Mary Ann Cain was the daughter of Charles Leo Cain and Sarah Jane Kennedy Cain. She was born September 13, 1845 in Platte City, Platte County, Missouri.
Mary was married to James Frederick Shell on September 22, 1864 in Nodaway, Nodaway County, Missouri. Mary and James had nine children together. They are: Sarah Jane Shell Trullinger, Ulysses S. Shell, Solomon Charles Shell, Elma Victoria Shell McPhilmy, Jessie Frederick Shell, Clara Catherine Shell Adams, Earl L. Shell, Clyde Shell and Floyd Shell.
Mary and James made their home in Nodaway County, Missouri in in Benton, Atchison County, Kansas. Mary was 78 years old when she passed away on September 26, 1923 in Effingham, Atchison County, Kansas.

Obituary

Mrs. Mary Ann Shell died at 8:45 this morning at her home in Effingham where she had lived thirty years. She was 78 years of age. Last Friday Mrs. Shell was stricken with paralysis at her home and fell fracturing her hip bone. From the first it was known that her case was hopeless. Her children were summoned and all were here but a son that lives in Los Angeles, California and he is on his way. Mrs. Shell was born September 13, 1845 in Platte County, Missouri and lived there until going to Effingham to live. Her maiden name was Cain. Her marriage to James Shell who died here years ago took place September 22, 1864. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Shell and seven survive. Mrs. J. F. Trullinger, S. C. Shell, Jesse Shell, Mrs. L. L. Adams, E. L. Shell Clyde Shell, and Mrs. R. B. Philimy. Twenty one grandchildren and ten great grandchildren survive. Mrs. Shell was a bright attractive little women. She had a loveable personality and was a home body. A year ago she came to Atchison to stay with her daughter Mrs. Adams and it was a real event in her life. Her children told themselves that they could not remember "Mother" staying away from home overnight before. Mrs. Shell was a member of the Methodist Church.