This family was of Greene county, New York, at an early date in the history of that county. The first of our record is Silas Curtis, a cooper, who died in Durham, Greene county.
(II) Gilbert, son of Silas Curtis, was a farmer for many years. He learned from his father the trade of a cooper, and worked at that at intervals when he could be spared from his other labors. He later in life moved into Durham. Greene county, where he kept a hotel on the main street of that town, where he died. He married Atline Stevens, born in Durham, where she also died. Children:
- Edgar Silas; see forward.
- Charles G., twice married; his second wife was Catherine Hayes, who bore him Charles (2), Frances Olive, Edwin. He was a real estate dealer of Los Angeles, California.
- Montgomery G., a merchant of Troy.
(III) Edgar Silas, eldest son of Gilbert and Atline (Stevens) Curtis, was born in Durham, Greene county, New York, February 2, 1832, died in Troy, New York, June 24, 1904. He was educated in the schools of Durham and Harpersfield, New York. He was taught the cooper's trade by his father and followed that trade until he located in Troy in October, 1852. He entered there into partnership with his cousin, Mortimer Stevens, and for several years they conducted a livery and general teaming business. The partnership was later dissolved, Mr. Stevens retiring from the firm. Mr. Curtis conducted the business alone until his death. He was a Republican in politics, but took no active part in city affairs. He was a Mason and was a member of King Solomon Lodge of Masons, also Apollo Commandery, Knights Templar, and a thirty-second degree Mason. He was devoted to his business and his home, a man with many friends and greatly respected. He was connected with the Baptist church and the choir of that church. He married, at Hobart, Delaware county, New York, February 5, 1855, Frances Augusta, born in Hobart, December 10, 1836, daughter of Samuel and Laura (Taylor) Wilcox, both natives of Hobart, where they died at ages of seventy-two and eighty-two years. Mr. and Mrs. Edgar S. Curtis were parents of one son, Samuel Gilbert; see forward.
(IV) Samuel Gilbert, only child of Edgar Silas and Frances Augusta (Wilcox) Curtis, was born in Troy, New York, December 30, 1857. He was educated in the Troy schools, and at an early age began the development of his musical talent under the instructions of his mother, herself an accomplished musician and capable instructor. After mastering the art as far as her capacity would allow, he went to Germany, where for three years he studied under foreign masters. Returning to Troy, he began teaching, and is known far and wide as a master of his art. Professor Curtis is a member of the Baptist church in Troy, and in politics an independent Democrat. He married Lura, daughter of Alexander McChesney, born 1834, died 1864, and granddaughter of Henry McChesney, of Brunswick. Professor and Mrs. Curtis have a son, Harold Cornwell, born December 7, 1891, a graduate of Troy Academy and a student of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.