Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

History Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

PDF

History Class Publications

19th century

Articles 1 - 1 of 1

Full-Text Articles in History

Who Were The Body-Snatchers? A Portrayal Of Those Men That Resorted To The Occupation Of Stealing Human Cadavers In 19th Century America, Bridget Hosey May 2015

Who Were The Body-Snatchers? A Portrayal Of Those Men That Resorted To The Occupation Of Stealing Human Cadavers In 19th Century America, Bridget Hosey

History Class Publications

On a cold autumn night in Baltimore, three men rush to the cemetery where they begin a grisly business under the cover of darkness. Each man is fearful of night patrolmen and any casual pedestrians, for their nightly escapade is both appalling and grim. These men have chosen the occupation of body snatching, a surprisingly popular job in the 19th century. One man is charged with transport; he drives a wagon to the cemetery then hides in an inconspicuous spot while the other two remain to dig up the body. With only a lantern, a tarp, a rope, and wooden …