The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

IN CINCINNATI, OHIO, IT HAS BEEN REPORTED THAT
THERE WAS AN UNDERTAKING ESTABLISHMENT THAT KEPT THE
BODY OF AN UNCLAIMED NEGRO MORE THAN 28 YEARS. THIS
WAS AS RECENT AS 1963. A VISITOR TO THE CITY OF
CINCINNATI SAW THIS BODY, WHICH WAS STILL PRESERVED
THROUGH THE SKILL OF THE UNDERTAKER, AND THIS WAS
TOLD TO MY INFORMANT.
THE REASON FOR HIS BODY BEING KEPT FROM BURIAL WAS
THAT IF NO ONE CLAIMED HIM, ACCORDING TO UNDERTAKERS
LAWS, HE COULD NOT RELEASE THE BODY FOR BURIAL. THE
LAWS HAVE SINCE BEEN CHANGED.

Where learned: TENNESSEE ; NASHVILLE

Date learned: 08-00-1968