Dexter Curtis (September 12, 1828 – May 15, 1898) was an American inventor, businessman, and politician.
Born in Schenectady, New York, [1] Curtis grew up on a farm. [1] He was in the lumber business and lived in Louisiana, Michigan, and Chicago, Illinois. [1] In 1866, Curtis moved to the town of Burke, Dane County, Wisconsin and was a farmer. [1] Curtis invented and patented the Curtis zinc horse-collar pad. The factory for the horse-collar pads was located in Madison, Wisconsin. [2] He also operated a dry goods business. Curtis served on the Madison Common Council and was a Democrat. [1] In 1883, Curtis served in the Wisconsin State Senate from Madison, Wisconsin. [1] [3] Curtis died in Madison, Wisconsin from a heart attack ("apoplexy of the heart"). [1] [2] [4] [5]