Etta Blanche McCurdy

     Etta was born on Saturday, 20 August 1881 at Liberty Township, Crawford County, Ohio.¹ She was the daughter of Joseph Donald McCurdy and Dorothea A. Vought. Etta married Levi Shrider on 29 March 1902 at Allen County, Ohio.² The Shrider family moved back to Illinois sometime between 1920 and 1922. 3 May 1910, Etta and her husband Levi were listed on the U.S. Federal Census at Parker Township, Clark County, Illinois. Enumerated in this household were Levi Shrider [27 Ohio], Blanche [29 Ohio], Dorothy [7 Ohio], Leona [1 Illinois]. They had been married 8 years with three children, two living.³ 19 January 1920, Etta and her husband Levi were listed on the U.S. Federal Census at Casey, Clark County, Illinois. Enumerated in this household were Levi Shrider [37 Ohio-driller oilfield], Blanche [38 Ohio], Dorothy [16 Ohio], Leona [10 Illinois]. They lived on Jefferson Street.⁴ Etta died on Saturday, 11 November 1922 at Casey, Clark County, Illinois, at age 41 years, 2 months and 22 days of erysepelas. She got sick on Sunday ... she was a devoted church-goer and had gone to church although she was not feeling well. Dorothy and Leona went home with their Uncle Charley and his family after church. When they got home Etta was very sick. Her jaws were swollen like she had the mumps and she had blisters in her mouth. The Doctor had been called to come and had told them nothing could be done and that when the infection went into her ears she would die. She was sick for two weeks. Leona was sent to stay with the George and Mae Hock family, who were very good friends of Levi and Etta's. They took her over to see her mother once before she died.

Obituary: Etta Blanche McCurdy Shrider passed away peacefully at her home Saturday afternoon, November 11. She was sick just two weeks and her sudden death has been a great shock to her family and friends.
Miss McCurdy was born August 20, 1880, in Crawford county, Ohio, and at her death was 42 years, two months and 21 days.
Miss McCurdy and Mr. Levi Shider were united in marriage March 29, 1902. To this union three children were born: Dora May, James Sylvester and Leona May. James Sylvester died Nov. 25, 1907. Her mother and one brother survive her. The brother was present at the funeral service. There are also many relatives and friends to mourn their loss in a friend and neighbor.
Her religious activities are worthy of note here. Sister Shrider was an honored member of the Christian Church at the time of her death. Like Mary of Bethany fame early in life she chose that good part which was said by the Saviour shall not be taken away from her. Sister Shrider was teacher of the Loyal Workers class, also President of the class. She was present at Bible School two weeks ago and taught the class although sick at the time. Last Thursday the class was entertained by Mrs. W. S. Barkhurst, when prayers were offered for her recovery. On Friday the Pastor called. She wanted to say something but could not be heard. When told that the class prayed for her a smile came over her face. From that time on she grew worse, then on Saturday she quietly loosed her mooring on this earthly life and hand in hand with her Master walked peacefully the valley of the shadow, into the light of life eternal.
So deep is our sorrow that tears fall back upon our hearts. So great is our joy and our hearts must thrill at the glory of that adventure we call death.
Funeral services were held at the Christian Church Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. M. S. Metzler, assisted by Rev. Mathis. Interment in Casey Cemetery.⁵



Etta was laid to rest in the Washington Street Cemetery, Casey, Clark County, Illinois. Dorothy and Leona lived with the Hock family for a year or more after their mother died, as Levi was working in the oil fields in Ohio. Dorothy was 19 and Leona was 13. After Levi came back from Ohio they lived with him.