Cherokee Phoenix
Vol. I No. 25
Wednesday, August 20, 1828
Pg. 2 Col. 4b

 "In White county, state of Tennessee, near the town of Sparta, there have been discovered three burying grounds, where a very small people are deposited in tombs (coffins) of stone.  The greatest length of the skeletons is nineteen inches.  Some of these people appear to have lived to a great age-their teeth being worn smooth and short, while others are full and long.  Many of the tombs (graves) have been opened, and the skeletons examined.  The graves are about two feet deep; the coffins are of stone, made by laying a flat stone at the bottom, one at each side, one on at each end, and one over the corpse.  The dead are all buried with their heads to the east and in order, laid on their backs and their hands on their breasts.  In the bend of the left arm is found a cruise or mug, that would hold nearly a pint, made of ground stone, or shell of a grey color in which is found one, two, or three shells supposed to be sea shells.  One of these skeletons had about the neck, ninety-four pearl beads.  There are many of these burying grounds. Near the one which I examined is the appearance of an ancient town.  The bones found in these graves are strong and well set.  The whole frame appears to be well formed.  These grave yards are in extent from half an acre to an acre and a half.- In the same neighborhood is a burying ground where the dead are buried in the same manner as above described,and where the skeletons are from seven to nine feet long."  -Zion's Herald.

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Send comments or questions to: George Frizzell
Special Collections . Hunter Library . Western Carolina University . Cullowhee, NC 28723 . 828-227-7474