Stoneman Willie, one of the oldest mummies in US, laid to rest after 128 years on display at funeral home

WASHINGTON (TND) — A mummy that was on display for at least 128 years at a funeral home in Pennsylvania has been finally laid to rest, according to reports.

"Stoneman Willie," as he was nicknamed by staff at theAuman Funeral Home in Reading, was reportedly buried October 7.

I think it's the honorable thing to do,"Kyle Blankenbiller, who is the funeral home's director, told ABC News ahead of the burial.

Blankenbiller told media outlets the man -- who was unidentified by authorities -- died in a Berks County jail on Nov. 19, 1895.

According to reports, the man was “accidentally mummified” by a mortician who was experimenting with embalming practices.

Reuters reported the man's real name was James Murphy, of New York. The media outlet said Blankenbiller cited historical records and described Murphy as a petty thief -- and an alcoholic -- who died of kidney failure while he was behind bars.

Since Murphy's death, his preserved body had been on display at the funeral home, making him one of the oldest mummies in the U.S.

Leading up to the burial, viewings were held at the funeral home.

Several people took to social media to share their emotions about the event. While some were fascinated by the history, others were irate.

"I went to pay my respects this evening to Stoneman Willie who I was so intrigued with. He had no family come to identify his body after he passed away in prison due to kidney failure. He’s been at Auman’s funeral home for 128 years back when embalming was fairly new so as a result his remains are still pretty much intact," one woman wrote on Facebook.

Others seemed disgusted with the circumstances surrounding the man's mummification and subsequent display of his remains.

"This is nothing more than entertainment for the twisted at the expense of a dead man (whose) body was illegally mutilated, then used as a tourist attraction for over a century!" another person wrote.

Reuters reported Murphy was buried at Forest Hills Memorial Park. His tombstone reportedly bears his real name.