Twice-A-Week News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
1898

When traveling salesmen reach Mt. Ayr they repair to the hostelry kept by John CURRIE, who is a veteran in the hotel business, having engaged in the hotel-keeping at his present place of business in 1874.

Mr. CURRIE was born of Scotch parentage in 1827 near Rochester, N. Y. From there he went at the age of 18 to Dodge county, Wisconsin. During his residence there he was engaged as a traveling salesman, also in farming and merchandising.

In 1868 he was married to Miss Sarah E. BYERS of Maryland. In 1874 the moved to Ringgold county, Mr. CURRIE being interested in United States mail routes and having farming interests here.

The following year he bought the hotel property of which he is still owner, and since then has constantly engaged in catering to the wants of the traveling public. He has associated with him in the conduct of the business he two sons, J. B. and W. K. CURRIE, who give him valuable assistance.

NOTE: John CURRIE was born October 5, 1827, and died on January 19, 1897. Sarah Ellen (BYERS) CURRIE was born August 7, 1835, and died January 13, 1923. John and Sarah's twin sons Howard and Harold died in infancy. W. K. [William Kenneth] CURRIE was born on December 18, 1870, and died at the age of 71 years on August 4, 1946. J. B. [John Byers] CURRIE was born January 27, 1888, and died on October 5, 1946. They were interred at Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr. There is also "Daughter CURRIE" who died at the age of 18 days on November 22, 1885, and was interred at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, May of 2010