M.M.White undertaker WashingtonDC Matthias M. White undertaker of Washington , DC Fisk and Raymond metallic coffins

 This is one of the last undertaker advertisements for M.M. White,  as you can see the Civil War has begun and the advertisement refers to being killed in battle. He has also moved from the 457 Pennsylvania Avenue location and moved to 297 B St., corner 3rd

Air- Tight Coffins 

To friends and relatives of the Dead 

Parents and friends living at a distance can have the bodies of their killed in battle, or who may die at the hospitals forwarded to them in IMPROVED AIR-TIGHT COFFINS, at moderate charge- Embalming, Coffin and Box from $30 to $35, and no extra charge. All orders promptly attended to M.M. White Undertaker and Embalmer 297 B st., corner 2nd. Washington

 This ran multiple times in The daily union newspaper Washington, D.C. December 1850

 FOR SALE- Fisk and Raymond’s elegant air-tight metallic cases, on the south side of Pennsylvania
Avenue, directly opposite Gadsby’s Hotel

Having now completed our extensive factory which has enabled us to meet the demands for our superior coffin, and being convinced that low process will secure sales, and greatly accommodate those who are so unfortunate as to need a coffin for their friends, we have reduced our process below what is now paid for a mahogany coffin. We attend to conducting funerals in the country or city with a strict regard to economy. Rumor to the contrary, the remains of Gen. Z. Taylor never were placed in one of our coffins: nor has any single instance ever occurred of one of them bursting from the fermentation of the body within.

Dec 6                                          M.M. White, Undertaker. 

 This was a rumor at the time here is the article that appeared in numerous papers about the exploding caskets. President Taylor has been exhumed numerous times HERE

This is actually a flyer in possession of the Library of Congress.

Fisk's patent air-tight metallic burial cases are for sale by M. M. White, undertaker Washington, March 1853

Library of Congress - Printed Ephemera Collection; Portfolio 201, Folder 11. HERE

You can buy a metallic reproduction of it on Amazon here https://amzn.to/3iizSMO 

Coffins --Coffins advertisement 

The ad ran multiple times in the Evening Star and Washington Daily star in 1856 and 1857 

M.M. White SOLE AGENT FOR FISK’S Airtight Metallic Coffins for the city of Washington, wishes to inform the public that he has now on hand a large supply of all the sizes, similar in form to the richest wood coffin and beautifully finish imitation of rosewood. They can be sold at the same rates as a well finished mahogany coffin. These beautiful Airtight Coffins can be ready for use in 30 minutes for transportation to any part of the United States. The under signed attended to the UNDERTAKING in all its branches, at all hours of the day or night. Also on hand a supply of READY MADE WOOD COFFINS. 

Purchaseres are respectfully invited to call and see for themselves, at No, 457 Pennsylvania Avenue, south side, near corner of Third Street. 

Dec 8                    M.M. White

M.M White DC directory listings of business and home from June 1845 when they moved from Maryland to DC ad he worked as a night watchman – June 1868 his death.

1850 – The Washington directory, and Congressional and executive register, for 1850 White not listed 

1853 – The Washington and Georgetown directory, strangers’ guide-book for Washington, and congressional and clerks’ register. Alfred Hunter. 

1853 White M.M. coffin warehouse, s side Pa av, btw 6 and 7 w

1855 Boyd's directory of the District of Columbia White M. undertaker, 457 Pa ave. 

1858 Boyd's directory of the District of Columbia White Matthias M. undertaker, 457 and 599 Penn ave. 

1860 Boyd's Washington and Georgetown Directory White Matthias M., undertaker, 457 Pa av, h do

1862 Boyd's Washington and Georgetown Directory White M.M., undertaker 457 Penn av, h 562 I north Also listed under undertakers in business section 

1864 Boyd's Washington and Georgetown Directory White, M.M. Undertaker, B north c 2nd west, h 562 I north 

1866 Boyd's Washington and Georgetown Directory White Matthias M., undertaker 2d west cor Pa ave h Mass ave or N Cap 

1867 Boyd's Directory of Washington and Georgetown White Mathias M. cabinet maker, Mass av cor N Cap

1868 Boyd's Directory of Washington and Georgetown White Mathias M. cabinet maker, Mass av cor N Cap 

For many years his undertaking business is here at 457 Pennsylvania Ave.