Historical Genealogy of the McCurdy Family

Written and compiled by D. E. McCurdy
(Undated, appears to be approximately 1909)

PREFACE

  In presenting this history to the members of the McCurdy race, I do so with the firm belief that every detail given herein is perfectly true, which covers a period of more than 500 years.  This has been the result of over ten years investigation by various family members of the McCurdy family, and brings to light many branches of the family, that otherwise could never have been discovered.
  Those who have been engaged in making these investigations were persons of honor, intelligent and trustworthy, and their names are given elsewhere in this work.
  Beyond a few unavoidable omissions, this work is complete, as regard the descendants of Pethric and his wife, Margaret (Stewart) McCurdy, to whom this work is dedicated.
The Compiler (D. E. McCurdy)
 

Part 1. A Concise History of John McCurdy of Chester County, Pennsylvania
(Part 1 originally consisted of 16 pages)

BUTE
  An island in the firth of Clyde is about 12 miles long from north to south and averages 5 miles in breadth.  The northern part is mountainous, but yield an abundance of good pasture.  It is noted for the large amount of goats and cattle that abound there.  One of the greatest industries, which has been carried on for centuries is cheese making.  The air is healthy and the people are noted for their great ages.  Rothsay is the chief town.
  Near this place is an ancient castle, which was once a royal palace, which gave the title to the heir apparent of the Crown of Scotland, long before the union between Scotland and England.  Before this time, and at a very early period, Bute belonged to the ancient McKirdy Tribes, and they were the sole possessors, and Lords of the
Isle.  For a long time, Bute, with the rest of the Western Islands, was under the Crown of Sweden, but ruled by the Lords of the Isles.
  Near the middle of the 17th century, when religious persecutors prevailed throughout Scotland, the inhabitants of Bute, (Presbyterians) suffered from the English sectarians (who had made in-roads, and settlements in the island) to such an extent that many were driven from their native island, while others sought refuge in the mountain hamlets.  At last the Presbyterians arose in arms, but all were against them; they were undisciplined in the art of warfare, and the royal army so much
more powerful, that those who failed to make their escape was massacred without regard to age or sex.
  It is supposed, and no doubt true, that the large McKirdy race became extinct, by these massacres, with the exception of Pethric McKirdy (afterwards spelled McCurdy) and his four brothers, David, John, William, and Daniel.
  These brothers escaped in an open boat, and through a blinding snowstorm from Bute, in the latter part of November 1666, they sailed across the turbulent sea, and landed on one of the rocky islands near the north coast of Ireland.  It is claimed they took refuge in this island, and for tow days and nights, tasted no food.
  On the morning of the third day, they sailed a short distance and landed near Giant's Causeway, County Antrim, Ireland, where they were received by the Presbyterians who had settled there from Scotland some years previous; but here, too, they were persecuted by the Irish Catholics.
  In 1690, the McCurdys were among the first to take up arms to defend their religion.  When William of Orange landed his army in Ireland, he was greatly reinforced by the uprising of the Presbyterians.
  Shortly afterwards, the great battle of the Boyne was fought, which proved the complete downfall of James 2 and ended the reigning power of the Catholic line of the house of Stuart.
 
Pethric McCurdy married Margaret Stewart, relative of James 2, but of the protestant line of Stewarts.  At what time he married is uncertain; yet, he must have married shortly after reaching Ireland, as his grandson, David McCurdy was born in 1709.
  Pethric died near the close of the 17th century; his children were John, James, and Daniel.  The descendants of these three brothers (so far as present information will permit) are recorded and mentioned in this little volume.  The brothers of Pethric all married but William.  He died near Ballintoy, County Antrim, unmarried.
  David settled at Lisserius; John went to County Tyrone, but some years after, emigrated to America.  Daniel settled at Ahoghill, where he married and raised his
family.  One of his sons, Daniel, went to County Derry and located, and there he raised his family.

  John McCurdy, the eldest son of Pethric, was born near Ballintoy, County Antrim, Ireland about 1669; he married a Miss McQuillen, who it is claimed, descended from the DeBurge family and two Irish kings.  He located on a tract of land and called it Cavan Farm; residing there until 1740, when he came to America with his family,
which consisted of five sons, John, William, Daniel, Robert, James, one daughter Lucretia; his eldest son Samuel (then married) remained in Ireland, in care of Cavan Farm.
  The McCurdys landed at Philadelphia, but went to Chester County, Pa., and there located; at what time John died is unknown; his five sons were soldiers in the Revolutionary War; John became a Lieutenant, and William a Captain.  One was killed in battle at Germantown, Pa.
 
John McCurdy, youngest son of John, was born in Ireland in 1737; he married Mary Fox, and located at Carlisle, Pa., where he became a prominent town officer.  Some years after, he removed to various other towns, finally locating in Ligonier Valley, Pa., where he died in 1787.  His family consisted of twelve children, Elijah, Samuel, Rebecca, Elisha, Lucinda, Lucy, Nancy, John, James, David, Allen Fox, and Mary.
  (Other sources state that the children were: Elijah, Elisha, Rebecca, John, James, Allen Fox, David, Ebenezer, Lucinda, Lucy, Mary and Nancy – the conflicting names being Samuel & Ebenezer.  It has been proven that John had a son named Ebenezer but never a son named Samuel.)
Lucinda, Lucy, and Mary died in childhood.  Rebecca lived to be quite old, but never married; she was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and took great interest in the young; was respected and loved by all who knew her; she died in Ligonier Valley at the age of 56.
  Elijah went south, where all trace of him was lost.
  Allen Fox located in Kentucky, and became a very prominent physician and a professor of chemistry.

  Rev. Elisha McCurdy was born in 1763. When he grew to manhood, he became a minister of the Presbyterian Church at Washington, Pa.  At this place, he married Mary Briceland, who died shortly afterwards.  He married for his second wife, Miss Susan Caldwell, of who was born two children; Elisha, who died in infancy, and Susan, who became the wife of Rev. Samuel Fulton.
 
  Rev. James McCurdy, the fourth son of John and Mary (Fox) was born in 1774; he married Margaret Thorne, of Butler County, Pa.  He became an elder of the Presbyterian church in Butler, and remained an elder for over fifty years; he was a very benevolent Christian; very charitable to the poor; and in many ways became a very useful man in the community in which he lived; his children were John W., Jane A., Rebecca Ann, Joseph T., Matilda M., Sarah B., James D., and Elisha Caldwell.
  Many of the descendants of Elder James McCurdy spell their names Macurdy.
 
  John McCurdy, the third son of John and Mary (Fox) was born in Pa., in 1772.  He married three times, first to Agnes Tait, of whom was born, David McKnight, John, Mary, Jane, Rebecca, Ebenezer. He married the second time to a Mrs. (Nesbit) Johnson.  The third wife was Mary Briceland, of whom was born Dr. Thomas, and Ann Eliza.
 
 David McKnight McCurdy was born in 1790; he married Abby Simongton, of Butler County, Pa.  There were nine children born to this union, one son and eight daughters.  John Newton married Mary Spargo; he studied medicine after the death of his wife, which happened within a few years after they were married.
  His second wife was Miss Kate Hawkins.

The following information was received from Mike McCurdy (mmcurdy@mediaone.net)
(“John Newton McCurdy was my gg grandfather.  He was married for almost twenty years to Mary Spargo, never remarried after her death, and never studied medicine.”

  Nancy married Nicholas Reynolds.  Mary married Jacob Marks.  Phoeba married John Green.  Emmaline married Adam Evans. Elizabeth married Captain Richard Calhoun, a relative of ex-Vice President John C. Calhoun.  Isador married Samuel Curtis.  Eldorado married John Cogley.  Susan married John R. Peters.
  The other children of John and Agnes (Tait) McCurdy were John, Mary Fox, Jane, Rebecca, Samuel Tait, and Ebenezer.  Agnes Tait McCurdy died, and John married Mrs. Ann (Nesbit) Johnson; she died, and he married Mary Briceland, a sister of Rev. Elisha McCurdy's wife; to them were born Dr. Thomas and Anne Eliza.

