George M. Curtis

As printed in 1901

HON. GEORGE M. CURTIS.

One of the most straightforward, energetic and successful business men that has ever lived in Clinton is the Hon. George M. Curtis, who, in partnership with his brother, founded one of the most important enterprises that has contributed to the commercial activity and general prosperity of the city, he has been equally prominent in public affairs and has twice been honored with election to the legislative halls of the nation, where his ability as a statesman, as well as his genuine worth of character, gained for him the friendship and high regard of many men of national fame.

Mr. Curtis is a native of Chenango county, New York, born April 1, 1844, and is a son of John S. and Elizabeth (Carpenter) Curtis, who were also natives of the same county. In 1856 his parents left the Empire state, and with their family removed to Illinois, settling in the vicinity of Rochelle, Ogle county. They took up their above on a farm of two hundred and eighty acres, which the father had purchased, and there he and his sons were actively engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1866, when they removed to Rochelle. Two years later they came to Clinton, Iowa. There were born to them ten children, three of whom still survive: George M., Charles F. and Cornelius S.

The first twelve years of the life of our subject were spent in his native state, and he then became identified with the great Mississippi valley, where he has since remained. He attended the district schools during the winter months and assisted in the labors of the home farm until sixteen years of age. He then became a student in Mt. Morris Seminary, at Mt. Morris, Illinois, and later he engaged in teaching school through the winter terms, while in the period of seedtime and harvest he engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1862, however, he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, securing a clerkship in a store in Rochelle, where he was employed for two years. He afterward engaged in the coal business in Cortland, Illinois, and at Sycamore, in the

As printed in The Biographical record of Clinton County, Iowa .. (1901). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.