The Mummy of Reading, a Long-Kept Mystery, Finally Finds Rest
Reading, Pennsylvania – After nearly 130 years of intrigue and curiosity, the long-kept mystery of the Mummy of Reading is coming to an end. Known affectionately as Stoneman Willie, the mummified remains of a pickpocket who accidentally became a local legend will finally be laid to rest with a proper burial ceremony.
Stoneman Willie’s captivating story begins in 1895 when he died in a city jail and was accidentally mummified by a mortician. Since then, his preserved remains have been on display at the Theo C. Auman funeral home in Reading. Despite his mysterious identity, generations of locals and visitors alike have peered into his open coffin, fascinated by the enigmatic figure.
The people of Reading have always felt connected to Stoneman Willie, referring to him by his affectionate nickname. To them, he represents a treasured piece of local history and nostalgia. Kyle Blankenbiller, the director of the funeral home, describes him as being endeared in the community.
In honor of Reading’s upcoming 275th anniversary celebration, the city has decided to give Stoneman Willie the dignified burial he deserves. The event will include a parade and a week of viewings, showcasing Stoneman Willie in a donated period-appropriate suit. On October 7th, a New Orleans jazz band will lead a glass-encased hearse carrying Stoneman Willie’s remains to Forest Hills Memorial Park.
During the cemetery ceremony, Stoneman Willie’s true identity, carefully determined by Blankenbiller and other historians, will be revealed. A polished black granite headstone inscribed with his real name will mark his final resting place.
Blankenbiller emphasizes the need for a reverent and respectful ceremony, emphasizing that Stoneman Willie was more than just a local mummy; he was a friend to the community. The long-awaited burial marks the end of Stoneman Willie’s journey, finally allowing him to rest in peace away from prying eyes.
Stoneman Willie’s true identity has remained a mystery for over a century. However, information gathered from his cellmate suggests that he adopted a false identity to protect his wealthy family. As an Irish immigrant, he didn’t want to bring embarrassment to his father in Ireland or his siblings living in New York.
Numerous attempts over the years to uncover his real name have proven unsuccessful. Despite this, the people of Reading have embraced Stoneman Willie as a beloved part of their history. Parents shared ghost stories about him, and visitors dropped coins into his mouth as a burial offering, drawing comparisons to the River Styx in Greek mythology.
The decision to finally lay Stoneman Willie to rest comes with the intention of honoring his memory and giving him the dignity he never received in life. The burial ceremony holds sentimental value for the people of Reading, as they strive to preserve and celebrate their heritage.
Laura Reppert, the city coordinator for the 275th anniversary, regards Stoneman Willie as a storied part of Reading’s history. She believes that giving him a proper burial with pomp and circumstance is a beautiful way to honor his place in the community.
Stoneman Willie’s journey will soon reach its destination, allowing him to find eternal rest. While the identity of the mummy will be revealed at the burial, for the people of Reading, he will always be Willie, their beloved friend.
