STEUBEN REPUBLICAN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1901

MERCY (McLAIN) VanPELT, 18 Oct - 22 May 1901

   Mercy McLain was born in Cayuga county, N. Y., Oct. 18, 1829, and 
died at her home in Salem township, Steuben county, Ind., May 22, 
1901, aged 71 years, 7 months and 4 days.


   Her parents removed from New York to Michigan in 1836.  From 
there they came to Salem township in 1844, and were among the 
earliest settlers of Steuben county.  In May, 1857, she was married 
to Wm. VanPelt, and they took up their residence on the farm where 
all the remainder of life was spent.  Six children were born to 
them, one son and five daughters.  The eldest one-Helen, died at six 
years of age.  The others were all permitted go be at the services 
held in honor of a faithful mother.  Twenty-three grandchildren, one 
great grandchild, one brother and one sister also survive here.  For 
fifty-seven years she was a member of the church, attending the 
Block church for many years; but in 1868, she placed her membership 
with the then new M. E. church at Salem Center.  Twenty years ago 
her husband died, and all these years she has been true to the 
church, family and friends.  These all feel an irreparable loss.  
The funeral services were held in the M. E. church, and a large 
company of relatives and friends were present.  By special request, 
Rev. A. G. Neal, of Angola, preached from I Samuel, 20-18, "Thou 
shalt be missed, because they seat shall be empty."

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

   Mercy (McLain) VanPelt, 18 Oct 1829 - 22 May 1901, married 
William VanPelt, no dates available.  Place of burials, unknown.
She was the daughter of John, 25 Dec 1792 - 02 Sep 1855, and Eunice 
(Nelson) McLain, 16 Feb 1803 - 11 Aug 1876.  John and Eunice are 
buried at Trinity Cemetery, Steuben County, Indiana.

   Daughter of Mercy and William:  Mercy Ellen [Ella M. on marriage 
license issued in Steuben County, Indiana] (VanPelt) Kunce, 1870 - 
1928, on 24 Oct 1889, married George A. Kunce, 1866 - 1957.  They 
are buried at Wright Cemetery, Steuben County, Indiana.  
   SIBLINGS OF MERCY:
   Caroline M. McLain, died 29 Oct 1863, age 36 years.
   Leonard N. McLain, 11 Apr 1834 - 22 Oct 1901, married Mary M. 
(Fast) McLain, 16 Oct 1845 - 30 Jan 1921.
   Charles McLain, died 18 Mar 1864, aged 27 years, 3 months, 14 
days.
   Ambrose McLain, died 23 Jul 1863, aged 22 years, 7 months and 2 
days. He enlisted in Co R, 100th Reg. Ind. II Inf.
All the siblings are buried at Trinity Cemetery.

"Cemeteries of Steuben County, Indiana, 1990" by Audree Siebel 
Lewis, Vol. II, pages 1079, 1228, 1229.
"History of Steuben County, IN - 1885", page 752, biography of 
brother, Leonard N. McLain. 
Old Settlers' Meeting, article in the Steuben Republican, 21 Aug 
1901.

Submitted by:  Mona Hilden-Beckwith
e-mail:  hilbeck123@att.net