Unusual Family Heirloom — A Mummified Baby

“Baby John,” a mummified baby, has been passed down from generation to generation in the Peavey family in New Hampshire.

About one year ago, the baby’s remains were taken by the New Hampshire government to determine the cause of death.  Although the investigation revealed nothing suspicious, state officials refused to return the mummy because the Peavey family could not prove that Baby John was a relative.

DNA evidence could establish the necessary family connection but Charles Peavey has been unable to come up with the $1,000 necessary for the test.  Thus, he has decided to give up his fight to have Baby John returned.  Baby John will now receive a proper burial.  In a kind gesture, the judge has given Charles 30 days from the hearing (September 19, 2007) to prove his biological connection and claim the body.

Prior to being taken by the government, Baby John was displayed on a bureau in the Peavey home.  According to family tradition, Baby John was the out-of-wedlock child of Peavey’s great-great-uncle.

See Judge Orders Concord Man To Bury Mummified Baby, WMUR.com, Sept. 20, 2007.