In the 19th century, American physician Timothy Clark Smith went to extreme lengths to ensure he would never be buried alive, a common fear at the time known as taphophobia. He designed a special grave with a window directly above his face, allowing any passersby to check on him in case he was mistakenly declared dead. His unique coffin also included a bell connected to his hand and a breathing tube, so he could signal for help and continue breathing if he awoke underground.
This fear was not unusual for the era, as medical knowledge about death was less advanced. Without modern techniques like resuscitation or defibrillation, confirming death was often uncertain, leading to unsettling stories of coffins found with scratch marks inside. This environment of fear drove individuals like Smith to create “safety coffins” to prevent premature burial.
Smith’s grave, located in New Haven, Vermont, remains a curiosity today, drawing visitors interested in his morbid yet practical precautions. However, the view through the glass has since been obscured by condensation, likely from his decomposing body over the years.
Visitors to the cemetery can still see Smith’s grave setup, though his face is no longer visible through the glass. This unusual burial arrangement highlights the deep-seated fears of the 1800s and Smith’s dedication to ensuring he wouldn’t meet a horrifying fate underground.
