Ohio History Journal

REPORT OF FIELD WORK.

 

BY W. C. MILLS, CURATOR.

 

PREFACE.

It is the purpose of the Ohio State Archaeological and His-

torical Society to visit different sections of the State each year

for explorations upon the mounds and village sites.

It is apparent to all that the mounds and earthworks are fast

being leveled by the encroachment of agriculture and the relic

hunter, who, under the stimulus of commercial enterprise, tears

the mounds down and forever blots out evidence which would

materially aid in the solution of many of the problems which

confront the archaeologist of today. Consequently opportunities

for securing a more definite insight into the character and meth-

ods of mound building are rapidly being destroyed. We com-

menced the field work in Logan County, but were unfortunate

in getting permission to explore but two (2) mounds; these were

situated along the Miami River, in Washington Township. Al-

though we added thirty (30) mounds, one (1) earthwork and

twenty-seven (27) gravel burials to the archaeological map. In

the eastern half of the county, especially in the Mad River Val-

ley, are to be found a great many gravel kames. In some places

they were formed into beautiful rounded mounds which are

very often mistaken for works of the Mound Builders. After

leaving Logan County we examined the mounds found along

the north fork of the Licking River, which runs near the boundary

line of Knox and Licking Counties. The most important of the

mounds examined were the large Butcher mound, situated in

Burlington Township, Licking County, and the Larimore group

in Milford Township, southwestern Knox County. The peculiar

features of the mounds of this group were the burials at the

center, which were usually beneath the original surface at a

depth varying from six inches, to five and one half feet.

I wish to acknowledge the many favors shown us, while in

the field. Although in a few instances permission to explore

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310       Ohio Arch. and His. Society Publications.

 

mounds was refused, such refusal was usually based on valid

reasons. In all portions of the country which we visited, we

were kindly received, and the people as a rule have a deep interest

in the work, and always shore a commendable desire to encour-

age us and give us all the information in their power.

I am especially indebted to Dr. Wanzer, of Zanesville; Mr.

Harry Evans and Mr. F. N. Draper, of West Liberty; Mr. M. E.

Burdett, of DeGraff; Dr. J. W. Buxton, Mr. W. C Butcher, Mr.

Benjamin Quick, of Homer; Mr. Howard Kirkpatrick and Mr.

W. P. Parks, of Utica; Messrs. Joseph and James Larimore, and

Frank Sutton, of Lock, Knox County, for valuable assistance,

suggestions and donations of relics.

To my assistants in the field, Mr. A. G. Abbott, Medina;

Mr. S. T. Orton, Columbus, and Mr. V. H. Davis, Byesville, I

extend thanks for the faithfulness and earnestness with which

they performed their work.

 

PART I.

 

MOUND EXPLORATIONS IN LOGAN COUNTY.

On the east side of the Miami River, on the farm of Mrs.

Longbreak, two miles north of Logansville, in Washington

Township, Logan County, Ohio, is a group of three (3) small

mounds ,situated upon a level plateau fifteen feet above the bed

of the river and 300 yards from its banks.

Mound No. 1 (See Fig. 1.) is the largest of the three mounds

and situated near the edge of the hill which slopes gradually to

the water's edge. It is 38 feet in diameter and four feet seven and

one-half inches high.

The surface of the mound has been under cultivation a num-

ber of years, and its height had been evidently reduced several

feet. We commenced work on the east side of the mound at the

base line and explored the entire mound. The first evidence

of a burial was found six feet from the starting point and at the

bottom of the mound. The remains were small pieces of the skull

and large bones. Toward the center of the mound were found

great quantities of charcoal, covering an area of about thirty-six

square feet. Nothing was found buried with this charcoal. At

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Report of Field Work.               311   the center of the mound were ashes, burned clay and charcoal, intermingled with these were flint chips. Seven (7) feet to the west of the center we found the second skeleton, like the first, only small portions of the large bones

were found and they were so badly decayed that removal was impossible. The mound was made entirely of clay, with here and there small quantities of dark earth, evidently brought from the bed of the river.   MOUND NUMBER TWO Of this group lies 300 yards north of mound No. 1, and is twenty- five feet in diameter and two and one-half feet high. On the south side of the mound and four feet from the center a skeleton was found buried face down, head to the south and feet extended to the northwest. Near the head were found the remains of a coarse, roughly made earthen vessel. Ten (10) inches directly east of the head of this skeleton was found the head of another skeleton No. 2, also buried face down, feet extended northeast. With this skeleton was also buried a roughly made piece of pot-

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312       Ohio Arch. and His. Society Publications. tery, only parts of which could be removed, these parts showed a thickness of one-half inch, made of clay and small round quartz pebbles. The vessel was placed between the skeletons, but nearer skeleton No. 2. With this skeleton was also found a few flint flakes used as knives and a small quantity of charcoal. Directly in the center of the mound and placed on a pile of ashes and charcoal, were the remains of a large earthen vessel of the same pattern and material as the other two (2) described, but twice the size. Within this vessel was a quantity of red ochre, a few flint flakes and a small scraper. North of the center of the mound, three and one-half feet, was found skeleton No. 3, lying east and west. The bones of this skeleton were quite large in proportion to the other skeletons found in the mound, but were in a very bad

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Report of Field Work.              313

 

state of decay. With the skeleton was a small quantity of red

ochre and several flint flakes used as knives. Near the feet of

No. 3, and to the westward a few inches, was found skeleton No.

4, head to the north and feet extended to the southwest. Near

the head was found another earthen vessel, similar in size to those

found with skeletons Nos. 1 and 2. This vessel contained a small

amount of red ochre. With this skeleton was also found a large

incisor tooth of a beaver, which had been worn as an orna-

ment; a few flint knives were also found. Fifteen inches west of

skeleton No. 4 was found the fifth skeleton, with head to the north

and feet to the south. Beneath this skeleton was a small amount

of charcoal and ashes, with a few flint chips at the feet. All of

the skeletons were those of adults, and were in a bad state of

decay, and only a portion of each skeleton was saved. The mound

was made entirely of clay with charcoal and ashes at the bottom.

