Source, The Poultney Journal--Fri. June 3, 1929. EAST POULTNEY, VT. BURNED TO DEATH IN MIDNIGHT FIRE Miss Lucy Richards was cremated in a fire which totally destroyed her home in East Poultney on Monday morning shortly after midnight. The fire was discovered by neighbors, but not until it had a good start, and although there was a ready response to an alarm sounded by people living near by, it was impossible to rescue the unfortunate woman or to save anything excepting two or three pieces of furniture. G. Curtis Haynes was one of the first ones at the scene, and he plunged into the house, after battering the door down, and into the smoke and darkness. He barely touched her bedroom chair, which was empty, when he was forced to get out, and probably would not have been able to reach the door had it not been for assistance from his brother-in-law, Griffith Morris. He was almost overcome when he was dragged through the doorway. Only small portions of the remains were found on Monday morning, which were gathered and properly interred at the funeral on Tuesday morning, which was attended by a crowd of sympathizing friends who had known and loved the dear soul for years. Rev. W. Laughton, pastor of the Baptist church, officiated, and music was furnished by Mrs. George A. Rogers, Mrs. George F. Wells and G. F. Wells. They sang "Sweetly Resting" and "Rock of Ages". The bearers were; J. F. Howe, Edward B. Stevens, G.Curtis Haynes and Ezra VanGuilder. Miss Richards was born in East Poultney nearly 92 years ago. When a girl of about three years of age she fell and broke her hip. After a time she sustained a second fall, breaking the other hip and injuring her spine. >From that day until her death she never walked. She was able to get about, however, in a wheel chair without assistance, and for a great many years, just how many we are unable to ascertain,she lived alone. Probably a score of years ago the home in which she lived for so long and family passed away with it, was given her by the late N. Burdick, and she has not been in want as far as comforts were concerned. Seventy-eight years ago she joined the Baptist church in East Poultney, and seldom has there been a Sunday up to her dying day but that was present at service. She had friends in the little village of her birth, who looked after her daily, who waited upon her, took her to church, carried in he provisions, subscribed money and gave it to her monthly so that she might feel some independence. Indeed, East Poultney people were most kind and thoughtful in every possible way to one who was so really dependent. And they delighted in doing it. There surely will be a reward for such devoted people. And the recipient thoroughly appreciate these many kindnesses. She loved all of her neighbors, for she was a devoted Christian woman, sweet and affectionate to her many visitors, a sincere follower of her Master, peaceful and contented as she sat hour by hour pouring over the well- worn pages of her Bible, and grateful to those who made life so happy. The tragic ending of the life of one so pure in heart created a feeling of sorrow that seldom comes to a community. Transcribed by, Joan H. Bixby