Ellen, In the 1880 history book page 477 - Pearl Township - Christian Church The first meeting for the organization of this Church took place at the house of Nicholas Hobbs, on the south east quarter of sec 29, about the year 1837. Nicholas Hobbs and wife, Abraham Chenoweth and wife, Gideon Bentley and wife, Samuel Van Pelt, Wm. Van Pelt and Nicholas Hobbs were the officiating Elders on this occasion. Religious meetings were held at different private houses throughout the neighborhood until 1839, when the congregation erected a house of worship. This building was a frame 18 by 24 feet in size, and was located on the southeast quarter of sec. 28, while was in the village of Perry. The congregation was supplied with traveling preachers for a number of years, among whom were elders Wm. Strong and John Kear-. The first elders elected at the organization were Nicholas Hobbs, Wm. Van Pelt and Wm. Chenoweth. The first Deacons were Abraham Chenoweth and Gideon Bentley. The principal preaching was done by the Elders for the first few years, when the congregation engaged Elder David Hobbs to officiate as Pastor. (There is more about the church - but no more mention of the Van Pelts - if you would like the rest of the article let me know - but remind my feeble mind what page it was on and where I left off) Dorothy Ellenb7580@aol.com wrote: > I am looking for the death of Mary Robb Van Pelt, she died after 1941 and was > at that time in her late 80's early 90's, I am told by a descendant, her > husband was William Van Pelt. Any information you find on Van Pelt would be > more than we know, the only child we know is Charles Van Pelt, he was born 17 > Feb 1876 in Perry we believe. He came to Fall River SD before 1901, he > married in that year an Aunt of my children's great grandfather, Estella > Coleman. Family story says that Charles had many brother's and sisters, maybe > 5 of one and 6 of the other. They lived there in Perry a long time we think. > I am a Genweb volunteer here if anyone needs anything in Western South > Dakota, have them contact me. Ellen