Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1868-09-14
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Buried Aiivelstranse Exhibition
in Newark, MA Buried Ger.
Iuan Resurrects Himself. H-

1 i'm Newark, MA Buried Ger.
/ man Resurrects Himself. la1
"A German gentleman, advanced in
years, named Franz Yester, at present
resident of Newark, recently obtained
patent for safety-cofin, designed so as
to provide a way of escape to those who
might be buried during suspended ami
nation, as is supposed may on occasions
happen, particularly through the preva-
lence of epidemics. This invention con-
sists of coffin constructed similar 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 spring attached for re-
freshments and restoratives. The most
important part of the invention is box
two feet square, resembling very much a
chimney, with a cover and ornamental
grave work on top. This box is of
sufficient length to extend from the head
of the cofin't to about one foot above the
ground. The cover is fastened down by
catch on the inside, and cannot he un-
fastened from the outside. Just below
the cover is a bell similar to those used
on street railway cars, with a cord ap-
pended,w upon being pulled, sounds
an alarm, and at the same time spring
throws the coverfrom thesschimney- box.".
Then, if the person, on the inside have
sufficient strength, lie or she can take
hold of a rope suspended from near the
top of the chimney-box, and, with the as
sistance of elects nailed to the sides, as
cend to the outer world; or otherwise
the individual can rest at ease, e,munch 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 in
vention by being buried, and after more
than an hours interment resurrecting
himself.
The exhibition took place at Baire's
Brewery Garden, on Springfield avenue.
Newark, and although fifty cents admis-
sion was charged, some six hundred peo-
pie were assembled to witness the novel
exhibition.
About 3 P. NJ, the grave diggers, hav-
ing excavated hole six feet deep,
black coffin with silver trimmings, was
placed upon supporters over it. A circle
was made with a rope around which as
sembled an excited crowd of men, women
and children. while every tree-top and
elevated position was occupied by spec
tators. 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
jocular :'good-by." "..
. The coffin was lowered to the bottom
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 flowers had been strewn. The grave
idiggers set to work with will, and in
fifteen minutes Mr.. Vester was effect,
ually 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
after. After the elapse of an hour and
a quarter. gentleman stated that
Mr.. Vester was to remain down
below .s1 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, a signal was
given, and a minute after Mr. Vester,
unaided, stepped out of his living grave,
with no more perceptible exhaustion
than would have been caused by walk
ing 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,
1t is stated that Mr.. Vester will give
a similar exhibition in New York in a
few days. j. ..s p %,