The Mountain Democrat
Placerville, El Dorado Co., California
Saturday, August 8, 1903
page 1
A Sad Death From A Painful Accident
The sad death of Mrs. Beatrice Nichols Sumner, wife of Dr. C.M. Sumner, at their home on Coloma street, Sunday, August 2nd, cast a gloom over the entire community. While burning rubbish in her yard some three weeks ago, her clothing caught fire and she was instantly wrapped in flames, by which she was fearfully burned. Despite the best of care and medical treatment, it was a painful and fatal accident, and three weeks of extreme and almost hopeless suffering, ended only with the young and beautiful life of a universal favorite.
A native daughter of Placerville, she was only 23 years and 2 months of age. Married to Dr. Sumner about two years ago, they resided in the home of Mrs. Nichols, on Sacramento street at the time it was burned. In less than two months thereafter the fatal accident occurred from which Mrs. Sumner died.
Besides her husband, her mother and three sisters -- Mrs. Chas. D. Hart of Reno, Mrs. E.L. Smith of Napa and Miss Lillian Nichols of San Jose -- survive her. Her funeral at the M.E. Church last Monday was conducted by Rev. Geo. C. King and was a scene of sincere sympathy and sorrow.