Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1904-09-01
RARE INDIAN RELICS.
INTERESTING COLLECTION OF
AN ARKANSAS MAN.
Has Minerals archaeological speci-
mems That Tell History of World
from the Beginning Valu-
able Pottery and Arrows.

among the largest private collections
within its range anywhere in the coun-
try Is said to be that of Frank Rowland,
of Little Rock, Ark. 1t is mainly in the
line OF Indian relics, mineral and geolog-
ical specimens. Some of the rarest min
erals are to be found in this collection,
on which Mr.. Rowland has been engaged
for 80 years.
To enumerate the varieties would be to
make a list columns long, but among tina
most noticeable are the large specimens
of amethyst in various shades of purple,
agate in stripes and bands in rose color,
green, yellow and brown, crystals in va
rious sizes and as clear as diamonds.
Chief among the crystals is a perfect
cross of Hot Springs diamonds, which is
mounted on black velvet in a gold frame
and is n of Mr.. Howland's most cher
tshed possessions.
There are opals from Mexico, pearls
from Arkansas, brilliantly colored stones
from the islands of the sea, while the COL
lection of minerals and pres is made up
of specimens from all parts of the world
that range in size from diamonds no
larger than a needles eye to massive
pieces weighing 120 pounds.
There are in the collection specimens
of clay with the diamonds imbedded,
quartz with yellow gold showing in pock-
cts, curious formations of a combination
Of metals and stones and a few crystals,
inside which an imprisoned drop of wa
ter can be seen following the motion of
the stone.
There are thousands Of specimens of
the rare and interesting kind, each with
its W peculiar beauty and interest.
The Indian relics comprise wearing ap-
parel, beaded work and leather goods,
and a large collection of pottery, every
piece Of which is valuable because gen.
uine, most of it being obtained by Mr..
Rowland himself or under his super
vision.
The latest addition to this collection Is
a bowl which he recently unearthed
from a mound and which was found in
the skeleton hand of an Indian who ages
ago had been buried under the sand
mound. The skeleton was in a sitting
posture when discovered. A string of
wampum beads was also found in this
grave.
Among the most valuable pieces in the
pottery collection is a head bowl, which
design is quite rare. There are also sew
eral pieces in the animal design and one
large bowl.
Arrowheads by the hundred may be
seen In this interesting place, with diff
ferent styles of stone weapons.
Mr.. Rowland has also in his possession
some valuable pieces Of carved ivory
from Japan and China, a large tortoise
shell, the sword of a swordfish, the saw
of a sawfish, Goals, sea urchins, starfsh,
sea fans and beautifully tinted shells.
The collection of prehistoric speci-
mems is large and interesting and tells
In broken chapters the story Of vegeta-
ton in the carboniferous age.
stone and clay deposits are interesting
and his collection of petriied wood is one
OF the finest anywhere, as 1t should be,
Mr.. Rowland being the discoverer of this
novel curiosity.
Mr.. Rowland is an authority on such
specimens as make his large collection
and has furnished some valuable papers
Tor leading publications in this line.
In addition to this unusually hand
some and valuable collection he has col
lections Of stamps, coins, ETC., while Mrs.
Rowland has a unique collection of dogs,
single and in families, which occupy
places on a cas- of shelves in the parlor.