BURIED AT THE COUNTY'S EXPENSE

From: The Oakland Tribune, 28 January 1899

BURIED AT THE COUNTY'S EXPENSE

Yesterday afternoon the remains of Miss E. C. Rich, Temescal's eccentric old maid, were interred at the expense of the county. Public Administrator B. C. Hawes, accompanied by Officer McKinley, visited the house wherein this peculiar person lived and died. They found it in a state of filthiness that would be hard to describe. Aside from a few pieces of clothing which indicated that at one time the old maid had been well dressed, a dime, and a few trinkets, there was nothing of value found. In a trunk was found a complete set of baby clothes, probably the ones worn by deceased in her babyhood.

The Poundmaster took two wagon loads of dogs, cats, and goats to the Pound. A number of goats and a valueless horse were given to the neighbors. Many of the dogs escaped, but will probably be rounded up by the Poundman later.

The house is in such a condition of filth that it will no doubt be declared a nuisance by the Board of Health.