Porter County, Indiana, Vidette Messenger (Feb 1905)

OBITUARY

Catherine Hesser Curtis was born in Marion County, Ohio, November 5, 1831, and died February 4, 1905, aged 68 years, 23 months and 29 days.

At the age of 16 years she came with her parents to Porter county, Indiana, arriving in the fall of 1852.

August 13, 1854 she was united in marriage to Edward D. Curtis, who preceded her to the Heavenly home little more than a year ago. She was the mother of eleven children, three of whom died in childhood and five sons and three daughters survive her. Reared by Christian parents she early accepted Christ as her Savior, united with the M.E. church of which she remained a faithful member all through her life. One of the lasting pictures in the memory of the elder children will be Mother Curtis with her little ones around her, bible in hand, when she prayed God to protect them at home and spare the father (on the field or in camp) during the trying times of the civil war. Her life was one of devotion to her family--quiet, consistent, faithful. She was a worthy helpmeet and a mother whose children call her blessed. During her last illness when asked if in any pain she replied, "No, only so tired." At midnight

She heard the voice of Jesus say,

 "Come unto me and rest;

"Lay down thou weary one lay down

"Thy head upon my breast."

The toil of thy life is past,

The pain and weariness o'er;

Then cometh that peace God giveth

And rest forever more.

The earthly home made vacant,

That void, no one can fill,

The loved ones here are saying,

Tis right; He doeth all things well.

Gone, but not forgotten,

To dwell on your Heavenly shore,

With the loving husband,

Gone one short year before.

Gone to that Eternal brightness

Where mansions fair await,

The coming of our loved ones,

We'll meet them at the pearly gate.

A.C.B.