After the Coroner’s Jury had viewed the remains, the body of Billy Simpson was released into the custody of Annie Bidwell so that she could return his body to the Indian rancheria for burial.

At just what time the funeral will take place is not known, as Mrs. Bidwell stated that she would not give out the time fixed. She does this for the reason that the Indians wish to conduct the services in their own way without the usual crowd of white people who would flock to the Rancheria, were the time of interment made public.

Mrs. Bidwell is very decided on this matter, and stated that if it were found necessary to have the ceremonies at midnight in order to avoid the curious crowd, this plan would be followed.

Chico Weekly Enterprise 9 March 1900

I can just imagine Annie being “very decided.” She was adamant about her decision and she was accustomed to getting her way. In the most ladylike manner, of course. In this case, she showed compassion and foresight in protecting the Indians from intrusion by white gawkers.

The funeral was held at the Indian chapel on Saturday, March 3rd, “the services being conducted according to the Indian desire.” (Chico Record 5 March 1900)

Mrs. Bidwell was careful to keep the time of the services a secret, that the Indians might not be disturbed by a throng of people bent on satisfying their curiosity. In this she was successful for there were but a few white people present to witness the ceremony.

Chico Record 5 March 1900