In a poignant and long-awaited ceremony, the mysterious “Stoneman Willie” of Reading, Pennsylvania was laid to rest after 128 years, finally receiving a proper burial and the revelation of his true identity. Known only by his nickname, this leather-skinned mummified man had become a legend in the city, his story passed down through generations, intertwining with local folklore and ghost stories. However, on this solemn day, he was finally introduced to the world as James Murphy of New York.

Dressed in a period tuxedo, Stoneman Willie's coffin lay open for all to see, as funeral home employees and well-wishers stood in unison to bid him a final farewell. With a mixture of reverence and closure, they chanted, "Rest in peace, James," unveiling a tombstone that bore his real name in small letters below the large, unmistakable inscription, "Stoneman Willie." The juxtaposition of the two names on the tombstone symbolized his unique journey from anonymity to recognition.

The funeral procession was a colorful affair, befitting the celebration of a life once shrouded in mystery. A motorcycle hearse led the way, carrying Murphy's casket, as it made its way through the streets of Reading. The town came alive with curiosity and respect, as locals lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the man who had haunted their imaginations for over a century.

As the funeral director, Kyle Blankenbiller, spoke at the service, he revealed the true identity of James Murphy. Blankenbiller explained that Murphy, of Irish descent, had been an alcoholic and had been present in Reading for a firefighters' convention when he passed away on November 19, 1895, due to kidney failure. Remarkably, Blankenbiller shared that Murphy's real name had been known to the original funeral home director, Theo Auman, back in 1895. Over the years, this information had been passed down within the funeral home, but it was only recently that research was conducted to conclusively confirm his identity as James Murphy.

The story behind Murphy's mysterious nickname, "Stoneman," was also revealed during the service. It turned out that he acquired this moniker due to the hard-as-stone, leathery condition of his skin. This physical characteristic, along with his secretive past, had only added to the enigma of Stoneman Willie.

Local historian George Meiser shed light on the decades-long search for Murphy's true identity during the service. Meiser explained that Murphy had given a fake name when arrested, making it impossible for local officials to locate his relatives. "Weeks passed, months passed, years passed, and no one claimed the remains," Meiser recounted, emphasizing the long and lonely journey that Murphy had endured.

However, with the dedication of local historians and their relentless pursuit of truth, Murphy's real name was finally unearthed from records held by the prison, funeral home, and other documents. This discovery paved the way for the funeral home to obtain permission from the state to retain his body for the purpose of monitoring an experimental embalming process. This decision inadvertently allowed Murphy's real identity to remain hidden until now.

As the service drew to a close, Pastor Robert Whitmire addressed the gathered mourners. He reminded them that to those who once knew him, "Stoneman Willie," may have been a beloved friend and cherished family member. In death, Murphy had finally been recognized for who he truly was, bringing closure to a story that had captivated the imagination of Reading for well over a century.

With his burial complete and his true identity finally revealed, James Murphy, the man once known as "Stoneman Willie," was now at peace. His legacy, forever intertwined with the history and lore of Reading, would be remembered and celebrated, ensuring that he would never be forgotten.