Newspaper Clipping    Sequoyah County

Submitted by:  Susan Gabel    sgabel1@juno.com

http://files.usgwarchives.net/ok/sequoyah/
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The Purcell Register
April 20, 1900

Of Interest to Relic Hunters

An interesting specimen of antiquity was recently unearthed near Salisaw
by the men running the steam shovel on the P.G. railroad, at a depth of 
about twelve feet from the surface.  It is a piece of sculpture about ten 
inches high by about three inches thick, and is a perfect design of the Royal
Arch in the Masonic order, except for the engraving.  In the face of the piece
is a strange inscription resembling the human skull with some strange 
inscriptions which are nearly effaced.  It is made of what is called white 
limestone and very much resembles marble in its rough state.  Many guesses 
have been made as to the origin of this relic.  The most plausible of which 
is that De Soto in his long rambles passed over this part of the Cherokee 
country and that some member of his following died at the spot and his friends
erected this monument at his grave.  This burial occurring about 400 years 
ago and being located near the foot of a hill, it is probable that the many 
rains have washed the earth over it.  It is known that De Soto had with him 
many prominent men high up in Masonic orders, also that he had with him artisans
of all kinds.  Others think that this may be an old Indian or Mexican 
relic. - Wagoner Record