Fayetteville observer. [volume] (Fayetteville, Tenn.) 1850-1966, 1869-10-07
The Resurrectionists.
A Husband finds his Wife
on a DiSSecting Table.
From the Cleveland Plaindaler.

L
Several years ago regular Or
ganization of "resurrectionists' ex-
listed in the State of Wisconsin,
and Illinois, with headquarters at
Chicago. They carried on a thriv-
ing trade with the colleges and
medical men of that region, and
were ready at all times to furnish
one to half a dozen bOdies-old or
young, male or female. They man.
aged their affairs SO quietly and
carefully that the public knew moth.
ing of the extensive robbery Of
graves going on until the disclosure
Of an aggravated instance of body
snatching led to an examination Of
different burial grounds, when the
astounding discovery was made that
large portion of new-made graves
had been opened and bodise removed.
The case referred to was carefully
suppressed at the time; but years
have passed since then, and the
facts can now be made public with
out violating any confidence or
wound the sensibilities of friends.
In the little village of R,
10 the State Of Wisconsin, a young
and beautiful married lady died
suddenly, and was buried in accor-
dance with the prevailing custom. A
dap or two after the funeral the be-
reayed husband repaired 20 the Gem
etery to make arrangements for suit
ably inclosing and adorning the fami-
ly burial lot, when be discovered
certain unmistakable evidences that
the grave had been disturbed.
Calling in the aid of the sexton,
the new mace grave was soon opened
and the worst fears of the poor wild
over we're confirmed. The coffin
and casing we're still in the grave,
but the corpse had been removed.
No words can describe the
horror and anguish produced in the
mourning husband by this terrible
discovery. He had read Of similar
instances of body-snatching at dis
tant points, but never realized bow
much Of suffering and suspense these
robberies entailed upon the surviv-
ing relatives and friends. The
grief over loved and loving wife
had almost crushed him, but the
additional blow drove him to frenzy.
He resolved that neither effort nor
money to recover his wife's remains,
and punish the ghouls who had des.
poiled her grave, should be spared.
Officers and detectives were sent
out Immediately in all directions,
and a tempting reward made the
search a thorough and energetic
one. But two days elapsed, aud no
clue to the perpetrators Of the out
rage had been discovered. The hus-
hand himself repaired to Chicago,
and at once secured the services of
famous detective to work up the
case. In less than twenty.four
hours "point" was obtained. The
night previous two or three myste.
rious "packages" had been left with
the janilor of the Medical College;
and armed with the necessary off,
cial authority, the detective and bis
employer visited the institution that
afternoon.
The business had been managed
so quietly andw we'll that no suspi'
cion was aroused in the college, and
the visitors we're allowed to stroll
through the library, the museum,
aud other interesting departments
Of the institution. AS they ap'
, proached the ante-roOm leading tt
the dissectiDg room several students
; were observed to pass themselves il
i, with latcbed keys, carefully closing
, the door behind them. 1t va eyi
: dent practical lecture was in pro
5 eress, and the detective determined
. 70 effect an entrance to the lectur
room.
Lounging carelessly near the door
he watched for the coming Of anOtt
r er student, and had soon pressed hi
way through the passage and lot