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Story
May 16, 1751
The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
Mr. Richards, Parson of Hay, appeared to die suddenly on December 7 but was in a trance. Buried after two days, signs of life like bleeding and sweating were later found in his grave, suggesting he was buried alive.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
Extract of a Letter to a Gentleman in Bristol.
The Parson of Hay (Mr. Richards) died on Friday the 7th of last December, as it was supposed suddenly. His Friends kept him about two Days, then buried him: But before that, seeing his Body and Limbs did not stiffen, they sent for a Doctor, who bled him, and afterwards could not easily stop the Blood; who told his Friends that he was not dead, but in a Sort of a Trance: But on the Morrow they put him into his Grave. A Person walking along the Church Yard hearing a Noise in one of the Graves, ran away, and prevail'd with the Clerk to have the Grave opened; when they found a great Bleeding at the Nose, and the Body all over of a Sweat. From hence it is conjectured, he was not dead when he was buried; although now they were obliged to let him remain, as all Appearance of Life was vanish'd by his Interment.
The Parson of Hay (Mr. Richards) died on Friday the 7th of last December, as it was supposed suddenly. His Friends kept him about two Days, then buried him: But before that, seeing his Body and Limbs did not stiffen, they sent for a Doctor, who bled him, and afterwards could not easily stop the Blood; who told his Friends that he was not dead, but in a Sort of a Trance: But on the Morrow they put him into his Grave. A Person walking along the Church Yard hearing a Noise in one of the Graves, ran away, and prevail'd with the Clerk to have the Grave opened; when they found a great Bleeding at the Nose, and the Body all over of a Sweat. From hence it is conjectured, he was not dead when he was buried; although now they were obliged to let him remain, as all Appearance of Life was vanish'd by his Interment.
What sub-type of article is it?
Medical Curiosity
Curiosity
Extraordinary Event
What themes does it cover?
Misfortune
Tragedy
What keywords are associated?
Premature Burial
Trance
Parson Richards
Church Yard Noise
Bleeding Nose
What entities or persons were involved?
Mr. Richards
Doctor
Where did it happen?
Hay Church Yard
Story Details
Key Persons
Mr. Richards
Doctor
Location
Hay Church Yard
Event Date
Friday The 7th Of Last December
Story Details
Parson Richards was thought dead and buried, but a doctor suspected trance; later, grave opened due to noise revealed signs of life, conjecturing premature burial.