A selection of newspaper articles from 1873 to 1902 indicating grave robbing was a serious problem for several decades. There are many more articles available but had to stop somewhere.
1902 - Indiana Law on Grave Robbing
Article from Sep 29, 1902 The Indianapolis News (Indianapolis, Indiana) Indiana, 1902, Grave robbing1902 - Indiana Law on Grave Robbing The Indianapolis News, Indianapolis, Indiana, Monday, September 29, 1902, Page 2.
Indiana Law on Grave Robbing.
The law in regard to grave-robbing is follows:
Section 2296, Burns's Revised Statutes, 1901: Disturbing grave--Any person who shall without due process of law, or the consent of surviving husband or wife, or next of kin of the deceased or of the person having control of such grave, open any grave for the purpose of taking therefrom any such dead body, or any part thereof buried therein, or anything interred therewith, shall be deemed guilty of a felony, and upon conviction thereof, shall be imprisoned in the State prison for not less than three nor more than years.
Section 2287. Taking Corpse. -Any person who shall, without due process of law, or the consent of the surviving husband, wife or of kin of the deceased person, take from any grave, vault or any other burial place, any human body or any part thereof which has been interred therein, for any purpose other than for the lawful reinterment of the same, be deemed guilty of a felony, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be imprisoned in the State prison for not less than three or more than ten years.
Section 2298. Aiding Concealment of Corpse. -Any person who shall knowingly aid in concealing any dead body or any part thereof, which has been unlawfully taken for the purpose of dissection, shall be deemed guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment in the State prison for not less than one nor more than three years.
Section 2280. Buying Corpse.-Any person who shall buy or receive by gift or otherwise, any dead human body or any part thereof, knowing the same to have been disinterred and removed from its place of burial, or otherwise taken and removed in violation of this act, thail be deemed an accessory to such offense and on conviction thereof be punished in like manner as is prescribed in the preceding section of this act.
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1873
1873 - Corpse Carvers - Exploits Certain Fort Wayne Physician Body Snatchers - Lindenwood Empty
Article from Dec 4, 1873 The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1873, Body snatchers, Lindenwood cemetery1873 - Corpse Carvers - Exploits Certain Fort Wayne Physician Body Snatchers - Lindenwood Empty The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Thursday, December 4, 1873, Page 4.
1873 - Body Snatchers - Sexton of Lindenwood Cemetery Finds "Dr." Weisse's Body Missing
Article from Dec 9, 1873 The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1873, Lindenwood cemetery, Body snatchers1873 - Body Snatchers - Sexton of Lindenwood Cemetery Finds "Dr." Weisse's Body Missing The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Tuesday, December 9, 1873, Page 4. See Lindenwood Cemetery.
BODY SNATCHERS.
The Sexton of Lindenwood Cemetery Finds "Dr." Weisse's Body Missing.
It Has no Doubt Decorated Dissecting Table Long Ere This.
The Identity of the Gentlemen Who Make Graveyards Yawn Still in Doubt.
On last Wednesday morning the GAZETTE published some facts in reference to our cemeteries being rifled of their dead, which caused quite a sensation among our citizens at large, and especially among members of the medical fraternity. [ The online archive does NOT have the Wednesday, December 3, 1873 newspaper ] Among other statements made was that the body of " Dr." Weisse, the man who died recently in the calaboose, had been taken from the cemetery; if, indeed, it had been there. The sexton of Lindenwood, Mr. Doewell, was, of course, much surprised at this statement, and at once proceeded to investigate the matter. The grave was dug up, and it was discovered that
THE BODY WAS NOT THERE,
and that the coffin had been broken up by the ghouls. Mr. I. D. G. Nelson, the President of the cemetery company, made some further inquiries, and ascertained that at the time of the post mortem examination on Weisse's body two physicians had asked Coroner Webb how much he would take for a "lift of the body, He declined to give it up, however.
When the coffin was taken to Lindenwood for interment it was nearly dark, and there was only one person along. The grave had not been prepared, and it was hurriedly dug and the coffin deposited. On account of the lateness of the hour the men left the work of " trimming" the grave until the next morning, when they finished it, without, however, noticing anything wrong.