(The last paragraph is clearly mixed up as it is stating much of the same information found on page 8 earlier)

  John McCurdy, the second son of John and Agnes was born in Ligonier Valley, Pa., in 1796 but spent the large portion of his long life in Washington, Guernsey County, Ohio, where he settled, and married Sarah Mulholland in 1823.  For 76 years he was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, uniting with it under the ministry of his uncle, Rev. Elisha McCurdy, who was widely known, and revered in western Pennsylvania.  For fourteen consecutive years he was Superintendent of the Sunday school in Washington, taking great interest in the young.
  All who knew him will testify to his purity, and to his refinement of character, his irreproachable probity, his generous nature, and the great consideration of others, which characterized his life.
  In 1888, the infirmities of age, and his wife dying prior to this time, made it necessary for removal to Chase City, Va., to the care of his daughter, Mrs. George A. Endley, where he died on July 13th, 1890, at the age of 94 years.
  Mary Fox McCurdy, the eldest daughter of John and Mary (should read Agnes), was born in 1799; married John Deary; four children, John, James, Agnes and Mary.
  Jane McCurdy, the second daughter was born in 1801; married Hon. Thomas C. Vincent of Ohio, at one time a member of the State Senate.  His children were Agnes Tait, who married Dr. John Beall.  Jane married her cousin, James Deary.  The other children were Thomas McCurdy, William Carleton, Albert Oliver, Mary Lancaster who married Thomas Craig; two other children died young.
  Rebecca McCurdy, the third daughter of John and Mary (Fox) (again, this should read Agnes), married John Ramsey; their only son Samuel became a prominent Presbyterian minister.
 
  Ebenezer McCurdy, the youngest son of John, and Mary Fox, was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., in 1807.  He married Laura Emerson, who was born in Hancock, NH in 1814, and died in Coshocton Co., Ohio in 1848. To them was born four children, Ann L., who married Mr. Lucas; Jane married a Tufford, Charles E. and Timothy E. (see frontispiece)
(Frontispiece showed a photo portrait of Hon. Timothy E. McCurdy)
(This paragraph is incorrect.  This Ebenezer was the son of John McCurdy and Agnes Tait – go to next page)

  Gen. Thomas McCurdy Vincent was born on a farm near Cadiz Ohio, November 15th, 1832; as he advanced in years he became interested in observing the farm laborers, and learned much about horses, cattle, and crops.  He enjoyed some hunts after the usual animals of those days, and from his tenth year, was able to extend assistance to his father in conducting his affairs, having attended the district school at a suitable age.  At the age of 12, he was quite a horseman, could ride and drive; his father having removed to Cadiz, gave him much to do in driving cattle, and aiding in other farm duties.  At West Point, he was deemed the best horseman in his class, and resultantly was appointed the Junior Cadet Calvary officer in the Corps of Cadets.
  As an officer of the army, he has ridden thousands of miles.  Prior to his cadet life, he attended the High and Grammar schools.
  In July 1849 he became a cadet at the Military Academy and promoted in the army to Second Lieutenant of Artillery.  In October 1855, was appointed Brevet Captain, and Assistant Adjutant General USA. This promotion being caused by the valuable information he obtained in compiling a sketch of South Florida, (used by troops in final operations, looking to the removal of the Indians) for which he was complimented by, and received thanks from the general-in-chief.
  He served during the civil war in various positions; as Quartermaster of Second Artillery; as Adj. General in the Army of Northeastern Virginia, being engaged in the battle of Bull Run; in March 1865, he was promoted to the rank of Brevet Brigadier General, U S Army for faithful and meritorious service during the rebellion.
  Served from July to August 1865, as a member of a Board of Officers, "to prepare a system of rules and instructions for carrying into effect the act of Congress, approved July 28, 1866, equalizing bounties, and was relieved at his own request, owing to pressure of other duties.  Was President of the Board of officers from July to October, 1870, to examine into, and report on, the existing methods of keeping the records and transacting the current business of the War Department and its Bureau with a view to their improvement by the adoption of a simple, efficient, and uniform system in lieu thereof.
  From Feb. 1878 to Jan. 1881, he served as Adj. General of the Department of Texas, during a period embracing delicate relations between the United States and Mexico, which involved the peace and friendship of the two republics. He also served as Adj. General of the Department of Dakota from June 1885 to Sept. 1888; during that period was on several tours of inspection and observation in Minnesota, Dakota,
Montana, Wyoming, and several British American provinces. He was recommended in 1893 by the General in Chief for appointment as Adj. General of the Army, and in 1895, as Brigadier General of the U.S. Army.  He retired from active service, Nov. 15, 1896, by operation of the law-section I, Act of June 30, 1882. He is the author of many publications, among which may be mentioned, "Military Staff of the United States," "Lincoln and Stanton," "Florida Indians in the days of DeSoto and the Florida Seminole Wars;" "Early's March on Washington;" and many others, including biographical sketches of Justin Dimick, Winfield Scott Hancock, Fitz-John Porter, David Sloan Stanley, and others.
  Of the many organizations of which he is a member, may be mentioned The National Geographic Society, The Grand Army of the Republic, The Sons of the American Revolution, and others. He cooperated in forwarding a publication, in 1903, by the Republic of France of Les Combattants Francais de la Guerre Americaine, 1773-1783 and its translation into English, with an index of names and publication in that form, under a resolution of the U.S. Senate.  By means of this work the deficiency in the War Dept. records of some 40,000 French soldiers and sailors who assisted the colonists in the war of the American Revolution was been supplied.
  He is residing in Washington D.C.

  Rebecca McCurdy, the third daughter of John and Agnes (Tait) was born in 1769, and was married to John Ramsey.  Their only son, Samuel, became a prominent minister in western Pennsylvania. (Another repeat of an earlier paragraph – besides, her birthdate is incorrect – her father was born in 1770!)

Ebenezer McCurdy, son of John (McCurdy) and Agnes Tait, was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., in 1807.  He married Laura Emerson, who was born in Hancock, NH, in 1814 and died in Coshocton county, Ohio, in 1848; their children were Ann L., married a Lucas; Jane married a Tufford; Charles E., and Hon.
Timothy E.
(Another repeat of an earlier paragraph.  Apparently D. E. has duplicated the children of John McCurdy and Mary Fox, and has made them also children of John McCurdy and Agnes Tait.  This paragraph should be correct.)

  Hon. Timothy E. McCurdy was born near Keen, Coshocton County, Ohio, March 2, 1848.  After his mother died, his father moved to Newcomerstown, Ohio, and there he spent his childhood, and attended the public schools; his vacations were given to work on the farm.
  At the age of 16, he went to Illinois, where he worked one season on a farm, and in the winter attended the district school.  A short time before going to Illinois, he enlisted in the army, but being small, after the third examination, was rejected, very much to his regret.
  On February 8, 1864, he enlisted in Co. I, 12th Illinois, infantry, and served in Gen. Sherman's Atlanta Campaign.  After the battle of July 22, 1864, in front of Atlanta, his regiment, which was in the left wing of the 16th Army corps, was transferred to the 15th army corps under Gen. John A. Logan. At the battle of Alatoona Pass, Oct 5th, 1864, against greatly superior numbers, his command suffering just half its number in killed and wounded.  At this battle Mr. McCurdy received a gunshot wound in the left leg.  He was transferred from one hospital to another until in December 1864; he arrived at Keokuk, Iowa; here, gangrene set in and from a careless operation, the wound became greatly enlarged in size.  In February, he was attacked by smallpox, and was mustered out at Davenport, Iowa, Jan. 12th, 1865.
  He went to Buchanan co., Iowa, and bought a tract of land, and engaged in farming.  On October 28, 1866, he married Catherine Nelson, to whom was born one daughter, Ines L. who married Willis G. Kiefer; they have a little girl that was born in 1907.
  Mr. McCurdy began farming with an oxteam; suffered all the privations of poverty in pioneer life, but, by persistent industry and rigid economy, was successful.
  He was elected a member of the Board of Supervisors of Buchanan County in 1879, and served two terms.
  In 1891 he moved to Hazelton, and in 1893, helped to organize the Hazelton Bank and was elected its President, and has held the office ever since.  In 1898, was elected Representative of Buchanan County, to the Iowa Legislature, and re-elected in 1900.  In 1902, was appointed Custodian of Public Buildings and Property at the seat of Government, DesMoines, Iowa; his term expires March 31st, 1909. He is in rugged good health, having never had cause to have a physician to call on him but
once since the Civil War; he is somewhat hard of hearing, caused by smallpox, weighs 200 pounds; neither smokes, chews, drinks, swear, or gamble; is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, but is a member of no church organization.
 
