The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

DEAD MAN SITS UP

THERE WAS A MAN THAT DIED IN A CHAIR SITTING UP AND WHEN
THEY PUT HIM IN THE CASKET, THEY HAD TO TIE HIM DOWN TO MAKE HIM LIE
FLAT. WHEN THEY WERE HAVING A WAKE FOR HIM AND WERE DRINKING OUT
OF A JUG, THE MAN SAT UP IN THE COFFIN.
EVERYONE ELSE TOOK OFF FOR PARTS UNKNOWN SO THAT THE DEAD MAN WAS
ALONE.

Submitter comment: MR. YOUNT BELIEVED THIS TO BE TRUE AS EVERYONE ELSE KNEW
THE MAN AND ALSO BELIEVED IT.
HAPPENED IN HOLLISTER, OHIO.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): POST-MORTEM REFLEX

James Callow Keyword(s): DEATH WATCH OR WAKE ; RIGOR

Date learned: 05-11-1965

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