The Town of Cochecton was separated from Bethel in 1828. James C. Curtis was elected the first supervisor of the Town of Cochecton serving from 1829 to 1844 and 1849 to 1850. His public service included chairman of the board of supervisors, 1835-1843; member of the New York State Assembly; first Sullivan County Court judge; he joined the Free Soil Party in 1848 (which dissolved 1854); member of the New York State Senate 9th District 1850 and 1851. Curtis was among 12 senators who resigned on April 17, 1851 to prevent a quorum in the Senate; and he was re-elected at a special election on May 27. The Republican Party was formed in 1854, founded by anti-slavery activists, entrepreneurs, ex-Whigs and ex-Free Soilers. President Abraham Lincoln appointed Curtis as Collector of Internal Revenue for his district, serving until 1869. He was followed in office by his son, William H. Curtis, who in turn, was the only man to serve as supervisor in both the towns of Cochecton and Delaware.

The Cochecton Preservation Society can be reached at 845/932-8104 or cps12726@gmail.com, or visit cochecton preservationsociety.com. The next meeting, free and open to all, will be on Tuesday, September 5 at 7 p.m. at 8537 State Rte. 97, Cochecton. There will be fun and refreshments.