History of Licking County, Ohio: Its Past and Present, Part 91

Author: N. N. Hill, Jr.
Publication date: 1881
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 826

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"To the greater part of the mounds we assign the character of watch-towers and signal stations, from which the watchmen kept a constant look-out and, by concerted signals, could report any incipient move towards insurrection or insubordination to

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the laws, as well as to announce the signs of the times, or the approach of danger from the elements, or from any other source. The location of these mounds not only indicate such a use, but is such as to greatly facilitate such a mode of com- munication with rapidity and certainty. The idea of such an attache to the government as a watchman is not novel, for such an office was common among the primitive oriental gov- ernments, and judging from the writings of Isaiah and Eze- kiel, they were found among the Jews at a later date than that of the erection of these American antiquities. In an age when letters were unknown, watchmen, and such a system of signal communications, were of great importance in the government of a large tribe or nation. There are in some places, usually on level plains, many small mounds that were doubtless erected as tumuli for the distinguished dead, while there are others that seem to combine several uses. But the greater portion of the scattered mounds were, doubtless, for the use we have assigned them, and constituted a system of communication extending from the center to the circumference of the kingdom, equaled only by the modern telegraph. These watchmen were doubt- less among the learned men of the nation or tribe, and their position an honorable and an honored one in the kingdom, for they must have constituted the principal medium of communi- cation between the different and distant portions of the king- dom. Having been educated for this special office, it was prob- ably held for life, and I should not think it incredible to suppose that vaults may have been prepared in the base of their watch-towers to receive their mortal remains, after having been worn out in the service of their country, that they might, after death, continue to enjoy a relation to their honored position in life. This may account for the few human bones found in some of those scattered tumuli.

"The mathematical skill manifest in the construction of some of these works, as well as the fine topographical engineering shown in the location of these signal mounds, indicate a pretty high degree of culture, for that age of the world, and. I think, conclusive evidence that they were not erected by the ancestors of our native Indians, as it is not probable that they ever ad- vanced beyond the hunter-grade of civilization in which we found them, while our Mound Builders must have been much in advance of this. These signal mounds are not always found on the highest hills, but where they will command the most complete view of the whole land, whether below or above their location, and where they can be seen by the greatest number of other mounds, by views through valleys, or between distant hill- tops. This feature is an important one, and cannot be the result of accident. On the contrary, it shows a careful economy in locating them, so as to attain the object of their erection with the least amount of labor possible. This would have been needless had their design been other than that we have assigned them. They would, in many instances, have much better suited the theory of 'worship in high places,' or of 'monuments for the dead,' if they had been differently situated from that in which we find them. We, in one instance, found a mound on an offset or table on the hillside, where it commanded the view of an adja- cent valley that could not have been seen from the top of the hill, while there was none on the hill-top, seventy-five feet above the plain or level table on which the mound was situated. And yet this mound was but little less conspicuously situated in its rela- tion to the other mounds than if it had been on the top of the hill. Again, the size of these 'tumuli' are, to a considerable extent, governed by the nature of the ground on which they are

located. On high, narrow pointed, natural elevations, they are much less than when the hill-top presents a broad, level surface; also, on gently undulating plains they are larger and taller than when situated on the hills or on smooth plains. Another feature that I have noticed is : that their number is governed by the character of the face of the country where they are situ- ated. On rough, broken lands they are numerous, while on smooth plains they are few. Still, where they are found at all, they are found in sufficient numbers to overlook the whole sur- face of the land. In our prairies of eastern Illinois, there are bet few, except along the banks of the Wabash, but the few found away from the larger streams are generally large and tall, and so situated as to overlook a large district of country. Now, we would ask, why all this kind of discrimination, if their primary object had been of a military character, or for altars for sacri- fices, or as monuments for the distinguished dead?

