In a recent government meeting, a fascinating historical account was shared regarding a skeleton discovered in the barn of the Parks family, early pioneers in the Bourbon area. The incident, which dates back to the summer of 1855, sparked significant local intrigue and led to an inquest that revealed a series of conflicting testimonies.

The discovery was made by Henry Strzok, who claimed the skeleton was found in the northwest corner of the barn, suggesting it had been deliberately hidden. Other witnesses, including Thomas Wilkins and Abraham Baker, also reported strange odors and boxes that they suspected contained a body. Despite their suspicions, none reported the findings at the time.

Two doctors who examined the skeleton noted that while there were no signs of violence, parts of the skull and jaw were missing. Family members, including James Parks, recognized the skeleton as belonging to Dr. Edward Parks, although Dr. John Parks expressed uncertainty about its origins, raising questions about the skeleton's identity.

Ultimately, Grayson Parks was found guilty of unlawfully concealing a human skeleton and was fined $5, which he paid under protest, claiming that the witnesses had been compensated for their testimonies. The meeting highlighted the peculiarities of medical practices in the 19th century, where acquiring skeletons for study was common.

The story of the Parks family and the skeleton has been a point of interest for local historians and was featured in the museum's 2022 ghost walk. The upcoming ghost walk event, scheduled for this weekend, aims to further engage the community with local history, showcasing stories that blend fact and folklore.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for the public to attend the ghost walk, emphasizing the educational value of these historical narratives.