James Curtiss facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James Curtiss
11th & 13th
Mayor of Chicago
In office March 12, 1850 – March 11, 1851
Preceded by	James H. Woodworth
Succeeded by	Walter S. Gurnee
In office March 9, 1847 – March 14, 1848
Preceded by	John P. Chapin
Succeeded by	James H. Woodworth
City Clerk of Chicago
In office 1842–1843
Preceded by	Thomas Hoyne
Succeeded by	James M. Lowe
Chicago Alderman
In office 1846–1847 Serving with John S.C. Hogan
Preceded by	Fancis Edwards/ Francis H. Taylor
Succeeded by	J. Brinkerhoff/ Benjamin W. Raymond
Constituency	3rd Ward
In office 1838–1839 Serving with John S.C. Hogan
Preceded by	Peter Bolles/ Francis C. Sherman
Succeeded by	Eli S. Prescott/ Clement C. Stose
Constituency	2nd Ward
Clerk of the Court of Cook County
In office 1845
Preceded by	inaugural office holder
States Attorney
In office 1835
Town Clerk of Chicago
In office 1836–1837
Preceded by	Ebenezer Peck
Succeeded by	Isaac N. Arnold as Chicago City Clerk
Personal details
Born	March 29, 1806 Wethersfield, Connecticut
Died	November 2, 1859(1859-11-02) (aged 56) Joliet, Illinois
Political party	Democratic Party
Spouse	Mary Kimball
Children	James, Mary Kimball, Sarah, Lucy Maria, Elizabeth, Laura, Charles Chauncy, Laura Minnie, George Warren
Residences	Chicago, Illinois
Signature

James Curtiss (born March 29, 1806 – died November 2, 1859) was an American politician. He served two times as the Mayor of Chicago, Illinois. He was a member of the Democratic Party.

Early Life and Career

James Curtiss was born in Wethersfield, Connecticut, on March 29, 1806. When he was young, he became a printer's helper in Philadelphia. This meant he learned how to set type and print newspapers. He worked for a newspaper called the Portland Argus. Later, he became a printer, editor, and publisher for the Northern Light newspaper in Eastport, Maine. This newspaper supported the ideas of President Andrew Jackson.

On May 18, 1830, James Curtiss married Mary Kimball. From 1830 to 1835, he worked as a postmaster in Eastport. A postmaster is in charge of a local post office.

Starting Politics in Chicago

In 1835, Curtiss moved to Chicago from Eastport, Maine. Soon after arriving, he became the editor of the Chicago Democrat newspaper. He quickly started a career in public service.

He was named the States Attorney for the area north of the Kankakee River. This job meant he was a lawyer who worked for the government. He also joined Chicago's first Board of Health, a group that helped keep the city healthy. In September 1836, he became the Town Clerk, an official who keeps important town records. For a short time, he also had a law office with William Stuart.

In 1837, there was a big economic problem called the Panic of 1837. Many people who had bought land could not pay their debts. Curtiss tried to help by delaying the opening of a court that would have forced people to sell their land.

Serving Chicago as an Alderman and City Clerk

In 1838, Curtiss was elected as an alderman for the 2nd Ward. An alderman is a member of the city council who represents a specific part of the city. In 1839, he ran for mayor but lost to Benjamin Wright Raymond.

He was elected City Clerk in 1842. In 1843, he became a leader in the Chicago chapter of the Washington Temperance Society. This group encouraged people to avoid alcohol. In 1845, the Illinois government created a new court for Cook County. Curtiss was chosen to be its first clerk, managing the court's records. In 1846, he was elected alderman again, this time for the 3rd Ward.

Becoming Mayor of Chicago

First Term as Mayor

James Curtiss became mayor after winning the 1847 Chicago mayoral election. He won against Philo Carpenter and John H. Kinzie. He officially started his job on March 9, 1847.

He tried to be re-elected in 1848 but lost to James Hutchinson Woodworth. His first term as mayor ended on March 14, 1848.

Second Term as Mayor

Curtiss became mayor again after winning the 1850 Chicago mayoral election. He won against Levi Day Boone and Lewis C. Kerchival. He was sworn in on March 12, 1850.

He ran for mayor again in 1851 but lost to Walter S. Gurnee. His second term ended on March 11, 1851. In 1852, he tried to win the mayor's office back from Gurnee but was not successful.

Later Life and Passing

After leaving politics, James Curtiss moved to West Urbana, which is now Champaign, in 1855. There, he started farming.

James Curtiss passed away on November 2, 1859, in Joliet, Illinois, after being sick for a long time. His funeral was held at the Second Presbyterian Church. He was first buried in City Cemetery. However, when the cemetery was moved to create Lincoln Park, his remains could not be found.