Holmes County farmer. [volume] (Millersburg, Ohio) 1857-1926, 1860-07-26
Mistellantous.
LETTER FROM NEWARK.

Remarkable Archaeological Discovery
Among the Ancient Mounds in Lick-
ing COunty--EXh of a Supposed
Masonic Keystone with Hebrew In
scriptions--If Genuine can it be Assoc
ciated with the '.Lost Tribes!n--0ther
Curious Developments in the Tumuli
of Scioto Valley--A Polished Stone
Musical Instrument FOuud in Il Mound,
&C.
NEWARK, O., July Sth, 1860
On Friday / sent you brief account
by telegraph of a recent remarkable dis
covery of a supposed Masonic emblem,
with Hebrew inscriptions. among the an
two miles west of Newark. | am aware
that this discovery might prove beauti-
ful hoax, but it is not only plausible, but
it is sustained by strong testimony at
Newark-evidence more satisfactory here
than | can make appear to readers
There is no doubt whatever that it was
found precisely as Mr.. Wyrich describes
the circumstances, and his reputation for
integrity, besides his general character
that of a simple minded earnes. man of
the people, of ordinary capacity, with II
fair popular knowledge Of the rudiments
and general principles of geology, and of
the archaeology of the immediate section
of country in which he resides. is conclu
sive testimony that he is incapable OF,
and is in no manner conscious of any
possible deception in this very interest
ing matter. The people of Newark, who
have known him many years, have un-
qualified confidence in him, so that the
main point in this connection--that ofre-
liability-is satisfactorily established
| have investigated the subject and am sat
isiied with Mr.. Wyrich's statements.-
But whether this remarkable stone is a
relic Of "times whereof the memory of
man runneth not to the contrary" or
whether some other Joe Smith, or other
humbugeous prophet, or some practical
joker at some comparatively recent period
buried this curiosity in the bowels of the
earth for the purpose of setting the relig-
ious or archaeological world "by the ears"
is a mystery which time can only dissi-
pate.
1t is superfluous to say that the dis
covery profoundly interests Newarkers.
1t has produced general and lively ex-
citement. Last Tuesday night they met
in large numbers at the City Hall, where
the Holy Stone was exhibited, and its re-
cent history rec;tcd by its finder. Mr..
Isreal Dille,-a local archaeologist, who
enjoys solid reputation with eminent an
tiquaries, together with other leading
citizens, participated in the proceedings
and gave them the stamp of genuineness.
The citizens were so deeply interested
that they at once organized for the pur-
pose Of prosecuting systematic series
of researches among the monumental re-
mains of their valley, and q committee
consisting of Isreal Ollie, David Wyrick,
DR.. Wilson, Charles Salisbury, and
Will. l.. Cunningham-the latter, Secre-
tary, to record the results of investiga-
tion-wero appointed to prosecute the
enterprise.
shall give a detailed history and de-
scription of this singular discovery. But
/ feel bound in the outset to acknowledge
my obligations to Mr.. Will. l., Cunning
ham and Mr.. Wyricll, for the valuable
services, which enabled me to collect the
particulars connected with this interest
ing event.
CONCERNING DAVID wYRICK.
The discoverer Of this curious stone,
Mr.. David Wyrick, of Newark, deserves
passing compliment before enter upon
the main subject He is by profession a
surveyor, and became interested in the
antiquitiea OF this Valley while prosecu-
ting his business. He conceived that he
might be instrumental in throwing some
light upon the profound mystery which
envelopes the archaeology of the Scioto
Valley, and devoted himself to system
attic Typographical survey of the monu'
mental remains in Cherry Valley, embra-
cling an area of about one mile and half,
by two miles, West and Northwest oi
Nawark He recorded his ohearvations