The third mound of this group, situated about 300 yards

from mound No. 2, and about the same distance from mound No.

1, was not opened. The field was planted in corn and permis-

sion to explore could not be obtained from the tenant. On the

farm of Mr. Young, which joins that of Mrs. Longbreak, is a large

gravel terrace, from which a number of skeletons were taken

while gravel was being hauled for the roads. Mr. Young kindly

gave us permission to examine the ground around the pit, and

we were fortunate enough to find the remains of three (3) skele-

tons. No implements or ornaments were placed with them, al-

though Mr. Young discovered a few ornaments buried with skele-

tons previously found, which would indicate a Shawnee or Seneca

burial.

 

FIELD WORK IN KNOX AND LICKING COUNTIES.

Along the north fork of the Licking River are a number of

mounds situated in the valley and upon the low rolling hills lo-

cated on each side of the river. Among the most important is the

Williams Mound, situated in the village of Homer. This mound

is sixteen feet high and 1OO feet in diameter at the base. Fig.

No. 3 shows the mound at the present time.

The large Butcher Mound, which is located "up the river"

from Homer two miles, upon the farm of Mr. W. C. Butcher, has

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Report of Field Work.             315

 

never been disturbed by the plow, being situated in a beautiful

grove of sugar maple about 500 yards from the river, upon a level

plateau, fifteen feet above the river bed. On the north side of

the mound is a large walnut stump, three feet nine inches in

diameter. Large sugar trees are growing upon the mound, the

largest being 18 inches in diameter. The top of the mound is

perfectly flat, forming a platform having an area of more than

1,600 square feet. The mound is thirteen feet high and 135 feet

in diameter north and south, and 126 feet in diameter east and

west.

A large trench was started ten feet beyond the center to the

south and extended north to the edge of the mound. This trench

was ten feet wide. When down two feet we came to a layer of

burned earth, charcoal and ashes about one-half inch thick. This

extended over the entire mound. At the depth of five feet an-

other layer, three-fourths inch thick, of burned earth, charcoal and

ashes was found. In this layer large qauntities of flint chips and

flakes were also found. A great many of the flakes were evi-

dently used as knives. At a depth of seven feet another layer of

ashes and charcoal was found. This layer was very thin, not

quite one-fourth of an inch in thickness. Just beneath this thin

layer the soil was slightly colored as if from the decay of wood or

some other vegetable matter, and varied in thickness from one

(1) inch to six (6) inches. At a depth of nine feet a great fire

pit was found. This pit was at the center of the mound and was

six feet in diameter and fourteen inches deep at the center, and

filled with ashes intermingled with which, were flakes of flint, flint

knives, calcined human bones and pottery sherds. The ground

surrounding the fire pit was of yellow clay, with the appearance

of having been puddled and firmly packed. Over this floor was a

very heavy layer of ashes with here and there great quantities of

charcoal. About ten feet from the edge of the fire pit, we came to

the charred remains of upright posts, as was evidenced by the

preserved charred post tops, beneath which were upright vacant

earth molds, made by the charred posts.  (Figure V.)

These post molds were on an average five inches in diameter,

equi-distant ten inches, and forming almost a perfect square,

twenty-seven feet by twenty-seven and one-fourth feet, thus con-

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Report of Field Work.              317

 

stituting a pre-eminent feature of this mound. The post molds

outside of the trench were traced by tunneling, as was the entire

mound. At the northeast corner of the square, formed by the post

molds, was placed a granite boulder, which would weigh upwards

of 250 pounds. Another at the southeast corner would weigh 500

pounds. Directly in the center of the north side was an opening

three and one-half feet wide, evidently a door-way, as the com-

pacted clay extended outside of the enclosure. The upright post

molds representing the ends and sides of this enclosure, would

average three feet in height on the north side, and two feet and

three inches on the south side, and two feet and six inches for the

ends. The entire part of the mound enclosed by the post molds,

was carefully examined but only here and there a flint chip or a

large flint flake, used as a knife, was found. The same general

appearance of the soil was noted outside of this enclosure. On

each side of the great trench, tunnels were dug into the mound.

Some of these tunnels were ten feet long, others twenty, and one

forty feet long. No evidence of a burial was met in the mound.

But on the north side near the base, there had been evidently

an intrusive burial. The skeleton, that of an adult, was buried one,

foot below the surface and was covered with ninety-six small

granite boulders averaging five inches in diameter. The skeleton

was badly decayed and only a few pieces of ribs and vertebrae

could be saved. The evidence obtained from the exploration of

this mound is sufficient to justify the conclusion that the mound

was built for burial purposes, and in some religious ceremony the

body or bodies were cremated in the large fire pit within the en-

closure made by the post molds.

 

 

QUICK MOUND.

This mound is located on the farm of Benjamin Quick, about

three-fourths of a mile south of the Butcher Mound, and upon

one of the low rolling hills on the opposite side of the river. The

surface of the mound has been under cultivation for a number of

years, and consequently it is several feet lower now than when

the surface was first cleared of the original forest growth. The

diameter of the mound, when work was commenced upon it, was

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Report of Field Work.              319

forty feet and the height three feet. A large trench eight feet wide

was dug through the mound. This trench was enlarged at the

center to twelve feet. A quantity of charcoal and ashes was

found two (2) feet from the surface, extending over the entire

mound. Intermingled with the ashes were a few flint knives and

a beautiful arrow head of red and white jasper. Near the bottom

of the mound was found a thin streak (one-fourth inch thick) of

burned clay and ashes, with here and there small quantities of

charcoal. Near the center in a quantity of charcoal was found

three arrow heads. One of these was made of black flint, one and

one-half inches long, and the other two were made of chalcedony,

averaging one and one-fourth inches in length. With the arrow

heads was also found a beautiful flint drill, three inches in length,

made of light flint having a tinge of red. No trace of a burial

could be found.

