There is uncertainty as to David Lurvey's early life. He is supposed to be the son of Jacob Lurvey and Sarah Benet, the same David Lurvey who married Abigail Davis in 1774. Lapham, in his "History of Oxford Maine" reports that Captain David Lurvey married Lydia Holland in New Gloucester, Cumberland County Maine sometime before 1769, and died at sea shortly after their two children were born. He further reports that David's wife Lydia died even earlier. In 1770 the children of David Lurvey were baptised at the Fourth Parish (Lanesville) in Gloucester, Essex County Massachusetts.

David Lurvey served as Private in Capt. Daniel Warner's company from 1 March to 31 May 1775.

David is not listed in the 1790, 1800 or 1810 US Census for Massachusetts, though David's second wife Abigail Lurvey does appear in each. The 1810 census indicates she is a widow. It is likely that David spent most of his time at sea, and likely was