News: Curtiss - Early Area Farms (1880’s)
Transcriber Stan

Surnames: Hawks, Jakel, Walksmuth

----Source: Olson Family Scrapbook

Hawks, Milo
Curtiss area thrived because farmers contributed towards its growth and well-being. Many farmers that came to Curtiss area purchased land from the railroad after there was no more land to be homesteaded. Milo Hawks took the train as far as Colby and then walked northwest of Curtiss and chose land near the Poplar River. The train didn't go any further at that time. After many long hours of clearing land, a house was built. The homestead certificate was signed by Chester Arthur, September 4, 1883.

Jakel, Ernst
The Ernst Jakel farm, located 1 mile east of Curtiss, is presently owned by Ernst's grandson, Carl Jakel. The family consisted of Ernst, foster daughter - Anna Walksmuth, Mother Louise, William and Charley. This home has been moved to a different location.

Karsten, Christ
Christ Karsten and family home on the land he purchased in the 1890's, part of the property being a homestead, (left to right) Joachim Karsten, Marie Karsten, Alfred Karsten, Marry Karsten, Mrs. Bertha Karsten, Elsie Karsten Kraut, Christ Karsten

Christ Karsten's parents, the Joachim Karstens, lived here during their later years. Joachim came to the U.S.A. in the early 1880's, Joachim, wife Mary, and their three children Christ, Joseph and Marie. The farm is still operated by the Harry Karsten family, who was a son of Christ.

Johnson, Ole
The Ole Johnson farm dates from the late 1800's. It was located on the present Calvin Krause farm 1 1/2. miles N.E. of Curtiss.

Wachsmuth, Herman
The Herman Wachsmuth had their home 1 1/2 miles southwest of Curtiss in the late 1800's. The family consisted of Herman, Mother Ida, Nora, Ida, Emil, Walter, Edwin, Hugo, Albert and Alfred Carl and Leo.