Background
Asahel Curtis was born on November 5, 1874 in Minnesota, United States to Johnson Asahel Curtis (1840-1887) and Ellen Sheriff (1844-1912).
Asahel Curtis was born on November 5, 1874 in Minnesota, United States to Johnson Asahel Curtis (1840-1887) and Ellen Sheriff (1844-1912).
Asahel Curtis became a professional in 1894 when he established a commercial photography studio in Seattle. His commissions carried him throughout the greater Northwest, to Alaska and British Columbia and the Yukon Territory, as well as Oregon, Idaho and especially Washington. His pictures were extensively used in advertisements, in local magazines such as Argus, Sunset and The Coast, as well as national periodicals such as National Geographic.
A founding member of the Seattle Mountaineers, Asahel Curtis was active in the Seattle Chamber of Commerce.
Quotes from others about the person
According to David Sucher: "his pictures were used as tools to encourage further development of the region, foreshadowing the 'political photography' of today which is designed to move people to action."