Reader "Historically Yours" appears to have called it

circa 1774

When news broke that bits of a (very) old human skeleton had been uncovered in the back country earlier this week, I speculated that the remains were those of either Jimmy Hoffa or Amelia Earhart; Publius suggested they might belong to Judge Crater, but FWIW’s resident historian offered a more plausible origin:

Historically Yours 2 days ago

A local resident in the nearby area with knowledge of certain important details was texting me late Tuesday night. I stopped by to see the archival staff at Greenwich Historical Society. We were immersed in discussion about this matter, 411 Stanwich Road and 151 Old Church Road.

The skeletel remains are being examined. The news of such a discovery did not surprise me. The remains were accidentally unearthed on one of the historic properties associated with the early settlement of the area by Quakers. It was the 18th century.

I am 99% certain that there are other unmarked or lost graves in parts of Greenwich. Graves were more often than not marked with plain field stones. It was also customary for families to establish private family plots near their farmsteads. As modern-day owners of these properties perform changes to these historical places unmarked graves are bound to be revealed.

I know this first hand. A Mead family cemetery in northwestern Greenwich had been lost and missing for at least 70 years, according to Town Historian William E. Finch, Jr. The carved gravestones were lain flat. There was no wall or fence around the perimeter.

It was on July 2, 1989 (and 100F degrees) that I found the cemetery. Two elderly black women -whose father was a superintendent on the Solomon Stoddard Mead Farm and who still lived in their house- were crucial in its rediscovery. I tripped on a marble foot stone that was barely visible. Restoration commenced quickly. The cemetery is restored and under the care of a family association, Historic Mead Burying Grounds, Inc.

I have suggested that these skeletel remains be reinterred at the exact same location, that an archeological survey of the site be performed, and that it be added to the list of Greenwich cemeteries

Now there’s been a follow up — I’m providing a link to today’s Greenwich Time article, but really, the headline says all there is to know, for now, and it appears that Historically was on the right track.

Human remains found at Greenwich construction site are 'of a historic nature,' medical examiner says

Mind you, that doesn’t rule out Pocahontas, whose grave is still missing, poor child.