Charles Curtis

A Kansas Portrait

Charles Curtis was born in Topeka on January 25, 1860. As a youth he worked at various occupations and even had a local reputation as a jockey. His knowledge of the law was obtained in the office of Topeka attorney A. H. Case, where he served first as clerk and later as partner. In 1884, he was elected county prosecutor and became widely known for his strict enforcement of the prohibition law. His rise to national prominence began with his election to the House of Representatives in 1892, an office he would hold for the next eight terms.

While in the House he served on the prestigious Ways and Means Committee and committee on Indian Affairs and Public Lands. Curtis, himself part Kansa Indian, was the author of a bill which in 1898 made changes in the Indian Territory as well as several other pieces of legislation that affected the tribes.

In January 1907, Curtis was elected by the legislature to fill the unexpired term of Senator Joseph R. Burton and subsequently to his own full term, March 4, 1907 - March 3, 1913. Although an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1912, Curtis regained a seat in the U.S. Senate in the election of 1914. Recognizing his abilities, the Republican caucus made him party whip in 1915. He was indefatigable in this position and behind the scenes was continuously active in organizing and coordinating the party's strength.

He served on many committees including Coast Defenses, Cuban Relations, the Five Civilized Tribes, Pensions, Fisheries, Committee on Rules (chairman), Finance and Appropriations and Indian Affairs. Much of the legislation he sponsored related to agricultural and Indian questions. He succeeded Senator Henry Cabet Lodge as majority leader in 1925.

In 1928, his western popularity, due to his stand on farm relief, made him a presidential prospect. After the dust settled at the Republican convention, he emerged as Herbert Hoover's vice presidential running mate and served the nation in that capacity for one term, March 4, 1929 - March 3, 1933. The Hoover-Curtis ticket failed in its 1932 reelection bid and Curtis retired from public office but he continued an active interest in political affairs. Curtis died at the Washington, D.C. home of his sister on February 8, 1936.