I think embalming was developed during the Civil War so that soldiers who had died far from home could be shipped home. I read someplace that one of the reasons people sat up with bodies was so that nothing could disturb the body in the night, as well as to keep it company. Peggy C. -----Original Message----- From: Jknitl@aol.com [mailto:Jknitl@aol.com] Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2005 5:32 AM To: INSHELBY-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [INSHELBY] WEIR Funeral Home Expenses In a message dated 6/1/2005 11:30:29 PM Eastern Standard Time, Suerobertaccio@aol.com writes: I remember as a child in the 50's and 60's, people discussing who would stay at the funeral home all night with the body so they would not be left alone until they were buried. I'd forgotten about that too! When I was 5 years old my best friend died. They kept her in the living room at home before the funeral and my dad was one of the people who sat up all night with her. That was in 1952. I don't remember them staying at the funeral homes, as both of them in Morristown were family homes as well as funeral homes. The families lived upstairs. Jill ==== INSHELBY Mailing List ==== Don't forget to often check-out our website at www.rootsweb.com/~inshelby/index.htm History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illumines reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life and brings us tidings of antiquity. - Cicero For questions regarding the list, contact me at mmweaver1864@sbcglobal.net Thanks! Melinda ============================== Search the US Census Collection. Over 140 million records added in the last 12 months. Largest online collection in the world. Learn more: http://www.ancestry.com/s13965/rd.ashx