Geronimo's Bones

Last week a story appeared regarding a lawsuit filed by descendents of Chiricahua Apache leader Geronimo. The suit seeks recovery of bones allegedly in the possession of Yale University's fabled secret society, Skull and Bones.

Harlan Geronimo, 61, great-grandson of Geronimo (Goyahklah), maintains that the bones, including a skull and thigh bones, were stolen in 1918 by members of Skull and Bones from his great-grandfather’s grave at Fort Sill. According to the story, one of the grave robbers was Prescott Bush – grandfather of George W., and father of George H.W., both of whom were also Yalies and Skull and Bones members.

The lawsuit also names President Obama, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Army Secretary Pete Geren as defendants.

Native Americans have been pursuing the legend of the theft of Geronimo’s bones since the 1980’s, but this latest chapter began in 2005, when Yale historian Marc Wortman discovered a letter written in 1918 by Skull and Bones member Winter Mead to another member, F. Trubee Davison.

Mead wrote, “The skull of the worthy Geronimo the Terrible, exhumed from its tomb at Fort Sill by your club and Knight Haffuer, is now safe inside the T— together with its well worn femurs, bit and saddle horn.”

Allegedly the bones, especially the skull, have been used by the society in secret ceremonies.

Wortman agrees that the letter seems to lend credibility to the Apaches' assertion, but he says he’s skeptical that the bones are those of Geronimo. (So... somehow it's less offensive if isn't Geronimo's skull?)

Yale officials declined comment, except to note that Skull and Bones is not legally affiliated with the university, and their “crypt” clubhouse is not on Yale property. A spokeswoman at Fort Sill denied there is any evidence supporting the Indians’ claims.

My opinion: The last thing anybody needs is a headline about rich, privileged kids amusing themselves by desecrating the remains of other Americans, especially Native Americans. What if we were talking about George Washington’s skull? Or heaven forbid, a Papal cranium?

DNA tests can determine if the bones belong to Geronimo. That could take some time, so while we wait, why don't we 'collateralize' the outcome? Send Prescott Bush's skull to the Apaches, or for that matter, transfer the bones from whichever esteemed Skull and Bones family the Apaches might choose.
In the words of character actor Wilford Brimley, “It’s right thing to do.”