Sea Stories in Stone
Angier Curtis (1815-1875) - Old Burying Ground, Harpswell
Felled in a Curious Accident
Dead. Capt. Angier H. Curtis of Harpswell, who fell down the staircase of the U.S. Hotel in New York on Friday night last, breaking a leg and fracturing the skull, died in Bellevue Hospital Sunday...
Brunswick Telegraph June 4th, 1875
The page-length newspaper story continued with a "communication from ‘A Friend.’"
A sudden gloom was cast over the feelings of our citizens, on Monday last, by the reception of the sad tidings of the sudden death of one of our most beloved fellow townsmen...Capt. Curtis commenced life a poor boy, and at an early age chose as his future occupation the life of a sailor, and by close attention to his business, faithfulness and honesty soon rose to be master of a ship and continued to follow the sea till he had amassed a competency, which it was a pleasure to him to share with his friends...
Like many families in Harpswell, Capt. Curtis’ was involved in maritime commerce as both sailors and shipbuilders. While it was common for a young man born in Harpswell to rise through the ranks from seaman to sea captain, Capt. Curtis went on to attain a level of success that allowed him to own interests in several vessels. That fateful summer he had traveled to New York to oversee the fitting for sea of two of these ships. No one witnessed the fatal fall on the hotel stairs. Nor was the cause ever determined.
He was 60 years old when he died, and although a bachelor, Capt. Curtis left behind a legacy. He was credited with enabling many a deserving young man to advance "to responsible situations in the maritime service."
...No man possessed a more benevolent heart or took a deeper interest in the welfare of his fellow men than he did.
Sources: US Census: 1850-1870; MMM Ships Indes; 1861 lloyd's American Register; Brunswick Telegraph
NEXT: George T. Richardson (1834-1875) | |
| Return to Sea Stories in Stone Main Page | Return to Boneyard Art Home |