We have also learned that a number of circulars have been received here by physiciane from medical colleges offering
LIBERAL PRICES FOR GOOD SUBJECTS.
It is probable that Weisse's body has long since adorned the dissecting-room of some college.
To our certain knowledge this matter was talked over by the Grand Jury at their late session. The officers of Lindenwood are determined to protect their cemetery from the raids of these ghouls, and Fort Wayne saw-bones would do well, therefore, to let the matter drop now if they would avoid detection.
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1875
1875 - A Grave Charge - Sequel Van Wert Affair - Arrested Body Snatching - Sheriff - Dr. Myers The Fort Wayne News And Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Monday, January 11, 1875, Page 4.1875 - A Grave Charge - Sequel Van Wert Affair - Arrested Body Snatching - Sheriff - Dr. Myers
Article from Jan 11, 1875 The Fort Wayne News And Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1875, Body snatchers, Dr. myers -
1876
The Autumn of 1876 marked one of the most infamous grave-robbing plots in American history. President Lincoln and his...
Posted by Lincoln Collection on Saturday, November 30, 2024Saturday, November 30, 2024 post by the Lincoln Collection on Facebook:
The Autumn of 1876 marked one of the most infamous grave-robbing plots in American history. President Lincoln and his three youngest sons were buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois. A large monument and park were erected at the site. Only 11 years after his assassination, a plot was devised to steal his remains and hide them in the Indiana Dunes.
A Chicago counterfeiter, Benjamin Boyd, was imprisoned near the Chicago area in October 1876. One of his customers, crime boss “Big Jim” Kinealy, relied on Boyd for his business. To combat Boyd’s imprisonment, Kinealy persuaded two men, Jack Hughes and Terrence Mullen, to steal Abraham Lincoln’s remains. Lincoln’s body would be held for ransom to secure Boyd’s release, in addition to $200,000.
When an imposter—an informant working for the Secret Service—joined the two men, he revealed the plan to authorities. With the help of the Pinkerton Detective Agency, lawmen stepped in to prevent the theft. On November 7th, a plan was in place to catch the thieves in the act; however, the two escaped capture. Ten days later, they were found in Chicago and arrested.
Lincoln's Tomb: http://contentdm.acpl.lib.in.us/.../p15155.../id/3934/rec/39
1876 - The Body Snatchers - Chicago - Jack Hughes, Jack Mullins - attempt steal Abraham Lincoln body The Fort Wayne News And Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Saturday, November 18, 1876, Page 1.1876 - The Body Snatchers - Chicago - Jack Hughes, Jack Mullins - attempt steal Abraham Lincoln body
Article from Nov 18, 1876 The Fort Wayne News And Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1876, Body snatchers, Abraham lincoln -
1877
1877 - Body Snatchers - Huntington - 3 Fort Wayne Physicians - grave robbed - Medical College
Article from Feb 19, 1877 The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1877, Body snatchers, Fort wayne medical college1877 - Body Snatchers - Huntington - 3 Fort Wayne Physicians - grave robbed - Medical College The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Monday, February 19, 1877, Page 4.
1877 - Stiff Snatchers - Lindenwood Visited - Body of Charles Wright Exhumbed - $1,000 Conviction
Article from Nov 26, 1877 The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1877, Body snatchers, Lindenwood cemetery, Reward1877 - Stiff Snatchers - Lindenwood Visited - Body of Charles Wright Exhumbed - $1,000 Conviction The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Monday, November 26, 1877, Page 4.
1877 - "Dance Ye Divils" - Body Snatchers - Dr. VanBuskirk - Lindenwood Cemetery
Article from Dec 28, 1877 The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1877, Body snatchers, Lindenwood cemetery1877 - "Dance Ye Divils" - Body Snatchers - Dr. VanBuskirk - Lindenwood Cemetery The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Friday, December 28, 1877, Page 1.
Article is in three parts - oddly organized, article starts on page two, continues on page three, completes on page one.
1877 - Body Snatchers - Examination Witness- Charles Felts Drove Wagon - Drs Van Buskirk, Sommers
Article from Dec 28, 1877 Fort Wayne Daily News (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1877, Body snatchers1877, Charles felts, Drs van buskirk, Sommers1877 - Body Snatchers - Examination Witness- Charles Felts Drove Wagon - Drs Van Buskirk, Sommers Fort Wayne Daily News, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Friday, December 28, 1877, Page 2.
