The Manchester community was shocked Sunday morning to hear of the sudden death of a well and favorably known resident, Frank Curtis. Circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Curtis tend to make it an especially sad and strange occurrence. Terry Howard, a neighbor, on going to his barn, about seven o'clock Sunday morning, saw the body lying face downward in the yard. He called and receiving no answer immediately summoned his brother Maston, and near neighbors, William Arendell and F. C. Lakin. Dr. Weis was summoned and the body removed to the house. Mr. Curtis lived alone and evidently his death occurred early Saturday evening. There was no evidence of a struggle, and as nearly as can be determined, he dropped dead in the yard of his home. Mr. Curtis was last seen alive by William Arendell when the two men walked home from town together about 5 o'clock Saturday evening. Some papers and other articles were found where Mr. Curtis had left them on entering the house. It is supposed he left the house soon after his arrival home and was stricken dead while in the yard. Owing to the fact that he lived alone, the body was not found until an early hour Sunday morning. The hands and face were frozen, but other than this the body was in good condition. An inquest was held by Coroner Thomas Webster of Winchester, with the following as jury; Geo. Summers, W. H. Scott, Samuel Whitmer, John Walk, Elmer Hayes, with C. D. Chapman as clerk. The jury returned the verdict of sudden death, due to rheumatism of the heart. Mr. Curtis was sixty-three years old and has spent his entire life in this community. Until a few years ago he resided on a farm west of Manchester, when he, with his daughter, Julia, moved to town, to a home which Mr. Curtis purchased and remodeled. Since his daughter's marriage Mr. Curtis has lived alone. His wife passed away while the family resided on the farm, six years ago. Mr. Curtis leaves a family of four children, Mrs. Julia McQuown of Alton, Mrs. Ethel Correa of Galesburg, Charles Curtis of Ceres, and Joseph Curtis, residing on the home place west of town. Mr. Curtis was a man well and favorably known to all in the community and especially to older residents. Besides the relatives, he leaves to regret his passing a host of friends.