Wesley G. McCurdy
Wesley G. McCurdy was born on the old home place in Oxford Township, Delaware County, Ohio, July 7, 1869, and is a son of John and Amanda (Kohler) Mc- Curdy.
John McCurdy was born in York County. Pennsylvania, and lived there until 1849 or 1850, when he came west with his wife and three children. He located on swamp land about three miles south of Ashley, and erected a cabin on the highest part of his farm. It was in this cabin Wesley G. McCurdy was born. In the early days, before tiling was made use of, a pan was utilized to scoop up water for washing purposes, and many makeshifts were necessary to make house-keeping possible in the wilderness. Mr. McCurdy set about placing his farm in tillable condition, made clearings and built a barn. These primitive buildings lasted some years, and were then replaced by modern structures. He lived on the home place the remainder of his life, dying at the age of about 84 years. He was united in marriage with Amanda Kohler, sister of Charles Kohler of Ashley. This union resulted in the following issue: Maria (White), who lives in Kingston Township; Daniel, who lives southeast of Kilbourne; Charles, who is engaged in the horse business in Marion, Ohio; John J., who lives near Westfield. Morrow County; Joseph A., who lives in Ashley; Elizabeth, who died at the age of 29 years; William, James, and Edward, who live on the old home farm; and Wesley G. Mr. McCurdy was a Republican in politics and served some years as township trustee, also in other local offices. Mrs. McCurdy still resides at the old family home at the advanced age 86 years.
Wesley G. McCurdy was reared on the home farm in Oxford Township, and attended the public schools of that vicinity. Upon coming to Ashley he clerked in a grocery for J. C. Eckals for one year, then formed a partnership with J. T. Olds and conducted a hardware store with much success for a period of 12 years. Dissolving partnership in January, 1904, Mr, McCurdy for three years dealt in high class horses extensively, buying and shipping to points where they could be sold to advantage. An excellent judge and experienced handler of horses, he followed this business until the market value of roadsters became such as to preclude further profitable operations along that line.
On April 1. 1896, Mr. McCurdy was joined in marriage with Miss Grace Sumner Westbrook, who was born in Ashley and is a daughter of Dr. E. A. Westbrook. Four children bless their union, namely: Lois Amanda, bom July 27, 1897; Lawton W., born September 9, 1898; Lloyd E, born April 23, 1901; and Rose Cunnard, born March 2, 1905. Mr. McCurdy is a Republican in politics and has served on the School Board and in the village council. A member of the Masonic Lodge, he has served two years as treasurer. Religiously, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. McCurdy is a popular man, following up-to-date business methods, and the success attending his efforts is well merited.
From 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens, Edited and compiled by James R. Lytle, Delaware, Ohio, Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908