JOHN WILLIAM CURLESS

Wealthy Farmer Killed

John Curless, of Woodland Township, Met Tragic Death In a Runaway Accident Early Wednesday Morning.

OPERATING MANURE SPREADER

Coroner Ray, of Cuba, Was Notified and Arrived at Noon and Is Conducting the Inquest as We Go To Press.

Sad news was received in this city Wednesday morning, of the tragic death of John Curless, a prominent and influential farmer of Woodland township. His unfortunate death occurred at about 7:15, while operating a manure spreader in a field adjoining his residence, about a quarter of a mile from the house.

The exact circumstances which caused the accident will likely never be known. The facts leading up to the sad occurrance, as near as we are able to learn, are as follows: A young team was hitched to the loaded spreader. Mr. Curless decided that he would take out the first load, to see how the team would perform, after which it would be turned over to his hired help. He had driven to the opposite side of the field, with the machine in operation, and in making the turn, from all appearances the team became frightened and turned abruptly, evidently throwing Mr. Curless from his seat. The team then ran in the direction of the house, retracing the swatch he had just spread.

His two sons, Granville and Jimmy, were in the same field, operating a field-drag a short distance away. They saw the team running and noticed their father hanging on the side of the spreader toward them, with his feet occasionally touching the ground. From his appearance they were of the opinion that his clothing had caught on a small lever, which regulates the number of loads to the acre.

He was carried about 50 yards from where the turn was made, when he fell to the ground in such a position that the rear left wheel passed over his body in the region of the chest. When the wheel struck the body, his son stated, the machine bounced about three feet. They saw him raise to his elbow, after the machine passed over him and throw up one hand, looking in the direction of the house. Granville, the eldest son, hurried to his assistance and on reaching his side, the father gasped twice and expired.

John Lamb and Sherman Foster, who were working at a saw mill nearby, arrived a few minutes afterward. The body was then taken to the residence and on examination was found to be terribly crushed.

The coroner was notified and on his arrival the following jury was empaneled: F. G. Bader, Thomas Horton, Frank Thompson, E. M. Price, A. N. Price, and J. D. Waggoner. As we go to press the inquest was being held.

Obituary.

Mr. Curless was born Sept. 23, 1865. He is survived by his wife and six children, namely: Mrs. Rose Parks, Granville, Bonnie, James, Bennie and Robert; also his aged mother who is past 70 years of age, four brothers and one sister: Frank, Edward, Thadius, Mrs. William Dutton of Woodland township; and William of near Ray.

Mr. Curless was one of the largest land owners in Woodland township, owning 2,030 acres of valuable land, half of which is highly improved. Was a member of the M. W. A. and Masonic lodges. At this time no arrangements have been made for the funeral. The entire community joins in sympathy with the bereaved family.

 

Published in the Astoria Search Light on 5/7/1913

* * *

John Curless

John William, son of Lafayette and Armintha Curless was born in Fulton County September 22, 1865, died at his home May 7, 1913, aged 47 years, 5 months and 15 days. He was married December 1, 1886 to Hattie Farwell. To this union were born eight children, namely, Mrs. Rose Parks, Granville, Bonnie, John Farwell, deceased, Jimmy, Jennie, Bennie, and William Robert. Besides, he leaves an aged mother, one sister Mrs. Will Dutton, four brothers, Frank, Edward, Thad, Billy and a host of friends to mourn his death.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. A. C. Stewart, pastor of the Astoria Christian church at home of the deceased on Friday morning at 10 o’clock. Thereafter, the Masonic Order of which the deceased was a member taking charge.

Interment in the Mt. Zion cemetery.

 

Published in the Astoria Search Light on 5/14/1913

 

Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus