December 22, 1887
Newark, New York
A headless body was found in a cask. When investigated, it was revealed the body belonged to a drunkard who sold the right to his body, upon his death, in exchange for whiskey. His head had been removed to fit the body in the cask and was kept for “personal use” by the medical student who prepared the body. Once the identity of the man had been established, the body was sent to its original destination.

Clipping: the New York Times, published Dec. 23, 1887