I have for several years trying to find the parents/birthplace of Mercy Wells. According to her gravestone in Spafford, Onondaga Co., NY, she died on April 29, 1861. Calculating back from her age at death, she was born July 16, 1763. She married Jeremiah Olmsted (b. Jan 6, 1762-d. Dec. 18, 1846), of West Stockbridge, MA. (He was a descendant of Capt. Jabez Olmsted, of Ware, Hampshire County.) I have not found a record of the marriage. They removed first, before 1790, to Hope, Hamilton Co, NY (then Town of Wells, Montgomery Co.), where they were among the first settlers. They later removed to Spafford before 1840, where they both died. I have not found a Mercy in the Wells family for whom the Town of Wells was named. They evidently came from Long Island, NY. I have found a Mercy Wells, born in Deerfield, MA, June 1, 1768, daughter of Ebenezer and Mercy Wells. She is noted in her father's will and in three or four probate records after her father's death. But there is too big a discrepancy in birthdates for this to be the same Mercy. I have not found a record of the marriage or death of this Mercy. Is the name Mercy a variation of Mary? Should I be also looking for Mary Wells? The youngest daughter of Jeremiah and Mercy was also named Mercy. Carl Hommel hommel@sundial.net