My Genealogy Hound

MRS. M. E. VAN PELT, Normal; widow of Rev. John F. Van Pelt. He was a native of Carrol Co., Ky., where he was born Jan. 27, 1821; the son of Samuel and Anzolitta (Goddard) Van Pelt; he was raised and schooled in Carroll Co., and began early in life to prepare for the work of the ministry, beginning to preach at the early age of 20 years, in the M. E. Church. He was a member of the Kentucky Conference, some twenty-five years. He married Miss Mary E. Wight, of Shelby Co., Ky., Sept. 26, 1850. They came to Normal, in 1864, and settled where Mrs. Van Pelt now resides. He organized the first M. E. Church of Normal, and labored faithfully in the work of the ministry until his death, which occurred May 8, 1867. He died beloved by friends and relatives, and esteemed by all who knew him, leaving a family of six children— Samuel, James W. (deceased), William M. (deceased), Mary L., John R., Sarah E.