In a remarkable twist of fate, the mystery surrounding a century-old girl found in a coffin beneath a San Francisco home has been unraveled, revealing her identity and the poignant story of her life and death. The discovery, which captivated both the public and historians, has provided a glimpse into the city’s past and the forgotten lives buried beneath its modern streets.

The Discovery

1. Unearthing the Coffin:

   • In May 2016, construction workers renovating a home in the Richmond District of San Francisco made a startling discovery: a small, sealed glass-topped coffin containing the remarkably well-preserved body of a young girl. The coffin, estimated to be over 140 years old, was buried beneath the garage of the home, leading to widespread intrigue and speculation.

2. Condition of the Remains:

   • The girl, who appeared to be around three years old at the time of her death, was found with long blonde hair and wearing a white lace dress. The coffin was elaborately adorned with purple flowers and still bore signs of meticulous care, indicating that she came from a family of means.

     

The Investigation

1. Historical Context:

   • Researchers soon realized that the girl’s coffin was likely a remnant of the Odd Fellows Cemetery, a burial ground that once occupied the area before being relocated in the early 20th century. Thousands of bodies were exhumed and moved to Colma, a nearby city, but some were inadvertently left behind.

2. Identification Efforts:

   • A team of volunteers, including historians, genealogists, and forensic experts, took on the task of identifying the girl. Using a combination of archival research, DNA testing, and historical records, they sought to uncover her identity and provide closure to the mystery.

Revealing the Girl’s Identity

1. Breakthrough in the Case:

   • After months of investigation, the girl was identified as Edith Howard Cook, who died on October 13, 1876, at the age of two years and ten months. Edith was the daughter of Horatio Nelson Cook and Edith Scooffy Cook, prominent San Francisco residents during the late 19th century.

2. Cause of Death:

   • Historical records indicated that Edith died from marasmus, a form of severe malnutrition common at the time. Her death certificate, found in city archives, corroborated this cause of death and provided the final piece of the puzzle.

3. Reconnection with Descendants:

   • The discovery of Edith’s identity also led to the identification of living descendants. The Cook family was contacted and informed of their ancestor’s remarkable journey from obscurity to public fascination.

     

Significance and Impact

1. Historical Reflection:

   • The uncovering of Edith Howard Cook’s identity serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life and the often-forgotten stories of those who came before us. It also sheds light on San Francisco’s rich and complex history, particularly during the era of westward expansion and urban development.

2. Public Interest and Memorialization:

   • The story of Edith’s discovery resonated with people around the world, sparking a renewed interest in historical preservation and the importance of remembering those who have passed. Edith was reburied with dignity in a public ceremony, attended by both descendants and community members.

3. Ongoing Efforts:

   • The case has also prompted efforts to identify other possible forgotten graves in the area, leading to increased awareness of the need for thorough historical documentation and respect for the past.

Conclusion

The identification of Edith Howard Cook, the century-old girl found beneath a San Francisco home, has brought closure to a long-standing mystery and illuminated a chapter of the city’s history that had been buried for generations. Her story, once lost to time, has now been told, offering a touching reminder of the importance of preserving our history and honoring those who lived before us.