Thomas Wilson Curran
SHELBY -- In view of the coming nomination election, we state that Mr. Thomas Wilson Curran was born in Richland County, on the farm now occupied by Mr. Robert Curran, in 1821. During his growth attended neighboring schools, and when old enough to understand the significance of political faction, was taught by his father, then a Whig, in the principals of party politics; becoming as he grew older a true exponent of the doctrines, as set forth by leading men of the Nation. In 1844, he cast his first vote for Henry Clay as President, and ever since has been a strong advocate of his party. In 1850, he was elected Marshal or constable of Plymouth Township; commenced reading law under Attorney J.W. Beekman the same year and was admitted to the bar in Mansfield, in 1856. In 1861 he entered the service as a private in the 15th. O.V.I.; serving in various capacities, but by loosing his health by exposure in camp, line of march, severe and in-human treatment in Libby Prison in 1863, with other taxations, incident only in army life, until he became a confirmed invalid and was honorably discharged from the services of the U.S. in 1864. In 1880 he was chosen Mayor of Shelby, and in appreciation of faithful service rendered, was nominated and re-elected, in which capacity he has been serving our citizens to the best of his ability, as far as his health and strength permitted, not only with honor to himself, but with credit to the corporation. Has fitness for the office, as well as the fact of his being a soldier broken down in health by reason of service rendered in defense of a Nation's honor, are two factors worthy of the attention of voters, in the nomination election of a man eminently qualified for the discharge of duties pertaining to the office of Mayor.
From MANSFIELD HERALD: March 13, 1884, Vol. 34, No. 17