Biographical Sketch of

Thomas Curran

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 725 - 726

CURRAN Thomas Surnames: Crimmings, Curran, Fenigan, Killian
Thomas Curran, who resides on section 20 in the town of Aurora, Waushara County, is one of the extensive land owners 
and representative citizens of the community.  He was born in Franklin County, N. Y., on the 13th of February, 1840, 
and is a son of Patrick and Julia (Fenigan) Curran.  His father was born in Kilkenney, Ireland, in 1798, and the mother 
in 1804.  Both are still living at a very advanced age, their home being in Canada, whither they emigrated in their 
childhood, and have now resided for many years, though a part of the time since their arrival in America they made 
their home just across the St. Lawrence River in New York.  They were married on the Canada side, however, in 1823, 
and unto them were born twelve children, six of whom are now deceased.  Those living are Martin, who is married and 
resides on the old homestead in Canada, there caring for his aged parents; James, who follows the occupation of farming 
in Canada; Norah, wife of Matthew O'Conner, a resident of Steven's Point, Wis.; J. C. who is engaged in the lumber 
business in Rhineland, of which he was the first white settler, the date of his location there being 1859, and Thomas 
of this sketch.
 
Our subject remained under the parental roof until seventeen years of age, when in company with his brother J. C., he 
left home and came to Wisconsin, since which time he has made his own way in the world.  For a period of nine years he 
followed the occupation of lumbering from the head waters of the Wisconsin River to St. Louis.  He was twenty-five years 
of age when on the 8th of May, 1865, he led to the marriage altar Miss Alice Curran, a native of Canada, who proved a 
true helpmate to him for several years.  Her death occurred in 1876, leaving five children, three sons and two daughters, 
Mary L., James H., John P., and Robert and Alice, all of these are now deceased.  Mr. Curran was again married in 1878, 
his second union being with Miss Johanna F. Crimmings, who was born in Aurora Township, Waushara County, and died in June, 
1883, leaving two little daughters, Annabel and Julia, the latter now deceased.  On the 10th of September, 1884, Mr. Curran 
wedded Miss Maggie Killian, who was born in Waushara County, June 5, 1859.  Unto them have been born three children, two 
sons and a daughter, Agnes F., Willie T. and Robert E. 
 
After his marriage Mr. Curran continued to engage in lumbering for a short time, but in 1868, turned his attention to 
farming, purchasing 160 acres of land on section 20 in the town of Aurora, Waushara County.  The entire tract was covered 
with a heavy growth of timber, but with characteristic energy he began clearing it and it was not long before the entire 
amount was under cultivation.  To the original purchase he has added until 350 acres are now comprised within the boundaries 
of his farm and much of it is highly cultivated and improved.  Mr. Curran is thoroughly familiar with all that pertains to 
his chosen occupation, is enterprising and industrious, and has therefore made his life a success.
 
Both our subject and his wife are members of the Catholic Church and the lives which they lead are in harmony with their 
professions.  He cast his first Presidential vote for Grant, since which time he has supported the Republican party.  He 
has held all the more important offices of public trust in the county and ever faithfully performed the duties devolving 
upon him.  He was Chairman of the Town Board, Clerk, Side-Supervisor, Deputy Sheriff of the county and for eight years was 
Assessor, his official life covering almost the entire period of his residence in the community.  Thus have we given a brief 
sketch of the life of one of Waushara County's most prominent and representative citizens, a man whose honesty and integrity 
have won him the esteem and respect of all with whom he has come in contact.
 





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