63 



Some of the boues were carried off by neighbors, others were scattered 

 about, and no record whatever preserved. This occurred some six or seven 

 years ago, and simihir cases probably occur every year in different parts 

 of the State. 



The first mound opened in .Jefferson County, in 1902, is linown locally 

 as the '-Lawson Mound." It is situated in Milton Township, T. 4, R. 11, 

 Section 14, one mile east of Manville, on the narrow ridge between Brushy 

 Fork and Indian Kentucky creeks, and approximately 300 feet above 

 the level of the latter stream. The mound has been, until recently, cov- 

 ered with forest or uuderbi'ush gi'owth, and is well preserved. It is es- 

 sentially circular, sixty-five feet in diameter, and approximately nine feet 

 high. The materials of which the mound was made are of local origin, 

 and are made up of the ordinary surface soil of the vicinity. They include 

 a few limestones. Ijurnt and unburnt, and a few pebbles and pieces of 

 chert. A thorough investigation of the contents of the mound could not 

 be made, since the central portion was preoccupied by graves of the 

 former owners of the property. When these graves were dug a skeleton 

 was found some three feet beloAv rhe sxu'face of the mound. Along with 

 the human bones nine arrow heads, placed in a circle, and a stone ax 

 were found so situated as to lead to the opinion that they had been placed 

 on the breast of the buried body. These articles were not preserved, 

 according to Mr. Frank AVolf, who was present when the graves were 

 dug and whose statements I have recorded above. 



The excavation of this mound consisted in opening a ditch four feet 

 wide and to the depth of the original soil, from the east side toward the 

 center, and surface excavations to the depth of three feet on the north, 

 west and south of the graves mentioned. At a point some five feet east 

 of the center of the nmund. and three feet below the surface, an unglazed 

 earthenware vessel of approximately one and one-half gallons capacity 

 was found. In shape, this vessel was similar to the ordinary Chinese 

 rice pot, and was without markings of any kind. It contained two mussel 

 shells, such as could be obtained from the surrounding sti-eams. The 

 vessel was cracked and had probably seen considerable service before 

 being placed in the mound, as the lower portion showed the reddening 

 influence of the fire. 



Within a foot or fifteen inches of the earthenware vessel, and to the 

 east, there were obtained the fragments of a skull and the larger bones 

 of the arms and lower extremities, and one rib. All were greatly de- 



