Rachel was possibly born in Dighton, Massachusetts. She was the third wife of Ralph Way, Jr. of Hadley, Massachusetts. They were married in Shelburne, Massachusetts on January 3, 1816. Both are described in the Shelburne vital records as being "people of colour", and she is described as an "Indian woman" and a "servant." She died of "cancer of the stomach" on July 10, 1843, at the age of 88-91. (pp. 138, 189)
The 1820 federal census for Shelburne lists Ralph and Rachel as being "Free Colored." He was between the ages of 26 and 44, and she was age 45 or older. They are also listed in the 1830 and 1840 censuses for the same town.
| Entry | Source | Vol Name | Date | entry id |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| • Way, Rachel, "colored" [Indian woman, C.R.I.], servant, b. Dighton, w. Ralph, cancer of stomach [old age, C.R.I.], July 10, 1843, a. 91 y.[a. 88 y. dup.] | Shelburne Vital Records to 1850 | Deaths | 1843 Jul 10 | 1565 |