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ROBERT W. CURRY - Among the men who are engaged in agriculture in Springfield township, none are more useful in sustaining and extending its farming interests than its native born citizens. Our subject is one of these, and has a good farm on section 13, which he is cultivating with excellent results. He is the son of Robert J. Curry, a native of Virginia who was a pioneer settler of this part of Sangamon County, and assisted in its early development. The father was married in early manhood to Mary J. Bracken, a native of Indiana. They came to Sangamon County in the early days of its settlement, and established themselves among the pioneers of Springfield Township, where their remaining days were passed, she dying in 1869 and he in 1873, both at advanced ages.

Of the eight children born to that worthy couple, our subject is the seventh in order of birth. He opened his eyes to the world June 27, 1856, in the pioneer home of his parents in Springfield Township, and here he was reared to a sturdy manhood, and gleaned his education in the common schools. He has always made his home in his native township, and has given his attention to farming since the days of his youth. He owns one hundred and twenty acres of land, which is well located on section 13. The fertile soil under cultivation has been made to yield good crops and has all the necessary improvements for conducting farming operations.

Mr. Curry was first married in Woodside Township, March 1, 1883, Miss Emma S. Phillips, a native of Clear Lake Township, becoming his wife. What promised to be a happy wedded life was early brought to a close by the untimely death of the young wife November 20, 1883. The second marriage of our subject, which was consummated in Clear Lake Township, September 30, 1886, was to Bettie J. Mann, a daughter of Euriah and Eleanor Mann, of Clear Lake Township. Mrs. Curry is a native of that township, where her birth occurred June 17, 1867. She is well fitted to preside over a home and devotes herself to the care of her husband and of their children, Robert L., Edna O. and Emma V. She is a woman of true Christian character and an active member of the Christian Church.

Our subject is a man of a pleasant, kindly disposition, obliging in his relations with those about him, and is regarded with feelings of friendship by his neighbors. He is public spirited, doing all in his power to advance his native township and in his political affiliations is an ardent Democrat. On another page the reader will notice a lithographic portrait of Mr. Curry.