A Mystery Grave in McVeytown

Spring House Farm, a popular wedding venue in McVeytown

 

In November of 1921, a baffling discovery was made in Mifflin County, on top of the ridge that runs along the Juniata River near the historic borough of McVeytown. Originally known as Waynesburg, it was first settled in 1762. With a history stretching across four centuries, it's safe to say that the tiny borough has seen its fair share of strange happenings over the years, but probably none as strange as the discovery made by Clay Youtzy.

Youtzy was on the ridge hunting when he stumbled across a freshly-dug grave. After reporting his find, a group of curious locals traveled to the secluded spot, armed with digging tools, in an attempt to get to the bottom of the mystery (no pun intended). What they found at the bottom of the grave raised more questions than it answered; while they failed to find human remains, they did find a cryptic note stating that the body had been moved to a different secret location. 

Was it a hoax, or a case of foul play? Is there an unmarked grave somewhere in the mountains still keeping the secret of a century-old murder? The riddle, apparently, remains unsolved. 

 

Harrisburg Telegraph, Nov. 18, 1921.

 

Perry County Democrat, Dec. 14, 1921.