David McCurdy

Other Events and Attributes:

• Military Service: 25 Aug 1862; American Civil War (North) 136th New York Volunteers Infantry

Notes:

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 wasbolished. 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 diedn 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 ibutes 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., rried 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.

David married Lydia Lemen on 30 Mar 1843 in Livingston County, New York. Lydia (daughter of Thomas Lemen and Jane H. Boyles) was born on 17 Jun 1819 in New York; died on 12 Apr 1876 in Livingston County, New York; was buried in Greenmount Cemetery, North Dansville, Livingston County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: E. Marsh Petrie. E. was born on 19 Aug 1845 in Livingston County, New York; died on 30 Sep 1936 in Mount Morris, Livingston County, New York; was buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Nunda, Livingston County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]