The Waco evening news. [volume] (Waco, Tex.) 1891-1894, 1894-01-08
DEATH OF A MISER.
Mrs. McCrath Found UncOn.
sciOus at Her Home.
EXPIRES AT THE CITY HOSPITAL.

Though Possessed with Much Wealth
She Dies In Want-Search Revealed
Papers Indicating That She Was Worth
sAO,OOO-A SEQ Gold Piece Fell From
Around Her Neck.
ST. LOUIS, Jan. s.-Mrs. Mary Nc.
living at 1911 Clark avenue, died at the
city hospital here of old age Her dy-
ing hours were actually spent at 1911
Clark avenue under conditions of un-
natural filth and degradation. The last
period was spent within the walls of
the city hospital. where she had been
carried but one hour before death came
to her relief The body was immedi-
ately removed to the morgue, where it
now lies. She leaves no relatives other
than stepson, who had not seen her
in a number of years.
Mrs. McGrath owned property the
rental of which amounted to nearly
$4,000 a year. The house and lot where
she lived was owned by her, as was
also the property at the northwest cor
ner of Tenth street and Clark avenue.
She owned property on Singleton street
and had real estate in different por-
lions of the city. Her interests were
thoroughly cared for by herself and the
money done away with according to
her ownspeculiar within.
Yet she lived in the most abject
squalor and failed to provide for her
self the slightest care or assistance
whereby life might be made more COM
Portable.
For the last six years she has led a
secluded existence. never opening the
front door or windows of her house.
No one ever saw anyone go III or out,
ana the condition of her domicile re-
manned a blessed mystery until the
hour of her death. For companions She
had dozens of birds, a half dozen dogs,
as many chickens and a cat, the entire
outfit living in and breathing the air of
her dingy and miserable quarters.
From general appearance nothing had
been touched during the last six years.
The floor had been piled knee deep with
papers, old clothes, dilapidated bird
cages, plaster of paris ornaments, sacks
and the like Time and dust, with a
number of industrious spiders, aided in
completing the present spectacle.
Eight years ago Patrick McGrath,
the dead woman's husband, died. At
the time of his death he was worth
$50. 900. This property he willed to his
widow, cutting off his two sons, Chris
topher and William McGragh.
John |. Martin. who drew up her
husbands will, says he was paid in
gold. 1t is thought that somewhere
there must be bags or Golfers of com.
To guard these a special watch has
been detailed for the premises, and now
curious outsiders are barred from more
than passing glance from without
There is no doubt that the old lady
has buried some treasure about the
place. for after she died and her body
was brought to the morgue $50 gold
piece fell from rag which she had tied
about her throat. Coroner Frank, fear
ing that someone would break into the
place and discover the money, notified
Public Administrator Richardson to
take charge of her effects. This of
fetal began to inventory the genera
effects. Their condition is such, how
ever. that little progress can be made
until laborers have been employed tC
clean up and assert the aged heap
However, n tin box containing real es
tate deeds was fished out, the latte
showing that the deceased was wortl
about $40, 600.
4 Eluhhonsa For Women.