In 1884, the barkentine Elmina had grounded on the bar off LBI in a violent storm, with the loss of all those on board. While the failure of the local life-saving crews to save anyone was explained, the treatment of the victims’ bodies came under scrutiny.

The New York Times on Jan. 13 stated, “Six mounds, freshly made, mark the resting-places of seven of the victims of the disaster to the bark. Elmira. … Placed in pine boxes, the bodies were hastily buried in the sand.