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Domestic News
July 22, 1885
The Somerset Herald
Somerset, Somerset County, Pennsylvania
What is this article about?
In Emmitsburg, Md., 80-year-old David Gamble, a rich and eccentric philanthropist, was found dead in the coffin he had used as a bed for 40 years since his wife's death on their wedding night. He insisted on it as a reminder of mortality, even during illness. July 14.
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Full Text
Sleeping in a Coffin for 40 Years.
EMMITSBURG, Md., July 14.—A servant went to call David Gamble this morning and found him dead in a coffin, which he always occupied as a bed. Mr. Gamble, who was eighty years old, was rich, eccentric and philanthropic. He had slept in a coffin since the death of his wife, forty years ago. She died in his arms on the night they were married. Ever after the old man said that he must always have a reminder that death was liable to come at any time. He made the coffin for this purpose, and never could be induced to occupy any other couch, even during a long spell of sickness lasting six years.
EMMITSBURG, Md., July 14.—A servant went to call David Gamble this morning and found him dead in a coffin, which he always occupied as a bed. Mr. Gamble, who was eighty years old, was rich, eccentric and philanthropic. He had slept in a coffin since the death of his wife, forty years ago. She died in his arms on the night they were married. Ever after the old man said that he must always have a reminder that death was liable to come at any time. He made the coffin for this purpose, and never could be induced to occupy any other couch, even during a long spell of sickness lasting six years.
What sub-type of article is it?
Death Or Funeral
What keywords are associated?
David Gamble
Coffin Bed
Eccentric Habit
Wife Death
Philanthropist
What entities or persons were involved?
David Gamble
Where did it happen?
Emmitsburg, Md.
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Emmitsburg, Md.
Event Date
July 14
Key Persons
David Gamble
Outcome
david gamble found dead in his coffin bed at age 80.
Event Details
A servant discovered David Gamble dead in the coffin he used as a bed. He had adopted this habit 40 years ago after his wife's death on their wedding night, as a reminder of mortality, and persisted even during a six-year illness.