“Mrs. Dorsey died at Willard, Aug. 31, 1886, aged 66 years, 11 months and 11 days. She was born in the town of Caroline of this county, her parents having been brought from Virginia as slaves by the Dr. Speed family, and Mrs. Dorsey herself having been held as a slave until nearly the time of her coming to Trumansburg when 19 yrs old. In 1839 she joined the Baptist church in this village, and for almost half a century has kept up her church relations. Some nine years ago her health failed her, and as the months went on her brain became clouded and her life aimless, until at least, a few months ago she was taken to Willard Asylum.
In all the relations of life she was the personification of faithfulness, and was trusted and respected by all who knew her. But it was in the kingdom of home that most her talents shone. It was there her efforts were put forth, to rear in a proper manner her large family, and to gather and preserve for them a home. Her labors were well rewarded, and her children love and revere her. In all the walks of life she shone forth as one without dissimulation, earnest and honest, and serving the Matter faithfully.
Mrs. Dorsey was the mother of nine children, six of whom—Mary, Frank, Emma, James, George and Charles—are grown to maturity and survive her.
Her funeral took place on Thursday and was attended by a large concourse of people, who without distinction came to pay their last respects to this worthy woman.”
“Memorial Notice: Nancy M. Dorsey,” Trumansburg Free Press, September 11, 1886, 3.