Encyclopedia of Connecticut biography, genealogical-memorial ...

deceased.
John Henry Selleck, son of Benjamin
and Amelia (Curtis) Selleck, was born
June 17, 1859, in Darien, Connecticut. He
was educated in the public schools of his
birthplace. On reaching manhood he
chose to devote himself to agricultural
pursuits and has since followed them with
marked success, making farming his life
work. For many years he was associated
with his father in the management of the
homestead. About 1901 Mr. Selleck became
superintendent for S. T. Mather and
for fifteen -years took charge of the es-
tate, resigning about three years ago. In
the sphere of politics, Mr. Selleck has always
remained loyal to the principles of
the Republican party, but has never cared
to participate actively in the work of the
organization. Several times he has been
called by his fellow-citizens to serve them
in public positions. For some years he
held the office of assessor, and in 1918 he
was chosen first selectman. He is now
serving his second term as justice of the
peace. He affiliates with Butler Lodge,
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of
South Norwalk, and with the Improved
Order of Red Men, of Norwalk. He is a
member of the Congregational church.
Mr. Selleck married, June 13, 1888,
Delia V. Carrier, daughter of James A.
Carrier, of Norwalk, and they are the par-
ents of one son, Joseph Carrier Selleck.
The ancestors of John Henry Selleck,
in the successive generations, have always
stood for the best interests of their communities,
and his record bears testimony
that he has worthily followed their exam-
ple, always manifesting, both as agricul-
turist and citizen, that disinterested pub-
lic spirit invariably expected of a loyal
American.
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
He was a member of the Methodist Epis- CURTIS, Louis Julius,
copal church.
the exception
All his daughters, with
of the youngest, are now
Iiaivyer, Legislator.
Since the foundation of the nation by
the pioneer from other lands, the most
368
striking phase of her history has been
developed in the capacity of her sons to
adopt themselves from time to time to
the exigencies of the moment. The high-
souled ancestors came seeking relief from
political oppression and freedom to wor-
ship God according to the dictates of their
own conscience. With expressions of
spiritual fervor on their lips, they busied
their hands with the most menial tasks.
They met poverty with fortitude, they
resisted attacks of Indians and wild ani-
mals, they even turned in armed protest
upon their mother country. The men of
our day have shown the world that the
spirit still lives, even in the world of busi-
ness, and in the continual readjustment of
public matters which the march of progress
involves. Louis Julius Curtis, promi-
nent lawyer of Stamford, Connecticut, is
an example of this spirit.
In the very early days there were many
and varied methods of adopting surnames,
among them being occupation, location of
home and description. The first named
are generally classed as "Occupational
Names," the second as "Place Names,"
and the third, "Personal Qualities." It
is to this latter classification that the surname
of Curtis belongs. It is derived
from a Norman-French word
—
curteis or
curtois—meaning courteous, civil. In
early records it is found spelled Curtice.
The family were early settled in Kent,
England.
(I) William Curtiss embarked in the
ship "Lion," June 22, 1632, from England,
landing December 16, 1632, at Scituate,
Massachusetts. He brought with him four
children : Thomas, Mary, John and Philip.
They settled in Roxbury, Massachusetts,