Alexander H. Curtis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alexander H. Curtis
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| Alabama House of Representatives | |
| In office 1870–1872 |
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| Alabama Senate | |
| In office 1872–1874 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 1829 Raleigh, North Carolina |
| Died | July 20, 1878 (aged 48–49) |
| Political party | Republican |
Alexander H. Curtis (born 1829, died 1878) was an important politician in Alabama. He served in the state's government during a time called the Reconstruction era, right after the American Civil War. He was a member of both the Alabama House of Representatives and the Alabama Senate.
Early Life
Alexander Curtis was born in 1829 in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was born into slavery. When he was ten years old, in 1839, he was moved to Alabama. As a young person, he worked as a servant and in a general store.
Life Before Politics
As an adult, Alexander Curtis worked as a barber and in other jobs in Marion, Alabama. He saved his money to buy his freedom. By 1859, he had saved $2,000, which was enough to become a free man. After gaining his freedom, he left Alabama and moved to New York.
After the American Civil War, he returned to Alabama. He started his barber business again. People thought he was honest and reliable.
In 1867, Alexander Curtis was one of nine formerly enslaved people who helped start the Lincoln School of Marion. These nine people were known as The Marion 9. He also helped create Selma University. He was an active member of the Second Baptist Church in Marion.
Alexander Curtis had two sons. His son William Curtis became a doctor in Saint Louis. His other son, Thomas Curtis, became a dentist, also in Saint Louis.
Political Career
Alexander Curtis began his political career in 1867. He represented Perry County, Alabama at the state's Constitutional Convention that year. A Constitutional Convention is a meeting where people decide on the rules for their state's government.
He served in the Alabama House of Representatives from 1870 to 1872. After that, he was elected to the Alabama Senate, serving from 1872 to 1874. He and other senators were photographed on the capitol steps in 1872. This photo is kept by the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Alexander Curtis was the only African-American lawmaker to lead the Alabama Senate during this time.
In 1874, he also worked as a county commissioner. He was a delegate again at the state constitutional convention in 1875. He was also a delegate for the Republican Party at their national meeting in 1876. In 1878, he attended the Radical State Convention.
Death
Alexander Curtis died on July 20, 1878. He passed away after falling from his buggy while traveling with a friend. At the time of his death, he was hoping to run for Congress.
Legacy
Alexander Curtis helped establish important schools for African Americans. His sons became successful professionals.
See also
