What became of Robert Steele's widow Mary Ann Steele?

What happened to Mary Ann Steele?

After Robert's death, Walter Simeon Steele, being the eldest son, must have assumed the position of head of the household.  

He and his new bride, Ellen Butler Steele, moved to the Cabin District, Double Churches, in Spalding County, GA, and lived next door to Mary Ann, Robert's widow, and her other three children: Joanna, George, and Sarah.

In her later years Mary Ann Eddelman Steele lived in the house with Walter and Ellen Steele and  lived to 1911.

Mary Ann Eddelman was born August 1, 1831 in Georgia.  Died December 17, 1911, Henry County GA at age 80.  Buried at New Salem Baptist Church Cemetery, Spalding County, at Vaughn, GA.  (August 1, 1831--December 17, 1911)

No parents have been confirmed for Mary Ann Eddelman, but the Census shows Household # 1173 Eddelman family with parents born in NC and children being born in Henry and Spalding Counties GA. 

She is buried at Vaughn, GA apparently because her other son, George Hill Steele married Virginia “Jennie” Vaughn whose father settled the small town of Vaughn, located west of Experiment, GA and they were active members of the New Salem Baptist Church.

Census records for 1870 for the Cabin District of Spalding County, Griffin, Georgia

Household # 843 –  

 Steel, Mary A, age 39, F, W, occupation – keeping house, Value of real estate $1,000, value of personal belongings $600. Born in Georgia

Joanna, age 14, F, W, occupation – attending school, born in Georgia

George H. , age age 12, M, W,  occupation – attending school, born in Georgia

Sarah R. , age 7, F, W, occupation – attending school, born in Georgia

(Note Sarah was born in 1863 one year before her father’s death)

Not related:  Sammy W, age 7, W, M, occupation – farm hand, born in Georgia

Household # 844 –  
Steel, Walter S, age 20, M, W, occupation – farmer, born in Georgia

Ellen, age 18, F, W, occupation – keeping house, born in Georgia

These 2 households are next door to one another.  Later, when Walter and Ellen moved to Luella, GA, Mary Ann lived in the same house with them until her death at age 80.

New Salem Baptist Church, Vaughn area, Griffin, GA

Sadly, this church was destroyed by fire December 26, 2012.  The congregation vows to rebuild.  The area has also suffered damage by tornadoes in recent years.

Mary Ann Eddelman Steele, Vaughn, GA, New Salem Baptist Church, Spalding Co.