1870 — Windowed Coffin Unearthed in Cocoville A chilling tale of perfect preservation resurfaces from Avoyelles history!

The iron casket of Steamboat Captain Joseph Joffrion was unearthed from the St. Paul Cemetery in Cocoville around 1870 by men working on a nearby road.

The coffin was unique — it featured a glass window over his face — and after its discovery, it was brought to Bunkie by a Joffrion descendant and put on display before being returned to the graveyard.

53 Years Dead — Body Preserved

A 1923 Town Talk clipping reported that community members were stunned to find the remains of Capt. J. C. Joffrion in remarkable condition when the brick-and-mortar vault crumbled after fifty-three years.

“The clothing, even the tie and collar, are just as they were when he was dressed for burial… the body remains in a state of preservation by reason of the fact that it was buried in a metallic casket.”
— 1923 Town Talk

Eyewitnesses noted:

Hair and beard still visible
Clothing intact
Features recognizable

The metallic casket was said to protect the remains from decay, keeping out air and moisture.

An enslaved cemetery caretaker was first to notice the vault collapse and alerted the Joffrion family — prompting the temporary exhibition of the remains in Bunkie.

A Family Legacy

Mr. A. A. Gremillion of Alexandria, a step-grandson of Capt. Joffrion, gave the Town Talk details of the event, confirming the casket would remain on display as long as there were family and community members wishing to view it.

The curiosity drew crowds — many hoping to see the extraordinary preservation for themselves.

Remembering Avoyelles’ Stories

This macabre discovery remains one of the eerier preserved tales of Avoyelles Parish history, especially fitting as fall brings stories of spirits, legends, and the mysteries of the past.

📌 Editor’s Note
From the Avoyelles archives: A Halloween tale of perfect preservation — proving that sometimes, history reveals itself in the most unexpected (and chilling) ways.