Tommy & Nellie: Christians in Action

Prior to making our visit to Tombstone, we called Tommy, the Strategic Missions Coordinator who had assigned us to the paint job in Douglas. He and his wife work out their home, which is also a mission center in Tombstone. We learned that he had an avid interest in the town and had even written a book on “the town that was too tough to die.” Tommy offered to serve as our tour guide, and we could not have had a better person. He doesn't tell hokie stories; everything he says is based on thorough research. Tommy really can get into his touring role, complete with marshal’s attire. He does this often for Christian groups. His more important work is to establish home Bible study groups and new churches in Cochise County, a huge piece of real estate.

One of our guide's more interesting stories was about attractive, diminutive Nellie Cashman, the Angel of Tombstone. She was an Irish immigrant, Christian restaurant owner, who never refused to provide a free meal for a man down on his luck. During her 80 plus years, she followed the discovery of precious metals nearly everywhere, even all the way to Alaska. While in the Yukon, she is said to have driven a dog sled for 750 miles when she was 60 years old. Her good works, including the founding of the first Catholic church in Tombstone, were so exemplary that everyone would stand in respect when she entered a room.

When Nellie's sister died, Nellie willingly took over the task of raising her sister's five children. She took them with her wherever adventure took her. She was simply too busy with her good deeds, surrogate mother duties, and entreprenuerial efforts to ever marry. She used to say, "Men are just boys grown up."
Nellie Cashman's reputation is without blemish, and her historic restaurant is still in business in Tombstone. Nellie died penniless at age 82 and is buried in Victoria, BC. She simply gave herself away. Be sure to read about her on the internet.