Plot to Snatch Astor's Body

by **Karen** Sun 29 Apr 2012 - 20:32

PLOT TO RIFLE TOMB.
Grave of Millionaire Watched Day and Night to Foil Body-Snatchers.

A plot is on foot, according to a report from New York, to steal the body of Colonel John Jacob Astor, and the grave of the colonel, who lost his life in the Titanic disaster, is being guarded day and night.
A few days ago Mrs. Madeleine Force Astor received an anonymous letter, which stated that a plot was on foot to steal the body of the deceased, and Mr. Vincent Astor, Colonel Astor's son, ordered precautionary measures.
Ever since the interment of Colonel Astor, who perished in the Titanic disaster, young Mrs. Astor has visited the tomb daily, until she received the anonymous letter. Four men are guarding the tomb, two during the day-time and two at night. The shift has now been doubled, so that four men are on duty by day and four at night. The men, when questioned, will not admit that they are guards, but, says the New York "World," pose as gardeners.
Instances of body-snatching are not numerous in the States, but one or two notorious instances of millionaires' remains being removed from vaults, and held to ransom, have secured great publicity in comparatively recent years.

Source: Lloyd's Weekly News, July 7, 1912, Page 4