Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1868-09-18
A Man Buried Alive and Resurrects
Himself.
from the N. Y. Star, 2nd.l

A German gentleman advanced in years,
named Franz Vester, at present resident
of Newark, recently obtained patent for a
safety coffin intended to provide way of
escape to those who might be buried du-
ring suspended animation, as is supposed
may on occasions happen. particularly du-
ring the prevalence of epidemics. This in
vention consists of a coffin constructed
similar to those now in use, except that it
is a little higher, to allow of the free move
ment of the body; the top lid is movable
from head to breast, and in case of inter-
ment, is left open, with spring attached
for closing the same; under the head is
receptacle for refreshments and restora-
tives. The most important part OF the in
vention is box about two feet square, re-
sembling very much chimney with COW
er and ornamental grave work on
the top. This box is of sufficient length to
extend from the head of the coffin to about
one foot above ground. The cover is fast
ened down by catch on the inside, and
cannot be unfastened from the outside.
Just below the cover is bell, similar to
those used on street railway cars, with
cord appended, which, upon being pulled,
sounds an alarm, and at the same time
spring throws the cover from the ''chim-
ney box" Then if the person on the in
side have sufficient strength, he or she can
take hold of a rope suspended from near
the top of the chimney box, and with the
assistance of elects nailed to the sides, as
cend to the outer world; or otherwise the
individual can rest at ease, MUNICH his
lunch, drink the wine, ring the bell for the
sexton to come and assist him out.
Yesterday afternoon, Mr.. Vester gave an
exhibition of the working of his invention
by being buried and after more than an
hours interment, resurrecting himself
The exhibition took place ut Barres'
brewery garden, on Springfield avenue,
Newark, and although 80 cents admission
was charged, some 600 people were assem-
bled to witness the novel exhibition. About
3 D. M, the grave diggers having excavated
a hole six feet deep black coffin with
silver trimmings, was placed upon two sup
ports over it, A circle was made with
rope, around which assembled an excited
crowd of men, women and children, while
every tree top and elevated position
was occupied by spectators When
everything was prepared, Mr. Franz
hester came forward and took his
position in the coffin, the lid of which was
placed over him, at which time he was
greeted with many an anxious and locular
''good bye" The coffin was lowered to
the bottom of the grave; meanwhile the
band played dirge and the crowd made
and drank lager, which was
handed around by the several walters. The
''chimney box" was then set down over the
coffin, over which some wreaths of flowers
had been strewn the grave diggers set to
work with will, and in fifteen minutes
Mr. Vester was effectually buried, with at
least four feet of earth between him and
daylight The burial was to have taken
place at p. M, but did not come off until
an hour later. After the lapse of an hour
and quarter a gentleman stated that MIR.
V. was to remain down below for two
hours, but that some of the spectators
were anxious to return home, and. conse-
quently, if agreeable, Mr.. V. would appear
at once, or remain the specified time. All
present being satisfied, signal was given,
and minute after Mr.. Vester, unaided,
stepped out of his living grave, with no
more perceptible exhaustion than would
have been caused by walking two or three
blocks under that burning sun. His exit
was received with great enthusiasm and
applause, and hundreds rushed forward to
embrace and congratulate Mr.. Vester upon
the SUCCESS of this novel invention. 1t is
stated that Mr. V. will give similar exhi-
bition in New York in few days.