Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-03-29
CLAYBACK's STATUE.
Remarkable Result of an Attempt at
Cremation.


IGlobe- Democrat Cassville, No, Special.l
Great interest is manifested here over a
remarkable circumstance which has Just
come to light, its happening on OFF Davis,
near Buzzard Roost When old man Clay
back came out of the late war he was
physical wreck, but, like many others of
the State militia, was too independent to
ask for a pension, even if 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 began 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 so stiff as to be confined
to his house, and called in a physician,
who, after carefully diagnosing the case,
gave as his opinion that, instead of rheu-
matism ailing the man, it was true case
of ossifcation. Nothing could be done,
and he advised his patient to make ready
for the end, although he might live for
some time. The old man took the doctor
advice and did not seem TO have any fears
of death, but dreaded the yawning grave
and the cold, clammy earth. To make
his thoughts more pleasant and relieve
him of his only terror, friend suggested
cremation as an avenue of escape from the
grave, plan which he hailed with Joy
and gave directions accordingly.
The disease continued, complete ossifica-
tien took place, and the old man died.
How carry out the wishes of the deceased
at first troubled the bereaved family, until
they learned that Stephen Symphony was
burning lime in his Kiln, which had been
fred three days, and was reaching a white
heat. Desiring to save the ashes, they
procured large evaporating pan belong
ing to a molasses mill. Placing the re.
mains 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 sor-
rowing family gathered around, expecting
the rapid incarceration and dislntegration
ofthe departed. In few minutes the wind
ing sheet was gone, and the naked body
was exposed to the intense 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
perceptible in the silent form. More wood
was fed to the glowing furnace to make
the vigil of the bereaved briefer, but still
no change. More wood was pitched in,
and hotter still the fire ragged. Hour after
hour passed, and from glowing red to an
Opaque white the body turned, while on
the countenance seemen to rest an express
sion of Infinite peace and satisfaction.
So three days wore away, and the fire
must be drawn or the lime spoiled. Twenty
four hours later, by means Of graphing
hooks, the pan and body were raised, and
to the surprise of everyone, the body was
still intact and glowing. A great and
more pleasant surprise, however, awaited
the family, for when the body became cold
it was ascertained that the intense heat
acting upon the ossiied body had changed
it to perfect marble a little lighter in
color that the natural body, but retaining
its natural shape, excep: in the back,
which is a little tiatteued. The only de-
fects are where there was bullet wound
and in the left foot, which is broken in
two. In1S70 Mr.. Clayback cut his foot very
severely, splitting it between the second
and third toes, and following this wound a
rupture appeared, which caused the loss as
above stated. Where small blood vessel
had burst in his leg there appeared deli
cate tracing of the circulation. The family
are having pedestal cut out of native
limestone, and will mount the statue
but at present they are using black-gum
block for the purpose.