Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-02-24
DEAD ENGINEERS
BURIAL PLANS RIVAL
WEIRDEST FICTION
Henry Close Ordered Dis
position of His Body
With Mathematical Pre-
ciseness, and Left Money
for That Purpose.

A weird tale rivalins the most imabina
tive productions of Poe or an Ambros'
Hiercs came to light today in the makini
public OF the extraordinary preparation
for his burial made by Henry Close. en-
Eineer and mathematician, who died II
days ago at his home, "a North 3sth st
Not only did he arrange for his burial or
engineering principles, but he also left
HIS entire fortune Of nearly 1000 for the
care of his grave and those of his ances-
tors, giving most mlniite instructions fol-
the treatment of the tombs.
Henry Close did not want a cent OF
his money TO go to charity or relatives.
He was a recluse, living alone for many
years among his books and mathemati-
cal Instruments at his home. For several
years he was engaged in mysterious msth-
ematical calculations, the nature of which
was not revealed until his death, Then It
became known that all his engineering
knowledge and skill had been applied
upon an elaborate plan of burial and
care OF his body after death.
SOUGHT TO PRESERVE BODY.
The thoroughness which characterized
his methods in life when engaged upon
enelneeTlnR lealS was eNlQenCed
In the detailed directions for the care of
his remains. which specified the kind OF
cubalming fluid that was to be used, the
manner OF cauking his metal casket and
the kind of cement that was TO be used in
making the tomb air-tight and water
proof.
Henry Closes practical and mechanical
mind could never comprehend the exist
once OF a hereafter and he denounced
the teachings of theologians which pic
tured heaven or hell after death. de-
claring how, from mechanical stand
point, they we're impossible. He was an
ardent admirer of Darwin and Ingersoll,
yet, unlike the latter, he did not believe
In cremation. expressing horror at the
thought of his body being burned.
OF equal dread to him was the idea of
his remains being consumed by vermin,
and he devoted much time to the study
and employment of every agency known
TO science to insure his body against such
fate. He was determined that no worms
should eat him and that his ashes should
remain intact for ages.
About two years ago he had an expen-
sive vault constructed in ST. Michael's
Cemetery. at Blrdsboro the building OF
which he superintended himself in order
to be sure that that part of his plan
would be accurately. carried out. The
vault was lined with thick walls OF brick.
through which LIQUID cement was poured,
and granite slab weighing two tons was
placed upon II.
The immense slab. which was prepared
In this city, was so unwieldy that upon
It's arrival In Blrdsboro IL was found that
there was no vehicle in the place strong
enough to transport II from the train to
the cemetery. 1t was only after the man.
agement of nearby steel works permit
ted the use OF one OF its heavy trucks and
derricks, engaged in the handling OF great
castings. that the big stone was placed
over the vault 1t required 70 mules to
draw 1t over the rough roads.
An especially designed casket of bronze
also was secured during his lifetime and
this. after containing the mahogany cas-
Ret with the remains, was cAuIked with
molten lead For this work Close engaged
the services of the best mechanics in the
business, caring nothing for the expense,
LAWYER SUPERVISED BURIAL.
John 3. Rutherford, who has offices in
the Stephen Girard Building, was named
In the Will as the attorney of the estate
and the sum of $500 was bequesthed to
him as a special compensation for super
vising the burial and seeing that all plans
were carried out as directed. Mr.. Ruther-
ford accompanied the remains to Birds
boro and stood by until they were depos-
tied in the vault and the great cover her
metically sealed over them.
Carefully worded instructions had been
left by Close for each person connected
with the burial. The physician trained
,urse. housekeeper. undertaken lawyer, |
xeeutor OF the estate. sexton of the ceme- |
cry and corps OF experts, who had been |
ngaged TO seal the casket and tomb, were |
ield 10 strict accountability for the
performance Of their separately allotted |
uties
Funds were bequeathed to the cemetery
nd church for the erection Of a stone
'all facing the road. with suitable en-
RANGES and steps, beautlfying the ceme-
cry and placing a handsome iron fence,
nth elaborate gates, around II. More
han necessary provision was made for
ne beautifying and upkeep of the burial
lots OF Close and his ancestors, and a
am was set aside for the erection of a
ew chapel in the cemetery.
Two other cemeteries in which relatives
nd ancestors are buried were remem-
ered In the will for substantial amounts,
hich VIII insure the Identification and
IRE OF their graves forever. Some of the
leestors buried In the cemeteries died
ore than 100 years ago, and II Is doubt-
II whether the location OF their graves
known.
Only In the case OF remote contin-
'ncy. that OF his plans mlsearryinE
rough the refusal OF the trustees OF
e cemeteries to accept the gifts, was
" or the estate to go TO charity. The
stitmtion which was TO be benefited in
u event Is the Western Home for Poor |
lildfen, at 4t6t and Barring straAta