ROCHESTER — The remains of six children, two adults, 10 wooden coffins, some buttons and a whole lot of history: these are the discoveries made thus far at the Legro family burial ground nestled in a wooded area near Spaulding Turnpike Exit 15.

ROCHESTER — The remains of six children, two adults, 10 wooden coffins, some buttons and a whole lot of history: these are the discoveries made thus far at the Legro family burial ground nestled in a wooded area near Spaulding Turnpike Exit 15.



Archaeologist Kathleen Wheeler said her crew may uncover the remains of a seventh child once their excavation is complete. Her Portsmouth-based firm, Independent Archaeological Consulting, has been at the grave site inside a bend of a highway exit since last week. She said they hope to finish work today.



Wheeler does not believe Civil War veteran Elihu Legro's remains are at the site. According to records from the era, Legro died of disease in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 1, 1863. His body was supposedly shipped home for burial, but Wheeler now thinks it may have been a ceremonial burial and his body is not one of those found at the family's cemetery. She said the two adults found at the site are Legro's parents.



In some cases, only darkened stains in the dirt — dubbed "sacred soil" by Wheeler — reveal to the keen eye of an archaeologist where a coffin once was. Some tangible coffin pieces remain and appear to have ornate, elaborate engravings on them. One child appeared to be wrapped in a shroud.



Archaeologist Jonathan Douse held up a piece of glass found in the grave that Wheeler said would have allowed for a closed casket funeral where the child's face was visible. The glass had the unintended consequence of creating a "microenvironment" that allowed for better preservation of some remains, she said.



The evidence suggests the burials were conducted as part of a beautification of death movement that began in the 1840s and 50s. Though it sounds morbid, Wheeler noted it is no more morbid than today's burial rituals in America.



Researchers found elaborate buttons near the remains of the adult woman. Wheeler said they indicate she was buried in a frock or dress. These tidbits, coupled with evidence to be collected when the remains are studied in a laboratory, will help researchers better understand what kind of life the Legros lived in the 1800s. The children's remains are from the 1840s or '50s, while the adults may have been buried as late as 1871, Wheeler said.



Richard Longo, the city historian whose research helped pinpoint the cemetery's location, has said an archaeological excavation of such recent remains is disrespectful.



Wheeler said Tuesday she could not refute his sentiment and understands why some might feel uneasy about the endeavor. But, she continued, saying she feels the work is important and could benefit the public.



An archaeological excavation is more respectful than having a grave digger quickly move the remains from one place to another, she said, adding the Department of Transportation worked closely with known descendants to find a scenario with which they were comfortable.



"I can't think of any more respectful way to treat these people," she said.



City Manager John Scruton said he also supported the way Wheeler is conducting the removal. Alternative methods include using a back hoe to quickly excavate the graves, he said.



Longo got a chance to visit the site on Tuesday. He said afterward that it did not change his moral objection to the work, but said he enjoyed the visit nonetheless. He originally doubted he could watch the work after being told no more than one member of the Legro Cemetery Committee could visit the work zone at any one time.



He cannot drive, but City Manager John Scruton gave him a ride to the site because he felt Longo earned the right to watch over the spot he invested so much time in.



"He had done so much work on it and really wanted to go," Scruton said.



The visit gave Longo an opportunity to speak with Wheeler, with whom he had dealt previously when she handled a similar excavation at the Staples construction site. He said the researchers are doing a thorough job — "not missing anything."



They also discussed the brook that once ran through the area, and noted his surprise at the amount of sandy soil unearthed during excavation.



"It's almost like a beach there," he said.



The unexpected soil conditions contributed to the level of preservation. The soil was thought to be too acidic, due to pine trees in the area, for preserving remains over such a long period. Yet the conditions are so intriguing that Wheeler said a gardening consultant will be taking pH samples to study the soil.



While Longo discussed the work with Wheeler, Scruton took the opportunity to talk with DOT and Department of Safety officials. He was careful to make sure he and Longo discussed no cemetery matters while on site because it would constitute a quorum of the committee. The third committee member is Dan Meehan, and together the men will provide a report on the cemetery to the City Council for informational purposes.



There was originally some question as to when the remains would be interred at the new location in the New Rochester Cemetery. Scruton learned Tuesday they hope to conduct the reinterment in November.



Longo said he is looking forward to that day because it will end the matter respectfully. Elihu Legro was a minister in Farmington and a mason before becoming a Civil War soldier and the burial ceremony will reflect those accomplishments.



"My mind hasn't changed any, but they're doing it, it's almost done and we'll get them back in the ground and that'll be the end of it," he said. "It will be a real nice burial."







