Charles Curtis

"I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic; a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and hu... manity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes. I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it; to support its Constitution; to obey its laws' to respect its flag; and defend it against all enemies." 1) 1860 - Born in U.S. Kansas Territory 2) 1865 - Mother died, father deserted him, went to live with his mother's Indian relatives on the Kaw Reservation in Morris county (Council Grove, Kansas) 4) 1870 - Attended school, working in livery stable during spare time 5) 1876 - Became a horse jockey on Kansas racetracks, was considered the best jockey of all time 9) 1884 - Married Annie Elizabeth Baird (3 children), Permelia, Harry, Leona 15) 1914 - Returned to United States Senate position by popular election. 16) 1924 - Became 1st Republican Floor Leader of the United States Senate, was presidential hopeful. 20) 1933 - Announced retirement and establishment of residence in Washington D.C. 21) 1936 - Died of heart attack in Washington D.C.; casket was in Topeka Capital Building rotunda lying in state for people to pass by (only person this honor has been given to) buried in Topeka Cemetery, Topeka, Kansas 22) 1959 - He was inducted into the National Hall of Fame for Famous American Indians; Anadarko, Oklahoma (see Legacy link for full story) Political Record of support by Charles Curtis, (prior to 1928) 7) Bill for protection of Native American women (and children of marriage) who marry foreigners (Frenchmen, white Americans) 14) Conceived law to consolidate all Ports of Entry, saving taxpayers $ 300,000 annually in the collection of customs 16) At the time he had more Senate Committee assignments than any Senator has ever before held ...Read More