[taken from Chapter 1 Manx Worthies, A.W.Moore, 1901]

MATTHIAS CURGHEY (b. 1699, d. 1771),

was one of the Curgheys of Ballakillingan, and son of John Curghey, Vicar of Braddan and vicar general. He was Vicar of Lezayre from 1729 to 1761, and Rector of Ballaugh from 1761 till his death. He was also vicar general. He assisted in translating the Liturgy into Manx, and in revising the Pentateuch. He also transcribed the Epistles, and, in connexion with the Rev. James Wilks, the Gospels and Acts. Archdeacon Mylrea, writing to the Rev. Philip Moore about him, at the time of his death remarks: " Mr Curghey is indeed a public loss to Mona, and a particular loss to you in your arduous undertaking (the translation of the Bible into Manx). . .. He was certainly a man of great candour, and a good Christian."* In his reply, Philip Moore speaks of him as his " learned friend and fellow labourer."* His tombstone in Ballaugh Churchyard declares him to have been " an humble, meek, pacific man, sound divine, learned and exemplary."

* Letter in the writer's possession.