David Whitney Curtis



David Whitney Curtis (November 14, 1833 -- April 18, 1897) was a farmer and businessman in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. He served as a Union Army officer in the American Civil War. In addition, he was a Republican Party politician who served as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly.

Early life
Curtis was born on November 14, 1833 in Chelsea, Vermont. His family moved to Wisconsin in 1845. He was educated in Vermont and Wisconsin, taught school, and worked as plasterer and bricklayer.

On November 16, 1860, he married Jane A. Howard, and they were the parents of two children: Harry H. (1866-1938); and Anna Belle Curtis Haumerson (1870-1925).

Military career
Curtis served with the 29th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment of the Union Army during the American Civil War, achieving the rank of captain. Engagements he took part in include the Battle of Port Gibson, the Battle of Champion Hill, the Siege of Vicksburg, the Jackson Expedition and the Battle of Mansfield.

He served on the military staff of Governors William E. Smith and William D. Hoard as Chief Engineer with the rank of colonel.

Curtis was active in the Grand Army of the Republic, and served as assistant quartermaster general of the Wisconsin Department.

Business career
After the war Curtis became a dairy farmer, and was a partner in Cornish & Curtis (later Cornish, Curtis & Greene), a lumber, grain and produce business, which also made farm machinery and manufactured dairy product packaging.

Curtis served as Secretary of the Wisconsin Dairymen's Association from 1875 to 1897.

Political career
Curtis was a Republican member of the Assembly during the 1876 session.

In 1894-95 he was a member of the Republican Central State Committee.

Death and burial
Curtis died in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin on April 18, 1897. He was buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Atkinson.

Legacy
His home, the David W. and Jane Curtis House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.