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and Mercy Van Zandt (age 61) are living with Phoebe Moore (age 80). They are
household #86. Living close by are Richard and Mary Ann Crammer (household
#84) and Nathaniel D. and Sarah Van Zandt (household #85). Phoebe Moore’s
maiden name is said to have been Phoebe Westcott, but I have found no
evidence of this, so we must consider Mercy Davis Moore’s ancestry unknown.
Rev. Nicholas Vansant is said to have been the son of Capt. John VanSant
(Revolutionary War Soldier, Navigator, Shipbuilder) and Rebecca Simpkins, who
were buried in 1820 and 1831, respectively, in the Old Church Yard of Smith’s
Meeting House at Port Republic, Atlantic, New Jersey, but I have found no
documentation of this. Capt. John Vansant’s gun now resides with the
Atlantic County Historical Society.
The gravestones of Nicholas and Mercy Vansant have lengthy inscriptions which
are transcribed below in their entirety.
"He was a member of the M.E. Church 73 years and a local preacher
almost 60 years, was ordained April 17th 1831, lived with the wife
of his youth 70 years. Honest in his dealings, uncompromising
with sin, firm and fearless in the advocacy of Temperance, earnest
and inspiring as a Christian skilled in the word of God, he was
instructive as a preacher, and always preaching by his holy life.
Exemplifying the Christian graces and virues, his long life was
remarkable in Goodness and Usefulness Honoring his parents, his
days were long in the land and his numerous posterity rise up to
call him Blessed."
"Converted in youth, she continued a faith member of the M.E.
Church during her long life. Loving the Church, she was punctual
in attendance on the means of grace even in old age. Possessing a
rich experience. In prayer she devoutly and eloquently talk’d with
God; and in the class her experience was given with a positiveness
and joyous glow which frequently emanated in shouting the praises
of God. Exemplary in her home she lived to see her children
converted and four of her sons ministers of the Gospel, and most
of her children's children brought to Christ. Her death was
peaceful and triumphant."
http://www.findagrave.com
A death announcement dated 18 March 1879 says that “Rev. Nicholas Vansant,
of the M.E. Church, died at his residence, Lower Bay, Burlington county, on
Saturday last, aged 93 years. He was the father of Revs. Samuel and James
Vansant of the New Jersey Conference, and Revs. Nicholas and Isaac Vansant,
of the Newark Conference.” (Forty First Vol., No. 30)
15
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