Rachel Garrison Lawshe Summerbell was born in Hunterdon County, N. J., October 17, 1825, and died December 29, 1915.
She was married to James Summerbell in 1844 and commenced housekeeping in the city of Elizabeth. While there, they first met Seventh Day Baptists in Plainfield, and embraced the Bible Sabbath. Cutting loose from home ties and family customs, they joined the church at Plainfield, and soon after moved to Petersburg, N. Y., where Mr. Summerbell went as an ordained preacher. From Petersburg they were called to Adams Center, where they remained twelve years, and from there moved in turn to Leonardsville, Berlin, Richburg, and Alfred Station, where Elder Summerbell died in 1893, and Mrs. Summerbell went to live with her daughter, Mrs. S. L. Wardner, at Friendship, remaining there about four years. Since that time and until her death, she has made her home with her daughter at Nile.
She leaves three children: Mrs. Sarah L. Wardner, of Plainfield, N. J.; Mrs. Mary F. Whitford, of Nile; and Frank N. Summerbell, of Milton, Wis.; also eleven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Whitford, Friday, December 31. These services were conducted by Rev. A. E. Main, of Alfred, assisted by Pastor Wm. M. Simpson and Elder J. F. Derr, of Nile. Dr. Main was one of Elder Summerbell's boys when Elder Summerbell was pastor at Adams Center, N. Y. Burial was made in the family lot in Alfred Rural Cemetery. Those who knew Mrs. Summerbell in her prime of life are gone. But we who have only known her these later years will remember her as a woman of strong, beautiful character. Her life was an inspiration to us.
W. M. S.