 

 

THE LARIMORE GROUP OF MOUNDS

Is situated two and one-half miles up the north fork of the Lick-

ing River from the Butcher Mound, in Milford Township, Knox

County, and about one mile east of the postoffice at Lock. This

group consists of eleven mounds and one earthwork.  Seven

mounds and the earthwork are north of the river, and four

mounds are south. The river at this point makes a decided bend

to the north, striking against the hillsides and forming almost

perpendicular banks forty feet in height, and then turning in a

southerly direction. On the top of this high bank are situated the

seven mounds north of the river. (Figure VI.)

Mound No. 1 is thirty (30) feet in diameter at the base and

two feet high and is placed within an enclosure or circular em-

bankment one hundred (100) feet in diameter with a base of eight

(8) feet and one foot high. The mound was explored a few

years ago by the Larimore Brothers and a skeleton and a few

flint arrow heads were found. To the west of this circular em-

bankment is another mound, No. 2, with a circular embankment

surrounding the mound. This circular embankment is similar in

every respect to that of mound No. 1, except that the area en-

closed is larger, being 102 feet in diameter, while the base of this

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320       Ohio Arch. and His. Society Publications.   circular embankment is eight feet wide and its height twenty inches. This circle surrounds a mound forty (40) feet in diameter and three feet seven inches high. To one standing a short dis- tance away and viewing the mound it resembles an upturned wash basin. Commencing at the base on the south side of the mound we thoroughly examined its contents. The mound was composed for the most part of a tough yellow clay mottled here and there with a gray sand. Directly east and west of the center, at the base, a quantity of charcoal and ashes and a few flint chips were found. South of the center four (4) feet, and on the base

line, was found the skeleton of an adult lying at full length, head northeast, feet southwest. The skeleton was surrounded with charcoal and a small quantity of ashes, with which were found a beautiful arrow head of black flint and two (2) flake knives. North of the center three (3) feet was the second skeleton; that of an adult with head to the west. Only a small quantity of char- coal was buried with this skeleton. At the center and below the base of the mound one and one-half (1½) feet, was found the third skeleton, placed in a grave eighteen (18) inches wide and four (4) feet long. With the skeleton, which lay head to the east and feet to the west, were buried a small quantity of char- coal, three (3) flake knives and one arrow head, made of black

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Report of Field Work.              321

flint. Only small portions of the skeletons could be saved as

they were in a bad state of decay. The third mound, which is

directly north of mound No. 2, two hundred and fifty (250) feet, is

on a little higher level than mounds Nos. 1 and 2. There is a

gradual rise of about ten (10) feet from the edge of the bluff back

five hundred (500) feet to the top of the hill. Mound No. 3 was

composed of a yellow clay, mixed more or less with small bould-

ers. Mr. James Larimore, on whose land mounds Nos. 1, 2 and 3

are located, informed me that the mound, when cleared of trees

that were growing upon it, was not less than five feet high, but

it has been under cultivation for a number of years and the height

is now three feet with a diameter of forty (40) feet. Nothing

was found in the mound above the base line, only at the center,

where a small quantity of burned clay and charcoal was found.

Below the base line one and one-half (1½) feet, and directly under

the burned earth and charcoal, was exhumed the skeleton of an

adult, head to the east and feet placed as if bent back under the

body, at the time of burial. The size of the grave was twenty (20)

inches wide and four (4) feet long. The right arm was placed

across the breast and near the left hand was found a medium

sized Celt, nicely polished and made of green dioryte. Near the

Celt and toward the feet was found a grooved axe, finely polished,

made of granite, the bit being slightly broken. On the right

side was found a fine, well-wrought spear-head three and one-

half (31/2) inches long, made of a yellow, variegated jasper; two

small barbed arrow heads of black flint, and one of mottled light

and red flint; also six (6) flake knives averaging two (2) inches

in length. The skeleton was almost entirely decayed, and no

part of it could be saved.

Mound No. 4 is situated about five hundred (500) feet from

the edge of the bluff, on the summit of the hill, upon the land of

Mr. Joe Larimore. This mound in appearance is much like

mounds Nos. 1 and 2, with a circular embankment ninety-eight

(98) feet in diameter enclosing the mound. This embankment

is one foot high with a base of eight feet.  The diameter

of the mound at the base is thirty-five feet, and height three

feet. On the south side of the mound and three feet from

the center, on the base line, was found the skeleton of an adult

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322      Ohio Arch. and His. Society Publications.

 

imbedded in a quantity of charcoal. Near the left hand was a

perfect arrow head of black flint and two flake knives. On the

right side and near the head were found the remains of a large

earthen vessel, roughly made; no decoration inside or out. The

thickness of the sides and bottom would average one-half (½)

inch. Within the vessel was a small quantity of fine chocolate

colored earth, created, no doubht, by the decay of vegetable mat-

ter. At the center and one foot below the base line, in a grave

nineteen (19) inches wide and four (4) feet long, was found an-

other skeleton surrounded with a small amount of charcoal, ashes

and burnt clay. A few flint chips were intermingled with the

charcoal.

Mounds Nos. 5, 6 and 7 are situated five hundred (500) feet

east of mound No. 1, on the point of the bluff overlooking the

river. Mound No. 5 was one and one-half (1½) feet high and

fifteen feet in diameter, and was composed entirely of clay. In

the center and one foot below the base line, was found a skeleton

so badly decayed that no part of it could be saved. With the

skeleton was found a perfect arrow head two (2) inches in length

and made of black flint. Mound No. 6, situated fifteen (15) feet

east of mound No. 5, was also composed of clay, and was the

smallest mound of the group, being fourteen (14) feet in diameter

and twelve (12) inches high. At the center and on the base line

a few charred bones and a large quantity of charcoal was found.

Mound No. 7, the last of the mounds of this group, north of the

river, is situated on the very edge of the bluff, and was sixteen (16)

feet in diameter and fifteen (15) inches high. A skeleton was

found six inches below the base line. With it was exhumed a

quantity of charcoal and ashes. Nothing was placed with

the skeleton, which was badly decayed, and no part of it was

saved.

Mound No. 8 is situated on the bottom land south of the

river upon the farm of Mr. Frank Sutton. This mound was

nearly leveled by the plow and all traces of the mound would have

been obliterated in a few years. Mr. Joe Larimore, who has

lived on the adjoining farm all his life, located it very easily,

although the ground was covered with a heavy growth of clover.