1877 - Body Snatchers - continued from second page - continued on first page
Article from Dec 28, 1877 Fort Wayne Daily News (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1877, Body snatchers1877 - Body Snatchers - continued from second page - continued on first page Fort Wayne Daily News, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Friday, December 28, 1877, Page 3.
1877 - Body Snatchers - continued from third page - Hershel Myers
Article from Dec 28, 1877 Fort Wayne Daily News (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1877, Body snatchers, Lindenwood cemetery1877 - Body Snatchers - continued from third page - Hershel Myers Fort Wayne Daily News, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Friday, December 28, 1877, Page 1.
1877 - "Cad" catchers Caught - body snatchers - Doctors VanBuskirk and Sommers
Article from Dec 29, 1877 The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1877, Body snatchers, Vanbuskirk, Sommers1877 - "Cad" catchers Caught - body snatchers - Doctors VanBuskirk and Sommers The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Saturday, December 29, 1877, Page 1.
1877 - Body Snatching - Not A Medicine Man
Article from Dec 29, 1877 The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1877, Body snatchers1877 - Body Snatching - Not A Medicine Man The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Saturday, December 29, 1877, Page 1.
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1878
1878 - Peltier's Patent - Festive Body Snatcher Checkmated at Last
Article from Jul 31, 1878 The Fort Wayne News And Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1878, Body snatchers, Louis peltier, Undertaker1878 - Peltier's Patent - Festive Body Snatcher Checkmated at Last The Fort Wayne News And Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Wednesday, July 31, 1878, Page 4
1878 - police watching grave Dennis O'Connor - body snatchers at work
Article from Sep 28, 1878 Fort Wayne Daily News (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1878, Body snatchers1878 - police watching grave Dennis O'Connor - body snatchers at work Fort Wayne Daily News, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Saturday, September 28, 1878, Page 1.
1878 - body snatchers - Broadway cemetery - three points suggested
Article from Nov 20, 1878 Fort Wayne Daily News (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1878, Body snatchers1878 - body snatchers - Broadway cemetery - three points suggested Fort Wayne Daily News, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Wednesday, November 20, 1878, Page 1.
1878 - Badly Abused Woman - Medical College - Zanesville - Roanoke Sheriff Kintz warrants two
Article from Nov 20, 1878 Fort Wayne Daily News (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1878, Body snatchers, Medical college1878 - Badly Abused Woman - Medical College - Zanesville - Roanoke Sheriff Kintz warrants two Fort Wayne Daily News, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Wednesday, November 20, 1878, Page 1.
1878 - Treed In The Woods - Couple Body Snatchers Bounced out of a Cemetery - Flee for Lives
Article from Dec 7, 1878 Fort Wayne Daily News (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1878, Body snatchers1878 - Treed In The Woods - Couple Body Snatchers Bounced out of a Cemetery - Flee for Lives Fort Wayne Daily News, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Saturday, December 7, 1878, Page 1.
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1879
1879 - Too Much Costs - Body Snatchers Want Their Fees Remitted - Doctors Who Contemplated Court
Article from Jan 21, 1879 The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1879, Body snatchers, Doctors trial1879 - Too Much Costs - Body Snatchers Want Their Fees Remitted - Doctors Who Contemplated Court The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Tuesday, January 21, 1879, Page 2.
1879 - Come to Grief Roanoke Body Snatcher - corpse Father Payton at Fort Wayne Medical College The Fort Wayne News And Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Tuesday, June 17, 1879, Page 3.1879 - Come to Grief Roanoke Body Snatcher - corpse Father Payton at Fort Wayne Medical College
Article from Jun 17, 1879 The Fort Wayne News And Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1879, Body snatchers, Fort wayne medical college -
1881
1881 - body snatchers scared away from grave they were robbing in Ohio cemetery explosion of bomb Fort Wayne Weekly Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Wednesday, April 20, 1881, Page 6.1881 - body snatchers scared away from grave they were robbing in Ohio cemetery explosion of bomb
Article from Apr 20, 1881 Fort Wayne Weekly Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1881, Body snatchers, Bomb explosion -
1882
1882 - On The Dissecting Table - How Graves Are Robbed - A Thriving Western Trade - Dark Secrets
Article from Feb 1, 1882 The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1882, Body snatchers1882 - On The Dissecting Table - How Graves Are Robbed - A Thriving Western Trade - Dark Secrets The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Wednesday, February 1, 1882, Page 3.
