Biographical Sketch of John M. McCURDY; Philadelphia Co., PA

Contributed to the PAGenWeb Archives by Diana Smith 
[christillavalley@comcast.net] 

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Philadelphia, A History of the City and its People: A Record of 225 Years
Philadelphia: S.H. Clark, 1912; Vol. 3, page 378.
Author, Ellis Paxson Oberholtzer
 


JOHN M. McCURDY

     John M. McCurdy, one of the most prominent and successful representatives 
of the conveyance business in Philadelphia, his native city, was born August 
2, 1851. He is a son of John K. and Caroline A. McCurdy, and the grandson of 
John McCurdy, who was born in Ireland and came to Philadelphia in 1774. Here 
he engaged in the shoe manufacturing business and not only became a leading 
factor in commercial circles but also a recognized political leader. He served 
as city tax assessor for many years and was ever most loyal to the duties that 
devolved upon him and the trust that was imposed in him in a public capacity. 
He retired in 1885, his death occurring in 1870. John K. McCurdy was born in 
Philadelphia in March, 1815, and was educated in private schools and later 
assisted his father in making collections. In 1840 he organized the McCurdy & 
Bruist Brick Manufacturing Company and was engaged in the manufacture of brick 
until 1855, when he sold out and retired from active life, his income being 
derived through his remaining years from excellent investment, and real-estate 
holdings. He died at a venerable age on the 13th of October, 1895.
     John M. McCurdy was a pupil in the Spring Garden Friends school to the age 
of fourteen years, when he made his initial step in business life by becoming 
an employe of C. M. S. Leslie, conveyancer, with whom he remained until 1870. 
He was then registered at the bar and opened offices of his own at No. 717 
Sansom street, where he continued until 1875. He then removed to the Union 
Benevolent building, where he continued until 1880, when he established his 
office at No. 629 Walnut street, sharing a suite with Judge Dimner Beeber, now 
president of the Commonwealth Trust Company, until 1885. In that year Mr. 
McCurdy removed to No. 721 Walnut street. In 1886 he succeeded Frederick Vogel 
as director of the Commonwealth Title & Trust Company, which position he 
continuously filled until 1908, when he resigned.  In 1895 he removed his 
conveyance office to the Franklin building, where he has since been located and 
in his business he has been very successful.  He was chairman of the building 
committee of the Commonwealth Title & Trust Company building.  He manifests keen 
sagacity in relation to all financial problems, possesses excellent executive 
force and administrative ability and his business career has at all times been 
characterized by an unfaltering progress which has brought him substantial 
success.
     On the 15th of October, 1873, Mr. McCurdy was married in Philadelphia to 
Miss Ella G. Winner, who died on the 15th of August, 1884, and on the 19th of 
December, 1908, in this city, Mr. McCurdy wedded Mrs. H. M. Underwood.  By his 
first marriage Mr. McCurdy had two sons:  F. Allen, associated with his father; 
and J. Kirk, who is now practicing law.  At the time of the Spanish-American war 
both sons enlisted for active service and went to Cuba with the Roosevelt Rough 
Riders.  The letters which they wrote to their father gave a most interesting 
account of their experience and of the movements of the army at that time.
     The two sons made an excellent record in their military service, of which 
the father has every reason to be proud.  Mr. McCurdy is a stalwart republican 
in his political views and a Presbyterian in his religious faith.  Since 
September, 1886, he has been a member of the Union League, and he also holds 
membership in the Philadelphia Country Club and the New York Yacht Club.  
Appreciative of and always quickly recognizing the good qualities in others, Mr. 
McCurdy has won the highest regard by his own sterling traits of character, his 
splendid business ability and his devotion to all that is highest and best in 
business life and in citizenship.


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