The mound originally was about five (5) feet high, but now it is

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Report of Field Work.               323

 

only thirteen (13) inches in height, and the diameter forty (40)

feet. The base of the mound was covered with a light layer of

burned clay, with here and there small quantities of charcoal.

Near the center was found the skeleton of a child about ten years

old. The skeleton was fairly well preserved and was removed

in good condition. At a depth of five and one-half (51/2) feet below

the base line and in a grave four (4) feet long, by two and one-

half (21/2) feet wide, were found five headless skeletons promiscu-

ously thrown together in the grave. With the skeletons were

found three hundred (300) beads made of the shell of nerita

rumphia; also thirty (30) large pieces of perforated and deco-

rated mussel shell. (Figure VII.)

These mussel shells varied in width from one-half (1/2) to one

and one-half (1½) inches, and in length from two and one-half

(2½) to five (5) inches. In the grave were found ten canine

teeth of the fox, perforated at one end for attachment, and one

canine tooth of a bear, also perforated; also fifty pieces of turtle

shell, each perforated with two (2) holes. With the skeletons were

found fifteen (15) vertebrae of the deer, one of these has firmly

imbedded in the bone the point of an arrow head. Five spear

heads and eleven arrow heads were found with the skeletons.

One of the bones of the skeleton, that of an innominatum, had

been pierced by an arrow head, the point of which was firmly

imbedded in the bone. (Figure VIII.)

The five (5) skeletons taken from this grave were those of

adults, and the bones were perfectly preserved even to the small

bones of the hands and feet. This is readily explained as the

grave extended into the gravel and sand, which bed formed a

perfect drainage, while in the other mounds of this group the

burials were in clay soil, and only very small portions of the

skeletons could be saved. The conclusions reached by the inves-

tigation of this mound are, that these skeletons represent braves

slain by their enemies (perhaps in battle) and that their heads

were carried away as trophies, and their bodies afterwards gath-

ered together by their friends and buried in this one grave.

Mound No. 9 is situated four hundred (400) feet south of

mound No. 8 upon a terrace about five (5) feet high. This mound

was originally about thirty-eight (38) feet in diameter and four

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Report of Field Work.               325

feet high, but after more than forty (40) years of cultivation it

has been reduced to one (1) foot in height. What was left of the

mound was fully explored. On the base line were found parts

of two skeletons. One was on the north side of the center and

was surrounded by great quantities of charcoal. The skeleton

had also been burned and only portions of the femur and skull

bones could be saved, and they were badly charred. The other

skeleton was southeast of the center three (3) feet. This skeleton

had also been burned. With it were found twenty (20) arrow

heads and spear heads, which had been nearly destroyed by fire.

The mound was made of yellow clay.

Mound No. 10 is situated three hundred (300) yards south of

mound No. 9, upon the low rolling hills which skirt the bottom

land south of the river. This mound resembled mound No. 1,

in having a circular embankment surrounding it. Here the plow

had almost obliterated all traces of the circle, and only enough

remained to permit measurements of it to be taken. The

diameter of the circle is one hundred and fifteen (115) feet,

which is larger than any so far recorded in this group. The

height of the circle is three-fourths (3/4) of a foot. The mound

was approximately forty-five feet in diameter and nine (9) inches

high, and composed entirely of yellow clay. The base line was

shown plainly as it was covered with ashes and charcoal. Six

(6) inches below the base line was found the skeleton of an adult

placed in a grave which was four (4) feet long and twenty (20)

inches wide. No charcoal or ashes surrounded the skeleton but

the six (6) inches of soil covering the skeleton contained particles

of charcoal mingled through it. With this skeleton was found

a fine arrow head of black flint.

Mound No. 11, situated on the bottom land of the river, two

hundred (200) feet east of mound No. 8, on the farm of Mr. Joe

Larimore, is the last and largest of the Larimore group. Mr.

Joe Larimore informed me that when his father first moved to

this farm the mound was six (6) feet high and fifty (50) feet in

diameter, and was surrounded by a circular embankment two (2)

feet high and one hundred and seventy (170) feet in diameter.

Now the embankment can scarcely be traced while the mound is

not more than six (6) inches high. We did not examine it, for Mr.

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Report of Field Work.              327

Larimore assured me that forty-five (45) years ago when the land

was cleared the mound also was leveled down and everything

removed from it. The mound contained three skeletons, of which

two (2) were adults. Buried with them were ornaments of shell

and stone, also arrow and spear heads. The third skeleton was

that of a child encased in an elongated earthen vessel which was

accidently broken after it had been removed.

Directly west of mound No. 8, and across the river is a large

circular earthwork occupying about three acres of the fine bot-

tom land which is valuable for agricultural purposes. Like the

mounds it has been leveled by the plow and no measurements

could be accurately made. But those who saw it a half century

ago, say it was not less than five (5) feet high with a base of twelve

(12) feet. In some places all traces of it are gone, but the pass-

age way to the east facing the river is perfectly discernible.

 

 

KIRKPATRICK MOUND.

The Kirkpatrick Mound is situated upon a hill two hundred

(200) feet high, overlooking the valley of the Licking River, on

the farm of Mr. Howard Kirkpatrick, one mile north of Utica

on the line of Knox County. The mound was sixty feet in

diameter and three and one-half (3½) feet high, having large

oak trees growing upon its surface making it impossible to ex-

amine it on the northwest side. The remainder of the mound

was thoroughly explored and five skeletons found, promiscu-

ously buried as to the cardinal points. The mound was made

of yellow clay and covered with several layers of thin slabs of

stone. On the south side a skeleton was found, head to the

northeast and feet extended to the southwest. Nothing was

found with this skeleton except a small amount of charcoal. At

the center was found a grave four and one-half (41/2) feet long

by eighteen (18) inches wide, made of small slabs of stone with

a covering of large wide slabs. In this grave was the skeleton of

an adult. Buried with this skeleton were the remains of an

earthen vessel, which had been broken by the falling of one of

the top slabs. The skull was also crushed in the same way, as

the slab was lying directly over the skull and the jar. A number

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Report of Field Work.              329

of ornaments made of mussel shell and resembling those found

in mound No. 8, of the Larimore Group (Fig. 7), and two finely

wrought arrow heads of yellow jasper were found. Another

skeleton was unearthed three feet north of the center. With the

latter skeleton was found a small amount of charcoal. East of

the center three and one-half feet was found the fourth skeleton.

