Stephen A. Curtis, an accountant in the Schenectady freight office of the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company Railway, was born on January 8, 1850, in Blenheim, Schoharie County, N.Y. That town was the native place of his parents, Stephen L. and Eliza (Maham) Curtis. His grandfather, Benjamin P. Curtis, who did garrison duty at Sackett's Harbor, N.Y., during the War of 1812, went to Blenheim from Duanesburg, Schenectady County, N.Y. Joseph Curtis, the father of Benjamin P., came from Litchfield, Conn., to New York State soon after the close of the Revolutionary War, and, clearing a farm in the wilderness, succeeded through his energy and perseverance in establishing a comfortable home. Of the children of Stephen L. and Eliza Curtis there are but two survivors: Stephen A., the subject of this sketch; and Stanley D., who is now station agent for the Delaware & Hudson River Railway at Plattsburg, N.Y. He married Harriet Gardner, and has three sons, namely Stanley, born in 1886; Charles, born in 1889; and George T., born in 1892.
Stephen A. Curtis acquired his preliminary education in the public schools of Blenheim and Jefferson, and completed his studies at the seminary in Stamford, N. Y., where he was fitted for educational work. For a number of years he was a successful teacher in Schoharie and Broome Counties. Coming to Schenectady in 1881, he entered the freight office of the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company Railway as bookkeeper, and here after eighteen years of faithful service he remains at this day, a valuable member of their clerical force.
Mr. Curtis married Ella M. Danforth, daughter of Elijah Danforth, of Jefferson, N.Y. They have one daughter, Adeline. She is the wife of Ira Brownell, of Schenectady, and has one child, Eleanor, born in 1897.
Mr. Curtis has been quite active in public affairs, having served as Excise Commissioner and upon the board of United States Supervisors. Politically, he acts with the Democratic party. He is Past Dictator of Lodge No. 3715, Knights of Honor; is a charter member and by dispensation First Prophet of Saugh-Naughta-da Tribe, No. 123, Improved Order of Red Men. He attends the Congregational church, and is now serving as a trustee.