William McCurdy, the son of John McCurdy of Cumberland County, Pa., and grandson of John McCurdy of Chester County, born in 1730.  He became a captain in the Pennsylvania line of the American Revolution and remained in the Army some time after the close of the war.  He died in 1822.  His sons were William and Alexander; the latter was born in 1754; was a Sergeant in the Pa. line of the Revolution.  He married Miss Jane Henderson and settled near Livermore, Westmoreland County, Pa.  One of his sons, Alexander Henderson, was born in Westmoreland Co., Pa., in 1792.  One of his grandchildren, Irwin Pounds McCurdy, the son of Alexander J. McCurdy, was born in Westmoreland Co., Pa., in 1856; was
educated in the public schools; attended various colleges, from which he graduated with honors; studied law in 1876-8; English philology, 1880.  Received honorary degrees from Rutherford College.
  He married Rachel Long Ewing in 1877; of whom was born Mable R. Mary M., who married Robert M. Elrick. Irwin P., Sarah A., Edna E., Willis E., Rachel I., born in 1892. Joseph A., Hannah K., and Rajeana I. Robert M. Elrick married Mable R., and they have one child, Mildred Roberta Elrick.
 (Not sure how this connects to the family.  If true, and he was born in 1730, it would make him the brother of John McCurdy who married Mary Fox – however, other research seems to have made this untrue, or at least, more proof is needed.)
 
 Note: It is claimed by some of the McCurdys that John McCurdy, who married Mary Fox, were of the fourth instead of the third generation from Pethric McCurdy.
  (Gee, haven’t we been trying to prove this for some time?!)
(The following is continued from the 2nd page)
  Samuel, the son of John and his wife, (McQuillan) was born in Ireland in 1689; he married Sarah Anderson, and bought the Cavan Farm, when his father came to America, and remained on it until he died.  His children were Alexander, John, and Mary.
  Mary married Hamilton Baird, and her descendants are numbered among some of the most prominent people of Ireland and the United States.
  Alexander married his cousin, Elizabeth Anderson, and remained with his father, until the latter's death in 1828, when he became the sole owner of Cavan Farm; his children were Samuel, Andrew, Alexander, John, James, Mary, and Elizabeth.
  Andrew, John, and Mary died in childhood.  Elizabeth married, but all trace of her descendents has been lost.
  Samuel, the eldest son of Alexander, was born on Cavan farm in 1780. In 1798, he married Sarah Martin.  In 1800, he bought the Clougher Farm, near Bushmill, County Antrim, and remained there until 1816, when he sold out and came to America.
  He settled in Philadelphia, but afterwards went to Shippenburg, Pa., and remained there until he died in 1855, at the age of 72 years.  His children were Alexander, Samuel, and John.
  John married Mary Jane Rippey, of whom was born Dr. Horace G., and Laura.
  James McCurdy, the fifth son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Anderson), was born in 1788; his wife was Lucy Delmer, of whom was born four children.  He died in 1874; his son James became owner of Cavan Farm; this farm still belongs to the McCurdy’s, and has been in their possession about 218 years.

Part 2

CHAPTER 1 – The McCurdys in Ireland

  Pethric McCurdy, and his four brothers, David, William, John and Daniel, the sons of Daniel McKirdy, as stated in the first part of this history, fled from Bute to the north coast of Ireland in Nov. 1666.
  After locating in Ireland, Pethric, John and Daniel spelled their names McCurdy; David retained the ancestral name McKirdy.
  William died unmarried; therefore the present McCurdy race has descended from Pethric, John and Daniel.
  Pethric married Margaret Stewart, whose grandfather, Sir Ninian Stewart, was the son of Sir James Stewart; his father, Sir John Stewart, called John the Black, was the third son of King Robert 2nd of Scotland.
  Pethric died near the close of the 17th Century.  It is claimed that he had five sons, viz. David, William, John, James and Daniel.
  David and William evidently died unmarried, as all of Pethric’s descendents yet discovered, has descended from John, James and Daniel.

John McCurdy
  Also called John Turk, a brother of Pethric’s, married, and located near Londonderry, but later in life, emigrated to America with part of his family.
  His sons were John, Robert, Archibald, James and Hugh.  The descendants of Robert and Hugh are unknown.
  John was born in 1680; married Lucinda McLean, of whom was born: Alexander, Eliza, James and Robert; Alexander and James died unmarried.
  Of the descendants of John, are families of Lawsons, Douglass, Burris, and many others.
  Alexander was born in 1684; married and settled near the town of Rutland; his sons were Peter, Laughlin, Daniel and Patrick.
  Of the descendents of Alexander are families of Galbraiths, Gilmores, Marlines, Carrs and others.  Daniel married Elsie Butler, of whom was born: John, Laughlin, Thomas and Peter.
  Many of Daniel’s descendents are located in the southern states; also in Maine and Colorado.
  Archibald McCurdy, born about 1684; came to America, and settled near Londonderry, NH.
  His children were Robert, Daniel, John, Sarah and James.  Of their descendents are many families of Braisdells, Clements, Fultons, Littles, Scobys, etc.
  James McCurdy, born in 1686, and came to America in 1720.  He married Martha Cooke, of whom was born: Archibald, James, Hugh and Robert.

Daniel McCurdy
  The youngest brother of Pethric’s located at Ahoghill; married and raised two sons, Thomas and Daniel; the latter settled in County Derry.
  Thomas McCurdy was born in 1688, at Ahoghill, where he lived, married and died; his children were Samuel, John, and Ann, who married A. Mooty.
  Samuel married Eliza Gray.  Of his descendents are families of Dorts, Barrows, Marks, and others.
John McCurdy was born in 1724; married Ann Lord, of whom was born, Lynde, Elizabeth, Nancy, Sarah, Jeannet, John, Richard and Mary.
  Of the descendents of these are many families of Carpenters, Gilmores, Hamiltons, Hathorns, Harts, Channings, Lords, Thayers, Stewarts and others.
  Daniel McCurdy, the 2nd son of Daniel, went to Bally Macillcurr in the Parish of Maghira, County Derry, where he married and settled.
  Unto him were born three sons, namely: John, Thomas, and Robert.  Of the latter we have no record.
  John was born about 1731; he married a Miss Taylor, of whom was born four sons: Andrew, John, William, and Thomas. These four brothers came to America in 1799, and located in Rockbridge County, VA.
  John McCurdy’s second wife was a Miss Long, of whom two sons were born: James and Rev. Samuel.
  Their descendents are found in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Chicago, and elsewhere in America.  Others are still located in Ireland, and some are in Australia.
  Andrew McCurdy, the oldest son of John, married and some of his descendents are in Iowa.
  John McCurdy was born in Ireland, and died in Rockbridge County, VA.
  William married, but of his descendents little is known.  Thomas died unmarried.
  Rev. Samuel McCurdy married twice; his daughter Mary Ann, married James C. Little, to whom was born two children, Samuel and Sarah.
  Sarah married James Davidson.

  The complete history of the descendents of John and Daniel are under preparation.

CHAPTER II

  James McCurdy, the son of Pethric, was born near Ballintoy, Ireland, about the year 1675.  He was a weaver by occupation.
  He married Jerusha Murray, and his brother Daniel married her sister.  It is claimed these girls were cousins of the Earl of Mar.
  James had five sons, and one daughter: David, Robert, Daniel, Andrew, John and Rachel.

Descendents of David McCurdy

  David McCurdy, the eldest son of James, was born in County Antrim, Ireland in 1709, came to America when quite young with his cousin James, and located in Westmoreland County, PA, and his cousin in New Hampshire.
  David married Susan Madden, to whom was born John, David, Robert, Samuel and Daniel.
  David was a Revolutionary soldier, although at that time he had passed his three score years; his sons were also soldiers in the same war.
  At one time, while riding with General Washington, through that part of Pennsylvania claimed by Virginia, they were chased by the Indians, and both had to ride for their lives.
  In 1787, David moved with his son John’s family to Georgia, where he died in 1833, at the extreme age of 124 years.
  Three of these sons never married.  Robert married and remained in Pennsylvania.

  John McCurdy, the eldest son of David, was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.  He married Elizabeth Groves, and in 1787 removed his family to Madison Co., Georgia.
  His children were Stephen, John S., William, James, Alexander, Samuel and Robert.  His son Stephen married Nancy Wright, to whom were born three sons, Francis M., who became a very prominent man; was a Captain in the Mexican war.  In 1852, he was elected to the State Legislature from Whitfield County, Georgia, and held this office until 1860.  He married a Miss Glass of Newton County, GA; they had no children, but adopted a boy named George.
  Francis died in Texas, but the year is unknown.
  The other sons of Stephen, Stephen and Jasper Newton, all trace have been lost.

  JOHN S. McCURDY, the second son of John and Elizabeth, was born in 1790.  In 1808 he went to Charlotte, NC, where he married Rebecca Woods.  Their children were Edward S., William, and Mary who married a Campbell.
  Rebecca died at Charlotte and John moved his family to Georgia near his birthplace; he married for his second wife, Mary Kelly, of whom was born David, Frank and John; these sons are all dead but left families.

  EDWARD SELLERS McCURDY, the eldest son of John and Rebecca, was born in Charlotte, NC December 1st, 1809.  When his father married the second time, Edward left home, being then but 16 years old, and went to Troupe County, GA and worked on a farm until 1833, when he married Mary Jane Harris, and went into business for himself.  Three years afterwards removed to Chambers County, Alabama, and bought himself a farm.  At the beginning of the war in 1862, he was owner of about 4000 acres of land, a large lot of stock, and 150 slaves, and one of the most prominent men of the county; he was a staunch Democrat, but the same time a strong union man.
  He was one of the few men who had the courage to voice his sentiments, and voted to save the union.  He gave up his slaves with a heart good will to their future well fare.
  His children were Absalon, died in childhood; William D., Rebecca R., James T., Leonara A., Lewis H., Adleoid, and Edmund S.
  Edward S. died at Oak Bowery, Ala., July 24, 1866.

WILLIAM DIXON McCURDY, the second son of Edward S., was born in Troupe County, GA, March 5th 1836; received his education in Chambers County, Alabama, and attended College at Oxford, GA, where he graduated with honors.  After taking a course of law, he taught school for several years.
  In 1860 he married Camelia H. Reese, of Loundesboro, Ala.; near this place he located and engaged in farming.  He is one of he most prominent, as well as one of the most influential men in the county, having held offices in Public Trust at various times.
  In 1880, was elected to the State Senate, and since then has repeatedly declined to represent his county, as his interest was large, and required his entire time.  He was largely interested in mining in north Alabama for several years.
  At present he is an extensive planter, and a raiser of blooded horses.
  He is a man of strong individuality of character and his friends are legions.
  His children were William G., died unmarried; Claudia M. married William Cochrane; Alice R. married Robert Smith; Edward R., and Harris R.
 
  Leonara A., the second daughter of Edward S. married a Jobes.  Their children are Edmund M., John A., and Adela M. married Mr. Donaberry.  They have one daughter named Alice L.

  Edmund S. McCurdy, the youngest son of Edward S. was born in Oak Bowery, Ala., May 27th, 1845.  He was also an extensive planter, and raiser of blooded horses.
  At the beginning of the Civil War, he enlisted in the Confederate Army, in Bernard’s Batallion of Georgia Volunteers; he was in active service in Florida; was in the battle of Savannah, GA.
  His company was in Tahafen’s division of Hardee’s, in North and South Carolina with Col. Elliott’s brigade, which was later emerged into the First Georgia regiment under Col. Wayne and was assigned to General George P. Harrison’s brigade of Wallhall’s division, Stewart’s Copse, which surrendered at Greensboro, NC April 26, 1865.  In 1887, he married Miss Sue Camilla Reese.  He died May 17th, 1871.
  His only child, Lulu Marion, married Hon. William H. Thompson, June 4th, 1891, has one son whose name is George W.
 
  DAVID McCURDY. The third son of John and Elizabeth (Groves) died unmarried.
  William, another son, married a Kelly, of whom was born John and James; the former has three children living, Dr. James, Edward, and Mrs. Pope Goldstone.
  Samuel, the sixth son of John and Elizabeth married, lived to be an old man, but raised no children.

    Descendents of Robert McCurdy of Georgia

ROBERT McCURDY, the seventh son of John and Elizabeth was born in Dalton Co., Georgia, on Dec. 10th, 1804.  He married Clarissa H. Burford, a granddaughter of Hawkins Bullock, who was a cousin to President Roosevelt’s mother.
  Their children were Drusilla, married Capt. John R. Mahaffey; she has one son, John R.
  Agnes B. McCurdy married Elihu Langford, and has two sons on the Police force in Atlanta, GA, Newport A., and Thomas.
  The other two daughters of Robert McCurdy married but raised no families; his sons were, John Wilson, Stephen Cicero, James Robert, and Philip B.
  Stephen and James both died in the army; the latter was killed in the battle of Thoroughfare, VA.  Stephen died at Richmond, VA from a gunshot wound received in the battle of The Wilderness.

HON. JOHN WILSON McCURDY, the eldest son of Robert, was born in 1835; in 1861, enlisted in the Confederate army as a private, but was promoted to First Lieutenant, then as Captain of Company D, 38th., GA regiment, Gordon’s Brigade.
  He has been Justice of the Peace continuously of the same district for forty years; during this time, served his town as mayor for eleven years, and represented his county two terms in the legislature.
  He married Sarah J. Carter, of whom was born seven children: Ida J. married Carl T. Wells a granite contractor; her children are John D., Robert McCurdy, Stephen A., Bonnie, Nunnie, and Ida M.  Ida J. died in 1903; her husband remarried but gave Ida M. to John W. to raise.
  Sarah B., the second daughter of John W. married Charles Haynie, to whom was born, Jessie McCurdy, William S., and four girls Myrtis and Clarissa, the other daughters are still at home.  John Stephen, the eldest son is an old bachelor, a real estate dealer, and at one time was Sheriff of DeKalb County, GA, and has extensive farming interests.  His brother, Robert E. Lee died unmarried at the age of 18 years.
  Dr. William T., the youngest son of John W., married Mamie P. Tuggle, of whom was born, Sarah P., John S., Mary and Willis F.

  Rev. Philip B., second son of Robert, married Celia A. Carter; children were John F., Robert W. lives in Mexico; Philip B., Eugene A., has two sons; and Marcus, Philip’s youngest son is single and lives in Birmingham, Alabama.

CHAPTER III

Descendants of Robert McCurdy

ROBERT McCURDY, the second son of James and Jerusha (Murray) McCurdy, was born in County Antrim Ireland about 1714; as his brothers and sons were all weavers, it is supposed that he followed the same occupation.
  He married Mary Jane Moore, of whom was born six children: John, David, Sarah, Jane, Elizabeth and Robert.
  Robert died in 1767 at the age of 53 years.

Descendants of John McCurdy

JOHN McCURDY, the eldest son of Robert, was born at Bush Mills, County Antrim, Ireland, in 1741; he married Margaret Farrier, of whom was born five children; Alexander died in young manhood; Robert, died in boyhood; Mary, who married William McCartney; Samuel lived to be 80 years old, but never married; and James.

The McCartney Family
  William McCartney was born in Barlocco, near Kirkcudbright, in the south of Scotland, and he came to America in 1791; located in what is now Sparta, NY.  He married Mary McCurdy, June 14th, 1796; their children were: Margaret and Elizabeth, both died in early childhood; Robert, went to Iowa, located, and married; John and William died unmarried; Maria married Chas. Kerns of Dansville, NY, and died there at a ripe old age, but had no children.
  James married Martha Woods of Woodsville, NY, of whom was born three children: two died young, the other, James Henry, became a very prominent physician of Rochester, NY.
  Sarah Ann never married, but lived to be 80 years old.  Alexander married Lydia Smith of Danville, NY; they had five children: two sons Mathew and William, survived their parents in Danville, NY.  Hugh married Nancy Porter, of whom was born, Caroline, Mathew, and James.
  Nancy died, and Hugh married Margaret Whipple; their children’s names are: Catherine, Sheldon, Samuel, Margaret and George.
  Hugh died in Dansville at the age of 92 years.
  David McCartney, was born in 1808; married Ann McNair of Sparta, NY.  Their children were: Elizabeth who married A. L. Parker, of Dansville, and Mary, married James A. Gault of Sterling, Ill.  David’s second wife was Augustus Agga of Salem, MA, by whom was born, Francis and Ann.  Both are married and live in Sterling, Ill.  David went west in the early fifties, and settled in Fulton County, Illinois where he became States Attorney for the district, then embracing Whitfield, Ogle, and Lee Counties, and remained in this position for twenty years.  He died March 18th, 1887.
  Mathew McCartney married Francis McNair.  Their only child, Ellen married a Peltier.  Mathew died in Dansville, NY Jan. 17th, 1900.

Descendants of “Big Jimmie” McCurdy

  James McCurdy, the second son of John and Margaret (Farrier) was born May 10th, 1782, at Bush Mills, Cavan Parish, County Antrim, Ireland.
  He came to America with his mother and stepfather, Cornelius McCoy, who married Mrs. McCurdy in Ireland after John McCurdy died.
  The family was one of the first to settle at Dansville, NY, and the first house there was built by Mr. McCoy.
  James McCurdy was a very intelligent man.  He taught school while in his youth, and when but twenty years old, compiled an arithmetic (1802).  It was never printed, but many years after his grandson John T. McCurdy, of Dansville, NY, had the manuscript bound and deposited with the Livingston County Historical Association at Geneseo, NY.
  James married Sarah Gray May 3rd, 1808; eight children were born to this union: David who died in childhood; William G., Mary Ann, Margaret, John, Hugh F., James M., and Elizabeth.

