Yuma County, Colorado Photographs

Yuma County Pioneer Photographs:

Charles E. and Sarah Curtis, Magee

CHARLES' FAMILY

February 1916 Kansas City "Emsley Curtis, 69 years old. He served as a Union soldier in the Civil War. He died yesterday at his home, 98 South Grand Avenue, Independence. He was born May 22, 1847, in Crawford County, Illinois and in 1867 he was married at Willow Hill, Ill. to Martha Olson, who survives him.
These children survive him: C. E. Curtis, Holyoke, Col., Joseph Curtis of Kansas City, Mrs. W. E. Welborn, Mulberry, Kas., J. F. Curtis, T. W. Curtis, and E. A. Curtis of Independence, J. Curtis of Falcon, Col., and Mrs. A. L. Landsburg of Herron Lake, Minn.
Funeral services at the Stone Church at 2:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. Burial in Mound Grove Cemetery."

Sarah Pebworth and Chas. E. Curtis married on 10 Feb 1890 in Cass County, Missouri.

July 1899 Yuma "Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Curtis and family and Mr. and Mrs. E. Curtis of Bryant were in the city Tuesday. "

December 1899 "C. E. Curtis shipped a car load of mixed cattle to South Omaha last week. The steers brought him $ 4.30."

In 1900 Magee precinct, Yuma County, Charles is farming, born February 1868 in Illinois, married ten years to Sarah Feb 1872 Missouri. Gomer R. January 1891, Henry January 1893, Grace M. July 1895, and Lolla January 1897 were born in Missouri. Charles A. Sept 1899 and Setta March 1900 were born in Colorado.

In 1910 Des Moines, Iowa, Charles E. Curtis is 42 Head, Sarrah Curtis 38 Wife, Gomer Curtis 18 Son, Henry Curtis 16 Son, Grace Curtis 14 Daughter, Laura Curtis 13 Daughter, Arthur Curtis 11 Son, Stella Curtis 9 Daughter, Ada Curtis 7 Daughter, and Ruth Curtis 1 Daughter.

Charles proved up a tract in sections 30 and 31, 5N 43W and section 36, 5N 44W in 1918, next to Geore and Roy Wheatley.

In 1920 Valley precinct, Charles E. Curtis is 52 Head, Sarah F. Curtis 48 Wife, Henry O. Curtis 27 Son, Grace M. Curtis 24 Daughter, Arthur C. Curtis 21 Son, Estella Curtis 19 Daughter, Ada L. Curtis 16 Daughter, and Ruth R. Curtis 10 Daughter.

October 1934 Wray "Mrs. Arthur Wheatley left Tuesday for Colorado Springs where she will spend about two weeks visiting at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs Charles Curtis."

August 1939 Wray items " Mr. and Mrs. Charles Curtis and Lorraine Wheatley of Colorado Springs visited Wednesday night and Thursday at the Arthur Weatley home."

January 1940 "Another 50th wedding anniversary was celebrated in the Harold Tabor family here at Christmas time when Mrs. Tabor’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Curtis of Colorado Springs, observed 50 years of married life, the anniversary of which will be on Feb. 10. The celebration was in' the form of a family reunion here on Christmas day and children present besides Mrs. Tabor were: Mr. and Mrs. Harry Simmons of Lincoln, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Curtis and Mrs. Grace Brown, all of Colorado Springs, and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Wheatley of Wray. Two sons, Henry and Gomer, were unable to be present. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis at one time lived north of Wray and consequently they have many acquaintances hereabouts"

Sarah Francis Pebworth Curtis BIRTH 10 Feb 1872 Harrisonville, Cass County, Missouri, DEATH 15 Apr 1942 Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Colorado, BURIAL Evergreen Cemetery Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Colorado, PLOT Block 00238 - - 000448 MEMORIAL ID 34468223

