The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1873-01-29
RICH sssD srAnvIse TO Death.


Considerable excitement was caused in Cam
den, on the 18th inst, by the discovery of the
dead body of Grace Kaighn in her dwelling,
on Market street above Fourth. The deceased
resided with hor twin sister, Charity Kaighn,
in new three-story brick house. which they
purchased last fall. The deceased was about
rs years of age, and she and her sister lived
without help--neither visiting nor receiving
visits. Not having been seen for several days,
DIR. Middleton appraised the Mayor, who sent
am officer to force an entrance. This was
done, and a scene opened to his view which
beggars description.
Grace was discovered lying dead on settee,
and Charity was in sitting posture at the
end of it. The latter at once rallied against
the intruders, ordering them away and accus-
ing them of wanting to rob her. Coroner
Armstrong was called to the house, and held
view of the body, deciding that her death
was caused by exposure and want. DIR. Arm
strong took immediate measures to render
Charity more comfortable, as she was in very
precalious condition, and must have shared
the fate of her sister in few hours but for
the timely care of that gentleman, who re-
moved the body of Grace to the undertakers,
Roberts 4 Son, and secured nurse for Cha rity.
These sisters have been noted for their &c
centricity, and particularly for their parsimoni-
GUS habits of life. They resided for many
years on Kaighn's Point Avenue sometimes
occupying but one house, at others living
separate, next door to each other. Their
dwellings were constantly locked, window
shutters closed, and small holes cut through
them. 1t was only in this way that they would
view the outside world. If it was necessary
to see them on business, they would open the
door but few inches-using chain bolts to
prevent them from being opened. In their
present dwelling, the few articles of household
goods were found in the same confusion as
placed by the carman who delivered them.
Nothing was done to put them in proper order
Part of a loaf of bread was found in the room,
but they had evidently been without fire for
several days. Neither lamp nor candles were
found. 1t was scene of squalid poverty and
utter wretchedness rarely seen in the worst
cases of restitution.
Strange to say, these aged sisters are large
landowners in the city, and pay yearly tax,
we are informed, OF from six to seven hundred
dollars. 1t is said their building lots are
worth from 100000 to $4,000. They would
never sell foot of land, unless forced to do
so. The desire OF their lives seemed to be to
hold on to their land. This caused them to
live penuriously, and was perhaps one of the
reasons which caused them to shun society
Although eongenial in their secluded and par
simonious habits of life, they could seldom
agree any length of time, and would often
quarrel and wrangle in the presence of those
they were forced to see on business.
1t is proper to say, they have always been
considered weakmindcd but ever keen and
shrewd in money matters or in driving bar
gain. A brother, now deceased, was quite an
imbecile. Another sister is now living at a
distance, but these eccentric women admitted
of no intercourse with relatives, who with
this exception, are few and of remote relation
ship. Therefore none of them can be CEN
sured.-Gamden Democrat.