Susan Vassar

     Susan was born on Tuesday, 25 December 1827 at Estill County, Kentucky. Susan married Thomas C. McCurdy, son of James McCurdy I and Elizabeth Taylor, in 1844 at Ohio. Thomas, at about 4 years, moved from Path Valley, Pennsylvania to be raised on a farm in Liberty Township, Crawford County, Ohio. He and Susan got married in Ohio and about 1850, removed their family to settle in Fulton County, Illinois. Prior to 1860, the family moved to Henderson County, Illinois. In 1883, the family moved to Williamsburg, Franklin County, Kansas. Thomas & Susan had twelve children. They had one adopted daughter Ella who was born in 1876. Thomas lived without his hearing for many years. 12 November 1850, Susan and her husband Thomas were listed on the U.S. Federal Census at Buckhart Township, Fulton County, Illinois. Enumerated in this household were Thomas McCurdy [32 Pennsylvania], Susan [22 Missouri], John W. [5 Ohio], James Z. [3 Ohio], Peter F. [1 Ohio].¹ 5 June 1860, Susan and her husband Thomas were listed on the U.S. Federal Census at Henderson County, Illinois. Enumerated in this household were Thos. C. McCurdy [42 Pennsylvania], Susan [32 Kentucky], John W. [15 Ohio], James T. [13 Ohio], Phillip F. [11 Ohio], Mary [9 Illinois], George [3 Illinois], Henry Boughman [23 Illinois - farm hand].² 7 June 1870, Susan and her husband Thomas were listed on the U.S. Federal Census at Henderson County, Illinois. Enumerated in this household were Thomas C. McCurdy [52 Pennsylvania], Susan [32 Kentucky], John [24 Ohio], James [23 Ohio], Franklin [21 Ohio], George [13 Illinois], Margaret [3 Illinois], Newborn [male] [1 month Illinois].³ 1 June 1880, Susan and her husband Thomas were listed on the U.S. Federal Census at Keithburg, Mercer County, Illinois. Enumerated in this household were Thos. McCurdy [62 Pennsylvania], Susan [52 Kentucky], George [23 Illinois], Maggie [13 Illinois], Robert [10 Illinois].⁴ 1 March 1885, Susan and her husband, [ROF:Household Head] were listed on the State Census at Williamsburg Township, Franklin County, Kansas. Enumerated in this household were Thos. C. McCurdy [67 Pennsylvania], Susan [57 Kentucky], Magie [18 Illinois], Ela [9 Illinois], Rob [15 Illinois]. Susan departed this life on Monday, 2 November 1891 at Pueblo, Pueblo County, Colorado, at age 63 years, 10 months and 8 days.

Death Notice: Mrs. McCurdy, wife of our fellow townsman, T. C. McCurdy, died Monday afternoon November 2nd, at the residence of her daughter [Margaret]., in Pueblo, Colorado. Her remains were brought to this place and were buried in the cemetery east of town Thursday. The bereaved have the sympathy of their many friends and acquaintances. - Williamsburg Enterprise, 7 November 1891]

OBITUARY: Mrs. Susan McCurdy, wife of Thomas McCurdy, was born in Estey County, Kentucky September 25, 1827.
Died at the home of her daughter in Pueblo, Colorado, November 2, 1891. She leaves a husband and five children, three sons & two daughters, and one adopted daughter.
She joined the M.E. Church in early life. She trusted all to the Savior and was glad to die. - Williamsburg Enterprise, 7 November 1891]

She was buried on 5 November 1891 at the Mount Hope Cemetery, Williamsburg, Franklin County, Kansas, in the northwest section, row 3.⁵