Nothing was found with this skeleton. Southeast, four feet, was

found the fifth skeleton. With this were discovered a few flint

flakes used as knives, a small black flint arrow head and a very

small quantity of charcoal. The skeletons were all in an ad-

vanced stage of decay and only small portions of each could

be saved.

 

PART II.

 

REPORT OHIO STATE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL

SOCIETY MUSEUM FOR YEAR ENDING MAY 31, 1899.

Before entering upon a detailed statement of the condition of

the Museum for the period covered by this report, it would per-

haps be well to recall briefly the outline of its history and origin.

In 1875 about fifty persons, interested in archaeology, met

at the home of General R. Brinkerhoff, of Mansfield, and formed

a society known as the "Ohio Archaeological Association," and

the following year this Association was called upon to take part

in the Centennial Exposition held in Philadelphia. Professor M.

C. Read, of Hudson; Colonel Chas. Whitelsey, of Cleveland, and

Judge Sloane, of Ottawa, were appointed a special committee,

to collect relics of the races prior to our own, and forward them

to Philadelphia. It was also their duty to arrange them for

exhibition, and at the close of the Exposition to return them

to the Society, or to their owners.

Although the committee had only about two months to col-

lect together the relics and forward them to Philadelphia, they

made a very creditable display, ranking next to that of the Smith-

sonian in interest and value. At the close of the Exposition a

great many relics were donated to the Ohio Society. Quarters

were secured for the Society's collection in the State House,

and Mr. J. H. Klippart was elected custodian. The collection

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330      Ohio Arch. and His. Society Publications.

 

was increased by donations from citizens from various parts of

the State. But the Society became inactive and all interest in

augmenting the collection was lost. In February, 1885, Mr. A.

A. Graham, of Columbus, after consultation with many friends

of the old society, called a preliminary conference, which was

held in Columbus, to take steps towards the organization of a

State Archaeological and Historical Society. As a result of this

conference, a committee was appointed to draft and issue a call for

a State Convention to be held in the State Capitol, in the City of

Columbus, March 12, 1885. At this meeting articles of incor-

poration and by-laws were adopted, and Hon. Allen G. Thurman

was elected President.

Article No. 3 bears directly upon the Museum of the re-

organized society, which is as follows:

"Article No. 3-Said Society is formed for the purpose of

promoting a knowledge of Archaeology and History, especially

in Ohio, by establishing and maintaining a library of books,

manuscripts, maps, charts, etc., properly pertaining thereto; a

museum of pre-historic relics and natural or other curiosities or

specimens of art or nature promotive of the objects of the Asso-

ciation. Said library and museum to be open to the public on

reasonable terms-and by courses of lectures and publication

of books, papers and documents touching the subjects so speci-

fied, with power to receive and hold gifts and devices of real and

personal estate for the benefit of such society, and generally to ex-

ercise all the powers legally and properly pertaining thereto."

The first public meeting of the Society was held in the

Senate chamber on the evening of the same day that the Society

was formed, and was addressed by General R. Brinkerhoff.

In his address he stated that one of the objects of the

old Archaeological Society was the "preservation of the relics of

Ohio. We have permitted the earthworks, mounds and graves

to be despoiled by the whole world. The ornaments, utensils

and implements are of such value that Ohio is the spoil of all

nations and many of the best relics have already been carried

away. There are better collections of ancient relics of Ohio in

London and Paris than in the State." This speech of General

Brinkerhoff aroused much interest in the preservation of Ohio

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Report of Field Work.               331

relics. A more commodious room in the Capitol Building was secured and the specimens procured by the old Archaeological Society were moved into it, with Mr. A. A. Graham in charge. The collection grew rapidly, and in a short time every available space was occupied, and new quarters were secured in Orton Hall, located on the campus of the Ohio State University. This building is fire-proof, and was erected at a cost to the State of over $100,000. The floor space occupied is used jointly by the Society andthe Archaeological Museum of the University. Each issues a separate catalogue, and their collections occupy separate cases. The entire floor space occupied by the Museum is a little more than 3,264 square feet, which is becoming so crowded by the rapid growth of the Museum that more room is necessary to care for specimens that are donated to the Museum by citizens in various parts of the State. During the year the office room, having a floor space of 672 square feet, has been utilized for the display of his- torical relics. Already this space is crowded. However, the general condition of the Museum is fairly satisfactory. From September, 1898, to December, 7, 1898, the time was occupied in making an inventory of the specimens in the Museum of the Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society, a summary of which was published in the Fourteenth Annual Report of the Secretary. In making this inventory it was found that there was a lack of a proper system of cataloguing and arrangement. The new accessions to the Museum have been numbered and recorded with full, complete, and reliable data. Accompany- ing these data are measurements, descriptions and drawings of all important specimens. In the arrangement of the collection in the cases, the inter- ests of several classes of persons, who visit the Museum, have been carefully kept in view. First, the investigators, or persons engaged in independent research. For all such it is only necessary that specimens should be kept in good condition and arranged so as to be readily avail- able for study and examination. Second, the student and collector who demands something

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332       Ohio Arch. and His. Society Publications.

 

more. Specimens to be of the highest service to the second

class of visitors must be arranged in series showing the var-

ious phases of some one subject or the modification of various

types found in the different sections of the State.

Third, the sight-seeing visitors who make quite different de-

mands. They visit the Museum from an intelligent curiosity to

see the master pieces of art wrought in stone, shell and bone,

which illustrate in the most striking manner the history and

progress of a civilization which at one time inhabited our State.

They also demand that the collection shall be provided with labels

and arranged in a very attractive manner.

