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William John Curtis papers

 Collection
Identifier: M041

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Scope and Content

Consists of the correspondence of William John Curtis, including lettersfrom Andrew Carnegie and President Grover Cleveland, and a number of holograph essays on U.S. politics. Also included are biographical materials, such as eulogies, newspaper clippings, images, and a "Town and Country Club" essay by Orren C. Hormell concerning Curtis.

Dates

  • Creation: 1888-1954, undated

Creator

Access Restrictions

No restrictions.

Biographical/Historical Note

William John Curtis was born in Brunswick, Maine, on August 28, 1854. He attended Bowdoin College and was a member of Psi Upsilon fraternity. After graduating in 1875, he studied law in Bangor and was editor of the Daily Whig and Courier. He was admitted to the Maine Bar in 1878 and, after studying a course at the Columbia University Law School, began to practice in New York. In 1887, he joined the law firm of Sullivan and Cromwell where he was involved in legal matters pertaining to the building of the Panama Canal. Curtis also served as the first president of the United States Steel Company. He married Angeline Sturtevant Riley of Boston in 1881. In 1901 he became a member of the Bowdoin College Board of Overseers, was elected as a Trustee in 1915 and became chairman of the Finance Committee of the College in 1923. Curtis made numerous gifts to Bowdoin College, including the Class of 1875 Gate and the Class of 1875 prize in American history. He died on October 8, 1927, in Camden, Maine.

Extent

0.25 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Correspondence of William John Curtis, including lettersfrom Andrew Carnegie and President Grover Cleveland, and a number of holograph essays on U.S. politics; also includes biographical materials.

Related Names

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title
Guide to the William John Curtis Papers
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Maine 04011 Repository

http://library.bowdoin.edu/arch/index.shtml
Contact:
3000 College Station
Brunswick Maine 04011 USA
(207) 725-3288

Acknowledgment of non-neutrality

The George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, like all archives and special collections libraries, is the creation of human beings who have collected, organized, and described things in ways that reflect personal, cultural, societal, and institutional biases. Although we strive to preserve and present collections in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections, we acknowledge that our systems are neither neutral nor perfect. We encourage you to let us know if you encounter materials, descriptive language, or practices that are offensive or harmful, particularly those for which inadequate context or warning is offered. We are committed to modifying and updating our descriptive practices to use respectful and inclusive terminology and appreciate your help in this work. We look forward to supporting you in your research and learning together.