Biographical Sketch of Aaron McCurdy

This sketch is quoted from Historical Genealogy of the McCurdy Family compiled by Elmer Delwood Ellsworth McCurdy, published by W. D. McCurdy. (Elmer published a small 70 page booklet of the history of the McCurdy family about 1909. William McCurdy gathered additional data, made changes, and published this book about 1917.)

Aaron McCurdy, the youngest son of John and Mary (McGill), was born in Monongahela County, WVA on May 3, 1820. He attended the district school in its session and received a very fair education. In 1840, he went to Monroe County, Ohio, where he worked on a farm for his brother-in-law, Isaac Eddy, and remained there until he married. In 1842, he married Rebecca Kinkade, the daughter of David Kinkade of Monroe County. To this union, twelve children were born.

In 1850, Mr. McCurdy moved his family to Wirt County, WVA and there located. In 1852, he bought fifty acres of land near the present town of Burning Springs, and having cleared a few acres, moved thereon.

The first year of the Civil War, 1861, there was in that section of the

state lawless bands of un-uniformed soldiers with pronounced sympathy for the Confederacy; they were called Bushrangers. In the latter part of 1861, a band of these Bushrangers attacked Mr. McCurdy's home. He being absent at the time, his wife and children were turned outdoors and the Bushrangers looted the place. They left a warning for Mr. McCurdy to leave the country upon pain of death.

Shortly after, another band attacked the house; again he was absent, but they did not molest his family. Searching the house, they quietly left, leaving the same warning. Some days later, taking his family in a canoe down the Little Kanawha River, he took them to safety in Parkersburg, where he left them and returned to his home only to find it in ashes.

Being now without any resources whatsoever except a cow and a spinning wheel, the latter not being in the house when burned, he took his family to Washington County, Ohio where he located. After the war, he sold his land in Wirt County to John Rainbone for $100 and a few years after, this tract became very valuable, as oil was discovered there and Burning Springs sprang into existence. Soon after the oil was discovered; a large tank was placed on the ground and into this oil was turned. The oil in this tank ignited and exploded. The oil leaped to the river, carrying sheets of flames for many miles down the river. From that time,

the village took the name of Burning Spring.

In 1862, Mr. McCurdy enlisted in the Union Army at Marietta, Ohio, but three months later was discharged with 14 other men as being unable for active service. In 1865, he removed to Marietta, Ohio, where he followed gardening until within a few years of his death, Dec. 25, 1889.

His life was one of peace and quietness; he was a very industrious man, a trustworthy neighbor, a kind husband and father. He was very attentive to his family and his home affairs, was temperate in his habits, never indulging in strong drinks, strictly attended to his own business and was respected by all who knew him. He was unpretentious; what he promised he performed. His financial means were small but it was enough to care for his family.

LOST IN THE WILDERNESS--An incident in the life of Aaron McCurdy.

When Mr. McCurdy lived in Wirt County, deer were quite numerous in that and adjoining counties, and one day while hunting, he struck a trail, followed it for several miles through the wilderness, when there appeared indications of a heavy snow storm. Just then he saw a large buck which sighted him and took flight but he pursued him. Before he realized the fact, the snow was falling fast, so he abandoned the search, and tried to retrace his steps but the blinding snow filled his tracks and he became lost in the wilderness and sought shelter under an overhanging rock, and there he remained until late that afternoon.

There being no lull in the storm, he again tried to find his way out of the wilderness. He finally entered a ravine, which he followed a short distance and came to a large rock under which appeared a cavern-like entrance. Realizing he could not proceed much further that day, he entered and found it led but a few feet. The ground being dry and covered with leaves, he gathered some brush and such dry wood as he could find, started a fire near the opening, and after consigning himself to God, sought rest in sleep.

Next morning, when he awoke, the storm had ceased, but the sky was cloudy and he was at a loss to know which course to pursue, but went down the ravine and finally came to a small creek which he followed, thinking it might lead to some settlement. He traveled along this creek until toward evening, then left it and ascended a high elevation of land expecting to discover some settlement. Reaching the top he could see for miles over the wilderness, but no signs of any habitation could he discover.

Descending the opposite side of the hill, he came to another creek and traveled toward its source. Once, while crossing the creek, his foot slipped and he fell into the water. At the same instant, the stopper fell from his powder horn, which soon filled with water, destroying its contents. Recovering his gun, which also filled with water, which dampened the powder therein and made it useless. He crossed to the opposite bank and continued up the creek. As night approached, he heard gunshots, but he couldn't locate from whence the sounds came. Changing his course, he was surprised to find he had returned to the rock he had left that morning.

There again he spent the night, but not as comfortable, his powder being wet, tired with the days travel and hungry he laid again on his bed of leaves and soon fell asleep. He did not awake until the sun was well up in the heavens; when he attempted to rise, he discovered his feet were frozen and perfectly numb. Working with them for some time, pounding, rubbing and twisting them to restore circulation, he was at last able to stand. Again leaving his dreary cave, as he termed it, he started once more to find his way home. Traveling due west he came to a small stream into which he entered. The water soothed his feet but he could not proceed far at a time. The day was clear and late in the afternoon, he ascended a high knoll to locate himself.

Standing against a tree, he saw horsemen riding in his direction; calling with all his might he was heard and the man rode up to him and fired his gun. Soon other gunshots were heard and the truth soon flashed upon Mr. McCurdy that these were the signals of his discovery. When the man, whose name was Lemen, dismounted, Mr. McCurdy took a step toward him and fell. His feet had frozen again. The man raised him, and place him in the saddle on the horse. He then stated that about forty men were in search of him. He said that the day before no trail or clue of his whereabouts could be discovered although they had searched from daylight until dark. He also said when the search began that morning no guns were to be fired upon any occasion unless he was found, then when the first shot was fired, those within hearing were to fire and let those at a distance know he had been found. When he was found, he was about ten miles from home.

A few hours later, he arrived at his home and found his wife nearly frantic with grief. For three weeks, his feet were in horrible condition and were wrapped continuously in cotton but he could not stand on his feet for two months.

That country now has been cleared and once great wilderness has disappeared and its stead are found farms and villages; but the rock under which Mr. McCurdy past the two nights is known to this day as McCurdy's Rock.

In politics, he was a Whig, casting his 1st vote for Henry Clay in 1844. After that party was abolished, he became a Republican and remained with that party until his death.

In religion, he was a Methodist, having joined that denomination when but 18 years of age. A few years later he became a local preacher and preached for many years. Before his death, he prayed that the end would come to him while asleep, and upon retiring each night would bid his family goodbye expecting to awake in heaven. On Christmas morning, he was found dead in bed. His wish was gratified; death had come peacefully.

His wife (Rebecca Kinkade) died April 20, 1879 at the age of 54 years, a faithful and industrious wife, a loving mother, sincere Christian; faithful in the saving power of Christ, she departed to join six children who had preceded her across the dark river to that golden shore whence none returns.

Provided by Betty Latta Kitchen -- e-mail: Betty Kitchen

Click here for the Short-Cut Table of Contents