General Samuel R. Curtis

The Home News, February 28, 1862

Among the generals who are figuring conspicuously in suppressing the present slaveholder’s rebellion is Samuel R. Curtis, of Iowa. “Sam Curtis” was known in days long ago, as a civil engineer on the Marietta and Zanesville turnpike, and the earlier works on the Muskingum Improvement in 1839-40; also, on the old, exploded Lancaster turnpike, which many of our old citizens had doted on as the grand avenue of trade to interior Ohio; and have since laughed over as Sam Curtis’ engineering bubble. He and McCune once owned what is known as Mill Island, in Beverly.

Gen. Curtis was once the unsuccessful “rival” for the affections of a fair lady who lately resided in the Muskingum valley; who now says she always thought there was “a weal or woe for Sam,” and that she had often wished she had “taken him for weal.”

Removing to Keokuk, Iowa, his genius and energy soon brought him into public notice. He was at first employed as an engineer on the Desmoine river, under the auspices of Traxton Lyon, formerly of this county, and a very enterprising man. Afterward Gen. Curtis was employed in the same capacity, in the improvement of the Mississippi rapids. He acquired an enviable reputation as engineer. He was soon brought into political life, and was elected to Congress from the Keokuk District, and served with distinction.

The present war disclosed in him a military genius of high order. He was Colonel of an Iowa regiment, and has been promoted to Brigadier General of volunteers.

We make these notes on Gen. Curtis from feelings of pride for old Washington county, which has the honor of being the home of several distinguished generals and their “relatives.”