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Remains of several people found in Johnson Co. grave

Redoing grave in the middle of the road
Posted at 4:58 PM, Jun 14, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-14 22:56:41-04

JOHNSON COUNTY, Ind. -- A single grave in Johnson County contained the remains of at least seven people, according to UIndy archaeologists.

The grave in the middle of the road was temporarily moved in May.

It is the final resting place of Nancy Kerlin Barnett, who moved to Indiana with her husband in 1821 and passed away in 1831.

A road built in the area in the early 1900's went around Barnett's grave because her family insisted that it remain untouched.

Over the years, it has been the site of numerous collisions with cars and farm equipment. 

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University of Indianapolis Archaeology Professor Dr. Chris Schmidt and his graduate students did the painstaking work to remove Barnett's remains.
 
"They're going to lower the mound," Schmidt said. "It will be flat and not a road hazard anymore. She'll be protected below grade, but there will still be a marker and a way to recognize the grave."

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When the work is done, the grave will be surrounded by a new protective barrier.

DNA tests will be performed to identify the other bodies found in the grave.

 

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