Historical Account of 'Old Book' Figure at Peoria State Hospital
The narrative describes a patient known as Old Book, who worked as a gravedigger at Peoria State Hospital in Bartonville, Illinois. Originally from Austria, he was reportedly mute or non-English speaking and died around 1910 at approximately age 31. Following his funeral, witnesses including the hospital superintendent claimed to hear crying near an elm tree and some reported seeing his apparition, leading to the coffin being reopened to confirm his body was present. This story represents a piece of historical folklore associated with the institution.
Key facts
- The individual called Old Book was a patient and gravedigger at Peoria State Hospital
- He died around 1910 at approximately 31 years old
- Witnesses reported paranormal phenomena at his funeral including cries from an elm tree
Entities
Institutions
- Peoria State Hospital
Locations
- Bartonville, Illinois
- Austria