The Story of Elmer McCurdy

Elmer McCurdy was the son of an unmarried 17-year-old named Sadie McCurdy. His father was actually his mother's cousin, but in order to save her from embarrassment and shame, they adopted him as their own. A highly disturbed Elmer became incredibly resentful, and was said to become unruly and rebellious. By his teenage years, he had become a heavy drinker, a habit he continued until his dying day. He briefly gained employment as a lead miner and plumber, but was unable to hold down a job due to his rampant alcoholism.