740 PAPERS RELATING TO ANTHROPOLOGY. 



fifty years ; therefore as to its original height there are no means of 

 judging. From this mound have been taken a fine pipe, several arrows, 

 spear-points, and ornamental stones, all of which were given to persons 

 who were making a study of these j^rehistoric relics. 



Number 45 is a stone structure in Sec. 23, T. 10 N., R. 2 W., in the 

 northeast corner of the northwest quarter section, 10 rods south of the 

 north county line, 20 rods west of the east quarter-section line, on the 

 west side of a small branch or creek that empties into the north branch 

 of Templeton's Creek. This is the most peculiar stone structure in the 

 valley. The east half has been destroyed by the branch undermining 

 the bank, and letting it down about C feet to the bed of the creek. This 

 structure was examined very minutely. Judging from the remaining 

 half, and allowing both sides to have been equal in width and length, 

 we may form some idea of its character. The height of the wall 

 and altar is the same, measuring just 2 feet. It is an easy matter 

 to conjecture the use for which this peculiar structure was erected, 

 but a more difficult task to establish opinions as facts. There is an 

 altar surrounded by a wall. Whether this was a sacrificial altar or 

 one upon which had been erected an idol cannot be known. The 

 center is not raised above the surrounding walls. The stone covering 

 the top was once in one solid piece, but now broken, and was perfectly 

 smooth on its upper surface. It does not show any action of fire. Mr. 

 Joseph Miller, who first called attention to it, and others, could not' 

 imagine for what purpose it was constructed. This was a great curi- 

 osity during the days when the noted Bath Springs were a resort of the 

 jieople from a distance as well as those ot the surrounding country. 

 Crowds would visit this structure and speculate upon its probable use 

 and constructors.* 



Number 46 is in Sec. 15, T. 10 N., E. 2 W., in the southeast corner of 

 the southeast quarter section, 4 rods from the south section and county 

 line that separates Franklin and Union Counties, 8 rods from east sec- 

 tion line. It stands on the south side of Bath Creek, 40 feet from the 

 bank, at the foot of a small hill in the woods, on the third terrace forma- 

 tion of the river, and on Mr. Noah Newkirk's farm. On the north side 

 and also on the east side, about, midway of the apex and base, are grow- 

 ing two large beech trees. Mound, height, 3^ feet; base, diameter, 30 

 feet; composition, compact clay. 



Number 47 is in Sec. 22, T. 10 N., E. 2 W., in the northeast part of 

 the northeast quarter section, on the south side of Bath Creek, and on 

 third terrace formation of the river, located on Mr. Amos Cary's farm. 

 The height is 5 feet ; base diameter, 35 leet ; composition, compact clay. 



* Since the above was written Mr. Joseph Miller states that during the Iroshets of 

 June 13, 18S2, the creek, near whose bank it was situated, overflowed. The current, 

 being swift and destructive, completely destroyed the remaining part of the structure 

 by undermining the bank and tumbling the whole into the creek. Thus it is, one by- 

 one, these old remains are becoming removed. 



