Zilpha Matthews

     Zilpha was born on Tuesday, 23 August 1814 in 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 in Liberty Township.² In his early life, he joined the Presbyterian Church, but around the year 1851, William & Zilpha joined the United Brethren in Christ Church 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 be visited for someone was sick. One of Zilpha's favorite sayings was "I am resting on the rock." William had several afflictions for may 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. The children of William and Zilpha were: Francis Elisha [5/30/1837-4/24/1909][m. 12/27/1866 Marietta Ramsey], James Newton [9/031838-1/10/1918][m. 11/17/1868 Malisa Lower], William Washington [2/19/1840-4/05/1914][m. 3/12/1866 Ann Elizabeth Gowing] , Mary Jane [1843-10/__/1877], Sarah R. V. [1848-][m. 1/15/1885 James E. Fuller], Thomas J. [1852-4/04/1881][m. 4/02/1871 Mary Parcher], Joseph Donald [1854-][m. 6/29/1878 Dorothea A. Vought]. 3 September 1850, Zilpha and her husband, William, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Liberty Township. Enumerated in this household were William McCurdy [46 Pennsylvania], his wife" Zilpha [35 Ohio], children: Elisha [14 Ohio], James N. [12 Ohio], William W. [10 Ohio], Mary Jane [7 Ohio], & Sarah R. [1 Ohio].³ 28 June 1860, Zilpha and her husband William were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Liberty Township. Enumerated in this household were William McCurdy [56 Pennsylvania], his wife: Zilpha [45 Ohio], children: William W. [20 Ohio], Sarah R. [12 Ohio], Thomas [8 Ohio], Joseph D. [6 Ohio], & domestic: Matilda Reed [21].⁴ 1 July 1870, Zilpha and her husband, William, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Liberty Township. Enumerated in this household were William McCurty [67 Pennsylvania - retired farmer], & his wife: Zilpha [55 Ohio], Joseph D. [15 Ohio].⁵ Zilpha departed this life on Thursday, 4 October 1877 in Liberty Township at age 63 years, 1 month and 11 days. She was buried there in Crall Cemetery (Liberty Chapel) in grave no. 284.⁶