Obituary of Mrs. James J. Van Epps
(Mary Melissa Bulman)
Mary, Bulman, wife of the late James J. Van Epps, a descendant of the old Van Epps family which settled in Glenville, died Tuesday afternoon at the home of her son, Orville Van Epps, 121 North College St., in her 74th year. Up to 10 days ago she had been as well as usual but at that time she was stricken with heart disease.
Mrs. Van Epps was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bulman of Glenville and it was her father who for many years conducted the Van Epps Hotel five miles from Schenectady on the Ballston Road, purchasing it from Mr. Diedrich. Mrs. Van Epps after the death of her father thrity eight years ago conducted the Hotel until 8 years ago when she removed to this city. She was the postmistress for the little settlement about the Hotel for over 30 years.
She was born in the old stock house near Glenville, which although having been altered, still appears much as it did when erected. Her parents were among the first members of the old Scotia Reformed Church which preceded the present structure.
On Aug 31, 1859, she married James J. Van Epps who died 21 years ago. She is survived by two sons, Orville of this city and Walter of Glenville, one daughter, Miss Catalina Van Epps of Ballston and two sisters, Mrs. Caroline Van Epps, who is 84 years of age and resides in Scotia, and Mrs. Alvina (Levina?) Van Epps of Rensselaer.
The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of her son, 121 North College Street. Rev. J. Havergal Sheppard officiating. Interment will be made in the cemetary of the Scotia Reformed Church.
Interesting tidbits about this obituary:
- Mary's son Alfred is not mentioned because he died 6 months before her in a train accident.
- Mary's daughter Lina (Catalina) was married to a Kelly or Kelley of Ballston, yet she is called Miss and her maiden name (Van Epps) was used.
- The two sisters mentioned both married Van Epps men. Caroline Bulman married William Van Epps (James' Cousin) and Levina (Alvina) Bulman married John Van Epps (James' Brother). Hence, Levina's and Mary's children were double cousins.
- Mary's sons, Walter and Alfred Van Epps also married sisters making their children double cousins.