CURTIS, GEORGE (1816-94) was born in Newington Common, Hackney, London, educated in the city and brought up to commercial life. For some years he was in business with his father and brothers in Hackney. In 1850 he came to New Zealand in the Pekin, landing at Wellington and walking overland to Wanganui with S. Percy Smith and others. Settling in New Plymouth, he engaged in business (with I. N. Watt) as importers and took up land at Omata. His homestead was destroyed in the war. As a member of the militia, in which he served for two years, Curtis was concerned in the construction and defence of the Omata stockade and took part in the fighting at Ratapihipihi and Waireka. He afterwards returned to his farm. Curtis first stood for the Provincial Council in 1855 and was a member (for Omata) in 1861-62, being part of the time provincial treasurer. He was a member of the first harbour board (1875). Curtis died on 9 Jun 1894. His sons, G. N. and H. B. CURTIS, were pioneers of Stratford (1877).

Taranaki P.C. minutes and Gaz; Taranaki Herald 11 Jun 1894. Portrait: Taranaki Hist. Coll.

Reference: Volume 1, page 110

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