"Mrs. Sarah Frances Curtis, 70, wife of Charles E. Curtis of Colorado Springs, died suddenly at 6:30 o'clock Wednesday morning while a guest at the home of her daughter, Mrs. H. A. Tabor, southeast of Wray.
Death was attributed to a heart attack. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis had attended a conference of the L. D. S. church at Independence, Missouri, and had returned to Wray with their daughter and son-in-law Tuesday afternoon. They had planned a visit here before going on to Colorado Springs.
Mrs. Curtis is well known in this locality. For many years the family resided on a ranch north of Wray. About fifteen years ago, they left this country and for several years have lived at Colorado Springs.
Survivors include her husband and the following children: Gomer Curtis of Pueblo; Henry Curtis of Des Moines, Iowa; C. A. Curtis of Colorado Springs; Mrs. Grace Brown of Colorado Springs; Mrs. Stella Wheatley of north of Wray; Mrs. Ruth Simons of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Mrs. Laura Tabor of Wray. There are also a number of grandchildren and many less near relatives.
Funeral arrangements have not been made as we go to press."

Charles Ellsworth Curtis BIRTH 11 Feb 1868 Mount Pulaski, Logan County, Illinois, DEATH 14 Aug 1950 Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Colorado, BURIAL Evergreen Cemetery Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Colorado, PLOT Block 00238 - - 000447 MEMORIAL ID 34468170.

"C. E. Curtis, a pioneer rancher of 25 miles north of Wray, died on August 14 at Brady's hospital in Colorado Springs. Because of failing health, Mr. Curtis left the ranch and moved to Ordway where he resided for two years, and then to Colorado Springs in 1933. He has since resided there. Last April he entered the sanitarium at Independance, Mo., after a diagnosis disclosed he had a malignant growth. He later returned home and was a patient in Memorial hospital and later at Brady's private hospital before his death. His wife preceded him in death on April 15, 1942. A daughter, Ada Robinson died in November, 1937.
Surviving children are Gomer R. Curtis of Swink, Henry O. Curtis of Phoenix, Ariz., Grace Brown, with whom he made his home, Laura Tabor of Lamoni, lowa, Charles A. Curtis of Colorado Springs, Estella Wheatley of Wray, and Ruth Simons of Warrensburg, Mo."

HENRY

Henry O Curtis Marriage Date: 24 May 1922 Marriage Place: Yuma, Colorado, Spouse: Grace E Leichleiter

Henry Orville Curtis BIRTH 21 Jan 1893 Harrisonville, Cass County, Missouri, DEATH 11 Jan 1962 Phoenix, Arizona, BURIAL Resthaven Park East Cemetery Phoenix, MEMORIAL ID 205199461.

Grace Ellen Leichleiter Curtis BIRTH 13 Dec 1893 Webster County, Iowa, DEATH 3 Aug 1984 Phoenix, Arizona, BURIAL Resthaven Park East Cemetery Phoenix, MEMORIAL ID 205199481


ADA

Mrs. Ada Robinson, former resident of Yuma county and sister of Mrs. Harold Tabor of Wray and Mrs. Wheatley of Holyoke, passed away Dec. 4th, 1937 at her home at Des Moines, Iowa. Mrs. Robinson is survived by her husband and five children, by her parents Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Curtis of Colorado Springs, by four sisters, three brothers and many less near relatives.
The deceased was a resident of the community north of Wray from 1913 to 1922. During her girlhood she attended high school in Wray and she had many friends here who will regret to learn of her death. Mrs. Robinson was a devout Christian lady.
She was laid to rest at Des Moines, December 6th.
The husband, children, parents, and brothers and sisters of the deceased have the sincere sympathy of many friends in their sad bereavement. "
Ada Leona Curtis Robinson, born 1904 in Yuma County, Colorado, died in 1937, buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, Sec C, MEMORIAL ID 57011751.


GOMER

October 22, 1914 "Miss Golda Belle Sheridan last Sunday became the bride of Gomer R. Curtis of Holyoke. The wedding was held at the home of the bride's father, O. C. Sheridan, in east Wray, at high noon October 18, Rev. T. W. Curtis of Holyoke, an uncle of the groom, officiating. The bride and groom were attended by Miss Grace Curtis, a sister of the groom, and by Fred Sheridan, brother of the bride. Miss Mary Jennings, a classmate of the bride, played the wedding march. Following the ceremony a sumptuous dinner was served to the thirty guests.
Mrs. Curtis has been a favorite among her classmates and her associates over since coming to Wray. She will be greatly missed in Wray and in her class at high school, but her friends wish her much happiness in her new home and life. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Curtis of Holyoke and is, with his father and brothers, well established in business, having large ranching and stock interests near Holyoke, where the happy couple will muko their home. We join with the many friends of both parties in extending hearty congratulations and best wishes to them for a long and happy life."

