In the heart of Reading, Pennsylvania, a peculiar figure known as “Stoneman Willie” captivated the community for over a century. His mummified remains, preserved by accident during an early embalming experiment, became both a local legend and a symbol of historical curiosity.
The Man Behind the Moniker
In October 1895, a man going by the name “James Penn” was arrested twice during the State Firemen’s Convention in Reading—first for public drunkenness, then for burglary. While jailed, he died of kidney failure on November 19, 1895. With no family to claim the body, it was released to Theodore C. Auman, a local undertaker who was experimenting with embalming fluids.
That experiment unintentionally preserved the man’s body in a remarkable state, turning him into a mummy whose skin hardened over time—earning him the nickname “Stoneman Willie.”
A Local Legend
For over 128 years, Stoneman Willie’s remains were displayed at Auman’s Funeral Home, becoming a fixture of local folklore. Generations of Berks County residents grew up hearing tales of the mysterious figure, often visiting the display out of curiosity and fascination. Yet, despite the local notoriety, his true identity remained a mystery for more than a century.
Unmasking James Murphy
Through careful archival research and efforts by the funeral home and local historians, the man was finally identified as James Murphy, a New Yorker of Irish descent. He had used a false name, likely to avoid bringing embarrassment to his family. This discovery allowed the city to acknowledge him with the dignity he was long denied.
A Final Farewell
On October 7, 2023—fittingly during Reading’s 275th anniversary celebration—James Murphy was laid to rest at Forest Hills Memorial Park. His remains were transported in a motorcycle-drawn hearse, and a new tombstone was placed, bearing both his nickname and real name.
In honoring his life and finally uncovering his true identity, the Reading community brought closure to a long-standing mystery, turning a macabre curiosity into a story of remembrance, compassion, and historical reflection.
