Edward Barr McCurdy, one of the enterprising and wealthy farmers of Miami county, is the only child of Robert and Emmarency (Hill) McCurdy. The father was born in Coleraine, Londonderry, Ireland, and during his boyhood came to this country with his parents, Samuel and Elizabeth (Barr) McCurdy. The father had three brothers who preceded him to America and all settled in Miami county. Robert left three children, who are living in this county, namely: A.H., S. J. and R. J. Edward has the following children: William, who was killed at Chattanooga; John, who was also in the army; James and two daughters. James McCurdy, the third brother, had three sons and three daughters. The sons are: John A., who is now representing Miami county in the state legislature: A. H. and Ninian, all three having been soldiers of the Union army during the civil war.

Robert McCurdy, the father of our subject, was reared in Miami county and when a young man he began clearing the land owned by his father and then settled upon the farm where he now resides, his home being pleasantly located on the Covington pike four miles from Troy, where he owns a splendid farm, comprising two hundred and nineteen acres of valuable land, upon which is a substantial residence and commodious outbuildings, all in a state of good repair. There are also several houses and barns for tenants. Mr. McCurdy has likewise made judicious investments in other property and is one of the wealthiest farmers in Concord township. He married Miss Emmarency Hill, a daughter of John A. and Olivia (Stillwell) Hill, who came to Miami county at an early day from Catskill, New York. He was a most highly respected citizen, a prominent supporter of the Democratic party, and his death occurred after he had passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey. Mr. and Mrs. McCurdy take an active interest in the church and social life of the neighborhood and their own home is noted for the generous hospitality which is dispensed to friends and visitors.

Edward Barr McCurdy, whose name introduces this review, was born on the old homestead, February 11, 1876, and pursued his preliminary education in the district schools, after which he continued his studies in Troy. He is a young man of intelligence and enterprise who takes an active part in the work of the farm, his ambition and industry making his business career a prosperous one.

He has served three years as national vice-president of the Enquirer Club. He is a recognized leader in political affairs and, though only twenty-four years of age, he is a member of the Democratic central committee of the county. He labors untiringly and effectively in support of his party and at the last election succeeded in transforming the usual Republican majority of twenty- five in his precinct to a Democratic majority of three. He is a close and earnest student of the questions of the day and his support of the party arises from earnest conviction that its principles are best calculated to promote the welfare of the state and nation. In his social relations he is an Odd Fellow. The family attend the Presbyterian church, although Mrs. McCurdy is a member of the Methodist church. The frank, genial and jovial manner of Mr. McCurdy has made him popular in his native town and he certainly deserves representation in this volume.