In 1920 Crook, Colorado, Gomer Curtis is 29 Head, Golda Curtis 23 Wife, Marguerite Curtis 4 Daughter, Olive L. Curtis 0 Daughter.

1929 "Mr. and Mrs. Gomer Curtis and family are visiting Mr. and Mrs. Fred Sheridan and other relatives."

In 1930 Crowley County, Gomer R. Curtis is 39 Head, Goldie Curtis 33 Wife, Marguerite Curtis 14 Daughter, Olive Curtis 10 Daughter, Jennie A. Curtis 6 Daughter.

April 9, 1930
Sheriff Gomer R. Curtis of Crowley County, who disappeared on June 3, 1932 under mysterious circumstances from his home in Ordway, is a former resident of this county, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Curtis who formerly resided near the county line to the north of Wray. He is a brother of Mrs. Harold Tabor who resides south of Laird. His wife was the former Goldie Sheridan of north of Wray. The report of Mr. Curtis’s disappearance as published in the Denver News stated “Search for him has extended to Denver and will be carried on thruout the state, according to H. H. Brooks, deputy district attorney at Ordway. Curtis left home after remarking to his wife, ‘lf anything should happen to me, no one can say you haven’t been a good wife,” Brooks said. Curtis was recently held up, robbed and chained to his automobile by a gunman identified as Robert Smith. Placed in jail at La Junta, Smith escaped.”

1932 "Crowley county had a new sheriff - Mrs. Goldie B. Curtis, mother of three children and a native born Coloradan. Mrs. Curtis is the wife of former Sheriff Gomer Curtis, who disappeared from his home here."

In 1940 Crowley County, Goldie B. Curtis is 43 Head, Jennie Alice Curtis 15 Daughter.

Gomer is in Manitou Springs, Colorado in 1940, a painter, living in a rooming house. He was in Crowley County in 1935.

Marguerite Curtis 1916-

Olive L. Macklin Employment Start Age: 24 Birth Date: 9 Jun 1919 Birth Place: Crook, Colorado Employment Start Place: Pueblo, Colorado, Spouse: Melvin E. Macklin

In 1940 Olive is in San Francisco, a hosekeeper for Ruth Forman, 30 and her tow kids, lodger Beatrice Schaffer.

Olive Lucille Lovejoy Birth Date: 9 Jun 1919 Residence Place: Coos Bay Death Date: 1 Jan 2004 Obituary Date: 7 Jan 2004 Obituary Place: Coos Bay, Oregon,
Olive Lucille Lovejoy Death Place: Coos Spouse: Carrol

Jennie A. Curtis 1924-

Gomer and Golda divorced in Crowley County in 1935.

1936 Wray "Mr. and Mrs. Fred Sheridan and family went to Ordway, Colo., the first of the week for a short visit with relatives."

G.R. Curtis and Susie Downey married on February 26, 1936 in Huerfano County, Colorado.

Gomer Reece Curtis, born 18 Jan 1891 in Peculiar, Cass County, Missouri, died 25 Dec 1964 in Swink, Otero County, Colorado, buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Sugar City, Crowley County, Colorado, MEMORIAL ID 33995689.
Susie Curtis, 1893 - 1971 is buried with him, MEMORIAL ID 33995725,

September 1962 "Funeral services were held at Craig on Monday for Dewey Sheridan, youngest brother of the late Fred Sheridan. Mr. Sheridan, who lived at Maybell, died on Friday at a Grand Junction hospital. He was 62 years old and is survived by his wife Emily, two sons, Monty and Bob, and a daughter Lillian.
Attending the services were Charles Sheridan of Holyoke, Mrs. Fred Sheridan and son Charley of Wray, accompanied by Mrs. Goldie Curtis of Denver, a sister. The local people returned home on Tuesday."
Golda Bell "Goldie" Sheridan, born 6 September 1896 in Washington County, Colorado (which at that time included the Magee area), died September 1981, last residence Denver, Colorado.

