Cumberland County, Maine - Captain Joseph R. Curtis
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Biography
Captain Joseph R. Curtis
Biographical Review
Cumberland County, Maine
Boston
Biographical Review Publishing Company
1896
Page 572-575


Captain Joseph R. Curtis, formerly a well-known ship-master of Yarmouthvile, who
died in Cardiff ,Wales, March 3, 1873, was born in Yarmouth, October 11, 1810,
son of William and Olive (Stubbs) Curtis. Captain Curtis's father, who was born
July 15, 1777, was an early settler in Yarmouth, where for some time he followed
the trade of a ship calker. He later moved to Leeds, Androscoggin County, and
engaged successfully in farming, residing' there until a few years before his
death, when he came to Yarmouth to live with his son. He died July 12, 1851. He
was an industrious farmer, an able business man, and a useful citizen, well
known and highly respected for his many estimable qualities. In politics he was
a Whig, later joining the Republican party at its formation; and in his
religious views he was a Baptist. His wife, Olive Stubbs, who was born December
2, 1779, became the mother of twelve children, nine of whom grew to maturity,
and all have now passed away. Mrs. Olive S. Curtis died January 19, 1849. She
was a member of the Baptist church.

Joseph R. Curtis grew to manhood in Leeds, and was educated in the common
schools of that town. He began teaching school at the age of seventeen, but,
after following that occupation for a short time, decided to try his fortune
upon the sea. He shipped as a sailor before the mast, in which humble capacity
he labored diligently, seeking to master the details of his calling; and, being
intelligent and of keen perceptions, he rapidly acquired a knowledge of the
elementary principles of navigation. His ability and ambition caused him to
advance step by step through the various responsible positions on shipboard;
and, possessing the necessary executive ability, together with a character which
was beyond reproach, he at length secured the command of a merchantman, and from
that time became a prosperous and successful ship-master. He followed the sea
for considerably over forty years, and was in command of several well known
vessels of his day engaged in the foreign trade, his voyages being always
attended with profitable results, both to himself and his owners. His business
ability was known and recognized in shipping circles, the utmost confidence. and
reliance being placed in him by his employers, who never had the slightest cause
to question his honesty and integrity; and his high character as a man was
appreciated by all with whom he had business dealings. He was always alert in
forwarding his owners' interests, and was familiar with the methods of trade in
the various important seaports of the world; and, aside from his interest in the
vessels under his charge, he owned shares in many other ships, which proved to
be profitable investments. His life was an energetic and busy one, he never
losing an opportunity for insuring a quick and profitable voyage ; and he was
actively engaged in attending to his duties at the time of his death, which took
place as above mentioned.

On September 15, 1844, Captain Curtis was united in marriage with Louisa J.
Sumner. She was born in Green, Me., August 18, 1821, daughter of Houghton and
Mary (Rogers) Sumner, the former of whom was a native of Vermont, and the latter
of Hanover, Mass. Houghton Sumner settled in Leeds, Me., where he was a
prosperous farmer. He died at the age of seventy-nine. He was a Democrat in
politics. His wife became the mother of eleven children, eight of whom grew up,
and four are now living, namely: Elvira A., now Mrs. Pettingill, residing in
Leeds; Louisa J., who became Mrs. Curtis; Augusta W., who is now Mrs. Carver, of
Leeds; and Joshua H., also a resident of Leeds. Mrs. Sumner lived to reach the
age of eighty-three years. She and her husband belonged to the Baptist church,
of which their daughter, Mrs.Curtis, has been a member since she was twenty-
three years of age.

Captain and Mrs. Curtis had eight children, as follows: Oceana H., who became
Mrs. Thomas McWattie, is now living in Chicago, and has no children; Josephine
R., who is now Mrs. Warren W. Pullen, resides in North Yarmouth, and has had
twelve children, eleven of whom are now living; Mary O., who became Mrs. Edward
Raynes, and lives in Yarmouth, has had three children, two now living; William
R., a resident of Seattle, Wash.; Anna L., who resides in Yarmouth; Eliza A. T.,
who became Mrs. Luther Hyde, and is residing in New York City; Melville S., who
died in infancy; and Herman O., who died at the age of two years.

Captain Curtis was a Democrat in politics; and, although his long periods of
absence from home prevented him from taking an active part in public affairs, he
served efficiently as First Selectman. He and his wife settled in Yarmouthville
shortly after their marriage. Mrs. Curtis, now in her seventy-fifth year, a lady
of pleasing manners and of unusual intelligence and ability, still occupies the
fine old residence which has been her home for more than half a century. Captain
Curtis was a highly respected citizen, a generous contributor to charitable
movements, and a kind husband and father. He was liberal in his religious views,
and deeply interested in the Masonic fraternity, in which he had advanced as far
as the Royal Arch degree.

The memory of Captain Joseph R. Curtis is cherished by numerous friends and
acquaintances, albeit many have followed him to the unknown shore ; and his
portrait on another page of this volume will be widely recognized and
appreciated.