Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1911-02-15

CHARLES H. CURTIS.

Inc 0eatn OF Cnarle6 II. GURUS, Wnlcn
occurred at his home on Water street last
Thursday morning. takes from the city
one ofits most useful citizens. MIR. Curtis
had been in poor health for months, and
although everything was done for him in
the way Of care and medical treatment, it
was OF no avail. The end came quietly,
after much Of suffering, which he bore
with characteristic fortitude.
Mr.. Curtis had many qualities which
made him rare man. He came Of good
stock, being the son Of Paul and Harriet
Curtis, at one time well-known residents
II Surry, where the subject of this sketch
was born. Although he lacked but
hree months of being forty nine years OF
ge at his death, his life had been busy
me. He ate not the bread of idleness,
and had no place or use for the man who
did.
~ moved to Ellsworth, where the father
had already esta blished himself in a ship
yard. In his later teens Mr.. Curtis went
to sea, until at twenty-five he entered the
work OF the shipyard, learning his trade
from his father. He was thorough me-
chanic, capable OF doing any part of the
business, and was also skilled as a de-
signer. His last large job was the design
ing and building for himself of the two
masted schooner Nellie, which was
launched from the yard in the fall OF 1909.
About fourteen years ego he formed a
partnership with Capt. J. M. Higgins un-
der the firm name of c. H. Curtis & Co.,
which continued until his death. The
yard, though small, was well equipped.
Some time ago paint mill was added, and
within a few years rotary was installed.
1t was the boast OF Mr.. Curtis that he had
the facilities to take hold Of any ordinary
job and carry it through.
In 1892 he was raised to the degree of a
Master Mason in Esoteric lodge (now
Lygonia), and later became a member Of
Acadia chapter. AS a Mason he COM
manded the respect and good will Of all
the fraternity, and worthily exemplified
tue principles OF the order in his life. He
was also member of the Ellsworth
Baptist society, and was deeply interested
in the welfare Of the church, being one OF
the prudential committee. His helpful
ness in these organizations was such that
his death marks distinct loss to them.
He was also deeply interested in civic
affairs, and was elected alderman from
ward in 1907, running ahead of the
ticket.
In these varied spheres Of service he
showed himself to be man who desired
the best things for all concerned. BY
nature he was genial and hospitable and
OF a practical turn OF mind. In character
he was a man OF strictest integrity and
sincerest purpose.
There was an undercurrent OF religious
feeling and faith in his life which made
him a believer in the best things. Hit
thought for others, especially the unfor-
tunate, marked him as great heart, and
there are many who have reason to prize
his friendship and benevolence. The
place that he occupied as a man OF bust.
ness aud as an employer makes his death
one tn 1t will be deeply felt.
Prayers were offered at the house at
O'Clock Saturday afternoon, and the
funeral services were held in the Baptis,
church at 2 o'clock, conducted by the
pastor, Rev. P. A. A. Killam. As a mark
Of respect the places OF business were
closed during the hour Of service. There
was a large attendance OF friends, anC
the masonic bodies were we'll repre-.
sented. The floral offerings were particu.
larly beautiful. Music was furnished by 9
quartet.
Besides the wife, several brothers anc
sisters survive him. These are Myron g..
OF Medford, Mass; Paul B., of San Fran
cisco; Capt. Abijah, OF Surry; Ernest L..
OF Maiden, Mass; Samuel, of Alameda
CAL; Mrs. George D. Rich, OF Holden
Mass; Mrs. Lucy Emery, OF Revere
| Mass; Mrs. u. G. Hodgkins, of Albany
Oregon, and Mrs. Harriet Curtis, of this
city.