McCurdy, William S. 1816-1902

MCCURDY, FREER

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 3/6/2009 at 11:16:27

LeMars Sentinel
January 2, 1903

DEATH OF A PIONEER.

William S. McCurdy died at his home in Springfield, S.D., on Monday, aged 86
years. His remains were brought to LeMars, his former home, on Tuesday. The
funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon at the home of Math Krudwig in
this city. The services were conducted by Rev. W.H. Ensign, pastor of the
Presbyterian church and the remains were laid to rest in the city cemetery
alongside those of his wife who died in February 1885. Those from out of
town present at the funeral were his sons, Sam McCurdy, of Springfield,
S.D., Frank McCurdy of Akron, his daughters Maggie and Belle Black of
Kingsley, his niece, Mrs. W.A. Krudwig, of Sioux City. Other relatives from
abroad were Mrs. Nicholas and Miss Jennie Krudwig, of Sioux City; George
Krudwig and Wm. Klatt of Montrose, S.D. The deceased was an uncle of Mrs.
Mathew Krudwig, of this city.

William was one of the earliest settlers in Plymouth County, homesteading in
America township, about two miles south of town, where he resided until
about eight years ago when he went to Springfield to spend his declining
years with his son. He was well known to all the old settlers.

William Swan McCurdy was born in Hempfield, Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, December 23, 1816, and was of Scotch descent. When twelve
years of age he moved with his parents to north Butler, and farmed until he
was twenty-five years of age. He then worked for the Brady's Band iron works
for twelve years. In 1854 he moved to Council Bluffs, where he engaged in
brick making.

In 1857 he moved to Sioux City where he continued the business until 1863,
when he with his eldest son enlisted in State service and were stationed in
various points. In the spring of 1866 he took up his homestead in Plymouth
township. He was married in 1841 to Fanny Freer and six children were born to
them, three of whom are living. Mr. McCurdy was a republican in politics and
a staunch Presbyterian.