1882 - Bouncing a Body Snatcher - John Shives Thrashes One of Three Exhuming Sisters Remains
Article from May 20, 1882 The Fort Wayne News And Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1882, Body snatchers, Prairie grove cemetery, Tom shives1882 - Bouncing a Body Snatcher - John Shives Thrashes One of Three Exhuming Sisters Remains The Fort Wayne News And Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Saturday, May 20, 1882, Page 5.
1882 - A Denial - Wayne Tp. June 13, 1882 - child of Shives - Prairie Grove Cemetery - untrue
Article from Jun 13, 1882 The Fort Wayne News And Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1882, Prairie grove cemetery, Tom shives, Body snatchers1882 - A Denial - Wayne Tp. June 13, 1882 - child of Shives - Prairie Grove Cemetery - untrue The Fort Wayne News And Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Tuesday, June 13, 1882, Page 3.
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1883
1883 - A Stolen Stiff - Decatur - Allen killed by train - search Fort Wayne medical college The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Thursday, February 1, 1883, Page 6.1883 - A Stolen Stiff - Decatur - Allen killed by train - search Fort Wayne medical college
Article from Feb 1, 1883 The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1882, Body snatchers, Decatur, Allen, Rr -
1894
1894 - Body Snatchers - Guebard Brothers Watching seven foot tall Sister's Grave - New Haven
Article from Sep 1, 1894 The Fort Wayne News And Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1894, Body snatchers, Guebard brothers1894 - Body Snatchers - Guebard Brothers Watching seven foot tall Sister's Grave - New Haven The Fort Wayne News And Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Saturday, September 1, 1894, Page 1.
1894 - Young Giantess Dies - New Haven - Miss Guebard - Seven feet three inches tallest Indiana
Article from Jul 24, 1894 The Fort Wayne News And Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1894, Body snatchers, Miss guebard1894 - Young Giantess Dies - New Haven - Miss Guebard - Seven feet three inches tallest Indiana The Fort Wayne News And Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Tuesday, July 24, 1894, Page 1.
1894 - Death of Margaret E. Guebard - 1878-1894 - seven feet four inches tall - IOOF Cemetery
Article from Jul 26, 1894 The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1894, Miss guebard, Ioof cemetery1894 - Death of Margaret E. Guebard - 1878-1894 - seven feet four inches tall - IOOF Cemetery The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Thursday, July 26, 1894, Page 6.
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1902
1902 - Ghoul Will Confess All - Body Snatcher Points Out Graves Indianapolis Crown Hill 150 Graves
Article from Sep 30, 1902 The Fort Wayne News (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1902, Indianapolis, Crown hill cemetery, Body snatchers1902 - Ghoul Will Confess All - Body Snatcher Points Out Graves Indianapolis Crown Hill 150 Graves The Fort Wayne News, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Tuesday, September 30, 1902, Page 1.
1902 - body-snatchers Indianapolis - Indiana laws liberally allow raping whole cemetery of its dead
Article from Oct 8, 1902 Fort Wayne Weekly Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1902, Body snatchers, Indiana law1902 - body-snatchers Indianapolis - Indiana laws liberally allow raping whole cemetery of its dead Fort Wayne Weekly Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Wednesday, October 8, 1902, Page 3.
1902 - Ghouls Were Here - Rufus Cantrell - Fort Wayne Graves Were Robbed
Article from Nov 25, 1902 The Fort Wayne News And Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Indiana) Grave robbers1902 - Ghouls Were Here - Rufus Cantrell - Fort Wayne Graves Were Robbed The Fort Wayne News And Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Tuesday, November 25, 1902, Page 1.
1902 - Ghouls Were Here - Lindenwood (continued)
Article from Nov 25, 1902 The Fort Wayne News And Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Indiana) Grave robbers1902 - Ghouls Were Here - Lindenwood (continued) The Fort Wayne News And Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Tuesday, November 25, 1902, Page 2.