was born to Hiram and Eliza Handy.

Clues to Mary’s children are in her father’s Will.  Hiram specifically names two of his grandchildren, Lester Rosecrants and [what looks like] Amy Lorrisa Merrill, although she is listed on the 1860 census with her father and paternal grandparents as “Emma”.

Lester Rosecrants is listed in several censuses living with the Handy family.   It is unknown if Mary was previously married or if Lester was born out of marriage.  Mary used her maiden name up until the time she married Charles Merrill in December 1858.  She died shortly after giving birth to her daughter.

Following Hiram’s bequeath to his grandchildren, he states “If either or both of the last two named should die before they come of age then the same gifted to the one who dies is to be equally divided between their cousins on their Mother’s side.”  Hiram is stating that the two children are of the same mother and are siblings.

Mary is buried in Ray Cemetery
Fremont, Steuben County, Indiana, USA