Fifty years ago the principal avenue of Detroit had a toll-gate close
to the entrance of the Elmwood Cemetery road. As this cemetery had been
laid out some time previous to the construction of the plank road, it was
arranged that all funeral processions should be allowed to pass along the
latter toll-free. One day as a well-known physician stopped to pay his
toll, he observed to the gate-keeper:
"Considering the benevolent character of our profession, I think you ought
to let physicians pass free of charge."
"No, no, doctor," replied the man; "we can't afford that. You send too many
'deadheads' through here as it is."
The story traveled, and the two words became associated.