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[article provided by Lona. Thanks!]

Centuries-Old Bones Found Last Year Likely American Indian
AP  02/24/2000

BANNER, Ill. (AP) _ Human bones found near a house here last year are likely
those of American Indians who lived several hundred years ago, an Illinois
Historic Preservation Agency report says.

In its report, the agency said that the bones were those of at least six
adults and one adolescent. They included teeth, cranial bones and hip and
pubic bones. Dog remains were also found.

The bones were discovered in a metal tub inside a shed when an auction
company was clearing the residence, located about 20 miles southwest of
Peoria. Former Fulton County Coroner Jim West contacted the agency because
the bones showed no signs of criminal activity and appeared to be more than
a century old.

The report suggests the bones were probably used for medical instruction by
a doctor who lived at the residence and practiced medicine there.

"Some (bones) are probably archaeological specimens from the immediate area,
though a few bones are more recent anatomical specimens either from recent
historical burials and/or medical cadavers," the report said.

There were chisel marks and writing on some of the bones, which the report
said might indicate they were used in medical education. Others, though,
were archaeological specimens that had been buried and later exposed.

Gender could not be confirmed in every case. But the pubic and hip bones
indicated that the remains include at least one male and possibly three, and
perhaps one female.

Race couldn't be determined. But, according to the report, because of the
"frequency and density of Fulton County prehistoric and archaeological
sites," the bones are likely those of American Indians.

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