Clair County – More Than Seven Feet
CARRY OFF THE BONES OF 14 INDIAN SKELETONS
MOUND CONTAING SKELETONS OF “BRAVES” IS UNEARTHED CHEIF WAS MORE THAN SEVEN FEET TALL.
ST. LOUIS, Nov. 27. – An Indian mound, containing the skeletons of 14 prehistoric Indian braves and that of an Indian chief more than 7 feet tall, was accidentally unearthed today in the heart of East St. Louis.
As news of the discovery spread through the city, a crowd of hundreds of persons gathered at the corner of Second St. and St. Clair Ave., where the find was made. Within an hour, every bone of the 14 skeletons, with the exception of one skull, had been carried off as souvenirs by curious spectators. With the bones went more than 20 valuable Indian pottery relics which were found with the bodies.
Through the reckless desecration of the Indian mound by the public, it is believed that valuable historical and archaeological information has been lost forever.
ST. Louis, Nov. 27.
- Illinois, Clair County, Nov.27. 1908.