I have always been active in searching creek beds, researching history of the area I live, finding out where old trading posts were and have found some pieces even in my own yard while gardening. I have one piece I would very much like input on. If I receive a post of others with common interest, I will photograph the piece I am interested in getting an opinion on. Some older friends of ours were amateur archeologists and shared a wealth of information with us. We were invited to a meeting in their home with others of like intests. This couple had been on digs in several states and always logged each piece, photographed them, numbered them, dated them, and logged them with the University of that state... all legal... all with great reverence. The couple have a small museum in Baxter Springs, Ark. Which houses arrowheads, pottery pieces, etc. They have passed away now but when shown this piece I am interested in knowing about, when it was expressed that it looked too perfect to be hand made, more like factory made, the man said, "Indians made perfect work!" I believe it.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

I'm not sure how much I can help. But, I am a member of the local chapter of the Illinois Association for Advancement of Archaeology. I do have great interest in these kinds of things. I have found a couple of artifacts on my own.

I'm not sure how much I can help. But, I am a member of the local chapter of the Illinois Association for Advancement of Archaeology. I do have great interest in these kinds of things. I have found a couple of artifacts on my own.

Thank you for your post. I would love to hear about the artifacts you have found. So much history all around us! I look forward to receiving more information from you. :)

Hi there!
Thought I would post a couple of photos. The one of the map is a print of a hand drawn map that shows the area where I live. It is as wide as my dining room table but not quite as long. There is so much history handwritten on this map. It shows where Sam Houston lived with his Indian wife before going to Texas. It shows cane breaks which are still there today. A man followed the map a few years ago and except for the widening of the rivers and some changes, so many of the landmarks are still there. It shows where the trading posts were in the areas, Indian encampments, etc.

Just thought you might enjoy seeing it even though you cannot read it in the photo.

The other photos shows:

Top left - the piece dug up in our garden in the back yard that we would love to know about. It looks factory made but the man I wrote about earlier says it was used as a tool possibly with leather straps attached, using a stick which wore the indention in the end, possibly for starting fires. That never seemed to fit the shape for me but would love to know. It is an unusual find even if factory made for some purpose. Then there is the axe head, two spades, then again on the left are geodes which are plentiful around here. The top two have been broken open. They are hollow inside. The bottom two have not been broken. Some when broken, have mineral matter in them?? We were told that Indians used these to put their paint made from berries and such in for painting pottery.

Just thought you would enjoy viewing these. I have photos of our other pieces which include pottery shards.

Fascinating map, Jan! When posting the pictures of the artifacts, it would help to have a ruler in the image along side of them so that people can also get an idea as to what their size is. Just a thought.

Really cool items! I have been fascinated with these type of finds for a long long time! I've never actually found anything myself though. Amazing what a person can walk right over and not even know it is there. Many old trails and camps are around this part of Ohio, and I'd love to go on a search sometime... First, I should probably take a course to learn a lot more about what to look for though. Just for a little background on me, I am into genealogy a lot and have been involved with historical societies. I really enjoy museums and old artifacts. No end to the excitement that such things bring me!
Thanks for sharing, and I hope to hear more!!

Where would one obtain a map like the one in the image that you have posted?

That is a good idea Craig! Thanks. :) The artifacts are packed away in my closet right now but after the holidays perhaps I could get them out and rephotograph them. I won't post any of the others until I am able to use the ruler. I do always enjoy seeing some way to gage the size of certain pieces. A friend of mine creates tiny little babies out of some sort of polyresin, I don't recall what it is called and will place her thumb or a ruler along side some of them when posting the photo on eBay. I will remmember to do that!

Really cool items! I have been fascinated with these type of finds for a long long time! I've never actually found anything myself though. Amazing what a person can walk right over and not even know it is there. Many old trails and camps are around this part of Ohio, and I'd love to go on a search sometime... First, I should probably take a course to learn a lot more about what to look for though. Just for a little background on me, I am into geneology a lot and have been involved with historical societies. I really enjoy museums and old artifacts. No end to the excitement that such things bring me!
Thanks for sharing, and I hope to hear more!!!

I am so thrilled you enjoyed the post. I too get really excited when delving into the history of the areas. I think I was born in the wrong time. :confused: I have always wanted to live during the "Old West" days! :p I had been asked to ride with a group who do the recreations but at the time, it didn't work out, children were little, tried to find property to rent to keep a horse to ride in the events, sadly didn't work out. I love hunting, and fishing and these both afford me the opportunity to scout out areas and seek treasures, even if only interesting barb wire. Found some square barbed wire while scouting out a deer hunting area. What a treasure.

Where would one obtain a map like the one in the image that you have posted?

