Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-04-03
FROM BONE TO MARBLE.
A Missouri Mans Body L. Changed by
Heat Into Stone Instead Of Ashes.

A Missouri Mans Body L. Changed By
Heat Into Stone Instead Of Ashes.
Great interest is manifested at Cass-
vile, NO., over a remarkable circum-
stance which has just come to light. II
happened on Of Davis near Buzzard
Roost. When old man CIayback came
out of the late war he was a physical
wreck, but like many others of the state
militia was too independent to ask for
pension, even IL he could have secured
one, and made his living in the best way
he could until his six boys and seven
girls got old enough to help him.
About five years ago the old man be-
gan to get very bad with rheumatism, as
he thought, and although he used the
entire crop Of spicewood berries which
grew on the creek, he continued to get
worse. Two years ago he got 80 stiff as
to be confined to his home and called in
physician, who, after carefully dag
nosing the case, gave as his opinion that
instead of rheumatism ailing the man it
was true case of ossiication. Nothing
could be done, and he advised his pa
tient to make ready for the end, although
he might live for some time. The old
man took the doctors advice and did not
seem to have any fears Of death, but
dreaded the yawning grave and the cold,
clammv earth. To make his thoughts
more pleasant and relieve him of his
only terror, a friend suggested crema-
ton as an avenue of escape from the
grave, a plan which he hailed with joy,
and gave directions accordingly.
The disease continued, complete ossifi-
cation took place and the man died. How
to carry out the wishes of the deceased
at first troubled the bereaved family, un-
til they learned that Stephen Symphony
was burning lime in his kiln, which had
been fired three days and was reaching a
white heat. Desiring to save the ashes
they procured large evaporating pan
belonging to molasses mill. Placing
the remains in this, they carefully showed
the whole into the kiln, which was an
open one on top, and being built in the
side of the hill, was easily accessible.
The sorrowing family gathered around,
expecting the rapid incineration and dis
integration of the departed. In few
minutes the winding sheet was gone and
the naked body was exposed to the in
tense heat. From the ears, nostrils and
mouth came jets of steam, broken at first
then solid, and in an hour had ceased
but no change was perceivable in the
silent form.
More wood was fed to the glowing
furnace to make the vigil of the be
reaved briefer, but still no change. More
wood was pitched in and hotter still the
fire ragged. Hour after hour passed, anG
from q glowing red to an Opaque white thu
body turned, while on the countenanc'
seemed to rest an expression of infinite
peace and satisfaction. So three day
wore away, and the fire must be drawn
or the lime spoiled. Twenty-four hour
later, by means of graphing hooks, tn,
pan and body were raised, and to thu
surprise Of every one the body was still
intact and glowing.
A greater and more pleasant surprise
however, awaited the family, for wher
the body became cold it was ascertainet
that the intense heat, acting upon th'
ossifed body, had changed it to perfec
marble, little lighter in color than th'
natural body, but retaining its natura
shape, except on the back, which is {
little fiattened. The only defects arr
where there was bullet wound and il
the left foot, which is broken in two. Ii
1879 Mr.. Clayback cut his fost very Sc
verely, splitting it between the secon(
and third toes, and following this woun(
rupture appeared which caused the los
as above stated. Where small bloot
vessel had burst in his leg there ap
peared delicate tracing of the circula
tion. The family are having pedesta
cut out of native limestone and will
mount the 'statue," but at present they
are using black gum block for the pur
pose.-St. Louis Globe-Democrat.