At the beginning of the year 1899, the total number of

specimens catalogued belonging to the Society were 18,678. Dur-

ing the year 3,560 specimens have been numbered and entered

upon the catalogue. The Skinner collection, which was placed in

the Museum on loan, and consisted of 389 specimens, was with-

drawn from the Museum, having been sold by the owner, Miss

Maggie Skinner, of Kalida, Ohio, to the Field Columbian

Museum, of Chicago, Ill., which leaves the total number of re-

corded specimens in the Museum at 21,849. (May 31, 1899.)

I am very much gratified at the increased interest in archaeo-

logical and historical matters throughout the State.

During the year 312 letters and 18 packages containing

specimens for identification have been received. All letters have

been answered and a press copy made.

 

 

REVIEW OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ACCESSIONS.

The following are the most important additions to the col-

lection during the year:

Frank N. Beebe, Columbus, Ohio, presented camas root

digger from Priest's Rapids, Columbia River.

Mr. T. S. Cleveland, Calais, Monroe County, Ohio, a large

spinning wheel made in 1844.

Mr. C. G. Knight presented two sections showing the ends

of the early strap rail laid on the old Mad River and Lake Erie

R. R., now Sandusky Division of the C., C., C. & S. L. R. R.

This rail was laid about the year 1838.

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Report of Field Work.              333

From Mr. George F. Bareis, Canal Winchester, Ohio, was obtained one of the most interesting and valuable collections of copper implements and ornaments ever found in Ohio. This collection consists of fifty-four copper pieces representing button shaped ornaments, celts, large plates and bracelets. All had been hammered together evidently to destroy their identity. Some of the plates if straightened out would measure eight and one- half inches long and four inches wide. With the copper pieces were found five broken pieces of slate ornaments and thirty- four pieces of galenite, and over all were placed quantities of mica in sheets, and all were found one foot below the surface and placed within the space of eighteen inches by twenty-four inches. The find was made in May, 1898, by Mr. Warren Cowen, custodian of Fort Ancient, and Mr. Perry Wolfe, on the farm of the latter, which joins the property of the State known as Fort Ancient. May 6, 1899, the Curator, in company with Mr. Warren Cowen, who kindly located the place where the specimens were found, visited the site. The surroundings and the soil which had been thrown out were carefully examined, re- sulting in finding four more copper pieces, two broken pieces of gorgets, three pieces of galenite and about five hundred sheets of mica. Mr. Chas. McDarrh, of Urbana, Ohio, presented two old let- ters patent issued from the General Land Office, one signed by President James Madison and the other by President James Monroe. From Mr. F. N. Draper, West Liberty, Ohio, was received five specimens of hammer stones and pestles. Mr. A. B. Coover, Roxabell, Ohio, donated his valuable col- lection of stone and bone implements from the Baum Village site. In this collection will be found chipped flint objects-such as arrow and spear points-polished hatchets, grooved axes, pestles, a number of ceremonial objects, carved stone pipes, carved stone described in Vol. VII, page 149, also bone and shell beads and scrapers, bone awls and needles, perforated teeth, and a human skeleton in a fine state of preservation. The collection is of great value because of the fact that it is the result of Mr. Coover's personal search and all come from

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334      Ohio Arch. and His. Society Publications.

 

the Baum Village site and vicinity, and each specimen is accom-

panied with full and complete data.

Mr. B. B. Herrick, of Wellington, Ohio, gave a copy of

Dr. Watt's Lyric Poems, printed in 1798.

From Mr. James Parke Harris was received a piece of a

Spanish battle flag, captured at the battle of El Caney, Cuba.

Mr. Frank Larimore presented grooved axes, celts, arrow

and spear points found near the mounds upon his farm.

Mr. W. P. Parks, of Utica, Ohio, gave a very fine roller pestle

163/4 inches long and a finely finished spear head 51/4 inches long.

Mr. M. E. Burdett, De Graff, Ohio, presented a finely

made grooved hammer.

Mr. Perry Wolfe, Fort Ancient, Ohio, presented a worked

piece of cannel coal, found inside the walls, of Fort Ancient.

Mr. M. A. Honline, Columbus, Ohio, donated a small col-

lection, taken from a mound in New Market Township, Highland

County, consisting of arrow and spear heads, stone tablets, pipe,

worked jaw bone of an animal, pieces of mica, gorgets and

human bones.

Mr. William Stoneman, Fort Ancient, Ohio, presented a

large worked piece of galenite found inside the walls of Fort

Ancient.

From Mr. H. E. Thrailkill, Columbus, Ohio, was received

an addition to his large collection, already in the Museum, con-

sisting of grooved axes, celts, ceremonials, arrow and spear

heads; all from Franklin County, Ohio.

From Mr. Nat S. Green, Camp Dennison, Ohio, was re-

ceived a small collection of stone relics and a few historical speci-

mens of great interest.

Mr. C. G. Knight, Columbus, Ohio, deposited in the

Museum a collection of grooved axes, celts, pestles, ornaments,

arrow and spearheads.

The Rev. Henry J. Van Vleck, Senior Bishop of the Mora-

vian Church in America, Gnadenhutten, Ohio, presented three

relics from the early Moravian Missions at Gnadenhutten. One

is a section of a floor-board of the first church at Gnadenhutten,

dedicated in 1803. Another is a piece of the column which ori-

ginally supported the ceiling of the second church dedicated in

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Report of Field Work.               335

