Curtis, Edward, 1801-1856

Biography

Edward W.B. Curtis was born on October 25, 1801 in Windsor, Vermont. He attended Dartmouth College from 1818 to 1820 but did not graduate, Instead he graduates from Union College in Schenectady in 1823. After graduation he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1824. Curtis 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. 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 also chosen chairman of the Committee of Commerce. Curtis was appointed Collector of the Port of New York by William Henry Harrison and served until July 7, 1844, after which he returned to practice law. He died on August 2, 1856.