The Sturgeon Family

  Mary Ann McCurdy, married Samuel Sturgeon to whom was born five children: James M., Sheldon, Elizabeth, Margaret and Samuel.
  James McCurdy Sturgeon married Emma Lewis of whom was born: Mary Ann, Locke W., Elizabeth, William L., and Sheldon.
Elizabeth Sturgeon married M. Angelo Sterns, to whom was born: Bessie W., Marie E. who married Charles K. Longnecker; Margaret E. who married John Buryn, and Sheldon.
  Margaret Sturgeon married William F. Lewis, to whom was born: William McC.; Margaret who married Julius Rohr; Maud married John B. Bogart; and George G.
  Samuel Sturgeon Jr. married Jane McEntee.

  Margaret, the second daughter of James and Sarah McCurdy, was born Feb. 2nd, 1817.  She married David McNair, to whom was born: Helen Ann, John M., Sarah A., James McC., Mary, and Hugh W.
  Helen A. married Monroe Driesbach, to whom was born Carl, who married Laura Jones; and Margaret, who married Richard Morris.
  John Milton married Mary Hampton.
  Hugh W., married Ida McCurdy, the daughter of David McCurdy of Dansville, NY.
  Sarah, James, and Mary died unmarried.

John McCurdy’s Family

John McCurdy, the third son of James and Sarah (Gray) was born Jan. 16th, 1820; and he married Elsie Case, by whom was born five children: John Truman, Sarah A., Samuel S., Elsie, and Mary E.; the latter three died young.
  Sarah A. married Thomas E. Gallagher.  Their children are: Elsie Louise who married William Earls of Cincinnati, Ohio; three children were born to them: Margaret, Elizabeth and Catherine.
  Grechen Gallagher married John Morris of Athens, GA; to this union were born: Margaret and Charles.
  The other children of Thomas E. Gallagher were Grace K. and Vincent.

  JOHN TRUMAN McCURDY, was born at Bank Hamsted, Litchfield Couty, Conn. March 30th, 1850, at the home of his mothers parents, Truman and Annie Case.
  He was educated at the district school, and the Dansville, NY seminary, which for many years was the college of the town.
  At 18 years of age, he was employed in the local Post Office, but later engaged in the lumber business.  He became associated with the Pacific Insurance Co. of San Francisco, in Chicago prior to the great fire; but in 1872 he went to Youngstown, Ohio to enter the coal mining business.  In 1874, he married Henrietta B. Reno.  Shortly afterwards, returned to Dansville as a grain and produce merchant.  But his aptitude and winning personality seemed to live in the field of insurance where his integrity and energy in handling insurance problems secured for him in 1877, the responsible position of Fire Insurance Adjuster and Manager of Insurance Companies; until in his failing health he returned to the home of his school days, where he owns a fine registered stock and poultry farm.
  Becoming interested in the genealogy of his family during his extensive travels, Mr. McCurdy visited his old homestead and scenes associated with the McCurdy ancestry in Ireland, gathering data, which has greatly aided in the preparation of this history.
  John T. as he is familiarly known, is a member of the Free Masons, Dansville Chapter; of the Union Hose Club; a life long Republican, and is affiliated with the Episcopal Church.
  His only son, James Reno, was born Feb. 6th, 1876; he married Dora Voorhees, of whom was born, John F. and James R.
 
  Hugh F. McCurdy, the fourth son of James and Sarah (Gray), born Aug. 3rd, 1822; married Elizabeth Fenstermatcher, of whom was born, Charles R., Harriet F., and Elizabeth.
  Harriet married Richard M. Spencer, and has one son, Hugh McCurdy Spencer.
 
  Elizabeth G. McCurdy, the third daughter of James and Sarah (Gray), was born in 1825 and married Alexander Edwards in 1849; they have two children, James McC., and Elizabeth.
  James M. Edwards married Maria Endress, of whom was born, Helen McC., Sarah E., and Katherine.  Helen married Edward T. Fairchild; they had two children, Anne E., and James E., the latter died in infancy.
  Elizabeth Edwards married Albert Sweet; to whom was born one son, George E.

  James M. McCurdy, the youngest son of James and Sarah (Gray), born Oct. 31st, 1827.  He married Maria L. Bradley; of whom was born seven children; Adelaide, died in childhood; Chester B. married Gertrude Dales and has one son, James.  Rose; Fannie; Mary; these three died in childhood; Elizabeth married James A. Young; to whom was born Fred Hamilton and Gail McCurdy Young.
  Fred H. married Mila E. Barnstetter, and have one son, James A.
James McCurdy, the youngest son of James M., was born in 1867 and died in infancy.
  James' second wife was Caroline Niles.

CHAPTER IV

Descendents of David McCurdy

  David McCurdy, the second son of Robert and Sarah (Moore) was born at Bush Mills, County Antrim, Ireland, in September, 1759; he was a weaver by occupation, and was noted for his ability in weaving the finest Irish linen
of his day.  For some years, while at work at the loom, he used for a stool, the joint of a whale's backbone.
  He married Nancy McCoy, a sister of Cornelius McCoy; of whom was born three children, one died in infancy; the others, James and Rebecca, lived to raise families.
  David came to America in 1786, and landed at New-Castle-on-Delaware in September, but proceeded to Georgetown, in Lancaster County, PA., and here their daughter, Rebecca, was born.
  David joined the Middle Octarara Presbyterian Church; being a skilled violinist, and a fine singer became the acknowledged leader in church music.
  His wife died in Georgetown and was buried there.
  David married for his second wife, Jeannet Graham.  They had eleven children as follows:  Alexander married Catherine Wirts; John married, but his wife's name is unknown; Sarah lived to be 75 years old, but never married; William married Hannah McDermott; Hannah married Stephen Sisney; Robert married Nancy Bryte; Samuel married Elizabeth Donaldson; Jane died at the age of 26, unmarried; David married, but raised no children; Mary married Hugh McKee; and Josiah died in infancy.

  James D. McCurdy, the first-born of David, was born in Ireland, Oct. 1st, 1783; came to America with his parents when but three years old.
  At the age of 12, he was adopted by Cornelius McCoy, through an agreement with David McCurdy, whereby his son, James, was to live with him until he became of age, when he was to become his heir (McCoy having no surviving heir).
  On becoming of age, James inserted the letter D in his name, in memory of his father, David.
  James married Jane McNair on July 5th, 1810, a daughter of William McNair, of what is now Groveland, N.Y., they had nine children as follows: William, Rebecca, David, Sarah, James, Nancy, Andrew, Margaret and Jane.
  In 1817, he moved to the town of Ossian, and purchased a tract of heavily timbered land, which he cleared and added other tracts, until he acquired over 1000 acres.
  His educational advantage was limited to brief attendance at the district school; but by adding a strict course of study at home, he became very well-educated; also studied Surveying, and became very successful in this branch.
  In the war of 1812, when General Smith issued the proclamation for troops to invade Canada, James joined Captain David Porter's company, and proceeded to Buffalo where they encamped with orders to cross at 4 o'clock next morning.  Just as the troops were on the move, a musket was fired on the American side, which gave the alarm; this was followed by a bugle, "To Arms on the Canadian side".  A halt was called, and a consultation of the under officers held, who decided to apply to General Smith for orders, but he could not be found.  The attempt was abandoned, and the troops returned home.
  Early in life, James adopted the principle of total abstinence from all intoxicating drinks.
  Though not a member of any denomination, he aided the preachers of those times and contributed fifty dollars toward building the first Presbyterian church in Dansville.  But the strongest element of his character was his independent religious convictions; a diligent reader of the bible, always eager to know its teaching, which finally led him to differ from the common view; believing man to be but a mortal dying creature, obtaining future life only by a resurrection from the dead by faith and obedience to the gospel of Christ; to inherit the earth, redeemed from the curse as their everlasting abode; which condition is to begin at the second coming of Christ, which event he believed to be near.  In the full confidence of this faith, he died February 16th, 1861, at the age of 78 years.

