Edward Curtis (politician) explained

Edward Curtis
Office:Collector of the Port of New York
Term Start:1841
Term End:1844
Preceded:John J. Morgan
Succeeded:Cornelius P. Van Ness
Office2:Chairman of the United States House Committee on Commerce
Term Start2:1839
Term End2:1841
State3:New York
District3:3rd
Term Start3:March 4, 1837
Term End3:March 3, 1841
Preceded3:Gideon Lee
Succeeded3:Fernando Wood
Party:Whig
Birth Date:25 October 1801
Birth Place:Windsor, Vermont
Death Place:New York City, New York
Alma Mater:Union College

Edward Curtis (October 25, 1801 in Windsor, Vermont – August 2, 1856) was a representative from New York for two terms, March 4, 1837, through March 3, 1841. He served as collector of the Port of New York beginning on March 23, 1841 until July 7, 1844.[1]

Education and career

He attended Phillips Academy, Andover, and graduated from Union College in Schenectady, in 1823. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1824. He began practice in New York City along with his brother George Curtis. The two formed a partnership with Judge Daniel B. Talmadge.

In 1834 Curtis became a member of the common council from the Third Ward of New York City. He was voted president of the board of assistant aldermen as a representative of the Whig Party (United States). His opponent in this political contest was James R. Whiting of the Democratic Party (United States).

He was elected to the Twenty-fifth Congress and Twenty-sixth Congress, (March 4, 1837 and March 3, 1841), representing New York's 3rd congressional district. He was chosen chairman of the Committee of Commerce. Curtis was not a candidate for renomination.

He was appointed Collector of the Port of New York by William Henry Harrison, and served until July 7, 1844. Curtis was removed as collector by John Tyler. Afterward he resumed the practice of law in Washington, D.C..

Death

He died in New York City on August 2, 1856, following a lingering illness.[2] His place of burial is unknown.

Notes and References

  1. The New Collector Talks, The New York Times, July 31, 1891, pg. 8.
  2. https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1856/08/05/77055295.pdf Death of Hon. Edward Curtis