Mastodon's Jawbone Found Near Beecher, Illinois

1903

Farmers Near Beecher Make an Interesting Discovery

Farmers widening a ditch near Beecher, Ill., a few days ago made a wonderful discovery of the jawbone of a primeval monster, and those who examined it believe it is a portion of a mastodon. It was found at the bottom of Tim creek, one and one-half miles from the town.

While the men were dredging the ditch the steam shovel struck something hard, which the men thought was rock. Investigation showed it to be a portion of a jawbone of an animal of prehistoric times. The specimen weighs twenty pounds, and has three large teeth. Each tooth, is five inches long and six inches wide, and the molars are in an excellent state of preservation. Other bones have been found in the vicinity.

The specimen is now in the possession of Arthur Struve, a banker of Beecher, and he said that the large jawbone will be taken to Professor Starr of the University of Chicago for examination.

"I want to learn just what animal this jawbone belongs to, and I believe that the territory is full of interesting specimens," said Banker Struve.

Some time ago boys playing in Tim creek found the tusk of some huge animal near the same spot where the jawbone was discovered. It is three feet long.