Thomas Curdy was born at Clarence, Erie county, New York, March 25, 1816. He was early taught those habits of industry and self-reliance which have been so beneficial to him in his subsequent life, and to which he owes, in a large measure, his present success. He worked by the month for nine years, and saved enough to purchase of the government eighty acres of land, which he did on arriving in Michigan, in 1836. In 1843 he settled in Highland township, on part of the farm of two hundred and two acres he now owns, located on sections 28, 29, and 33. In 1869 he removed to Milford township; and to his present farm, in the same township, in 1873. This farm contains one hundred and seventy-four and a half acres of land, which Mr. Curdy has improved, and keeps highly cultivated. On this is his home, a substantial residence, with good out-buildings, and everything calculated to enhance the personal comfort of himself and of his estimable wife.

In 1844 Mr. Curdy married Miss Sarah J, Lockwood, a native of Parma, Monroe county. New York, where she was born September 2, 1829. They have had a family of six children, of whom five survive, namely: Amelia Ann, born March 6, 1845 ; married Henry C. Andrus, January 15, 1867. Scott Eugene, born December 26, 1846 ; married Sarah J. Miller, December 10, 1868. James Franklin, born May 15, 1848 ; died May 20, 1849. Thomas J., born December 11, 1851. Sarah Efiie, born February 16, 1853 ; married Thomas Thornhill, of Milford, November 24, 1870. Frank L., born June 25, 1854 ; married Capitola B. Nicholson, October 24, 1876.

During the trouble between the government and Canada over the McKenzie afiair, Mr. Curdy served as a militia-man for one month ; thus evincing a patriotism which he sustained at the more recent trouble occasioned by the Rebellion. Though disqualified by age to serve as a soldier, his heart was always with his country, and his purse ever ready to aid the cause. He started in politics a Whig, casting his first vote for Harrison, in 1840; remained with that party all through its existence, and on the formation of the Republican party was one of the first to espouse its principles. He never aspired to any political preferment, always choosing to vote intelligently, and to support such candidates as were worthy his suffrage and that of the party he represented. He was once elected justice of the peace for Highland township, but failed to qualify, not desiring the office. He was induced to serve one term as township treasurer, the only office he could ever be persuaded to fill.

In religion he is liberal, never having joined any religious denomination. His life has been an upright and honorable one, equally as fruitful of good as though he had made a profession of religion. He is generally regarded as a representative citizen ; a good, practical farmer, and a man of sterling integrity. In his private life he is a kind and affectionate husband, and a fond and loving parent, which are the grandest constituents of individual character, and the highest attributes of human worth.