Legislator Details
Portrait of Frederick W. Curenius scanned from Rep.Dist. 4 page following p.18.
Vital Records Information:
Marital Information:
Married Elizabeth Fowler of NY in 1826; she died in 1867. In 1868 married a daughter of J.P. Woodbury of Kalamazoo; 3 children
Number of Children: 3
Background
Education:
Graduated at Hamiliton College, Oneida County, NY in 1823, and then studied law.
Biographical Sketch:
Cyc gives birth yr as 1805. Son of Peter Curtenius, arrested Aaron Burr for treason. Frederick attended Hamilton College, Oneida Co., NY, denied his degree due to a prank. In 1831, joined the NY militia as a colonel. In 1835 bought a farm in Michigan. Raised 1st Reg. of Michigan Infantry, 1847; fought in the War of Mexico. Colonel of the 6th Reg. of Michigan Infantry during the Civil War. Resigned his command when ordered to return slaves to their owners. He served various local and state positions in government. He was an member of the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows and represented it to the Grand Lodge.
Notable Facts:
His maternal gr-father gave the 1st public reading of the Declaration of Independence in NY. Frederick fought with Simon Bolivar in South Amer. Adjutant gen. of Michigan, 1855-61. When he left his position as the President, Collector of Internal Revenue for the 4th Congressional district his statement of difference did not exceed two cents, even though he had received and dispersed one million dollars. Elected President of the village of Kalamazoo in 1866. Contributed largely to the success of the Michigan Female Seminary. President of Kalamazoo City Bank.