The Overall Biological Profile of Adult Remains from the Winchester Anatomized Site, Massachusetts

Abstract

The present research examined the biological profile of an anatomized human skeletal assemblage discovered in Winchester, Massachusetts (Middlesex County), in 2020 during home construction. The analysis included skeletal sex, age, population affinity, and stature of the adult assemblage. Fragmented postcranial bones could not be matched to individuals, so estimations provided a general profile. The Number of Identified Specimens of the adult remains was 14,469, and the Minimum Number of Individuals was 35.

The assemblage was predominantly male skeletal sex: 60.5% of pubic symphyses and 58.8% of greater sciatic notches were male. The average age at death was 23 to 45 years. Population affinity estimation was inconclusive due to cranial fragmentation. Living stature point estimates ranged from 58.1 to 69.9 inches (4 feet 10 inches to 5 feet 10 inches).

This profile was compared to the 1850 U.S. Census and military data. The Winchester remains had a higher male representation, similar to Massachusetts’ 1850 poorhouses, penitentiaries, jails, and houses of correction, which had more males than females. In contrast, Middlesex County’s general population had more females than males. The age range of the remains was similar to the majority age group in 1850 poorhouses and criminal institutions. The stature interval was similar to the average height of White males in the United States military (63.7 inches). The profile suggests these individuals may have come from nearby cemeteries, poorhouses, or criminal institutions.