John Charles McCurdy

     John was born on Thursday, 24 April 1845 at Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois. He was the son of James McCurdy II and Roxana Smith. John married Evaline Cowan on 19 December 1867 at Bald Bluff, Henderson County, Illinois. John grew up on his father's farm in Illinois & attended school in Bald Bluff. As a young man, he served in the Civil War in Company E, 10th Regiment, Illinois Infantry. He was in Sherman's March to the Sea. After the war, he journeyed to Kansas. He first locating at Tecumseh & then on a farm near Lyndon. Since 1881, he resided at Williamsbury where he engaged in the business of real estate, loans & insurance. He was a member of the Methodist Eposcopal Church & was a charter member of Lodge No. 78, Ancient Order of United Workmen. 8 June 1900, John and his wife, Evaline, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census at Williamsburg, Franklin County, Kansas. Enumerated in this household were John McCurdy [55 - 24 Apr 1845 Ohio], Evaline [49 - 5 Aug 1850 Illinois], Flora [31 - 28 May 1869 Kansas]. John & Evaline had been married 33 years with one child.¹ 1910, John and his wife, Evaline, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census at Williamsburg, Franklin County, Kansas. Enumerated in this household were John McCurdy [64 Illinois], Evaline [60 Illinois], Flora [40 Kansas].² 1915, John was listed on the Kansas State Census. Enumerated in this household were John McCurdy [69 Illinois - real estate agent], Evaline [65 Illinois]. 4 February 1920, John and his wife, Evaline, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census at Williamsburg Township, Franklin County, Kansas. Enumerated in this household were John McCurdy [74 Illinois], his wife: E.C. McCurdy [70 Illinois], their son-in-law: Issac H Horne [62 Indiana] & their daughter Flora Horne [50 Kansas]. John & Evaline owned their farm free and clear. John was working as a real estate agent, Evaline was working as a printer for herself, and Issac was a salesman for a retail store.³ 1925, John and Evaline were listed on the Town Census at Williamsburg Township, Franklin County, Kansas. Enumerated in this household were John McCurdy [79 Illinois] & his wife: Evaline [75 Illinois].⁴ John died on Saturday, 8 August 1925 at Williamsburg, Franklin County, Kansas, at age 80 years, 3 months and 15 days at his home. [Obituary - Williamsburg Enterprise, 14 August 1925] He was buried on 10 August 1925 at the Mount Hope Cemetery, Williamsburg, Franklin County, Kansas, in the west center section.⁵