The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-03-02

Gnar<ilng n Dead body.
A CONGREGATION BUILDS A MASSIVE WALL
AROUND THE COFFIN OF IT'S LATE PASTOR.

CONGREGATION BUILDS A MASSIVE WALL
AROUND THE COFFIN OF ITS LATE PASTOR.
The little village Of Hulmeville, Bucks
county. Pa, has been thrown into q state
Of much excitement over the developments
in connection with the sudden death by
apoplexy of the Rev. William Jarrett, pas
tor of the Episcopal church. Three years
ago Mr.. Jarrett came TO IIulmeville, an en-
tire stranger, 10 fill the pulpit OF the Epis-
copal church, which had been vacant for
some time. A neat church and parsonage
adjoining belonged to tlR congregation.
The new minister took possession Of
the parsonage and entered upon his
duties. With the exception Of library
of valuable books, he brought nothing
with him. lie was in the village but short
time when il was noticed that he seemed to
desire to be isolated rs much as possible
from his fellOw-men. He lived alone, did
his own cooking, and attended to bis wants
without assistance. His flock attributed
his desire for solitude TO eccentricity.
Though seventy years OF age he was active
and robust In physique. and became very
popular IN a short time. On SUNDAY OF
last week he preached TO his congregation,
and was in apparent good health. After
the evening service he retired to the par
sonage. This was the last time he was
seen alive. Three days afterwards entrance
was effected by a secoDd-story window,
the doors being securely fastened. and
the aged pastor was found lying dead on
the floor from the effects OF apopleXy. A
coroner's inquest was summoned, and in
the course OF the medical examination it
was apparent TO all present that there was
remarkable physical phenomenon in the
TIL
unity of both sexes. The strange tidings
were soon whispered throughout the vii
| lage. and It was said the doctors intended
TO carve the dead body in the interests
1 of science. A remonStrance against the
mutllation of the remains was instantly
circulated, and was signed by nearly all
the inhabitants of the place. This was pre-
sented to the doctors. and rs a pOSt-mOrtem
examination was not apparently neceS-
sary to determine the cause of death, the
medical men unwillingly submitted TO the
wishes OF the people. A verdict OF death
from apopleXy was rendered, and arrange
ments we're made for interring the remains
A fear existed that on account of the
anomaly in the organic structure OF the
minister the medical fraternity would have
the body eXhumed after interment. Mea-
sures were taken to prevent as far a. posSi-
bic the desecration OF the grave by ghouls.
A coffin-shaped brick wall, thirteen inches
i'll thickness and two feet high, was erect
ed at the bottom Of the grave. The cas-
ket was placed in the inclosure and a
heavy flagstone was put over it. The grave
was then filed with earth. The spot
chosen for the minister's resting-place is
in Beechwood cemetery, which Is prettily
situated on a sloping hillside adjoining the
village. According to his own statement,
Mr.. jarrett had no relatives in this coun-
try. On several occasions he told mem
bers of his congregation that he had wife
and children, who were living in Australia.
He ntimated that he and his wife did not
live happily together. Cosby tongues in
the villlge have spread the report that Mr..
Jarrett was quite wealthy. Pending an
investigation it is difficult to ascertain the
financial condition OF the deceased. IL Is
known, however, that he held deeds to a
large tract OF land in Virginia, and had
some money invested in securities, which
are on deposit with trust companies i'll
Philadelphia.