wjgriffing@comcast.net

Benjamin M. Curtis

Topeka, Kansas
April 7, 1882

Mrs. James S. Griffing
Manhattan, Kansas

Dear Friend,

We have heard of your sad affliction and I assure you that your deep sorrow is felt by all of us. It is so hard to give up our friends. My heart aches for you, for the burden is so hard to bear. I know how sad and lonely you must now be.

I know how kind and good your dear husband was. I was taught in early childhood to know and love him, and many and many a time have I heard my parents say, “Brother Griffing is the best man we ever knew.” I know my Pa loved him as he did his own brothers.

We know how hard it is to be reconciled to so great a loss. So far as my personal experience goes, I must say that I have not yet been able to see that it was for the best for us to give up our darling children, but you are so much better than I am that, perhaps, you may better understand the mysterious ways of Providence. I hope you can, for you need all the help possible to sustain you in this the great trial of your life. I do hope there is a recompense for all the suffering we endure in this vale of tears.

My folks received your letter too late to attend the funeral. I do not know what to say that might do you any good. We are so utterly helpless. Our folks are all well.

Your friend,
B. M. Curtis

BENJAMIN M. CURTIS came to Kansas with his parents, Harvey W. and Sarah [Tetrick] Curtis, in the fall of 1855. They located in Topeka Township two miles east of the present city, and there remained until about 1861, when they returned to Illinois. In 1870 they came again to Topeka, and now reside in Section 12, Topeka Township, one and one-half miles southwest of the city. Mr. H. W. Curtis was a member of the first Kansas Legislature. Benjamin M. Curtis spent his winters in Illinois...until 1874. In that year he graduated from McKendree College, and during the three succeeding winters was principal of a public school at Summerfield, Ill. In 1874 he commenced reading law, continuing his legal studies until he was admitted to the bar in the spring of 1878. He was then engaged in the practice of his profession until November, 1880, when he was elected Clerk of the District Court. Mr. Curtis was born at Paris, Edgar Co., Ill., September 3, 1851. On the 27th of August, 1874, he was married at Summerville, Saint Clair Co., Ill., to Adetia L. Peeples, a native of Summerville. They have buried two children, and have now living, Nellie and Grace, twins. Mr. Curtis is a member of A. F. & A.M., K. of P., and A. O. U. W.

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