A few years back I researched merchant marines who died at sea or in the local
San Francisco Marine Hospital.  In nearly all cases (over a 100) their
personal effects that were worth anything (including clothing) were sold to
cover various costs incurred by the Bureau of Customs (paperwork needed to
file accident reports, death notices, time to try and contact relatives,
inform the appropriate consulate, etc.) or the hospital (medical care,
burial).  These records dated from around 1870 into the early 1930s.
 
Personal effects such as address books, poetry books, letters, locks of hair,
pressed flowers, religious cards and medals, and many other really cool
artifacts that were not big selling items were put with the death and accident
report information for each individual.  For the Pacific region these personal
items and the records are in the National Archives in San Bruno, CA in the
Bureau of Customs collection.
 
Mary Maniery