The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1868-09-09
Buried Alive.
A BURIED GERMAN ,REsURRECTs HIM.
SELF. a.

A BURIED GERMAN ,RESURRECTs HIM.
A German gentleman. advanced in
years, named Franz Vester, at pre-
sent o resident of Newark, N. j,
recently obtained patent for O safe
ty coffin, designed so is to provide O
way OF escape to those who might be
buried during suspended animation,
as Is supposed may on occasion hap
pen, particularly during the preva-
lence of epidemics. This invention
consists of coffin constructed SINH
lar to those now in use, except that
it is little higher, to allow of the
free movement of the body; the top
lid is movable from head to breast,
and in case of interment is left open,
with o spring attached for closing
the same; under the head is recep-
tacle for refreshments and restora-
tives. The most important part of
the invention is q box about two feet
square, resembling very much q
chimney, with a cover and ornamen-
tai 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
fastened down by o catch on the in
side, 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 ut the same time spring
throws the cover from the "chimney-
box" Then, if the person on the in
side have sufficient strength, he or
she can take hold of rope suspended
from near the top of the chimney
box, and, with the assistance of elects
nailed to the sides, ascend to the
outer world; or otherwise the indi-
vidual can rest at ease, MUNICH his
lunch, drink the wine, and ring the
bell for the sexton to come and assist
him out.
Yesterday afternoon, Mr.. Vester
gave an exhibition of the working of
this invention by being buried, and
after more than an hours interment,
resurrecting himself.
The exhibition took place at Baire's
Brewery Garden, on Springfield ave-
nue., Newark; and although fifty cents
admission was charged, some 600
people were assembled to witness the
| novel exhibition.
About 3 p. M, the grave-diggers,
having excavated hole six feet deep,
black coffin, with silver trimmings,
was placed upon two supports 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 Vester 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 iocular "good-by."
The coffin was lowered to the bot
tom of the grave. Meanwhile the
band played dirge, and the crowd
made comments 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 flow
ers had been strewn. The grave
uiSSCio oCG W WOIh Will Il Will, anu
in fifteen minutes MIR. Vester was
effectually buried, with at least four
feet of earth between him and day
light. The burial was to have taken
place Mt 2 p. M, but did not come off
until an hour later. After the lapse
of an hour and quarter, q gentleman
stated that Mr.. Vester was to remain
down below for two hours; but that
some of the spectators were anxious
to return home, and consequently, if
agreeable, Mr.. Vester 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 the hot sun. His exit
was received with great enthusiasm
and applause, and hundreds rushed
to embrace and congratulate Mr..
Vester upon the success of this most
novel invention -Ne,o York Times.
The mosquitoes don't appear (slap)