>I am forwarding this note from Robert. If you have any ideas you can either
>e-mail him directly, or reply to the list. I can forward him any notes as well.
>
>
>>Date:         Tue, 22 Oct 1996 07:24:10 -0400
>>Reply-To: "Robert M. Florentin" <[log in to unmask]>
>>Sender: Archaeology List <[log in to unmask]>
>>From: "Robert M. Florentin" <[log in to unmask]>
>>Subject:      18th & 19th c. burials
>>To: Multiple recipients of list ARCH-L <[log in to unmask]>
>>
>>I am posting this message for a friend of mine:
>>
>>I am working on a project related to the archaeological excavation of a
>>partially exhumed graveyard in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, dating from
>>1790-1850. I would like to examine the occurrence of burial exhumations
>>in the 18th and 19th centuries. I have been led to believe that
>>exhumations and reburials were relatively common prior to the 20th
>>century, but would like to find examples and sources to back this up. I
>>wwould greatly appreciate any examples, sources, ideas or suggestions
>>that may help. thank you.
>>
>>Rob Florentin
>>Consulting Archaeology Program
>>University of Vermont
>>1700 Hegeman Ave. #2
>>Colchester, VT  05446
>>[log in to unmask]
>>
>>
>Anita Cohen-Williams
>Information Specialist
>Auto Club of Southern California
>**************************************
>Listowner of HISTARCH, SUB-ARCH, and SPANBORD
>[log in to unmask]
>[log in to unmask]
>**************************************
>
>Rob
 
We have one case of a partial cemetery relocation (1899)in which all of the
interments except the one in the cast iron coffin were removed.  The coffin
weighed over 300 pounds and we think that the exhumers probably decided it
was not worth the effort. They did put a marker in his name at the new cemetery.
 
The cast iron coffin and contents is now at the Smithsonian under the
identified name of Dr. Binns.  Doug Owsley has details.
 
This project was reported on at SHA last year by Steve Rogers and Owsley.
 
Also most undertakers move the least they can get by with based on my
personal observations.  Some see it as a ritual or symbolic act.  The laws
vary from state to state.  Pat Garrow, GA has done several of these
cemeteries where everything was not removed.
 
call if you want more details.
 
Nick Fielder
State Archaeologist
Tennessee
(615) 741-1588
 ________________________________________________________________________
 |Comments made reflect the views of the individual and not necessarily |
 |those of the Department.                                              |
 |                                                                      |
 |   Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation                 |
 |   Division of Archaeology                                            |
 |   5103 Edmondson Pike                                                |
 |   Nashville TN  37211                                                |
 |   phone 615/741-1588  fax 615/741-7329                               |
 |______________________________________________________________________|