Biographical Sketch of

C. C. Birum

Transcribed by Joan Benner 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 768 - 769 


Edwin F. Currier, who is engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 16, in the town of Oasis, is a 
representative of one of the honored pioneer families of Waushara County. He first opened his eyes to the 
light of day May 2, 1834, in Grantham, NH, his parents being Chellis and Harriet (Strong) Currier. The 
Currier family is one of the oldest families of this country. In 1640 two brothers, Richard and Samuel 
Currier left their home in England and crossed the Atlantic to this country, the former settling in 
Salisbury, Mass., the latter in Haverhill, Mass. From them was descended the Currier family, the members 
of which are scattered over many States of the Union. 

Chellis Currier, the father of our subject, was married in New Hampshire and settled in Grantham, where 
he followed the occupation of farming until the spring of 1854, when he came to Wisconsin with the view 
of making a settlement. He was so well pleased with the country and its future prospects in this neighborhood 
that he chose a location and sent for his family, who joined him the following fall. He first rented land 
and afterward spent some time in the pineries of the North, but in 1857 resumed farming in the town of Oasis, 
engaging in the cultivation of rented land until 1860, when he purchased 320 acres of land on section 16, 
where our subject now resides. He at once erected a frame house and began the development of a farm, transforming 
the wild land, with the aid of his sons, into one of the most fertile tracts in the community. He lived a busy 
and useful life and when called home left his family a comfortable competence. He manifested a deep interest 
in politics and all public affairs, and took an active part in promoting the best interests of the community. 
He supported the Democratic party until the second election of Lincoln when he voted with the Republican party, 
of which he continued a warm advocate until his death, which occurred in 1874. His wife survived him seventeen 
years, dying in 1887. This worthy couple were widely known throughout Waushara County, and deep grief was felt 
by their many friends at their loss.

Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Currier, three sons and two daughters. Horace, the eldest, who enlisted 
in his country's service as a member of the 7th Wisconsin Infantry, was taken prisoner at the battle of Gettysburg, 
but was afterwards exchanged and died in the hospital at Annapolis, Md., a martyr to the cause; Lucinda died in 
infancy before the family came to the West; Edwin F. is the third in the order of birth; Lucy A., became the wife 
of R.D. Bursell, a farmer of the town of Oasis, and died at her home in this county; George H. is also engaged in 
farming in that town.

The subject of this sketch received liberal educational advantages, attending the common schools of Grantham and 
Enfield, NH. He has followed various pursuits since entering upon his business career, but during the later years 
of his life has engaged in farming and stock-raising. At the age of seventeen he began working in a woolen factory 
in Enfield, where he remained for three years, after which he was similarly employed in Lowell, Mass., for a year. 
He became one of the pioneers of Waushara County of 1854, and has shared in those trials and hardships incident to 
frontier life. In 1858 he began learning the carpenter's trade with William Bridgeman, which he has followed more 
or less to the present time.

On Dec. 13, 1868, Mr. Currier was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Nettie A. Staples, who was born 
in 1852 in Coos County, Maine. Her mother died when she was a child but her father is still living. Mr. and Mrs. 
Currier are parents of an interesting family of four children-Oscar, born Oct. 21, 1869, Eddie, Oct. 8, 1871, Edith, 
April 14, 1873, and Mattie, Feb. 22, 1875. Since 1860 Mr. Currier has had charge of the old home farm which his father 
located in that year. He accepted it as his share of the estate and is now the owner of 280 acres of highly improved 
and highly cultivated land. He also raises a good grade of stock which he is constantly improving, and now makes a 
specialty of breeding Holstein cattle. He has filled various township offices to the satisfaction of all concerned, 
and is a worthy and valued citizen. His parents found with him a pleasant home until their death, and received the 
loving care and consideration due to their advanced years.   

 





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