Mary was a resident of the Home for the Friendless (now known as the Bristol Home), 1500 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. She was 93 years of age at the time of her death, and she died from Entero Celitis.

In Memoriam: Miss Mary S. Cotton, died 7/23/1891. She was 92. She was brought to the Home by a friend on July 16th in a suffering condition and lived but one week to enjoy the comforts and care of which she had been deprived. "Coming to Buffalo" in 1811, she was one of the last of those residing here before the War of 1812. She was the 7th generation of Rev John Cotton. The story of her life (said her friend) if she could have told it, would have been equal to a romance. For 40 years she taught school and many of our citizens now living were taught by her example, her quiet, pleasant cheerfulness could contribute to contentment in daily life. Her first school was on her father's farm, which extended from North Street to Ferry Street. She was pleased to end her days on the spot associated with her early childhood.∼The Home for the Friendless, Buffalo, NY 1868-1957.

This week was buried from the Home one of the oldest inhabitants. Mary Selisia Cotton came to Buffalo in 1811. For 40 years she taught school; her first school was on her father's farm. The farm extended from North Street, then called the Old Guide Board Road, to beyond where the Home now stands. She said a short time ago, "When I was a girl I used to pick the currants in our garden just where the Home now stands." Her membership of the First Presbyterian church dates back to 1816, that of her parents to 1812, when the first congregation in the village was organized. Mary was a resident of the Home for the Friendless, 1500 Main Street, Buffalo, NY.