1819, and the third is a section of an appletree planted by the Missionary Zeisberger in 1772, blown down in a wind storm, July 16, 1889. Mr. Robert H. Foerderer, Philadelphia, Pa., leather manu- facturer, presented two specimens of skins. One showing the skin before it is put into the process of manufacture, and the other a skin in the finished state, ready to be cut into shoes. Mr. W. G. Junod presented through Professor Hunt, of the University, a human skull found near Georgesville, Franklin County, Ohio. Mr. T. W. Tweed, of Ripley, Ohio, deposited a large col- lection numbering 2,319 specimens, all collected within a radius of ten miles of Ripley, Brown County. In this collection can be found specimens of almost every type found in that section of southern Ohio, consisting of very rare specimens of bone and shell ornaments and implements, taken from the graves found in the village site at the mouth of Eagle Creek, arrow and spear point, knives, scrapers, perforators, hammer stones, pitted stones, polished hatchets, chisles, grooved axes, pestles, pierced gorgets, ceremonial objects, pipes, fine discoidals, hematite objects, frag- ments of pottery and one perfect piece of pottery. This col- lection is the result of years of work in the field, on the part of Mr. Tweed, and the collection is labeled with accuracy as to the locality and other facts which might be of interest to the student. Mr. Warren Cowen, custodian of Fort Ancient, presented specimens found within the fort walls, consisting of a piece of pottery, arrow and spear points and hammer stones.     THE STATE ARCHAEOLOGICAL MAP. The additions to the map during the year have been gradually increasing. The Curator, while in the field, carefully marked upon the map all the earth works, village sites and burials found in the territory covered by the survey. Mr. Lewis S. Hopkins of Troy, 0., located a number of mounds in Highland Co. Mr. T. J. Brown of Waynesville, O., located 21 mounds, 2 Gravel burials and 1 village site in northern Warren Co. and southern Green Co. Mr. A. B. Coover, of Roxabell, Ross Co., made a tracing of Con-

• 27
 

336      Ohio Arch. and His. Society Publications. cord Township, Ross Co., and personally visited every farm in the Township and recorded upon the map all earth-works, burials and village sites. He also marked the farms upon which valuable finds have been made. Mr. Coover has kindly donated his map together with his re- port, which is given in full.

Tracing is made from an Atlas of Ross County, printed in 1875 by H. T. Gould & Co. Mounds, graves, and camp sites were visited, personally, and located as nearly as possible in their proper position on each farm. The surface finds were reported by the owners. No. 1.-A gravel pit on the farm of C. F. Defeu from which several skeletons have been taken. No. 2.-A gravel pit on the farm of Peter Porter, in which several skeletons have been found. No. 3.-A small mound on the farm of A. P. Craig. Size

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Report of Field Work.              337

4x40 ft. Opened by A. B. Coover, containing an intrusive burial

at the top. Charcoal and ashes at the bottom.

No. 4.-A small mound 3x30 ft. on the farm of R. D. Robert-

son. It is in a ravine and built of stone covered with soil.

No. 5.-Grave on the farm of Alex Pearis. Skeleton found

while digging cistern.

No. 6.-A camp site on the farm of R. D. Robertson. Spe-

cimens of stone, flint and slate have frequently been ploughed

up, also fragments of pottery.

No. 7.-A gravel pit on the farm of A. R. Darby, in which

skeletons have been found.

No. 8.-A small mound 2x40 ft. on the farm of Mrs. Jones.

No. 9.-A small camp site on the farm of H. H. Pratt

No. 10.-A small mound on the farm of Ashford Roseboom,

located in the woods at the foot of a hill.

No. 11.-A gravel pit on the farm of Amos Fisher, in which

skeletons have been found.

No. 12.-A small mound on the farm of George Fisher,

opened several years ago by S. A. Hanna of Greenfield, 0., con-

tained nothing of interest.

No. 1₃.-A gravel pit on the farm of Abner Thomas, in which

one skeleton was found.

No. 1₄.-A small mound 3x4^o ft. on the farm of Miss Dorcas

Dunlap, opened several years ago by W. K. Moorehead.

No. 15.-A small mound 4x40 ft. on the farm of Miss Susie

Pancake. Has been partially explored.

No. 16.-A fine mound 12x70 ft. on the farm of Miss Dorcas

Dunlap. From its location and surroundings would judge it to

be one of the best mounds in the Township.

No. 17.-A small mound 3x20 ft. on the farm of Miss Dorcas

Dunlap. Opened several years ago by W. K. Moorehead, but

contained nothing of interest.

No. 18.-A gravel pit on the farm of Dr. A. M. Galbraith,

in which skeletons have been found.

No. 1₉.-A village site on the farm of Dr. A. M. Galbraith,

and is a continuation of the gravel ridge, No. 18.  Stone bowls,

pottery, copper, etc., have been ploughed up.

Vol. VIII-22

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338      Ohio Arch. and His. Society Publications.

 

No. 20.-A small, low mound 3x30 ft. on the farm of W. Pan-

cake.

No. 21.-A small mound 2x20 ft. on the farm of Wm. Pan-

cake, close by No. 20.

No. 22.-Gravel knoll on the farm of Roseboom & Phillips.

There have been 18 skeletons taken from this knoll in a space

of 30x50 ft., and others were in sight when work was discon-

tinued.

No. 23.-Small mound 4x30 ft. on the farm of Roseboom &

Phillips, close to No. 22. Opened by W. K. Moorehead.

No. 24.-A small mound 3x30 ft on the farm of John Hyer.

No. 25.-A camp site on the farm of Roseboom & Phillips.

Pottery fragments, bone, beads, stone and flint implements are fre-

quently found here.

No. 26.-A small mound on the farm of Roseboom & Phillips.

Was opened by some boys several years ago.

No. 27.-A small mound on the Ed. Hopkins' farm. It is

in the woods on the top of a large hill.

No. 28.-A small mound 4x30 ft. on the farm of Mrs. Bush.

No. 29.-Graves on the farm of Mrs. Bush. Discovered

in digging a cellar

No. 30.-A mound 9x50 ft. on the farm of Jesse Mallow. A

small hole 4x8 ft. has been dug near the center.

No. ₃₁.-A mound 10x80 ft. on the farm of George Hana-

walt, partially explored by W. K. Moorehead.

No. ₃2.-A small mound 4x45 ft. on the farm of George

Hanawalt, close by No. 31^. Small hole dug in the center by

W. K. Moorehead.

No. ₃₃.-A small mound 6x40 ft. on the farm of Albert

Coyner. Has been partially explored.

No. ₃₄.-A gravel pit on the farm of John Coyner, in which

skeletons are frequently found.

No. ₃5.-A small mound 3x40 ft. on the farm of John Coyner.

Has been opened.

