As genealogists, I think we all feel it is our responsibility to remember with dignity those who have gone before. However, I don't think you can spend as much time in cemeteries as as the typical genealogist without having some graveyard humor.
So, okay, caveats - this story is not about about any of my people and it was probably not very funny when it happened, but when I read it I laughed so hard I nearly fell off my chair! I could see it as the opening scene of a Tim Burton movie or a scene from the TV show, Six Feet Under. However, I hope the girl in question is resting in peace and that her poor parents did not have too many nightmares.
Source: Trenton Times
Date: Saturday, 28 Feb 1885
Talk about not going quietly! I'm sure it was horrifying, but at this distance it's almost slapstick. I hope the family was eventually able to laugh - though I don't suppose a child's death is ever funny. Still, wonderful article.
ReplyDeleteThinking back, my grandmother always said she would never die in winter because the ground was too cold. I wonder if she saw one or two episodes like this?
Wow! What a story! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOMG.
ReplyDeleteI am really LOL-ing! Thanks!
ReplyDeletePalsied with fright is my new favorite phrase
ReplyDeleteI can't even imagine - how horrible and humorous, all rolled into one! I hope they could laugh about it afterward, but I'm sure it took some time. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete