Fisk metallic burial case facts for kids

Fisk metallic burial case, from U.S. Patent 5920

Fisk metallic burial cases were special metal coffins invented in 1848 by Almond Dunbar Fisk. They were made in Providence, Rhode Island. These coffins were very popular in the mid-1800s, especially among wealthy families. A regular wooden coffin in the 1850s might cost about $2. But a Fisk coffin could cost over $100! Richer people liked these metal coffins because they helped keep the body safe from people who might try to disturb the grave.

The burial case was shaped to fit the body, looking a bit like an ancient Egyptian sarcophagus. It even had sculpted arms and a glass window so people could see the face of the person who had died. This window meant you could view the person without worrying about smells or germs. These airtight cases were also great for keeping bodies preserved. This was very helpful if someone died far from home and needed to be sent back for burial by their family. In the 1800s, being buried in such a special coffin showed that the person was important in society.

How They Were Made

The Fisk metallic burial case was designed and patented by Almond D. Fisk. He received the patent (US Patent No. 5920) on November 14, 1848. In 1849, this new cast iron coffin was shown to the public. It was displayed at the New York State Agricultural Society Fair in Syracuse, New York and also at an exhibition in New York City.

Because so many people wanted these coffins, Fisk started a company called Fisk and Raymond Company. They began making the cases in Providence, Rhode Island. Within a year of getting his patent, Fisk also set up a small factory in Long Island, New York. To make enough coffins for everyone, Fisk also allowed two bigger companies to make his design. These were W.C. Davis & Co. in Cincinnati, Ohio and A.C. Barstow & Co. in Providence.

In the fall of 1849, Fisk's factory was destroyed by a fire. All his machines, tools, and products were lost. To rebuild his business, Fisk borrowed $15,000 from two investors: John G. Forbes and Horace White. The next year, Fisk became very sick and could not work. So, in the fall of 1850, he gave his patents and business to Forbes and White.

William H. Forbes, who was the son of John G. Forbes, took over the business. In 1875, Fisk's brother-in-law, William M. Raymond, joined Forbes. They changed the company name to W.M. Raymond & Company. Later, a lawyer named Daniel Phelps Wood gained control of the company. He made his brother, William S. Wood, the factory's manager.

In October 1877, the company's name changed again to the Metallic Burial Case Company. On December 7, 1888, The New York Times newspaper reported that the Metallic Burial Case Company was closing down.

Famous Users

In April 1850, John C. Calhoun was buried in a Fisk coffin. He was a former U.S. Vice President and Secretary of State. His burial took place at the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, DC. After this, several other important people, like Jefferson Davis, Henry Clay, and Daniel Webster, publicly said they liked the Fisk coffin. They stated it was "the best article known to us for transporting the dead to their final resting place." This meant they thought it was the best way to move a person who had died to their burial spot.

Where to See One

You can see a Fisk coffin on display today. It is at the Museum of Appalachia in Clinton, Tennessee.