Marguerite Curtis 1916- Jennie A Curtis 1924-

LAURA

Harold Adelmon Tabor, born 19 Jul 1897 in Laird, Yuma County, Colorado, died 7 Apr 1977 in Lamoni, Decatur County, Iowa, buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Lamoni, Decatur County, Iowa, MEMORIAL ID 151875789.

Laura Lucille Curtis Tabor, born 22 Jan 1897 in Peculiar, Cass County, Missouri, died 23 May 1980 in Lamoni, buried with Harold, MEMORIAL ID 156703841.

Kathryn Tabor Blair, 90, passed away Monday, November 5, 2018, at the Lamoni Care Center. She was born July 23, 1928, to Harold and Laura (Curtis) Tabor in Yuma County, Colorado. In 1945, the Tabor family relocated from Wray, Colorado to Lamoni, Iowa, where she lived a full life rich in family and friends. After earning an AA degree from Graceland College, Kay decided that nursing was the most interesting career choice and her true calling. She graduated as a Registered Nurse from the Independence Sanitarium in 1953.
Her career as a nurse spanned 30 years, with Kay working at Ringgold County Hospital, Lamoni Nursing Home, and Graceland College Health Care Center. After retirement, she continued her work in health care in the Lamoni area. Kay served on the Decatur County Women’s Project which encouraged women to get annual mammograms. Her devotion to this cause was due in part to her sister Corinne’s early death to breast cancer. One of her main passions was running six blood drives each year. Since 2004, Kay was responsible for hosting 78 blood drives, which had an impact on 7,221 lives.
Community involvement was a legacy handed down from her parents and was vitally important to her as well. Kay was a lifelong and devoted member of the Community of Christ church. She served as a leader and member of several community organizations for many years including T.O.P.S, Share, and Kin Club. Kay was honored to be named jointly with her husband, Alma, as Citizens of the Year in 2008, by the Lamoni Area Chamber of Commerce.
Family always came first for Kay. She served as the peacemaker, stabilizing force, and calm center of the family. Her children sought out her wise and practical advice during times of trouble. Her grandchildren were comforted by her unconditional love for them, finding security in her home and arms. However, Kay was no wilting flower; more the sagebrush of her birthplace, Eastern Colorado. She embodied the virtues of fierce independence, clear-eyed pragmatism, and grounding humor that helped her endure and thrive during tough times. Kay was proud to call herself a feminist, steeped in the rights of women at an early age.
Kay is survived by her husband of 67 years, Alma Blair, their four children, Kathy Elliott, Diane Kunzler, David (Chris) Blair, and Bruce Blair, 11 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. Kay is also survived by her brother Jim Tabor, and many extended family members.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Laura Tabor, sisters Corinne and Nancy, brother Eugene, and great-grandchildren Eli and Lily.



CHARLES

Charles Arthur Curtis Age: 29 Birth Place: Yuma County Colo Residence Place: Ames Iowa, 224 Ash Marriage Date: 14 Jan 1928 Marriage Place: Des Moines, Iowa, Father: Charles Emsley Curtis Mother: Sarah Frances Pebworth Spouse: Flossie Mae Norton

Charles and Flossie divorced in Colorado Springs on April 23, 1933.

Pauline Beach and Charles A. Curtis married on 25 Jun 1938 in Colorado Springs.

In 1940 Colorado Springs, Charles Curtis 38 Head Pauline Curtis 28 Wife.

Charles Arthur Curtis, born 9 Sep 1898 in Yuma County, Colorado, died 8 Oct 1962 in Glendale, Los Angeles County, California, buried in Glen Haven Memorial Park Sylmar, Los Angeles County, California, MEMORIAL ID 174301258.

Esther Pauline Curtis, born 18 Mar 1911 in Missouri, died 14 Sep 1989 in Los Angeles County, Mother's Maiden Name: Underwood, Father's Surname: Beach.

GRACE

Raymond Russell Brown 1901–1986 Marriage: 28 September 1920 , Yuma, Colorado, Grace Mae Curtis 1895–1955.


RUTH

Harry J. Simons 1909-1980 and Ruth married on 25 October 1930 in Des Moines, Polk, Iowa.

Ruth Rettabelle Curtis, born 24 April 1909 in Des Moines, Polk, Iowa, died 23 May 1993 Independence, Jackson, Missouri


ESTELLA

Estella Curtis, 20, married Arthur "Weatley" on 12 Jan 1920 in Akron, Colorado.

