Biographical Sketches
JAMES W. MCCURDY
Is numbered among Jackson county's officers, serving at this writing as the efficient county collector. His entire life has been passed in this county, his birth having occurred in Independence, Missouri, on the 6th of September, 1855. The family is of Irish lineage and was founded in America by the grandfather of our subject, who, crossing the Atlantic to the new world, became a farmer of Virginia and there reared a large family, his death occurring at an advanced age.
The father of our subject, John G. McCurdy, is numbered among the honored pioneers of Jackson county. He was born in Virginia and in his native state married Elizabeth Beal, whose father was born in Scotland, whence he came to the new world, spending his remaining days upon a farm in Virginia, where his daughter was born. Mr. and Mrs. McCurdy continued their residence in that state until 1848, when, hoping to benefit their financial condition and more quickly secure a home in the west, they removed to Independence, Missouri. The father, whose birth occurred in March, 1818, in Rockbridge county, is still living. He is a mechanic, and for many years followed the blacksmith's trade, each day finding him in his shop busy at his work, that he might supply his family with the necessities and comforts of life. His career has been a busy and useful one, and he has long been a faithful and consistent member of the Methodist church, serving as one of its officers during nearly his entire connection therewith. His wife died in 1877, at the age of 55 years, and like her husband was also a devout Christian. They were parents of four sons and one daughter, namely: John S., James W., Joseph A., Henry L., and Elizabeth B., widow of Wilson Powell.
Mr. McCurdy, whose name introduces this sketch; was reared and educated in Jackson county. He attended the public schools of Independence for some time, and then pursued a commercial course which well fitted him for the practice and responsible duties of business life. At the age of 16 he began clerking in a grocery store in Independence, and was thus employed for 3 years as a trusted and efficient salesman. On the expiration of that period he made his way to California, and remained 6 years on the Pacific slope, where he was engaged in clerking for the Central Pacific Railroad in Sacramento. He then returned to his native state, where he arrived in 1881, and since that time has been mostly connected with public office. In September, 1882, he was made chief deputy county collector, a position which he acceptably and continuously filled for 13 years, or until the spring of 1895. That proved an excellent preparatory school for his present official duties. In the fall of 1894 he was elected to the superior office, and on the 1st of March following entered upon his duties as county collector.
On the 25th of September, 1888, Mr. McCurdy was united in marriage with Alma L. Hays, daughter of William and Kate (Spinnate) Hays, and they now have 2 interesting children, a son and daughter - Elizabeth W. and James W. The mother is a member of the Presbyterian church, and they are highly esteemed people, having many warm friends in the community, while their home, located at No. 1408 Wabash Avenue, is the abode of hospitality.
Mr. McCurdy is in his social relations connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and in politics is a stalwart democrat who keeps himself well-informed on the issues of the day, and takes a deep interest in everything pertaining to the advancement of his party. He has resided in Kansas City since 1882, and is a popular, genial gentleman, while as an officer his public career is above reproach, and he well merits the high regard in which he is held.
This page was last updated August 2, 2006.