George M. Curtis

George Martin Curtis (April 1, 1844 - February 9, 1921) was a U.S. Representative from Iowa.

Born near Oxford, New York, Curtis moved to Ogle County, Illinois, in 1856 with his parents, who settled on a farm near Rochelle. He attended the common schools and Rock River Seminary, Mount Morris, Illinois. Curtis was a clerk in Rochelle, Illinois from 1863 to 1865, and subsequently for two years in Cortland, Illinois. He moved to Clinton, Iowa, in 1867 and engaged in the manufacture of lumber. He was also one of the incorporators of the City National Bank of Clinton and served as a director since its organization in 1880.

Curtis was married to Sophie P. Mansfield, who, in 1909, survived the sinking of the White Star Liner "RMS Republic".

Curtis was elected vice president of the bank in 1890 and served in that capacity until his death. He served as director in a number of lumber companies and as member of the State house of representatives in 1888 and 1889. He served as delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1892.

Curtis was elected as a Republican to the Fifty-fourth and Fifty-fifth Congresses (March 4, 1895-March 3, 1899). He declined to be a candidate for renomination in 1898. He resumed his former business activities in Clinton, Iowa, and died there February 9, 1921. He was interred in Springdale Cemetery.

References