Born in South Trenton, Oneida County, New York. Married Mary Ann Cowan August 1, 1835. They had six children. Their daughter Elvira served as forelady at the mint for 18 years. Their daughter Lucy married Dr. Anton Tjader. After his death she married Frank D. Hetrick who was Superintendent of the Carson City Mint May 1873 to August 1875.

Curry was apprenticed as a baker. He moved to Ohio and to Downieville, California, in 1853. He came to western Utah Territory in 1858 to establish a store. With partners he bought Eagle Ranch and laid out Carson City. Although still part of Utah Territory, Curry anticipated that the territory would be divided into two states and included land for the state capitol in the city plan. He was involved with various businesses including land development, adobe making, quarrying, and hotel management. He was a charter member of the Masonic Lodge in Carson City.

When the first legislature convened for Nevada Territory October 1, 1861, they met in Curry's hotel. On January 1, 1862, he was appointed warden for the new state prison. The prison was constructed by Curry on the former site of his hotel. The property included a rock quarry that utilized prison labor. The prison was described by Lieutenant Governor Slingerland as "a tinderbox built of rock." It was destroyed by fire May 1, 1867.

On December 27, 1865, Curry was appointed one of the commissioners in charge of construction of a U. S. Mint in Carson City. Curry donated the land. Granite for the mint came from the prison quarry and Curry was superintendent of construction. Ground was broken July 18, 1866, and the cornerstone was laid September 24, 1866. Later he was appointed first superintendent and served January 1870 to September 1870.

The first silver dollar struck at the Carson City Mint was presented to President Grant. The second was presented to the governor. The third was presented to Curry. He died in Carson City.

photo: NUM 58 Aug 1945 page 815.

bio: various Nevada histories; NUM/NIN 12/93-1/94