A DARK MYSTERY

Discovery of charred human bones near pole mountain.

Dispatches received from Laramie yesterday morning announce the discovery of human remains near the ranch of Bob Burnett, who disappeared so mysteriously about ten weeks ago. Great excitement exists in Laramie City and a well-grounded belief that these are the remains of the well-known and ill fated ranchman. The Boomerang gives a long and interesting account of the affair, from which we extract the following details:

The mysterious disappearance of Robert Burnett, the well-known but eccentric Pole Mountain ranchman, has been partially explained by a little heap of ashes and charred bones. The cremated remains were found about two miles north of Burnett’s ranch in an unfrequented spot about a mile from the traveled road. They tell beyond all doubt a tale of mystery and murder.

There arrived in Laramie last from the Pole Mountain region a man and woman carrying small pails, one of wood and the other of tin. The man was deaf and the woman acted nervous and somewhat excited. It was Charles Pullman and his wife and they claimed to have with them in the little pails which they brought with the the mortal remains of Bob Burnett. One pail contained ashes and the other small pieces of charred bones. They were taken at once to the office of Prosecuting Attorney Groesbeck.

The remains were examined by Dr. Harris and he pronounced them those of a human being. The pieces of bone were all small, but there were portions of the skull, the nose and a rib, several finger bones and teeth. There were also several suspender and overall buttons.

The authorities are convinced that they are the remains of the unfortunate Burnett, but whether a thorough examination will enable them to identify them time alone can tell. An overall button furnishes the only link in the chain of identification so far. It bears the stamp of E. P. Smith and Co., an Omaha firm, and the only house in Laramie to sell that firm’s goods was J. S. Watkins. Burnett always wore overalls and always purchased them of Watkins.

Sheriff Lund and Prosecuting Attorney Groesbeck went out to Pole Mountain this morning to investigate the matter thoroughly. The inquest will probably be held in this city.

Cheyenne Weekly Sun (Cheyenne, WY) Thursday, August 15th, 1889