A Costly Funeral

What is believed to have been the costliest burial ever given to a colored person in Monmouth county, if not in the state, was that of Miss Georgianna Carney of Long Branch, whose funeral took place at South Eatontown last Wednesday. Miss Carney was insured for $400. Her mother declared that she did not want a cent of the insurance money and a very expensive burial was ordered. It was Miss Carney's desire that she be buried in a lavender casket, satin robe and slippers, and her wishes were carried out. The casket was of silk plush and was of couch design, with drop sides. The total cost of the funeral was $360.

Source: Red Bank Register, Wednesday, Apr 24, 1901

Some additional excellent resources for your research are:

• New Jersey Census, 1772-1890 - Ancestry.com

• Calendar of New Jersey Wills, 1670-1760 - Ancestry.com

• Interment.net - NJ ~ New Jersey Cemetery Transcriptions on the net.

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