"In fact, such a theory is irreconcilable with the buman un- derstanding of the nature and relation of things. The mind must be educated to such theories before it can see any thing these works to justify them, that these ancient Americans, like the ancient Egyptians, Phoenicians, Assyrians, Chinese, and other original tribes or nations, may have been superstitious In some things, and behind the present age in the arts and sci- ences, may be quite true, but that is no reason why we should attribute to them intellectual inconsistencies that would sink them below the wild tribes, that roved through our forests when first found by the people of Europe. How many of us can give a rational account of the original design of the pyramids of Egypt? We may think we know, but with an unbroken chain of history reaching nearly back to the probable period of their erection, we still know but little about them ; yet they are there, and were erected by the most learned nation of that age. "There are at least eight forts or circumvallations in the county that I know of, that are not noticed by any of those writers, except three mentioned by Mr. Smucker, and there cannot be less than three hundred mounds that are not noticed at all; yet when they are viewed as a whole, they present a very different feature than when seen in isolated parts, though these parts may have been the most prominent portion of the works They must be examined from the center to the circumference. and the relation of the several parts to the whole, as well as the scientific harmony of those relations, must be studied to fully comprehend their use. Let any person that is well acquainted with the face of the country inform himself as to the location of fifty or one hundred of these scattered mounds in Licking county, and then let him ascend a few of them and imagine the timber all removed, and he will be astonished at the harmony of their relations. Nearly all will seem to be in plain view from almost every point. And, further, that nearly all seem to have been built with reference to the works in Cherry valley as a comman center. Cherry valley is that part of Licking valley. west of the city of Newark, that lies between the Pataskal and the Raccoon branches of the Licking river, extending from their junction up the Pataskala to the mouth of Auter creek. and up Raccoon creek some three miles to the range of bilis dividing the Raccoon and Auter creek valleys. It is a beautiful plain, the soil is gravelly but very fertile. It embraces about three thousand acres of land, and lies nearly in the shape of at. equilateral triangle. On this plain are situated several of the largest and most singular artificial works to be found in the country. The principal one of these (so called) fortificaticos which contains about thirty acres of land, is owned and ocen-

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pied by the Licking County Agricultural society, and the place where they hold their annual fairs. This part of the valley seems to constitute a central point in the extensive cluster of works lying in this and adjoining counties.

"After becoming satisfied in my own mind, by observations from various elevated points, that the arrangement and location of the works of Licking would justify the theory that Cherry valley was the central point, whence radiated the power that controlled and gave vitality to this great city, whose inhabitants perhaps numbered but little less than the present population of the whole State, this' beautiful valley and its works began to as- sume an importance in this field of antiquities that I never had thought of before, though familiar with its curious works all my life. Now every antique artificial feature about it became an object of importance, that might have wrapped up in it volumes of valuable history. Not having found anything in 'Alligator mound' that I thought would justify the idea of its being con- sidered an object of idolatrous worship, and having found the triangle in several of these artificial works, which is an ancient symbol of the true God, I concluded to again visit the great work owned by the agricultural society, and examine . Eagle mound.' I went there without any doubts about finding the representation of an eagle spread out on the surface in the cen- ter of the area enclosed by these great walls. But when I came to examine its form and proportions, I could not see the 'eagle nor anything that would justify the idea that the mound was 'ever intended to represent any living thing. It could not have been intended to represent a bird, because there is neither head, neck, or tail, and the wings do not taper towards the points, but on the contrary are even larger towards the extreme ends. The abdominal dimensions are much too large to be in proportion with the other parts. While the Alligator mound below Gran- ville strikes conviction to the minds of all that see it, even at first sight, that it was intended to represent the great American crocodile, it cannot but require a great stretch of the imagina- tion, to find any animal characteristics whatever in this so-called 'Eagle mound.' At least, such were my impressions ; my feel- ings would have harmonized much better with the idea of call ing it a representation of a man, in the act of swimming, with- out any legs, which it might be said to represent pretty fairly. I do not think that it was intended to represent any thing of the kind; but on the contrary, that it is the ruins of a massive tem- ple, or palace of a ruling prince, that had been erected with' perishable material, such as unburnt brick.

"The main part of it appears to have been about fifty by one hundred and eighty feet, with vestibule and tower in front, and wings extending to the right and left some sixty feet in length from the main building. The wings fall back some twenty to twenty-five degrees from a right angle with the main building, and probably had towers at the extreme ends. This is indicated by the larger pile of earth at the end of the wings. My reasons for calling this the ruin of a large building are, first-its form being that of a large building, with wings to the right and left, and vestibule and tower in front, and second, its situation ; it being a little in the rear of the center from the great gate of the court that surrounds it, and fronting the entrance, or gate, of the court, just as I think a skilful draughtsman of any age would place such a building to be in harmony with its surround- ings. In the third place, its materials ; all the plain on which these works in Cherry valley are situated, is full of gravel, or pebble stones, even to the surface, and the walls of the court that surround it are of the same character, while the mound, or

ruin, is composed of good brick-clay, free from gravel, and foreign to anything to be found in this vicinity. There is also another slight elevation of this same kind of clay outside of the court. It is situated to the right of the road, leading from the gate of the court towards the Pataskala, or South fork of Licking river, and indicates the former existence of a block of buildings, or guard houses, that extended some three or four hundred feet from the walls of the court, to, and beyond the site where the trustees are preparing to erect a hotel building for the use of the park. This bed of clay is from twelve to sixteen inches deep, resting on gravel, while but a few feet from it the gravel is found to come to the surface. This debris, lying, as it does, by the side of the passway to the only entrance to this royal court, and between the parallel walls, that it is generally believed were erected to protect the passway from this sacred precinct to the river, is strongly suggestive of the location of a series of guard houses, to prevent the promiscuous entrance of improper persons to this well guarded seat of royalty."