  The Manahan Family
  James E. Manahan, the son of James and Elizabeth, was born in 1770, and died in 1859.  He married Rebecca McCurdy, the sister of James D. McCurdy, and they had ten children.
1.  William Manahan was born in 1807; married Isabelle Gault; of whom was born William, who married Ann             McKeefer; and John.
    John Gault was born in 1837, and died in 1897.  He married Chattie Ward, of whom was born one child, Isabella, born in 1869 and married Frederick W. Honens.   They have two sons, John G. born in 1901 and Robert born in 1906.
2. Mary Manahan, born in 1809, and lived to be quite old but never married.
3. James Manahan, born in 1811, and married a Miss Waggoner, of whom was born Elizabeth, Sarah, James D. and Jacob.
4. Elizabeth Manahan, born in 1814, and married John Glass in 1841.  They had six children.
     Rebecca Glass was born in 1843, and married Nelson B. Merrill, who was the first white child born in Sterling, Illinois.  They had three children: Nellie and George are dead; William married but has no children.
    William Glass married and has one daughter Ruth, who married a Mr. Clark.
    Mary Glass married a –Roth.  Their only child Emma, married a –Sulloway and has a son Edgar.
    James, John Jr. and Martha Glass all died in early childhood.  Mrs. Glass is still living and resides at Sterling, Illinois.
5. Rebecca died in infancy.
6. David Manahan died in infancy.
7. Nancy A. Manahan, was born in 1820; married James P. Russell to whom was born Philip and Catherine A.  Catherine married John W. Showaker to whom was born Margaret R., James R., Anna K., and William M., Rebecca McC., Daniel H., and Henrietta D. Russell.
8 Joseph died in childhood.
9 Cyrus died in childhood.
10 Jane Manahan died in childhood.

William McCurdy, the eldest son of James D. McCurdy, was born August 11th, 1811.  He married Esther Lemen of Ossian, NY, of whom was born Henrietta, George L., James and William J.
  George L. and James both died in childhood.
  William J. was born December 4th, 1844.  He married Elda Pike.  She died and he married Nellie J. Porter of Rochester, NY, and have four children: Herbert, Gertrude G., Margaret and Mary Louisa.
  Esther died May the 8th, 1845, and Williams second wife was Mary Lemen of South Dansville, NY.  Their children were Samuel L., Clarence P., Frank H., Rosalie and Fred.  Mary died and his third wife was Martha Phelps of South Dansville, NY.
  Samuel L. was born December 20th, 1846.  He married Lizzie Ross of Hartland, Mich. of whom was born Ross, Lena and Hugh.  Lena married Robert A. Goodfellow.

Rebecca McCurdy, the second child of James D. was born in 1814.  She married Edward Rathbun of Ossian.  Four children were born to them.  Jane and Edward are married and have families.

David McCurdy, the second son of James D., was born November 16th, 1816 in what was then the large town of Sparta, which included the two Spartas of today: N. Dansville and Ossian.
  The big house in which he was born stood in the edge of the town of Ossian above the Aldrich mill.  It was built by his father, James D. McCurdy.
  David was given the meager schooling of that time; did his share in clearing the forest, planting, harvesting, hunting and sports.  He was reared in strict morality, and with a just sense of obedience, social and public duty.
  Mr. McCurdy lived in Ossian about 70 years, being successfully engaged in farming; and at one time owning about 350 acres of excellent land well stocked.  During this time, he served his town as Superintendent of Schools, until that office was abolished.  He was Assessor, and Justice of the Peace for twelve years.
  Over age to enlist in the Civil War, he was a veteran of the home guard, aiding in furnishing the sinews of war.
  Early in life he united with the Presbyterian Church in Ossian; and for many years held the office of ruling Elder, Trustee, Superintendent of Sunday School, and member of the choir.
  Active in all movements for the betterment of home life of the farmer, he was President of the Grange, and similar organizations.
  David married Lydia Lemen (a daughter of Thomas Lemen, and grand daughter of Lieut. William Slough Lemen, a Revolutionary War patriot) on March 30th, 1843; a lady of rare good judgment, prudent loyal wife, a faithful loving mother.  She died in 1876 at the age of fifty-six years.
  Feeling the weight of years and a laborious life, David disposed of his farm in 1884, removed to Dansville engaging for a time in the harnes business, and since residing with his daughter.
  Mr. McCurdy was a Whig in his younger days, casting his first vote for William H. Harrison in 1840.  When that party was annihilated, he went to the Democrat  party, where  he has  since  loyally remained.
    He is vigorous for one of his age, and, until the past few years, it would be a severe day or night that would keep him from his seat in the church on Sunday, or from the sessions of the Masonic Chapter.  Never having been seriously ill, he attributes his good health and long life to the inherited vitality and longevity of his parents, his abstemious use of food, out-door life, rest, and the absolute exclusion of tobacco and liquor from his diet.
   As a husband, father, friend and neighbor, he is deeply loved, and highly esteemed.
  A man of integrity, honor, keen intellect, a great reader, even in these latter years,  he has kept posted on the events of the day, and enjoys life as well as any in his vicinity.
  His children consisted of three sons, and eight daughters as follows; Jane who married Wells W. Avery;  Francis A., married Edward M. Petrie, and has one child, Grace I.; James D., who died unmarried; George I., died in infancy; Marietta I.,  married Nelson B. Willett; Ellen A., died unmarried; Nancy died in infancy;  Dr. Charles W., whose portrait is represented on the following page; Sarah A., married  William Stanton.; Ida A., married Hugh W. McNair; Cora Belle married  James R Michael, and is residing at Bloomfield, N. J.

   Dr. Charles William McCurdy, the eight child of David, was born in Ossian, N.Y.; raised on a farm, and had the usual country school advantages.
   In early manhood, showing a marked interest in Natural Science subjects, and agriculture, was fitted for a teacher at the Genesco State Normal School, and began his long and successful career of thirty years in the schoolroom, in his home district.
   Attaining his majority, he turned his face ‘‘Westward Ho;’’ being of robust health, and ambitious by dint of self-denial, energy and perseverance, he earned his own way through the Michigan Agricultural College, and received the degree of Master of Science. He continued his postgraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin, and from the University of Wooster, won the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.  Milton College conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Science.  Ultimately proposing to fit himself for a physician later completed courses at the Philadelphia School of Anatomy and Surgery, and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathy, graduating with the degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery.
  Professor McCurdy is a Chemist, Scientist, and a Physician of wide reputation, and excellent attainments, as evidenced from the responsible positions he has held.  For six years, was City Superintendant of Schools in Michigan, and Washington; head of Department of Science, High School, Wicona, Minn.; Acting President of the University of Idaho; Professor of Chemistry and Chemist in Chief of the Experiment Station of the University.
  He is also a professor of Physiological Chemistry toxicology, Theraputics, and Dietetics; and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathy.
   Dr. McCurdy is the author of numerous theses, official reports, bulletins, and lectures on chemical, pedagogical, therapeutic, and hygienic subjects, which has been widely quoted.
   In politics, he is an active Republican, serving as president of his division association, and Ward Committee man of the 27th, and 46th Wards of Philadelphia.
   In religion, a Presbyterian, holding for seven years the office of Elder, Superintendent of Sunday School, and Choir-master.
   He is a Fellow of the American Association for the advancement of Science; Fellow of the Research Society; President of the Philadelphia County, and member of the
American Osteopathic Association.
   He is a member of the Delta Tau Delta, and the Masonic Fraternities.
   He was married in Winona, Minn., August 16th, 1893, to Miss Eva H. Woodruff, a daughter of Dr. Frank Woodruff, of Detroit, Michigan; one of a remarkable family of five brothers, noted as statesmen, linquists and scientists.  Her mother was Julia Mahan, a niece of former President Mahan of Oberlin College.
   Two daughters are members of this household, Grechen Eleanore, born August 17th, 1894, and Marion Caroline, born Oct 16th, 1896.
   Dr. McCurdy is a specialist, and a prosperous physician, with offices in the Witherspoon Building, and resides at No 5051 Walton Ave., Philadelphia.

   Sarah McCurdy, the second daughter of James D. lived to be quite old but never married.
 
   James McCurdy, the third son of James D., was born in 1821; married Mary
E. Porter; she died, and he married Lucinda Kinne, of whom was born: Charles
K., Minnie M., James G., Lula Mae, Marion B., and Margaret J.  James G. died young.
   Charles K. married Rosa A. Gottschall.  Minnie married Roy Glenn Perrine; they have one child, Gladys E., born Dec, 26th, 1907.
 
