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 Photo courtesy of Renee Huff |
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Played by Maelynne, Great Granddaughter
My name is Harrison Lutrell Curtis. They call me
Harry. I was born in Sabina, Ohio on April 11, 1861 to James W. And
Catherine B. Lutrell Curtis. I was the 3rd oldest of 6 children - 4
boys and 2 girls. I married my beautiful wife, Alpha Retta Wright in
Sabina, Ohio. We had several children. Our first children were twin
girls, born in the winter of 1885. They had a very rough start and
the first one died at 7 days, and then her sister died 4 days later.
Almost a year later to the day, we had our third child, Clarence. He
lived to be 19. Then our fourth child came into this world, and then
our fifth. The only child to survive birth, youth and live long into
adulthood was our fourth, George Wright. Alpha Retta and I decided
when all but one of our children died, that we needed to go south.
We had received some brochures on Palacios, Texas. We decided to set
out for this Palacios. We arrived in 1909/1910. I was not a handy
person. I was good with sales and figures, but not tools. In fact,
if I were to have a hammer in my hand now, my family would be
running in the other direction fearing for what I was going to do
with that hammer. I don’t do too well driving, either. After my
wreck on 4th street, I decided I would never drive again. I met Bob
Sisson . He and I opened a grocery store on 5th & Main. Being in the
public eye, I took my appearance very seriously. A hair could not be
out of place, suits had to be pressed and my shoes had to be
polished. I would go out in the garage and polish my shoes every
morning before work. Mr. Sisson and I were good business partners,
we had a successful venture. My customers knew, “My word is my
bond”. When it was time for us to retire, the business went to my
son, George. At this time we were selling automobiles. George later
returned to the grocery business. Sundays we went to church. We
belonged to the Methodist Church, right across the street from our
home at 311 3rd St. Alpha Retta and I lived with our son and his
wife for several years. We were able to see our family grow and our
four grandchildren born. Our son George took good care of us. I died
peacefully at home and Alpha Retta died at home two weeks later. --
Palacios Cemetery Tour |