It would be impossible, at this day, even were it necessary or desirable, to locate all the earthworks and mounds within the limits of Newark township. The Cherry valley seems to have been literally filled with them, and they were thickly placed over a broad territory, including the site of the city of Newark and much of the Raccoon valley, while, as Mr. Park says, there are a hundred or more mounds on the surrounding hills that overlooked this great mound city in this valley.

There is a mound within a short distance of the court house that is passed by scores of people, daily, on their way to and from business, that is scarcely noticed. It is located in the old cemetery on Sixth street, andjis eight or ten feet in height, and, perhaps, twenty-five or thirty feet in diameter. Some one has used it for a burying ground, and erected a monument over their dead on its side. The fact of its being inclosed within the cemetery has pre- served it from destruction by the plow.

A curious group of mounds that attracted the attention and wonder of the pioneers, were unfor- tunately destroyed by the building of the Central Ohio railroad. They were not far from the Old Fort, and stood just at the foot of Cherry valley, and a little east of the Ohio canal, where the above mentioned railroad crosses it. Three of these mounds stood in a line north and south; the fourth was a little east and between the two northern ones. They were all joined together at the base. In the destruction of this remarkable group of mounds, many interesting relics and facts were unearthed that appear worth preservation. The mound far-

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thest south was included in the embankment of the Central Ohio railroad, and was first destroyed. The other three were greatly injured by the earth being taken to make the railroad embankment. The northern mound was the largest, and was about twenty feet high. This was finally leveled to form a site for a rolling mill. The upper eight feet of this mound was composed almost entirely of black loam, which appeared in layers. These layers or strata had seams where the earth did not unite, although it appeared to be of the same char- acter. Between these layers there were often marks of fire; and in one place, from four to six inches extending across the mound, there were strong marks of fire, with charcoal and ashes. The dif- ferent layers of earth did not often pass all over the mound-sometimes not over more than a fourth of it, and often overlapped each other at the edges. It would seem that these layers of earth were put on at considerable intervals of time, first on one side and then on the other, the different sides of the mound varying in structure. In the upper eight feet of this mound no human or other bones were ' found. Seyeral fine sheets of mica were taken out. A hole near the center was observed to continue down very near to the bottom of the moand. In some places this was filled with sand, differing from the earth around it. In the lower eight feet of the mound quite a number of these perpendicular holes were observed. One on the east side was filled with fine charcoal and ashes, and extended fully four feet below the surrounding surface of the earth. The whole base of this mound was of dis- turbed earth, four or more feet below the surround- ing surface. Some six or eight of these post holes were discovered, but none but the center one con- tinued for more than a few feet. They were mostly filled with fine sand. About one half of the lower portion of the mound was made of layers of blue clay; then there was a layer of sand, followed by one of cobble stone, which appeard to be immedi- ately over a strong burning. This layer of stone was about five feet from the base. In the middle mound the layer of cobble stone was about eight feet from the base, was in the center of the mound, sixteen inches thick, and extended all over it, thin- ning out toward the edges. The cobble stone, in all places, seemed to be put on immediately over

the burning, none of the stones having the marks of fire, except those coming in contact with the burnt earth. The heat of the fire must have been intense, for the small stones in places were quite friable, and in places strongly marked with oxide of iron. This iron appearance led many to think that iron tools might have been placed there and rusted out.

In the fourth mound the cobble stones were placed over burnings and on a level with the sur- rounding surface, and covered with creek sand The blue clay in the northern mound must have been brought from a distance, there being none near like it.

About three feet below the surrounding surface of the earth, and near the bottom of the large mound, the workmen, in digging the pit for the fly- wheel, found several pieces of bones and a part of the lower jaw of a human being with one tooth yet remaining in it. All the bones gave evidence of great age, and were in small pieces.

The cobble stone layers in these mounds and the post holes are unusual features. Could the latter have been for a frame work, from which to suspend victims for sacrifice?

Surrounding this entire group of mounds was a cobble stone way, about eight feet wide. This is yet plainly to be seen north of the railroad, but the remainder has been destroyed. This oblong circle of stone must have been one hundred yards in its north and south diameter, and sixty-six yards east and west. Within sight of this group of mounds were originally about one dozen. Many of these have been destroyed. The digging of the pit for the fly-wheel revealed the lower portion of this mound, better than examination heretofore made, and showed plainly that human beings had been buried at least four feet beneath the surrounding surface of the earth.

During the excavating process the place was vis- ited by many citizens, and gentlemen from a dis- tance, and much interest taken.

The greater portion of these mounds being com- posed of sand and loam may account for the paucity of bones found in them. The best pre- served skeletons are found where the ground is mostly clay.

It was observed by the early settlers that the

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Indians buried their dead in and about these mounds; but these burials were thought to be easily distinguishable from those of the Mound Builders.

