Rev. Dr. John McCurdy was born on March 17, 1808, in Onslow, Colchester County, Nova Scotia.

He was a clergyman. In 1831, he arrived in Miramichi, New Brunswick, and settled in Chatham, Northumberland County, where he served as Pastor of the Congregation of St. John's Church till his death. He was connected with the Temperance Society formed in Miramichi.

In 1835, he married Catherine Thompson (1815–1899). He died on January 1, 1868, in Chatham, New Brunswick.