David Whitney Curtis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David W. Curtis
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| Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the Jefferson 3rd district |
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| In office January 3, 1876 – January 1, 1877 |
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| Preceded by | James W. Ostrander |
| Succeeded by | Adolf Scheuber |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 4, 1833 Chelsea, Vermont, U.S. |
| Died | April 18, 1897 (aged 63) Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Resting place | Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Jane A. Howard
(m. 1860–1897) |
| Children |
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| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Volunteers Union Army |
| Years of service | 1862–1865 |
| Rank | Captain, USV |
| Unit | 29th Reg. Wis. Vol. Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
David Whitney Curtis (born November 14, 1833 – died April 18, 1897) was an American farmer and businessman. He was also a pioneer in Wisconsin. He served one term in the Wisconsin State Assembly, which is like a state parliament, representing the southern part of Jefferson County. He also served as an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
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Early Life and Education
David Whitney Curtis was born on November 14, 1833, in Chelsea, Vermont. When he was a child, in 1845, he moved with his parents to the Wisconsin Territory. His family settled on land in what is now the town of Jefferson.
David helped his father clear the land and start a farm. He also went to school during the winters. As he grew up, he learned to be a mason (someone who builds with stone or brick). He also became qualified as a teacher. In the late 1840s and early 1850s, he worked as a teacher, plasterer, and bricklayer.
Around 1856, he traveled with some young men from Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, to the Nebraska Territory. He lived in Nemaha County for two years before returning to Wisconsin in 1859. In 1860, he got married and went back to his father's farm. He stayed there until the American Civil War began.
Military Service in the Civil War
In the summer of 1862, during the American Civil War, David Curtis helped gather volunteers for the Union Army. He was chosen as a first lieutenant for a group that became Company D in the 29th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. This regiment officially joined the army in September 1862.
The regiment traveled down the Mississippi River to Helena, Arkansas. From there, they went on a short trip up the Arkansas River with General Alvin Peterson Hovey.
Later, they fought in several small battles and skirmishes along the Mississippi River, near Vicksburg, Mississippi. These fights were part of the important Vicksburg campaign. They were heavily involved in the Battle of Champion Hill. After that, they were part of the Siege of Vicksburg through June. The regiment then joined the Jackson Expedition to secure the Union's position in southern Mississippi.
Many soldiers in the regiment became sick, and some officers left. Because there were not enough officers, David Curtis became the acting captain of Company A. He served in this role until the sick officers could return in April 1864. He led the company during their actions in the Red River campaign in Louisiana.
In the fall of 1864, Curtis was given special duties. He worked on maps and managed supplies for Brigadier General James R. Slack. He stayed on General Slack's staff for most of the rest of the war, including the Mobile campaign. On May 30, 1865, he was promoted to captain. He left the army about a month later, on July 28.
Business and Political Life
After the war, David Curtis became a successful businessman. He was a partner in a company called Cornish & Curtis. This company dealt with lumber, grain, and other farm products. They became very successful making farm machinery and packaging for dairy products. Their most important product was a rectangular butter churn, which was sold all over the country. The company later included Walter S. Greene and continued as Cornish, Curtis & Greene.
From 1875 to 1897, Curtis served as the Secretary of the Wisconsin Dairymen's Association. This group helped dairy farmers in Wisconsin.
Curtis was also very active in the Republican Party of Wisconsin. In 1875, he was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly for the 3rd Assembly district of Jefferson County. He decided not to run for re-election in 1876. After leaving office, he was appointed as an aide to the Wisconsin National Guard staff. He worked as Chief Engineer with the rank of colonel for Governors William E. Smith and William D. Hoard.
Curtis was also active in the Grand Army of the Republic, a group for Civil War veterans. He served as an assistant quartermaster general for the Wisconsin Department of this group. In 1894 and 1895, he was a member of the Republican State Central Committee.
Later Life and Family
David W. Curtis came from old families in Vermont and Massachusetts. He was named after his grandfather, David Whitney.
On November 16, 1860, he married Jane A. Howard. She was born in Albany, New York, but lived in Hebron, Wisconsin. They had two children:
- Harry H. Curtis (1866-1938) worked in his father's business. He later became president of the James Manufacturing Co. and a director of the First National Bank of Fort Atkinson.
- Anna Belle Curtis (1870-1925) married Anthony F. Haumerson.
David Curtis passed away in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, on April 18, 1897. He was buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Atkinson.
Legacy
His home, the David W. and Jane Curtis House, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. This means it is recognized as an important historical building.
