Austin Andrew Curfman (1866-1949)

Austin Andrew Curfman was born on July 11, 1866, in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. His father, Daniel Jr (see blog on Daniel Jr), was 33 and his mother, Margaret Rupert Walls Curfman, was 31. He married Lauretta Chilcote Curfman (daughter of Isaac and Plantina Chilcote see blog on Isaac) on October 16, 1890, in his hometown. They had five children in 13 years. He died on April 30, 1949, in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, at the age of 82, and was buried in Three Springs, Pennsylvania next to his father and mother.

Austin's father, Daniel held the first known 'photographed' family reunion (see below), which was taken in 1908 and includes Austin, his siblings, and his children. Austin carried on the tradition of family reunions, evident in photos from various gatherings featured below. Austin appeared close with his parents and siblings based on these pictures. Austin is buried next to his father in Farview Cemetery near Three Springs.

Left side of table Clarence, Walter Leo, father Austin, grandmother Emily, Daniel Jr, Albert and Amanda Curfman Greene. Right side is Austin's wife Lauretta, James, Blanche, Beula and Maude.

Austin had two brothers, Sherman Grant (in back left), and Albert (back right), as well as sister Amanda, who is standing to his left. See below for names of those in the photo. Daniel Jr in center with Austin to his back right.

It is unclear what relationship Austin had with his brothers and sister. Austin's grandson, Fred Curfman, remembered S. Grant Curfman visiting the family at least a few times when Water Leo and his family were still living with Austin and Lauretta. We have one photo, below of Austin visiting his sister Amanda later in life, suggesting the family remained close.

Above: Austin and Amanda in center, with son Clarence bottom right and Lauretta in the back right of the photo. The girl to Austin's right may be Grace Rupert, who Austin raised.

At the age of 8, in 1875, the home of Austin's father (Daniel Jr.) burned down. According to a newspaper article, "the home was entirely destroyed by fire, along with most of its contents. The fire originated from a spark from the stovepipe lighting the roof on fire."

In October 1890, Austin and Lauretta Chilcote Curfman were married by Reverend Mason in Cassville, PA. They had five children: Beulah Newman of Wells Tannery, Blanche Leidy of Three Springs, Maude Kerling of Three Springs, Clarence Curfman of Sarver, and Walter Leo Curfman of Todd. They also raised a foster daughter, Grace (Rupert) Holland of Huntingdon. Descendants of these siblings still hold family gatherings together.

Lauretta was born on April 13, 1868 in Coles Valley, Wood Township. She was the daughter of Isaac and Plantina (Black) Chilcote. Together with Austin, they had 29 grandchildren at the time of her death in 1949. Lauretta was a member of the Meadow Green Bible Protestant Church of Clay Township.

Above image is of Isaac Chilcote, father of Lauretta.

From left to right: Front row seated is Lauretta and Austin. Second row is Beula Newman and husband, Maude Kerling and husband, then Blanche Leidy and husband. Back row Grace Rupert Holland and husband, middle is Walter Leo and wife Grace Cutshall Curfman, and back far right is Clarence Curfman and wife.

Image of Austin's farm probably in the 1920s or 30s.

By the time Austin was in his 30s, he owned a mortgage-free house in Clay Township. In 1906, Austin's barn in Clay Township was destroyed by fire, according to the Fulton County News.

Austin farmed and worked at the coke ovens in Riddlesburg, Pennsylvania and one story goes that he would ride a bike to work. Another story is that he would take three-dozen eggs and stay in Defiance until the end of the week.

Austin's sons, Clarence and Walter Leo.

Walter Leo, Austin's youngest child, stayed on the farm until 1943, raising four of his 5 children there. Walter Leo also worked in the mines from 3-11PM after farming all day, while living at Austin's home.

Walter Leo center. Wife, Grace behind him. Left front is son Fred and behind him is son Clair. Far right is daughter Freda and son Charles. Photo taken while living with Austin and Lauretta.

Above images are Walter Leo farming on Austin's property. Probably the 1930's.

Austin's grandchildren shared stories of him playfully swinging his cane at them while he tried to nap on the sofa, and one recounted how Austin held him as a baby and didn't want to let him go, demonstrating his love for his family and grand-kids. In his later years, Austin injured his legs in a mowing accident and often used two canes to get around.

Austin and Lauretta with grandchildren Clair, Freda and Charles.

Austin was known for raising turkeys on his farm and growing fruits, including peaches, raspberries, and strawberries. He retired from farming in 1927.

Group family photo for Austin and Lauretta's 50th wedding anniversary. Pictured are most of the children and grandchildren.

A newspaper article marked the 56th anniversary of Austin and his wife, featuring a picture of him with turkeys. (see below)

In September 1945, Austin's farm, was advertised in the Daily News, and included 230 acres, 100 of which were cleared and in a good state of cultivation. The property featured a large barn, a 9-room house, necessary outbuildings, and spring water in the house and barn. On April 6, 1946, Austin sold his farm in Shore Valley at a public sale.

He lived the remainder of his life with is daughter Blanche. He passed away on April 30, 1949, in Huntingdon Co., Pennsylvania, at the age of 82. He is buried in Three Springs, Pennsylvania beside his wife, father Daniel, and mother.

Austin's legacy includes over a hundred descendants, many of whom still reside in the same part of Pennsylvania. Additionally, a double-barrel shotgun that Austin owned remains in the family as a cherished heirloom. Grandson Fred Curfman remembered Austin hunting with the gun.

A separate rifle, owned by Isaac Chilcote and likely dating between 1820-1840, was passed down through Austin and Lauretta, to their son, Walter Leo, who cherished the rifle and displayed it regularly. (see blog on Isaac Chilcote for more information on this gun.) This rifle also remains in the family. Fred Curfman does not remember seeing the gun at Austin's home or know why Isaac entrusted the gun with Lauretta.