Zilpha Matthews

     Zilpha was born on Tuesday, 23 August 1814 at Ohio. She was the daughter of Reverand William Matthews, an old pioneer of the Presbyterian Church and Mary. Zilpha married William M. McCurdy I, son of James McCurdy I and Elizabeth Taylor, on 23 September 1835 at Liberty Township, Crawford County, Ohio.¹ As of 23 September 1835,her married name was McCurdy.¹ In 1822, with his parents, William moved to Mansfield & in the early spring of 1823, he moved to Liberty Township. In early life, he joined the Presbyterian Church. William & Zilpha joined the United Brethren in Christ Church about 1851 where they remained a member until their death. It has been stated by other church members, if "Mother McCurdy" was not in church, the family needed to visited for someone was sick. One of Zilpha's favorite sayings was "I am resting on the rock." William had several afflictions for many years which prevented him from getting out.
William and Zilpha resided on a tract of land purchased from the government when William came with his parents to Crawford County. This farm was located on McCurdy Road by the river crossing in Liberty Township. They had twelve children. Several died at birth or very young but no record of their birth, death or burial can be found. It has also been noted that William & his two sons: William W. & Thomas J. were ministers. 25 September 1840, William and her husband Zilpha were listed on the US Federal Census at Liberty Township, Crawford County, Ohio. Enumerated in this household were William McCordy [300011:10101]. [page 15] 3 September 1850, Zilpha and her husband William were listed on the U.S. Federal Census at Liberty Township, Crawford County, Ohio. Enumerated in this household were William McCurdy [46 Pennsylvania], Zilpha [35 Ohio], Elisha [14 Ohio], James N. [12 Ohio], William W. [10 Ohio], Mary Jane [7 Ohio], Sarah R. [1 Ohio].² 28 June 1860, Zilpha and her husband William were listed on the U.S. Federal Census at Liberty Township, Crawford County, Ohio. Enumerated in this household were William McCurdy [56 Pennsylvania], Zilpha [45 Ohio], William W. [20 Ohio], Sarah R. [12 Ohio], Thomas [8 Ohio], Joseph D. [6 Ohio], Matilda Reed [domestic] [21].³ 1 July 1870, Zilpha and her husband William were listed on the U.S. Federal Census at Liberty Township, Crawford County, Ohio. Enumerated in this household were William McCurty [67 Pennsylvania - retired farmer], Zilpha [55 Ohio], Joseph D. [15 Ohio].⁴ Zilpha departed this life on Thursday, 4 October 1877 at Liberty Township, Crawford County, Ohio, at age 63 years, 1 month and 11 days. Zilpha was laid to rest in the Crall Cemetery [Liberty Chapel], Liberty Township, Crawford County, Ohio, in grave number 284.^5,6