No. 36.-Graves on the farm of Adam Harper. At this point

the writer dug up a skeleton which had been placed in a sitting

position. Buried with it were a small grooved ax and a number

of human bones covered with paint.

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Report of Field Work.              339

No. 37.-Gravel burial on the farm of Gaddis Alemang, ad- joining No. 36. No. 38.-A gravel pit on the farm of Cyrus Hegler, in which skeletons have been found in a sitting position. No. 39.-A second gravel pit on the farm of Cyrus Hegler, in which remains have been found. No. 40.-A large mound on the farm of W. Gilmore. Lo- cated on the highest point in the Township. No. 41.-A mound on the farm of Cyrus Hegler. Has never been opened. No. 42.-A third gravel pit on the farm of Cyrus Hegler, in which skeletons have been found and always in a sitting posi- tion. No. 43.-A mound on the farm of Cyrus Hegler. Has never been opened. No. 44.-A mound on the farm of Cyrus Hegler, 4x40 ft. Has never been opened. No. 45.-A mound 3½x45 ft. on the farm of Cyrus Hegler. Never opened. No. 46. -A gravel pit on the farm of Wm. Mallow, in which remains were found. No. 47.-A circle enclosing about one-fourth of an acre. Is now barely discernable because of cultivation. Rev. Wm. Mallow whose property adjoins, says he remembers when the walls of the circle stood 3 or 4 ft. high with a ditch on the inside. No. 48.-A mound 4x20 ft. on the farm of J. N. Blue. Has never been opened. No. 49.-A mound 4x40 ft. on the farm of J. N. Blue. Has never been opened. No. 50.-A small mound 2x30 ft. on the farm of Allen Heg- ler. Is located on a bluff near the creek, and has never been opened. No. 51.-A small mound on the farm of George Santee. Is about 5x40 ft., has a flat top, and has never been opened. No. 52.-A gravel pit on the farm of Russel Peterson, in which skeletons have been found, always in a sitting position. No. 53.-A small mound 3x30 ft. on the farm of M. L. Peter- son. Has been opened, and contained an ax.

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340      Ohio Arch. and His. Society Publications.

No. 54.-A mound on the farm of M. L. Peterson. Is about 5x30 ft. and has never been opened. No. 55.- A small mound on the farm of Chas. Junk. Is about one foot high at present. No. 56.-A small mound about 5x35 ft. on the farm of Chas. Junk. Has been partially explored. No. 57.-A mound about 6x40 ft. located on the same farm, and about 100 yards east of No. 56. A large oak tree 11 ft. in circumference stands on the summit of this mound. Partly opened. No. 58.-A large mound on the farm of Chas. Sturgeon. Opened by W. K. Moorehead several years ago, contained copper ornaments. No. 59.-A small mound on the farm of John Sanford. Opened by W. K. Moorehead. No. 60.-A small mound on the farm of John Sanford. Opened by W. K. Moorehead. No. 61.-Mound about 4x60 ft. on the farm of Alfred Putnam. Never opened. No. 62.--A small mound on the farm of Mack Porter. It has been plowed down until now it is barely discernable. No. 63. A mound 5x60 ft. on the farm of Mack Porter. Never opened. No. 64.-A small mound on the farm of Ralph Ware. No. 65.-A small mound on the farm of Ralph Ware, near 64. W. K. Moorehead made some interesting discoveries here several years ago. No. 66.-A small mound on the farm of Lewis Wiley. Op- ened by W. K. Moorehead. No. 67.-A large mound on the farm of Lewis Wiley, 15x 110 ft. No. 68.-A circle 1250 ft in diameter on the farms of Ralph Ware and Mack Porter. No. 69.-A square enclosure 1032x1032 ft. and is joined to the circle no. 68. It extends from the Porter farm into the town of Frankfort for a square and a half. No. 70. A small mound on the farm of Mrs. Jones. Has been opened, and contained several skeletons and a small celt.

• 32
 

Report of Field Work.              341

No. 71.-A mound 8x60 ft. on the farm of J. and G. Devine.

No. 72.-A small mound about 4x25 ft. on the farm of D.

C Anderson.

No. 7₃.-A mound 8x60 ft. on the farm of Jacob Miller. Has

been opened.

No. 74.-A mound 2x30 ft. on the farm of Jacob Miller.

No. 75.-A mound 3x40 ft. on the farm of Jacob Miller.

Opened by Capt. McGinnis and A. B. Coover. No specimens.

No. 76.-Village site on the farm of Thomas Fulton. Never

explored.

No. 77.-A mound 3x30 ft. on the farm of Mrs. Ida Donald-

son. Never opened.

No. 78.-A mound 4x25 ft. on the farmof Phillip Putman.

Never opened.

No. 79.-A mound 3x38 ft. about 600 yards east of mound

No. 3.

No. 80.-A mound 3x32 ft. about 100 yards northeast of

mound No. 79.

Surface finds are reported on every farm in the Township.

Chas. Cory has a small collection consisting of axes, pestles,

celts, arrow points and a fine coffin shaped ceremonial ornament.

Samuel Maddox has a small collection consisting of axes and

arrow points.

Thos. Bay has a small collection of axes, celts, cones and

arrow points.

George Hanawalt has a small collection, the best speci men

being a fine slate ornament.

Mrs. J. M. Slagle has a small, but interesting collection of

axes, arrow points, etc.

W. D. Mallow has a fine collection of mortars, pestles, axes,

slate ornaments, etc.

A. B. Cline has a good collection of unfinished slate orna-

ments.

The McGinnis collection at Frankfort contains some 2000

specimens, many of which are rare.

L. M Bean has a collection of about 800 pieces, including a

large number of bone implements.

• 33
 

342       Ohio Arch. and His. Society Publications.   A. B. Coover has a collection of about 1800 specimens, of which nearly three hundred were presented to the Society. Dr. A. M. Galbraith has a small, but interesting collection.     SUMMARY OF ADDITIONS TO THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL MAP DURING THE YEAR ENDING MAY 31, 1899, ACCORDING TO TOWNSHIPS.   ROSS COUNTY.

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Report of Field Work.                 343

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344      Ohio Arch. and His. Society Publications.

• 36