October 1934 Wray "Mrs. Arthur Wheatley left Tuesday for Colorado Springs where she will spend about two weeks visiting at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs Charles Curtis."

August 1939 Wray items " Mr. and Mrs. Charles Curtis and Lorraine Wheatley of Colorado Springs visited Wednesday night and Thursday at the Arthur Weatley home."

Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints in Wray for Arthur Wheatley, 66. who died unexpectedly Wednesday, September 4, 1963. Ward A. Hougas of Des Moines, Iowa, officiated at the services and was assisted by Harold Tabor of Lamoni, Iowa. Interment was at the Holyoke cemetery. Mr. Wheatley operated a ranch north of Wray for many years. Some months ago he retired because of health and had since been a resident of Wray. He was born June 1, 1897, at Smith Center, Kan., and moved with his family to Yuma County, Colorado, in March of 1910. He married the former Estelle Curtis at Akron and seven children were born to them.
Mr. Wheatley is survived by his wife; his children Duane of Palmyra, Mo., Robert of Thornton, Charles of Columbia, Mo., Roland, who is attending college at Lamoni, Iowa, Lorraine ( Mrs. Carl Hammer) of Colo. Springs, Lois (Mrs. Winfrey Glenn) of Pine Bluffs, Wyo., Lavonne (Mrs. Eugene Leggett) presently living at Wray; thirteen grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Ward A. Hougas of Des Moines, Iowa, and Mrs. Ray Merritt of Wray; and three brothers, Roy Wheatley of Vernon, Walter and James Wheatley of Holyoke. Mr. Wheatley united with the Reorganised Church of Je«ia Christ of Latter Day Saints in his early life and remained a faithful member until the time of his death."

" Among those from out-of-town who were here to attend funeral services for Arthur Wheatley Saturday were Rev. and Mrs. Ward A. Hotlgas of Des Moines. lowa. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wheatley and James Wheatley of Holyoke. Mrs Bees Franks and Mrs. George Slagle of Grant, Neb.. Mrs Dorothy Benjamin of Wallace. Neb., Duane W heatley of Palmyra, Mo., Curtis Wheatley of Columbia, Mo.. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wheatley, James and Donald Thornton. Roland Wheatley of Lam on i. lowa, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Hammer, David and Joy of Colorado Springs. Mr. and Mrs. Winfrey Glenn. Bonnie. Gary and John of Pine Bluffs. Wyo„ Mrs Eugene Leggett. Larry and Lora, who are here while her husband is in service in Korea. Mr. and Mrs. Corner Curtis of Swink. Mr and Mrs. Harold Tabor of Lamoni, lowa, Mr. and Mrs Dwight Wheatley of Greeley, and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Sawyer of Independence, Mo."

Delphia Lorraine, a native of Colorado, was preceded in death by Husband, Carl and Son, David. Her life was given in service of love and generosity to her faith in God and her Church, her family, friends, community. Always busy hardworking, great cook--will miss those cinnamon rolls. Love, Joy Memorial Services Community of Christ Palmer Park McCarther Thurs, May 31st, 2012.
Carl Simmons Hammer was born July 23, 1918 in Oklahoma, and died in Colorado on Sept 10, 2004.
In 1942 at age 23, Carl enlisted in the military in Oklahoma City, OK was the second-oldest of 12. Siblings: Cecil David [b. 1916], Albina Annie (Ronaye) [b. 1920], Ellen Gertrude [b. 1922], Ralph Jefferson [b. 1924], Frances Marie [b. 1926], Naomi Lavern [b. 1928](who changed her name to Judy), Calvin James[b. 1930], Lester Harold [b. 1932], Franklin Dean [b. 1934], Ella Mae [b. & d. 1936 - stillborn], Eugene Dale [b. 1938] He married Lorrane Wheatley and they had 2 children: Carl & Joy. He was predeceased by his son Carl
"Miss Lavonne Wheatley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Wheatley, became the bride of Eugene Leggett, son of Mrs. Lula Cantrell of Victoria, Va., at a double ring ceremony Sunday, December 9, 1956 at the R.L.D.S. church in Colorado Springs."

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