Mishawaka Enterprise 24 Nov 1902

Shortly before 9 o'clock Wednesday night Death summoned from the arena of human activity Alexander Curtis, a gentleman of extensive acquaintance throughout this county and one who enjoyed the confidence and esteem of his fellow-men during the years allotted him on earth. Mr. Curtis passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John C. Boyer, No. 1125 West Second Street, after an illness of about three months from Bright's disease. His health has been failing for several years and the loss of his wife last spring only tended to hasten the day which he succumbed to an illness which had a fatal termination.
The deceased was of old English lineage, and his ancestors belonged to a prominent colonial family of North Carolina. He was a son of James Curtis, and was born on the old homestead in the eastern part of Penn Township, November 25, 1834, being nearly 68 years of age at the time of his demise.
He was reared amid the wilds of the pioneer farm and his education was acquired in the old log school house of that period. The limited knowledge of books was later augmented by a varied and extensive course of reading and by practical business experience. May 14, 1857, he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Eggins, and to this union five children were born. For some time prior to his marriage Mr. Curtis followed carpentering as well as farming, and spent about 18 months in Fulton County. In 1881 he moved to this city with his family, and in 1885 he became proprietor of the Hotel Milburn. He managed this hostelry successfully, and the place became known among the traveling public for the neat and home-like appearance of the quarters as well as for the abundance of well-prepared, wholesome food that found its way into the dining room from the kitchen, presided over by Mrs. Curtis, one of the best and most painstaking cooks the local hotel has ever known. Mr. Curtis was an attentive and gentlemanly host, a man of high character, and his affairs were conducted on sound principles which won for him success in the hotel business.
Politically Mr. Curtis was a Democrat of the old school, unwavering and true to the clearly defined policies of the party. He was elected town marshal in 1882, and again a year later. Twice also was he chosen to serve as justice of the peace in Penn Township, the first time in 1886.
After disposing of his interest in the Hotel Milburn, Mr. Curtis moved to South Bend, where he conducted the Hotel Johnson for a little over five years. Impaired health caused both him and his faithful wife to retire from the business, and they returned to Mishawaka. After the death of Mrs. Curtis, the deceased took up his residence with the daughter.
Four children are left to mourn the loss of this active and generous pioneer, being the daughter above mentioned and three sons, James D. William W. and Alex Buford. One daughter, Martha J., died in 1880. Also two brothers, Frank, of Osceola; David, of South Bend, and one sister, Mrs. Alex. Darr, of the latter city.
The funeral service will be held Sunday from the residence on West Second Street, the hour being not yet definitely decided upon.

Final services over the remains of the late well known Alexander Curtis were conducted at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. John C. Boyer, No. 1125 West Second Street, at 12:30 o'clock p.m., Sunday. The attendance was exceedingly large and a number of handsome floral tributes were contributed. The service was conducted by Rev. Mr. Heron, of Osceola, and the pall bearers were Messrs. George Owen, Edward Fields, Robert Gibbs, Edward Stine and Emery Shenefield--the same who bore the remains of Mrs. Curtis to the last resting place a few months ago. Interment was in the Baugo cemetery, southeast of Mishawaka.