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The man, who died in 1895, is considered a thief and was accidentally mummified. It has become a local attraction.
Published on July 10, 2023 4:00 p.m. Updated on July 10, 2023 4:21 p.m
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“Stoneman Willie,” a prisoner accidentally mummified in Pennsylvania, USA, in 1865, was unveiled to the public on October 6, 2023, before being buried in Reading. (ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP)
The American city of Reading, Pennsylvania (USA), will finally say goodbye to its most unusual resident: a mummified man who is scheduled to be buried on Saturday, October 7th. “Stoneman Willie” is the nickname given long ago to a suspected thief who died in a prison in 1895 and was then transported to Theo C. Auman Funeral Home. There he was accidentally mummified.
A strange sight, as the body lay in an open coffin for almost the entire stay at the funeral home. The mummy has fascinated thousands of people, including Reading residents, researchers and, long ago, even school children on school trips. All week long, curious people lined up to pay homage, take photos of him, or gaze at him in wonder. “Goodbye, Stoneman. God bless you. Rest in peace,” said Suzanne Schrum, 74, in an interview with AFP.
The man who ended up being America’s oldest mummy gave a false name when he was detained, but his name is expected to be revealed on Saturday. According to his cellmate, he had been arrested for pickpocketing and had taken the false name James Penn to avoid embarrassing his wealthy Irish father.
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