Betsey A. Beckwith was born in Shiang county, N. Y., Sept. 15, 1824, and died April 18, 1898, aged 73 years, 6 months and 24 days.  She came with her parents to this county in 1842 and settled in Fountain Green.  In April, 1843, she was married to James Curry, and soon after settled in this village on the farm where she resided until her death.  "Aunt Betsey," as she was familiarly known, was a model pioneer woman.  No little ones ever blessed her home, hence she was a mother to all around her. An exemplary christian and an exception neighbor, as well as an affectionate wife, made her beloved by all who knew her.  She had been a faithful Baptist the latter part of her life, and an active member in every undertaking for good.  She leaves an aged brother, Norman Beckwith of Joetta, and her aged companion, besides a host of near relatives and friends, who sincerely regret her death and yet rejoice that she is now where there is no morrow sorrow and death.  The aged couple have been cared for by A. L. Callahan and his good wife, who a few years ago bought the home from Mr. Curry, with an understanding that they should care for them in their declining years.  Consequently "Aunt Betsey" was well taken care of as if she had been blessed with an own daughter.  The funeral occurred Tuesday at 11 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Mr. Gibson, after which the body was laid beside her little adopted boy "Jimmie," who died a few years ago, in the Wildwood Cemetery.  Truly a good servant has gone to her reward.

Notes and corrections:

Shiang County should be Chenango County.

Betsy's tombstone shows her birth and death dates as Sept. 14, 1824, and April 17, 1898, respectively, as opposed to the dates listed in the obituary.

Her obituary says she married James Currey in April of 1843; his obituaries reported April 1846.   McDonough County marriage license #541 was issued April 17, 1845.  The portion of the license that would confirm the exact date of their marriage is missing.  The online State of Illinois marriage index, usually reliable, indicates they were married on April 19.  Marriage Documents

The obituary for Norman E. Beckwith, Betsy's younger brother, reported that the family came to Fountain Green Township on May 1, 1841.  Their parents were Elisha H. Beckwith and Elizabeth Scranton.

Jimmie Currey was the son of Betsy's younger sister, Emily Beckwith Alba, and what a sad and curious story that is.

WEBSTER

Again death has visited our community and called from hence to his long home one of our pioneer citizens.  James Curry was born in Huntington Co., Pa., May 14, 1814, died at the home of his nephew, Alex. Ramsey, of LaHarpe, March 7, 1902, aged 87 years, 9 month, and 21 days.  He was married to Elizabeth Beckwith April 1846. He was preceded in death by his wife, four years ago. About seven weeks ago he went to visit his nephew above mentioned and there contracted a heavy cold which settled on his lungs and terminated in his death.  About five years ago he sold his farm to A. L. Callihan of this city retaining a life lease for himself and companion, and although he had a good home, the old place lost much of its charm for him after the death of his companion, and consequently spent much of his time visiting amoung his relatives.  Of these there are Samuel and Adam Curry and Mrs. James Marshall, of this vicinity, Mrs. Josiah Ritchey, of Carthage, also Norman Beckwith, of Joetta, who is a brother-in-law, Mr. Ramsey of LaHarpe, and James and Aaron Curry, of Colmar, nephews.  The remains were brought to his home here on Saturday where they were tenderly cared for until Sunday at 2 p.m. when the funeral was held at the F. M. church conducted by Dr. Pugh, of Ft. Green.  Mr. Curry was a lifelong member of the U. B. church and died in that faith.  Thus an excellent man, free of heart and kind to the poor, has gone to his reward.  His dear old form which was a familiar sight on our streets, will be missed by young and old alike, as "Uncle Jim" was a favorite with every one who knew him.  Burial at the family lot beside his wife north of town.  Peace to his memory.

James Curry was born in Huntingdon Co., PA, May 14, 1814, died March 7, 1902, being 87 years, 8 months and 23 days old.  He left his old home in PA when 23 years of age and came to this state in 1837.  His father and family followed him here.  "Uncle" Jim was one of the earlest settlers in this county, having lived here 65 years, all of his family having preceeded him to the great beyond. Almost all of the old settlers and neighbors of his earlier days have passed away.  He was married to Betsy A. Beckwith, in April 1846, who died April 14, 1898.  "Uncle" Jim was very fond of children and their home being deprived of this blessing, the adoped two children, giving them a parent's care and devotion, one of them, a nephew died some years ago.  The last few years, "Uncle" Jim has been cared for by A.L. Callihan and wife but at the time of his death was with a nephew, Alex Ramsey, near LaHarpe, where he received every care and attention.  In both of these home he became very much attached to the children and did everything he could to add to their childish pleasures.  He united with the United Brethren church a great many years ago, and has ever tried to live an honest upright Christian life.  For a long time he has talked and planned for this last journey home, and we hope and trust he has entered that beautiful home where "Many mansions are prepared for those that love the Lord."

We desire to extend our thanks to the friends who assisted us during the sickness of James Curry and after... [text missing]

Notes:

James used the spelling Currey, unlike most (if not all) of his extended family members.  His parents were Matthew Curry and Catherine Fleming.

The date of death inscribed on James' tombstone is March 8, 1902.  Two obituaries stated he died on March 7.  March 7 was also the date published in Foote's Fountain Green Almanac, a generally accurate source.

In the 1900 Federal Census Alex Ramsey and family were counted in Blandinsville Township, McDonough County.  LaHarpe Township in Hancock County lies west and immediately adjacent to Blandinsville Township.  While it's certainly possible that the Ramseys moved to LaHarpe Township between 1900 and James Currey's death in 1902, we have noticed a bias in various newspaper accounts.  Hancock County newspapers sometimes reported events that occurred in McDonough County with reference to a Hancock County location, and McDonough County newspapers reported events that occurred in Hancock County with reference to McDonough County locations.

James Curry, 35, male, farmer, value of real estate 800, born PA
Betsey, 25, female, born NY
Abel Root, 60, male, born NY
John Middleton, 15, male, born IL, attended school within the year

James Curry, 44, male, farmer, value of real estate 3000, value of personal estate 600, born PA
Betsy, 35, female, born NY
Samuel Norman, 23, male, farmer, born OH
Silas Norman, 70, male, born OH
James Roberson, 15, male, farmer, born IL
Charles Breed, 8, male, born IL

James Curry, 57, miller, value of real estate $18,000, value of personal estate $1500, born PA
Matthew, 87 [with an X through it], retired farmer, born Ireland, both parents foreign born
Betsy, 39, keeping house, born NY

Mr. James Curry has rented his mill to Messrs. Dean and Taylor of McDonough County.
 

Currey, James, white, male, 66, married, farmer, born PA, father born Ireland, mother born PA
Betsy A, white, female, 56, wife, married, keeping house, born NY, both parents born NY
Alba, James, white, male, 2, nephew, single, at home, born IL, father born OH, mother born IN

Callahan, Abraham L, head, white, male, Nov 1862, 37, married for 14 years, born IL, both parents born PA, day labor, months not employed - 4, could read, write and speak English, owned his home free of mortgage

Adda H, wife, white, female, Dec 1866, 33, married for 14 years; mother of 2 children, both living; born IL, father born England, mother born PA, could read, write and speak English

Chester R, son, white, male, Feb 1888, 12, single, born IL, both parents born IL, at school for 7 months, could read, write and speak English

Agnes R, daughter, white, female, Aug 1893, 6, single, born IL, both parents born IL, could read ?, write ? and speak English

Curry, James, boarder, white, male, April 1814, 86, widower, mother of 7 children, 4 living [sic - obviously an error by the enumerator], born PA, father born PA [crossed out], mother born PA, could not read or write [another enumerator error], spoke English