Rachel Edith Shay was born November 24, 1868, in Tazewell Co., Illinois; died at her home near Cashion, Okla. August 12, 1912, age 43 years, 8 months and 18 days.
She moved with her parents, brothers and sisters to Sumner Co., Kans. in October 1870. She grew to womanhood near Belle Plaine, Kans., acquired a good education, was a successful teacher for a few years, then became the wife of Alvin Cornwell. Five children were born to them; they are Ethel A., Thos. N., John D. Nellie M., and A. Dewey. Mr. and Mrs. Cornwell with their children moved to Oklahoma in 1898, locating near Tonkawa. Three years later they came to their present home near Cashion. The five children and their broken-hearted father are left to mourn their loss. She also leaves two sisters, Mrs. Iva Hussey, Durango, Colo., and Mrs. Mary Walton, Peck, Kans., and one brother, Ira W. Shay, of Perry, Okla.
Her life was an open book. While devoted to home and family, she was everybody's friend. She became a member of the Christian church in early girlhood; was a woman for all that is good, noble and uplifting in the church, the lodge and the neighborhood in which she lived. She was a faithful member of the Rebekah, Eastern Star and Royal Neighbor lodges. To know her was to love her. Her life was an inspiration to those with whom she was associated. Let us cherish her memory and emulate her virtues. She is resting from her labors and her good works do follow her.
The funeral service was conducted Tuesday afternoon in the Christian church by Rev. Nissen and Rev. Williamson. The burial took place in the Cashion cemetery. The host of friends attending gave evidence of the high esteem in which the deceased was held. From far and near friends came to show their respect to the one departed and their sympathy for those bereaved. The whole community mourns their loss. Said someone, "If ever there was a good woman, she was one."