   Andrew McCurdy, the fourth son of James D., was born Jan. 31st, 1826.  He married Jeanette Scott of Ossian, NY, who was born Dec. 27th,1827 and died Dec. 4th, 1897.  Unto them was born three sons and two daughters.
   In 1903 he became interested in the genealogy of his family history, and after collecting data covering all branches of his grandfather's descendants, sent the written history to a publisher in Ohio, but it became lost, and further attempt of its reproduction was abandoned.
   Mr. McCurdy has contributed a large amount of data contained in this volume.
   He is still very active in the duties about the farm for one of his age.  His children were: Lawrence S. who married Susie Murphy, of whom was born six children.
   Fred E., became a Civil Engineer, is single, and resides at home.
   Margaret J. married William H. Acomb, to whom was born: Robert, Jeanette, Clarence, and Helen.
   James E. married Rose Schlick, and has one child Thelma.
   Alice M., married Dr. J. W. Cowan, and has three children, Margaret, Ruth, and Paul.

Chapter V.

Descendants of David's (son of Robert McCurdy and Sarah Moore) second marriage.
 
   David McCurdy's second wife was Jeanette Graham of Georgetown, PA, of whom was born eleven children; David, Alexander, John, William, Sarah A., Robert, Samuel, Jane, Mary, Josiah and Hannah.
   David Jr. went to Ohio, where he married Priscilla Richie, but had no children.
   Alexander McCurdy born in 1794, married Catherine Wirts, of whom was born: Catherine E., Ann E., David, Harriet, John, and George W.
   Catherine E. married Estes Wallingford and their children were: Emma F., who married John N. Rogers and to whom was born: Estelle, Hanford, Nellie, Louisa,
and Ida M., who married Constantine Riegger; their children are Wallingford,
Harold, and Eleanor. All reside in N.Y. City.

The Hunt Family

     Ann Eliza McCurdy was born in N.Y. City, Dec., 5th, 1825.  She married Aaron L. Hunt, to whom was born: Charles T., Walter, Alice R., Eleanor R., Aaron L., Euphemia A., and Harriet.
     Charles T. married Olivia Lawson, of whom was born: Franklin M., who married Ella Flinn.
     Walter is unmarried, and lives in Jacksonville, Fla.
     Eleanor married Hubert Schonaker.  Their children, Anabel and Effie, both died in infancy.
     Aaron L. Jr., married Lillian Gove of whom was born: Eleanor R., Francis C. and Wilber.
     Harriet married Henry Allen, and has one child, Effie. She married Wilber Brown has one daughter.

The Williams Family

   Harriet McCurdy was born in 1827.  She married Jacob S. Williams (in 1847), to whom was born: Mary L. (unmarried.); Emma, who married Clarence P. Wade, has one child Margery;  Charles E. married Ella Hauser, but has no children;  Frank F., married Alice H. Wells, and has three children; Howard; Harriet and Helen.
 
   John McCurdy, the third son of Alexander, married Anne Beaton, of whom was born: Cossete, who died in infancy; and William B. living in N.Y. City.
 
   George W. McCurdy, married Juliett Williams, of whom was born: Minnie, Halcyone, Daisy, and Williams.  Minnie and Daisy died in infancy.
 
   John McCurdy, the third son of David, was born in 1796, married and raised four children: Joseph, George, Martha and James.
   Joseph married Christina Munshower, of whom was born, Joseph H., who married Alice Willman.
   Alice J. married James Flood.
   Edward married Mabel Genet, of whom was born Pearl and Joseph.
   Emma married — Raedel; and James is married and lives at Salida, Colorado.
   Of George and James, the sons of Joseph McCurdy, nothing is known to the writer.
   Martha married Archibald McGregor, to whom was born: John, Emma, and Mary.

Descendents of William McCurdy.

   The fourth son of David, who was born in 1799, and married Hannah McDermott. Unto them was was born: David, Milton, Bigelow, Dorcas, Jane and Rebecca.
   David McCurdy married Ellen Soper; no children.
   Milton McCurdy, married Mary Baker; their children are William, James, and Harry; all are residents of Cleveland, Ohio.
   Bigelow McCurdy married Martha Horner.  Their children were: Annie, Jennie, Hannah, Cora, Mattie, Charles, Laura, James, and Pearl.
   Dorcas McCurdy married David Burrows, to whom was born: William R., Hannah and Jennie V.
   Jane McCurdy married Daniel Brooks, as his second wife.  They had no children. Her sister Rebecca, was his first wife, of whom was born: John, William O., Hannah E., Jennie M. and Rebecca.
 
Descendents of Robert McCurdy
   Robert McCurdy, the fifth son of David, was born in Washington County, Pa., Feb. 9th, 1802.  He married Nancy Bryte, and moved to Hardin County, Ohio in 1834 where he died in 1855.  His children were: Hannah, David B., Mary A., Elizabeth, John B., and Robert.  All died unmarried but Hannah and Robert.  Robert married Ellen M. Cherry and she died without issue.  Then he marred Annie E. Calhoun, of whom one child was born:  Ruth E., who died in childhood.  Robert moved to Minneapolis, Minn. in 1884.
   Hannah J. Married George W. Rumbaugh, to whom were born: Oberlin A., Rev. Elias N., George W., Irene B., and Amanda.
 
   Samuel McCurdy, the sixth son of David’s (through his 2nd marriage), married Elizabeth Donaldson, of whom was born: William, Joseph, John, Andrew R., Rebecca, Alexander, Mary (E.), George W., Phoebe, and Jonathan.  Of the descendents of these, nothing is known to the writer.

   Mary McCurdy, the third daughter of David McCurdy, was born in 1809.  She married Hugh McKee, to whom was born: Sarah, who died unmarried; James, who married Mary A. Fast, of whom was born one son, Albert J.; Mary E., married Joseph Midling; she died and he married her sister Samantha, of whom was born Alice, and Earnest.
   Margaret McKee married Melvin Palmer.  One child, Alice I., was born to them.  He died, and she married Curtis Whitcomb, and has one son, Roy C.
 
   Hannah McCurdy, the youngest daughter of David, was born in 1812.  She married Stephen Sisney, to whom was born: Sarah, David, Nancy, Theophilus, and Jennie B.
   David married Julia A. Valentine, and has five children.  Theophilus married Emily A. Crist, and unto them was born one son, Isaiah W.

Descendents Of Daniel McCurdy.

   Daniel McCurdy, the third son of James and Jerusha (Murray), was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1716.  He was a weaver by occupation.  He married Rachel McGill, of whom was born two sons: Archibald and James.  The latter’s descendents are unknown.
   Archibald was born about 1742.  Who he married is unknown; he had one son (Neil), and two daughters; one married a Gillan, and lived in Philadelphia.
 Neil McCurdy, Archibald’s son, was born in 1785.  He married Teresa Williams, of Richmond, VA by whom he had five children: Mary E., Archie, John, Thomas and Peter.  Their descendents are unknown, except those of Mary E., who married Edwin A. Smith, and has six children.  Thomas, her brother, resides at Norfolk, VA.

Descendents Of Andrew McCurdy

Daniel McCurdy, the fourth son of James and Jerusha (Murray), born in 1717.  He died near Ballycastle, Ireland, in 1794.  He married Mary A. McGill, a sister to Rachel, who married Daniel McCurdy.  Unto this union five children were born: John, Alexander, Bridget, Royden, and Daniel.  What became of John, Bridget and Royden is unknown.
   Alexander McCurdy married Jeannet Guthrie.  He came to America about 1765, and settled in Nova Scotia.  His children were: William, James, Daniel, Margaret, Alexander, Robert and Jeannet.  Of the descendents of these, but little is known.  Among them are many families of Archibalds, Kents, Cummingers, McLanes, Conkeys, Frasers, Dicksons, Blanchards, and others.
   Daniel McCurdy, the youngest son of Andrew, was born in Ireland in 1753, and came to America in 1767, in a ship as a stowaway.  On landing at Philadelphia, he was sold at auction to any one who would pay his passage.  He was bid in by Daniel Brubaker, of Lancaster County, PA, the amount is not stated.  Mr. Brubaker being a weaver by trade, put Daniel at the loom as an apprentice.  He remained with Mr. Brubaker until his marriage with Catherine Keller.  His children were as follows: Mary, Daniel, Elizabeth, John, Catherine, George, Nancy, Jacob, and Jonas.  Data in regard to the descendents of these children has not been received, and will be published later.
   Connected with this branch, are many families of Browns, Shickleys, Myers, Fosters, Warfels etc.

