Both girls were buried in Mount Auburn Cemetery on June 11th, 1895 in the family plot. A joint funeral service was held at Trinity Church, but there was something odd about the burial records. The notation for Rose’s burial said, “Delayed interment due to family circumstances. Body held at family residence June 3rd to 10th.
” Rose’s body had been kept at home for 7 days before burial. In June in Boston, where temperatures that week, according to weather records, had reached the mid80s, Helen found a newspaper article from the Boston Globe, dated June 12th, 1895. Tragedy strikes Davy’s family, both daughters lost to scarlet fever. The prominent Beacon Hill family of Robert and Elellanar Davies mourns the devastating loss of both their daughters within the span of one week.
Rose Davies, age 6, succumbed to scarlet fever on June 3rd. Her sister Lily, age 11, fell ill shortly after and passed away on June 10th. Sources close to the family report that Lily refused to leave her sister’s side during her illness and insisted on remaining with her even after Rose’s passing.
The double funeral was held yesterday at Trinity Church. Mrs. Davies is said to be prostrate with grief and under doctor’s care. Helen cross referenced this with city records and found something else. On June 8th, 1895, a physician named Dr. Samuel Morrison had been summoned to the Davies household by neighbors who reported concerning circumstances.
Dr. Morrison’s report filed with the city health department stated responded to 44 Beacon Street regarding welfare concerns. Found surviving child Lily Davies age 11 refusing to be separated from deceased sister’s body. Child stated she had promised mama to stay with her sister. Mother and father are both ill with grief and fever.
Father recovering from scarlet fever himself. Mother in state of nervous collapse. Child has been sleeping beside deceased sister’s body for 5 days. Despite health concerns, family refused to allow immediate burial. Recommended urgent intervention, but no intervention had occurred. Rose’s body remained at the house for two more days.
