Haunted Austin: History and Hauntings in the Capital City (Haunted America)

by Jeanine Marie Plumer

We carry a corpse feet first, facing away from the mourners so the lingering spirit won’t catch the eye of one of the living and beckon them to follow into death. Originally black was worn by undertakers, mourners and family members to be inconspicuous, so as to not draw the attention of the lingering spirit, lest it decide to take you along. It was considered a bad idea to interfere with the funeral procession leading the corpse to its final resting spot because it might impede the deceased’s journey to the afterlife.

Oakwood, the city cemetery. Oakwood was founded on the highest hill east of Austin in 1839. Two men killed by Indians while digging post holes where Stubbs Barbecue is today near the corner of Eighth Street and Red River, were the first to be interred.