Bones Uncovered in Harmar Excavation

The Marietta Daily Times, July 22, 1952

Bones of Man and Deer Unearthed in Excavation for Harmar School

Human bones which may be those of an Indian or an old settler were unearthed this morning during the excavation for the new Harmar school building. The bones, which were discovered by a construction worker, were found approximately four and a half feet below the earth's surface.

Portions of a skull were found, although the pieces were not large enough to form the shape of the head. The complete skeleton has not yet been unearthed. Teeth found with the skeleton are in good condition and revealed that the person was apparently a young adult at the time of death.

Ralph Whipple, professor of natural science at Marietta College, viewed the bones, but said he could not determine whether they are those of an Indian or old settler. However, he felt the bones did not have any particular scientific value.

At this time, no arrangements have been made to preserve the bones. With the bones exposed to the air, decomposition will begin immediately.

Workers have also unearthed bones of animals. Teeth found are thought to be those of a deer.

Whether the bones were those of an old settler will probably be never known. If they are, the bones probably date back to the 1700s, as Harmar was built in 1786 to establish protection for settlers and to prevent squatters from settling on land.