Rachel Cook was born in 1821 in Guilford County, NC. Her parents were Quakers, although there is no evidence that Rachel followed this religion herself as an adult. She was married by bond issued 29 Apr 1841 in Guilford County to Matthew Yates. About 1843, Rachel and Matthew, accompanied by her brother and sister in law Isaac and Hannah (Woodburn) Cook, and her mother Rachel (Unthank) Cook, came to Missouri. They lived variously in Clay and Clinton Counties over the next fifty years. They were the parents of seven children: Patrick, Martha Jane, James E, Daniel S., Laura Ann, George and Mary.

The Lawson (MO) Review, Thursday, Jun 13, 1907

DIED AT THE AGE OF 86

MRS. RACHEL YATES DIED AT ADVANCED AGE SUNDAY EVENING.

 Mrs. Rachel Yates, age 86 years, died at the home of her daughter Mrs. Q. F. Tickel, Sunday night after an illness of about two weeks. Her maiden name was Cook and she was born near Greensboro North Carolina, March 28, 1821. She attended school near Greensboro, at an institution conducted by the Quakers. Here she was a classmate of Joseph G. Cannon spe[a]ker of the house of representatives, during the last session of congress.

She was married in 1841 to Mathew Yates, and in the spring of 1845, they came to Missouri setting in Clinton county to Old Haynesville. There lived for over fifty years. Mr. Yates died some years ago. She is survived by five children, Mrs. C. F. Tickel, Mrs. Laura Parsons and three sons.

At the age of 18 she made a profession of religion, joining the Methodist church. She was scarcely sick a day in her life until just a few weeks before her death. A physician had not been in attendance upon her for years .

The funeral services were held at the residence of Mr. Tickle, Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Frank J. Mapel, after which the remains were interred at Antioch.