An obit. in the "Central Illinois Gazette" issue of 9 Nov 1859 reads: Died: James Curtiss, former mayor of Chicago, at Joliet. Born in Weathersfield (sic) CT in 1803. Removed to Philadelphia, where he was a printer's apprentice. After a stay in Eastport, Maine, he came to Cook Co. in 1834. Alderman and mayor in 1846. Since 1855 he was extensively engaged in farming in Champaign Co. Buried in Chicago. Odd Fellow. A web site listing the Chicago mayors states Curtiss was the 9th mayor of Chicago, was b. 7 April 1803 & that he d. 2 Nov 1859. In the 1850 census, he was living in the 6th ward of Chicago with his wife, seven children, and three servants. In 1860, 1870 and 1880 his widow is found in Champaign. From at least 1856 through 1865 his dau. Mary, lived in Joliet. She had m. 1854 Alonzo L. McArthur/MacArthur, a physician. It is possible Curtiss was under the care of Dr. McArthur at his demise. I would like to find other obituaries for this man (newspapers in Joliet? Chicago?) and wonder if anyone has access to mug book style bios of him. TIA Art Hutchinson A Channahon expatriate (now in exile in Virginia)

For Art, Try www.chicagopubliclibrary Municipal collection Has his inauguaral address March 1847 He was a Whig,attornet but never practiced much,more of a politician. elected mayor twice 1847-1848 1850-1851 also might try searching chicago historical society www.chicagohs.org He was buried in Chicago City cemetery. Joliet newspapers in 1859 might not have much. They would be at Joliet Public Library,downtown,reference department. Contact is Roger, charge is $5.00. Full address on will county genweb site under resources or useful links. Good Hunting, Kathy