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Rachel Best was the daughter of Hiram and Agnes (Cartmel Addison)Best. She was born in Oxford, Ontario on April 29, 1870. Hiram and Agnes had four children; Sarah Ann (1858), Addison (1869), Rachel (1870), Mary Agnes(1873). In the 1871 Canadian Census, Hiram and his family are listed in South Oxford, Dereham. They have three children; Sarah, Addison and Rachel. Hiram is a farmer.

Agnes Best died on March 10, 1873 a few short weeks after the birth of Mary Agnes who was born on February 10, 1873. Hiram married Alice Thomas. In the 1881 Canadian Census, Hiram and Alice are listed with Addison and Rachel. The Census is very difficult to read. I am sure that Mary Agnes is listed as well

One hundred and thirty two years ago, Rachel Best died at the age of 18 years 2 months and 15 days just as her life was getting started. The Tombstone states that Alice is her mother but Agnes was but she died when Rachel was two years old so Alice raised her and surly Rachel thought of her as the only mother she ever knew.

Rest in peace, Rachel

Love, Jan

Rachel is my first cousin four times removed.

Thanks to the Canadian Tombstone Project for providing the photos.