CHAPTER VI

DESCENDENTS OF JOHN McCURDY

   John McCurdy, the youngest son of James and Jerusha (Murray,) was born in Cavan Parish, County Antrim, Ireland, in 1710.  He came to America with his wife Burnice (Burns) McCurdy, in 1739.  She died in 1743; she had no children.
   Mr. McCurdy located in what was then Ontario County, NY but the exact location is unknown.
   In 1748 he married Elizabeth McBride, of whom was born: Daniel, Elizabeth, John, and Abel.
   His second wife died in 1768.
   At the beginning of the Revolutionary war, he enlisted with his two sons, (leaving his son Abel in care of Elizabeth, who had married a Mr. Lemasters) in the cause of Freedom.
   He was with Washington on that memorable Christmas night, when his army crossed the Delaware river through the ice, and surprised the Hessians at Trenton.
After the war, he settled in New Jersey with his son Daniel, with whom he remained, until his death in 1812, at the age of 93 years.
 
DANIEL McCURDY’S DESCENDENTS

   Daniel McCurdy, the eldest son of John, was born in Ontario County, NY in 1750.  As before stated, he was a revolutionary soldier; but, after the war, settled in NJ where he remained until after his father’s death, when he went to Maine and located.   To whom he married has not been ascertained.
   Among his children were John and Daniel.  John married a Miss Hinman, but no data has been received in regard to his descendents.

Descendants of John McCurdy

   John McCurdy, the second son of John and Elizabeth, was born in Ontario County, NY, Oct. 7th, 1760.  He was a soldier in the NY line of the Revolutionary War, and fought at the battles of Camden, and at the Cowpens under Greene, at Guilford Court house, Hobkirk Hill, Eutaw Spring, SC, and was with Greene at Charleston when Cornwallis surrendered his army of 7000 men.  He was one of the youngest soldiers in the army.
  In 1800 he married Mary Ann McGill, of whom was born eight children:  Lucretia, Benjamin, Hannah, Joseph, Moses, Rachel, Aaron and Jane.
  John McCurdy first located in New Jersey, but in 1804 removed to Monongelia Co., VA, (now WV) where he died February 22, 1856.

The Eddy Family
 
Lucretia McCurdy was born in NJ in 1802.  She married Isaac Eddy, to whom was born eight children: Mahala, married  James Seals; Rachel, married John Culverhouse; Mary, married Stephen Gadd; and Lucretia, married John Fisher.  Their sons were Alpheus, John M., Joseph H, Moses, Nathaniel, and Leander.
  Alpheus married Elizabeth Jeffres, of whom was born seven children:  Cyrena, Jeffres, Isaac, Asberry, Elizabeth, John T. and William.
  Nathaniel H. Eddy was born in Monroe County, August 23rd, 1838.  He married Margaret Nixon.  Their children were: Laura J. (deceased); Martha L. married Rev. J. B. Gilmore; John M.; Sophia married Edward Treadwell; Francis N.; Clara V. married Charles Martin; Olivia O., married William Eutster; Issac W.; and Lula A.

   Benjamin McCurdy, the eldest son of John, was born in 1805; his first wife was Christena Eddy, of whom was born: Azel, Hannah, Sarah, Isaac, and Elsie.
Hannah married John Musgrave; Sarah married Jonathan Eddy, and
Elsie married Joseph Bean.
   Azel McCurdy was born in 1835, and married Mary J. Fetty; their children were George F., Laurana, Elmer H.V, Ida J., Cora E., Benjamin, Baz, Azel Jr., Olive R., Doct, and Martha M.
   Isaac McCurdy was born December 17, 1846; he married Elizabeth Straight of
Monroe County, Ohio.  She died March 3, 1908.  Their children are George B., Adda V., Mattie E. and Oakey.
   Benjamin McCurdy's second wife was Sarah Pyles of whom was born
Franklin P., Wise, Nancy, and James B.
   Hannah McCurdy married Stephen Wilson, of whom 13 children
were born.
   Rachel McCurdy married Joseph Moore; their children were Ira: Mary, Adaline,
Nehemiah, John and Luezy.
   Jane McCurdy married Eli Wilson of Calhoun County, Virginia (now WV).  Their children were: Eber; Armina, who married a Fluhearty; Ache; Arminta, who married William Dosson; Van C; Artemisha, who married Oliver Smith; and Alison B.

   Aaron McCurdy, the youngest son of John and Mary A. (McGill) was born in Monongahela County, Virginia (now WV) May 3rd, 1820.
   In 1842, he married Rebecca Kinkade, a daughter of David Kinkade of Monroe Co., Ohio.  To this union was born twelve children.  Six died in childhood as follows: Christena, Charles W., John V., Ulysus G. and George Washington.
   Those who grew to maturity were the following:
   Mary Jane was born in VA Dec. 13th, 1854.  She married Logan Price, son of Sanderson Price of Washington County, Ohio.  She died June 5th, 1875.  Their children were William S., Lillie N. and Rebecca J.
  Anjenora was born July 4th, 1850.  She married first Alexander Miller, who died in 1888.  She next married Samuel Conner.  Her children by first marriage were Corydon, Minnie A., and one child that died in infancy.
   Sarah Ann was born May 20th, 1853.  She married Warren Starlin to whom was born seven children: Lulu Luida, Hattie Roena, Harry D., Mary Ardetta, Samuel, Warney and Myrtle.  All are dead but Mary, Samuel and Myrtle.
   William V. was born May 10th, 1855.  He married Melvina Dodd, a daughter of William and Ursula Dodd.  Their children were Ida M., Charles E., Francis J., John G., Anna Belle, Margaret M., William Geo., Bessie and Tena C.
   Vinton A. McCurdy was born August 10th, 1858.  He is married and has a small family.

   Elmer Dellwood Ellsworth McCurdy (son of Aaron McCurdy and Rebecca Kinkade) was born near Marietta, Ohio April 10, 1863.  As he grew into boyhood he became sadly afflicted with epileptic fits which deprived him from attending school regular; therefore, he received a very limited education.
  His mother dying in 1879, he left home a year later and went to Atlantic City, NJ and there became man-of-all-work with Lee’s Ethoscope Combination.  He travelled with him through the south.  In 1882, he became Stage Manager of the Gem Theatre in Baltimore, and in 1883 of Winters Summer Garden.  In 1884 he became Assistant Advance Agent for Teddy O’Neil’s Circus; and quit the show business in the spring of 1885.  He entered it again in 1887 at Beaver Falls, PA touring with John McCready’s Stock Company through the east and Canada.
   He married first Rebecca J. Bradin of Jackson County, WV, to which one son was born: Harry Ellsworth.  His second wife was Louisa Hamilton of Allegheny County, Maryland.  He located first in Fayette County, PA where two sons, twins, were born: George Amelian and Lurelian Akevia.  In 1894 he removed to Rutherford Co., NC.  In 1897 he removed to Fayette County, WV, and in 1901 to Allegheny County, MD and located near Western Port where he still resides.  They have one child named Maggie Ola.
   Aaron Douglass, the youngest living son (of Aaron McCurdy and Rebecca Kinkade), was born August 31, 1865.  He married Clara Medley of Morgan Co., OH.  Eight children were born to them: Goldie M., Pearl L., Lawrence D., Walter and Freda S.  Three others died in infancy.

THE CRADLE OF THE McCURDY RACE
(Don’t know why this section follows the rest of the book.  Perhaps it is just an afterthought)

   BUTE, an island of Scotland, in the firth of Clyde, and forming with Arran, a county to which it gives name, is about twelve miles long and five miles in breadth.  It is separated from the county of Argyle by a narrow channel, and the same from the isle of Arran.  The northern part is mountainous, but yields good pasture.  The rest of the island bears corn.  The air is healthy and the people live to great ages.  Rothesay is the chief town.
  At a very early period Bute was leased to the Scottish clans of Makurerdys by the King of Scotland, but later became their sole property.
   Gilkrist Makurerdy about 1535 became Chief, or Lord of the Isle.  It is claimed he had four sons: Gilkrist 2nd, Findlay, Johnand Donald.
   Donald Makurerdy  had two sons: Donald and Alexander.  The latter had a son Robert who received the title of “Baron of Garatchy”, his estates covered about one-tenth of the island.
   Donald 3rd changed his name to McKirdy.  He was born about 1590.  His occupation was cheesemaking, and it is claimed he owned at one time 800 goats.  Who he married is unknown.  His children were Iven, Fingal, Gilkrist, Alexander, David and Daniel.
   Daniel McKirdy was born about 1620.  In 1666, the McKirdys, being Presbyterians, were persecuted so greatly that the race became nearly extinct.  Alexander (or does he mean Daniel?) escaped with his family into Cantyre with other refugees and remained in the mountain hamlets of Knapdale until his death.  One son, Donald 4th, survived.