Mayor 1910, 1916 - 1917, 1920
The senior member and founder of W. Curtis Ltd. of Armidale, he died at his Armidale residence 'Cotswold', Marsh Street, Armidale on Thursday 14 June 1934. Born at Cirencester, England in on 8 December 1858, he learnt his trade at Bristol and at an early age went to United States where he worked at Oregon and other centres. Upon the death of his father, he returned to England and shortly afterwards went to South Africa.
Accompanied by a friend, he travelled to Port Augusta and after a time in South Australia, he moved to N.S.W. and worked for a time at Anthony Hordens. His next move was to Armidale in 1892 where he established a small draper's shop in Beardy Street. He gradually expanded his business and was able to move into large premises. A branch was also formed at Hillgrove and later an Uralla store.In Armidale he married Miss Fry of West Maitland. She predeceased him in 1921 and there were two sons of the marriage; A.B. Curtis and Harry W. Curtis both of whom became involved in the business. In 1933 he married again and his widow survived him.
He served as an alderman for thirty years. His association with the Armidale and New England Hospital Committee extended over twenty two years and for the past two years was Chairman of the Board of Directors. The avenue of willows along the Dumaresq Creek and the trees in Armidale Streets was a tribute to his love of beauty. This was also reflected in the magnificent gardens surrounding his family home, 'Cotswold', now the Cotswold Motel. In describing the property in 1905, the Armidale Argus, 25 November reported 'in its commanding outlook and beautiful gardens it stands as a model residence and on every side displays evidence of artchitectural taste and studied care'.
He was also connected for nearly thirty years with the Armidale and New England P.A. and H. Association and the Armidale Literary Institute. He was a member of the New England State executive and was a keen supporter of the movement. He was a foundation member of the Armidale Bowling Club where he was president from 1919 to 1923. He was also a foundation member and president of the Armidale Parents and Citizen's Association as well being a trustee of the Dangar scholarship made available for the youth of the district.
He was a trustee of the Armidale sub-branch of the Returned Sailors and Soldier's Imperial League as well as being a keen war worker. Both Mr and Mrs Curtis were involved in extensive charity work and the Wesley Church where Mr Curtis was a trustee.14 Present day Curtis Park was named after the man and a memorial at church.