perhaps no man who did more to
mould and make effective the party which
represented his own political convictions.
He himself received repeated expressions OF
the confidence and esteem of the voters of
Somerset county. In 1855 he was elected TO
the important and responsible position of
County Treasurer, and again in 1866 he was
elected to the same office, and could have
received other manifestations of their con-
fidence had he so desired
In the year of ls45 he was married to
Miss Emma Kiernan, of Somerset, and their
sincere devotion to each other laid the foun-
dation for the long life ofdomestic happiness
which followed. To them were born sons
and daughters, most of whom have grown
10 manhood and womenhood, and live to
love and cherish his memory. During those
years his was husbands faithfulness and
constancy, a father devotion and example,
making home-that sacred place-to which
his affectioaate nature brought his best gifts,
a place now to them Of the most ballowed
memories: and now that he is gone they
say my husband, our father, would that he
were with Us again, and many friends stand
about them, but many do no more than
mingle tears and recall cherished MEM
ories. But to these bereaved and sorrowing
ones we may say
God himself hath done it; yes, although severe
May seem the stroke and bitter be the cup
'Tis His own hand that holds it, and we know
He'll give thee grace 20 bear 1t up"
He united with trinity Lutheran church !
of Somerset some six or seven years ago. /
He at once became an active and exemplary |
member. At the meeting for social PRAYER I!
on Wednesday evening, as well a. on the 1
Sabbath day. his seat was scarcely ever va I
cant In conversation with his former pas
tor. he at one time said that he too long had |
neglected to attend to the ''one thing need |
sible. 10 redeem the time He was soon |
elected office bearer in the church, and 10 it /
he gave conscientious devotion and exem-
plary life, fulfilling the trust TO the approval
,g = md fho n.r1n NJ fatIn N
his pastor. His sickness was a protracted
one; for more than year he was subject TO
great physical suffering. He bore it all with
meekness and resignation. His was sane
tified affiiction. He had set his feet on the
Rock Of Eternrl Ages, and knew how firm
was bis foundation. He consequently said
hat if it were not Gods will that he should
again be restored TO health, he hoped that
lis life might soon come TO close His
md was peaceful Death came not TO him
Is king of terror, but as welcomed friend.
70 depart and be with Christ was far bet
er.' He could say
Since Christ has vanquished death, his sting Il
spoiled Of all his power;
He comes friend, not terrors king
His visit welcomed, wished for hour,
rhe porter key of life and bliss,
And sent in love,
By God above
70 bring rs into paradise
The funeral services were conducted at his
ate residence by his pastor, Rev. J. +.
;hearer, assisted by Rev. King, pastor of
he Reformed church, after which the hands
# loving friends bore his mortal remains to
he cemetery followed hy a large concourse