Abraham C. Van Pelt, a prosperous merchant and planter, was born in
Cabarrus County, N. C., August 22, 1834, son of Abraham and Jane Reed
Van Pelt.  The father was also a native of North Carolina, born in the
year 1786, and descended from Dutch ancestors who settled in New York
at an early date of the country's history.  Abraham and Jane Van Pelt
were married about the year 1808, in North Carolina, and became the
parents of ten children, but four of whom are living, namely: Emmeline
Van Pelt, widow of Allen Shive; Teresa Van Pelt, widow of Edward Litaker; 
Samuel F. Van Pelt, and Abraham C.  The father and mother of this family 
never moved to Alabama, but died in their native state, the former in 1856, 
and the latter in 1862.

At the age of twenty-one,  Abraham C. Van Pelt went to Columbus, Ga.,
and followed the mercantile business at that place for one year, at
the end of which time he moved to Chambers County, Ala., where he was
similarly engaged for a period of five years.  Subsequently, he embarked
in merchandising in the county of Butler at Oakey Streak, and carried
on a prosperous trade at that point until 1862, at which time he
enlisted in Clanton's cavalry company but shortly thereafter procured
a substitute and joined the artillery service at Fort Morgan.  His
first engagement was the battle of Mobile, which commenced August 4,
1862, and continued until the surrender, twenty days later, during
which time, Mr. Van Pelt was under almost continuous fire.  After his
capture, he was sent to New Orleans, thence to Elmira, N. Y., where he
was held a prisoner until the close of the war, returning home in
June, 1865.

On his return, he at once engaged in the timber and lumber business,
which he carried on two years, and in 1868 moved to his present place
and commenced farming, which he has carried on with most gratifying
success, being at this time one of the most extensive agriculturists
in Butler county.  About twelve years ago, he purchased a stock of
general merchandise and embarked in mercantile trade, which he
continues to carry on in connection with his farming interests and in
which he has met with very flattering success, his stock representing
a capital of about $3,000.

Mr. Van Pelt's plantation is a magnificient tract of land, embracing an
area of l,200 acres, and his farming is conducted upon the latest and
most approved plans.  He gives personal attention to his farming and
mercantile businses and sustains a commendable reputation as an
honorable and upright citizen in the community where he has so long
resided.  Though not identified with any religious organization, the
Presbyterian church represents his creed, and he has ever been a
friend and promoter of all enterprises looking to the moral and
material advancement of the community.  He votes in conformity with the
democratic party and takes an active interest in the Masonic
fraternity, of which he is a member.

In the year 1863, in Butler county, Mr. Van Pelt and Miss Louisa
Owens, daughter of Robert E. Owens, were made man and wife, and their
union has resulted in the birth of eleven children, seven living:
Frank Van Pelt, Willie Van Pelt, Homer Van Pelt, Jennie Van Pelt,
Hiram Van Pelt, Oscar Van Pelt, and Ula Van Pelt; the deceased were:
Neal, Laura, Carrie, and Herman.