The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1870-09-08
NUMBER 80.
A STRANGE STORY.

Washington. d. c, paper of late data
has the following peculiar story:
The constant discovery of things which
appear strange afjrd a study for those
whose iuciinations lead them to sift out the
mysterious workings of the natural world.
The Cardiff Giant. whose mighty remains
were represented as having been dug from
the bowels of the earth, afforded an oppor
tunity to our geological Savants to expaund
TO the world the results of the diagnosis and
proSnosls $50 TO speak> made by them Of
that wonderful curiosity. Each day brings
with it succession of now discoveries and
here. almost within the limits OF the District
OF Columbia, tiller of the soil has found
upon his homestead curious phenomenon
OF nature, which should engage the attention
of the scientific world
On the banks of Tie. Potomac, pear Fort
Foote. lives one William Durr, by occupa.
ton farmer, and who directs the manage
ment of a farm Of some two hundred acres.
Upon taking possession of this property
lsome time dur ng the year lS69l Mr.. / urr
found several ludlaU relics, such as stone
tomahaw ks, arrow heads, &c, and subse-
queutly has found others Gin common use
among the Indians), which led him to the
conclusion that either an Ina an setttIeme,
had al an early day been located near hi,
farm, or that an Indian war had been vaged
thereon. The eastern end of the estate il
bordered by wooded grove Of fine timber
land.
Through this grove Mr. DUR had occasion
70 pass almost daily IN the pr, Sc ut on of
has usual work. His attention had become
5one time slice drawn to what from all an.
pearances resembled large stone, shaped
almost IN the form Of a mound ,r a grave.
Many times he passed it. and seemed drawn
oy some unaccountable means to give it
more than passing glance. Coupling the
fact that he had already found many articles
OF natural curiosity upon the place with
the thought that the stone might reveal
something stranger, lie last week made nm
his mind TO provide himself with the peces-
sary tools AMI CpfathOm the mysteries il
might reveal.
On Tuesday he commenced operations.
and upon skirtinG the stone found to his
astoniSement that ii had an outer covering
OF the same substance, which Welded readilv
TO the hammer, consisting of a layer of white
sandstone varying from one to three inches
IN thickness, which. after shavng been re-
moved, left smoother surface. and revealed
tue comparatively distinct outlines of 4 pet-
ritieG bear, about seven feet in length and
three teet in height and thickness After
further research was found the distinct ont
lines of a female face and child. and over
the forms Of which the bear was a complete
covering. The head of the animal, from the
indications in the petrifed form. had been
cleaved open, and rested between the fore
paws, it lying In that position. The hind
legs wee evidently brrken off, no further
outline OF the grizzly" appearing.
The question to be solved by philosophers
is: Was the mother and child killed by the
bear or was the animal killed ard placed
over the remains Of the human beings as A
vlgilant watch over the dead One thing is
certain, and that is, that the bear Cor what
is supposed to be suchJ covers the entire
forms of the two bodies The discovery is
OF such character as should engage the at
tention of some Of our leading scientific men,
who. no docbt, could form a conclusion and
en!ighteh those who may have a desire for
more information on the mysterious subject.
The farm of Mr.. nurr is accessible from Fort
Foote. being but two miles therefrom. and it
Is TO be hoped that some of our leading ge-
oloSlsts may pay q visit to the place and.
give their opinion as to the origin aud cause
OF the mystery.