Born Jan. 17, 1837, Salisbury, Vt. Died June 30, 1900.

William Curtis was one of three people to help give track and field its start in the United States. Because of his interest in athletics and running, Curtis in 1866 was one of the prime movers in the creation of what is today the New York Athletic Club.

The club officially got underway in 1868 and it held its first meet on November 11 indoors at the Empire City Skating Rink in New York City. One of the first winners in that meet was Curtis, who took the 75-yard dash in 9.0. But that wasn't the only claim to fame for Curtis. In the meet, he wore spiked shoes, the first time they made there appearance on the American track scene although they were in common use in England. He also was a three-time National AAU champion in the hammer throw and earned another title in the 56-pound weight throw. He also was called the "father" of American rowing.