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Below is a family biography included in History of Shawnee County, Kansas and Representative Citizens by James L. King, published by Richmond & Arnold, 1905.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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WILLIAM S. CURRY.
Among the pioneer business men of Topeka, who have passed away, none stood higher in public esteem than the late William S. Curry. He was born in 1823 near White Sulphur Springs, Virginia, and was a son of James and Elizabeth (Huston) Curry.

The parents of Mr. Curry were also of Virginia birth. The father owned large plantations there, but in 1830 he removed with his family to Rush County, Indiana. Some years later the family moved to Springfield, Illinois, and then the mother died. The husband died in Topeka at the home of his son, William S. Curry.

William S. Curry was educated in Rush County, Indiana, and remained there until the age of 20 years, when he removed with the family to the vicinity of Springfield to Sangamon County Illinois. He remained there engaged in farming until 1866, when he moved to Topeka. During his many years of residence in the capital city, Mr. Curry was prominently identified with real estate interests and was one of the first large shippers of stock. He attained fortune and honorable prominence, his name became synonymous with honesty and fair dealing, and he left behind a record which reflects only credit upon a busy but well spent life. Mr. Curry died at Topeka on August 14, 1893.

Mr. Curry was married, first, to Sarah Forden, who died in 1864. In 1866 he married Cornelia Holcomb, who is a daughter of Alonzo Holcomb, and they had eight children, six of whom survive, viz.: William E., a young business man of Topeka; Charles E., a large real estate dealer of Topeka; Helen F., who resides with her mother; Mabel C., who is the wife of John A. Rosen, patent attorney, whose offices are at No. 418 Kansas avenue; Francis H.; George H. and Kenneth H. The family home is situated in Highland Park, one of the most attractive suburbs of Topeka.

Mr. Curry was a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and his family attend the same. In politics he was actively identified with the Republican party.

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This family biography is one of 206 biographies included in History of Shawnee County, Kansas and Representative Citizens by James L. King, published by Richmond & Arnold, 1905.  For the complete description, click here: Shawnee County, Kansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional Shawnee County, Kansas family biographies here: Shawnee County, Kansas

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