Rathbone Uncovered

[Laurie Verge]

Richard,

Have you read this complete thread? Eva made the 125-mile+ trek from her home in Germany to the cemetery to research this and did come up with records.

I learned of the European custom of emptying graves and re-selling them decades ago when we did our famous Victorian mourning exhibits here at Surratt House. It has been common practice for many years. I consider the Rathbones lucky in that they were able to remain in their graves - just down one story...

Not too long ago, I read an article that said American cemeteries may soon resort to the same procedure when graves are no longer cared for. The current craze for large mausoleums and cremation are part of the growing concern of running out of space in today's cemeteries.

I have often wondered why the Rathbone children allowed their parents' remains to stay in Germany. Could they have thought there would be even more unwanted publicity if the remains were returned to the U.S.? What was the policy of returning remains in those days? Could caskets be hermetically sealed? Inquiring minds want to know...