HOLMES ANNIVERSARY VOLUME 



exceptions being three of coral limestone and one of fine-grained 

 sandstone. 



The Ohio black shale is the lowest stratum exposed in the county. 

 It outcrops along the west bank of the Scioto. In color it is very 

 black, is fine-grained, high in carbon, and crumbles after long exposure. 

 The shale was used by prehistoric man in making gorgets and other 

 ornaments found in the mound. 



HISTORICAL DATA 



The Tremper mound has been in possession of the Tremper family 

 for many years. The base of the mound never had been disturbed, 

 as the owners were unwilling that the mound should be examined, 

 except under the auspices of the Ohio Archeological and Historical 

 Society, and for the benefit of the state. However, several years 

 ago, Senator Tremper's sons, Richard and William Tremper, made a 

 superficial examination by digging into the top of the mound at 

 several points, finding a number of skeletons buried not more than 

 one foot below the surface. These burials doubtless were of an 

 intrusive nature, as was shown by the finding of five additional and 

 entirely similar burials in the exploration of the mound, but which 

 differ greatly in both mortuary customs and artifacts from the real 

 builders of the mound. 



The first published account of the Tremper mound is found in 

 Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley, by Squier and Davis, 

 1846, page 83, with a drawing of the mound, shown as plate 29, 

 after the survey by Charles Whittlesey. The work is designated as 

 an "Ancient Work and Animal Effigy, Scioto County, Ohio." 



EXPLORATION OF THE MOUND 



On July 21, 19 1 5, was begun the exploration of the Tremper 

 mound. The examination had as its purpose the exposing to view 

 of the entire site of the mound, the recording of all finds, and the 

 photographing of all important features. 



The surveyor of the party, Mr George H. Miehls, made a com- 

 plete survey of the mound and the earthwork that surrounds it before 

 excavation was begun, and from his notes prepared the topographic 

 map shown in figure I. He then established secondary traverse 

 points upon and around the mound, and from these located, by the 

 aid of the instrument, the various finds in the mound as they were 

 unearthed, and from his notes prepared the map. Figure 2 shows the 

 plan of the floor of the mound. Mr Miehls also prepared a plan 

 showing a cross-section of the mound, on which were recorded the 



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