San Mateo County
Gazette
November 7, 1874

Problem with Depth of Graves

Complaint is being made about the depth of the graves being dug recently in the cemetery near this town. Some time ago, a grave was dug so shallow as to require disinfectant. The Superintendent cannot watch each grave while it is being dug. He has no authority to prevent this man or that one from digging a grave.

There will be no uniformity of depth so long as each grave-digger is his own judge of the depth required for a grave. The Cemetery Association should take some action in the premises. They should establish the depth of graves. Go still further and appoint some one man as "gravedigger," regulate his compensation, and make him responsible to the trustees for all graves dug. This can be done without making the Trustees responsible for the digging of graves. The effect of those not dying indigent are sufficient and liable for the expenses of burial. The County must take care of the indigent.

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