Oakley C. Curtis

Summary

Oakley Chester Curtis (March 29, 1865 – February 22, 1924) was an American politician and the 50th Governor of Maine.

Oakley Chester Curtis
50th Governor of Maine
In office
January 6, 1915 – January 3, 1917
Preceded byWilliam T. Haines
Succeeded byCarl E. Milliken
Member of the Maine Senate
In office
1905–1908
Personal details
Born(1865-03-29)March 29, 1865
Portland, Maine
DiedFebruary 22, 1924(1924-02-22) (aged 58)
Falmouth, Maine
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseEdith L. Hamilton
ProfessionBanker

Early life edit

Curtis was born in Portland, Maine, on March 29, 1865. He studied at the local schools. He worked in the banking industry. He served as president of the Casco Mercantile Trust Company and as the director of the United States Trust Company and the Merchants Trust Company.

Politics edit

Curtis became alderman of Portland in 1901 and served for one term. He became a member of the Maine House of Representatives in 1903. He held that position until 1904. He became a member of the Maine State Senate in 1905, and held that position until 1908. He then served as the mayor of Portland from 1911–1914.

Governor of Maine edit

Curtis was nominated for the governorship of Maine by the Democratic Party in 1914. He won the general election by a popular vote. He held the governor's office from January 6, 1915 to January 3, 1917. During his administration, the labor laws for women and children were improved and the Komoos Sieur de Montes National Monument was established. Curtis was unsuccessful in his re-election bid.

Personal life edit

Curtis married Edith L. Hamilton and they had five children. He was a Congregationalist.

Sources edit

  • Sobel, Robert and John Raimo. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789–1978. Greenwood Press, 1988. ISBN 978-0-313-28093-1
Party political offices
Preceded by Democratic nominee for Governor of Maine
1914, 1916
Succeeded by
Bertrand G. McIntire
Preceded by Democratic nominee for U.S. senator from Maine
(Class 1)

1922
Succeeded by
Herbert E. Holmes
Political offices
Preceded by Governor of Maine
1915–1917
Succeeded by