In 1827, while digging the Ohio canal, a small mound was dug out where the second lock now stands. Many human bones were found similar to those in the group above mentioned.

Several skeletons were found buried near these mounds, which were, no doubt, those of Indians, the bones indicating no great age, and having cop- per implements buried with them. Near one was found two copper quivers for arrows, and a large shell, which had apparently been used as a drinking cup. . Another small skeleton had by its side a quiver for arrows and a copper hatchet, with beads and other trinkets. These Indians and Mound Builders appeared to have two things in common; one is the copper implements, and the other the sheets of mica. This latter is found in their mounds and mixed with their pottery. The small Indian skeleton referred to above was partly covered with mica, some of it adhering to the bones. Another skeleton was found covered with arge sheets of mica; at least half a peck of mica

with the bones were brought to town; this, at the time, was supposed to be the remains of an Indian. All the copper yet found in the mounds in this re- gion has been native, unsmelted.

According to some antiquarians these mounds would be called sacrificial or altar mounds, but the truth is that most, if not all, in this vicinity, are of a similar character, and might, with the same pro- priety, be called sacrificial, for, as a general thing, a skeleton, or sometimes two or three side by side are found, covered with earth, then evidences of fire, then another skeleton covered in the same way, and so on; but these skeletons and evidences of fire do not extend regularly over the mound. Sometimes a skeleton and a burning will be found only on one side, and then again on the other, at a different elevation; but almost always in every mound is found one grand burning extending all over the mound, as if there had been a grand cer- emony for the benefit of all those buried beneath. In the large mound above mentioned there were two of these general burnings. Sometimes human bones are found with the marks of fire, indicating the probability of human sacrifice.

CHAPTER LXVI.

NEWARK TOWNSHIP CONTINUED.

ITS INDIAN HISTORY -- ORGANIZATION-TOPOGRAPHY-STREAMS-PONDS AND STAGNANT WATERS-THE FIRST RACE COURSE-DEPTH OF SOIL-AN UNHEALTHY DISTRICT-DR. WILSON'S CONTRIBUTION ON THE EARLY DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT.

"There truth and beauty are, for there is nature, Serene and simple. She will be our priestess, And in her calm and uncomplaining face We will read well her rubric and be wise." -Joaquin Miller.

B UT little, if any, Indian history connected with this township has been preserved. A few tem- porary camps are remembered, and that they roved freely through these beautiful valleys, hunted, fished and paddled their canoes along these wild and pretty streams; sang their war songs, danced

their war dances, fought, loved, married, ate, drank and died, is not doubted. They have left behind them history enough from which to glean this much, however worthless it may be. They seem to have been a worthless race, hence, in the econ- omy of the univerce, they must perish to give place to those who develop and make better use of Na- ture's unlimited resources.

This township was not organized until June 6, 1810, but was surveyed in 1797, by John G. Jack-

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son, deputy surveyor under Rufus Putnam, then surveyor general of the United States. It is num- ber two, range twelve, and contains sixteen thou- sand four hundred and thirty-eight and nine-tenth acres. Number one, or the northeast quarter of the township or section was located by John Rath- bone, and contains four thousand two hundred and eighteen and nine.tenth acres. This section was sold to Colonel Benjamin Wilson of Clarks- burgh, Virginia, and has since been known as the "Wilson section." Quarter township number two, is the northwest section, and was located by George Jackson. It contains four thousand acres. Sec- tion number three is the southwest quarter, and was located by Adam Harborson. It contains four thousand acres, and is called the Cherry Valley section. Number four is the town section, and was located by J. A. Cummins and John and George W. Burnet. It contains four thousand two hun- dred and twenty acres.

There were many acts of Congress touching the manner of disposing of the unoccupied lands of the United States military tract, of which this township was a part, up to 1812, when the land department was reorganized; but none of them had any effect on this township, for the sections had all been located very early.

Nearly the whole of this township lies in a sort of funnel-shaped basin, with the neck toward the Licking Narrows. It is watered by the North fork of Licking, which enters the township from the north, near the center of its northern line, and passing southeast joins the main stream near its eastern border; and by the South fork of Licking, which forms the southeastern line of the township to within a few miles of Newark,, joining the North fork within the city limits, and by the Raccoon fork, which coming from the west, thrugh Granville township, passes across this township a little south of its center, and joins the South fork within the city limits. In addition to these streams, which are all of good size, Ramp creek crosses the south- ern part of the township, emptying its waters into the South fork, within its limits; and numerous smaller streams, tributaries of those named, cross the township in different directions.

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History of Licking County, Ohio: Its Past and Present, Part 91

Author: N. N. Hill, Jr. Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Number of Pages: 826

Author: N. N. Hill, Jr.
Publication date: 1881
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 826