The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-08-06
DIED WITH HER.
The Story of a Young
WOman's Secret.
Pathetic Incidents Surrounding the
Close OF the Life of Miss
Anna Roster.

When Miss Anna Roster, the young
telegraph-operator, died Saturday as the
result of criminal operation performed
by herself, her most cherished secret died
with her. True to the man who had
wronged her, she refused TO divulge his
identity, and despite the entreaties of her
aged parents and her most intimate friends
she died with the secret still her own.
Miss Roster was a remarkable woman in
many respects. During the long period
that she was employed by the Postal Tel
egraph Company she succeeded IN estab-
fishing a reputation as shrewd business
woman, and at last was rewarded with the
position of manager of the local office.
In this capacity she made many friends by
her dignifed manner and quiet, ladyllke
demeanor Not the slightest whisper
against her reputation was ever heard.
When Miss Roster was taken I'll lew
DAYS ago she sent word to the Office at 543
Market street that she was not feeling
well, but hoped to be around again in
few DAYS. Nothing was thought OF the
matter until week had passed by, and
still she was absent. In the meantime
she had become very i'll, but refused the
offer of Mrs. Dali, her landlady. at 1872
Suffer street, to call in a physician. She
said she was abundantly able to prescribe
for herself, and that she would be all right
in few days.
But she did not improve in health as
she expected. Instead she became more
depressed and at times delirious. Then
DR.. WanZer, lady physician, was sum-
mOned.
1t was but the work of moment for the
physician to ascertain the cause OF Miss
Rosters illness. She confronted the
young woman with the facts and had her
diagnosis sustained by confession. She
begged the physician to keep the cause of
her illness a secret and received promise
in return.
In the meantime Superintendent torrer,
who had charge of the Postal Telegraph
Company's lines on the Pacific Coast,
called to see how Miss KUster was pros
perng. When he learned how serious her
condition was be telegraphed the facts to
john W. MackaY at New \ ork, and was
instructed to use every means to restore
Miss Roster 10 health. Mr.. Mackay re-
garded Miss Roster as very valuable
employe and directed that she receive the
best medical attention.
As Miss Roster was sinking instead oil
improving Dr. WanZer was discharged
and DR.. Wheeler employed.
He called in another physician in
in consultation, and everything was done
for the unfortunate woman, but she grad
ually sank until she died on Saturday
A few hours before her death Miss Kos
ter dictated and afterward signed a state
ment generating her physician from any
blame, and stating that she had performed
the operation upon herself. Her asSer-
tons, in this regard. are borne out by a
number of instruments found in her room.
DR.. Wheeler sent this statement to the
Chief of Police.
Miss Rosters aged parents are nearly
heartbrOken over the disgrace of her death.
They did hot know the cause of their
daughters illness when summoned from
their home at Pes cadero, and were only
aware of the facts of the case a few hours
before the young woman's death.