For this particular one, the only place I would have any idea where to have a copy made would be to contact the company whose name is at the bottom of the map of which I cannot remember the name at present. I think they may still be in business here in town. They mainly do work in construction blue prints, draftsman, etc. I am not saying that right. I only know of three copies. The friend who gave this one to us, ours, and there is one on display at the old fort, at "Fort Gibson" a few miles from us. It is under glass and is displayed in one of the officers quarters at the old fort.

Amazing what a person can walk right over and not even know it is there. Thanks for sharing, and I hope to hear more!!!

We do walk over much history without realizing it, don't we? As with anything, when one trains their eye to see, they find wonderous things. I have found lots of flint pieces that have been worked only on one side, meaning perhaps the person making the arrowhead either got interrupted or perhaps in the process, chipped off the tip so tossed it. To me, even those "finds: are treasures. :)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Clough
Where would one obtain a map like the one in the image that you have posted?


Originally Posted by jrebel7
For this particular one, the only place I would have any idea where to have a copy made would be to contact the company whose name is at the bottom of the map of which I cannot remember the name at present. I think they may still be in business here in town. They mainly do work in construction blue prints, draftsman, etc. I am not saying that right. I only know of three copies. The friend who gave this one to us, ours, and there is one on display at the old fort, at "Fort Gibson" a few miles from us. It is under glass and is displayed in one of the officers quarters at the old fort.

Thank you for your answer!

Now, you've got me thinking! :eek:

We have a Rock Island County Historical Society around where I live. Perhaps they might have a map like that in a book.

We also have the Rock Island Arsenal where I live. There is a museum on the Arsenal. And, in this city of Rock Island was the encampment of the tribe over which Black Hawk was the Chief.

Thank you for your answer!

Now, you've got me thinking! :eek:

We have a Rock Island County Historical Society around where I live. Perhaps they might have a map like that in a book.

We also have the Rock Island Arsenal where I live. There is a museum on the Arsenal. And, in this city of Rock Island was the encampment of the tribe over which Black Hawk was the Chief.

That could prove very interesting!!

I wish I could type out all the info on the map but it just has so much history on it. It is all, of course, hand written, very tiny. What a treasure!

if only interesting barb wire. Found some square barbed wire while scouting out a deer hunting area. What a treasure.

That reminds me of a trip I took to Texas back in 1985... there was a museum display of old barb wire. I'm not sure if it was near Judge Roy Beam's museum... or if it was around Big Bend park.. but it was fascinating to see all the varieties... some were like razors! And others were just painful looking! I remember as I was looking at it, I was reminded of a story that my fourth grade teacher read to the class... I think it was The Boxcar Family or mayby Bobsie Twins not sure... but anyway in the story it was describing how the father and son were stretching the barb wire to put up a fence when the wire broke causing the wire to snap back due to the tension, and a younger brother was struck in the face cutting him...

And that brings me (in mind) to another great story that same teacher read to us called The Iceberg Hermit... I'm planning on reading that story to my son this weekend! I found an old copy at a local thrift store...

Sorry for going astray with my thoughts, hope you found them interesting.

The local courthouse might be able to point you to a similar map of the area... possibly in the engineers office... if you go and ask, if not in that office, they will know where to send you... They probably have different large maps like that for each area or subdivision... and not very expensive to have them make you a copy.

\
We have a Rock Island County Historical Society around where I live. Perhaps they might have a map like that in a book.


Great answer... I have seen similar old map books at historical societies... I had forgotten about that.

That reminds me of a trip I took to Texas back in 1985... there was a museum display of old barb wire. I'm not sure if it was near Judge Roy Beam's museum... or if it was around Big Bend park.. but it was fascinating to see all the varieties... some were like razors! and others were just painful looking! I remember as I was looking at it, I was reminded of a story that my fourth grade teacher read to the class... I think it was The Boxcar Family or mayby Bobsie Twins not sure...but anyways in the story it was describing how the father and son were stretching the barb wire to put up a fence when the wire broke causing the wire to snap back due to the tension, and a younger brother was struck in the face cutting him...

And that brings me (in mind) to another great story that same teacher read to us called The Iceberg Hermit... I'm planning on reading that story to my son this weekend! I found an old copy at a local thrift store...

Sorry for going astray with my thoughts, hope you found them interesting.

The local courthouse might be able to point you to a similar map of the area... possibly in the engineers office... if you go and ask, if not in that office, they will know where to send you... They probably have different large maps like that for each area or subdivision... and not very expensive to have them make you a copy.

OUCH!! :eek: :eek: :eek:
That brought back some memories of movies I have seen where that happened. It is intersting how sharing just a few thoughts can trigger so many memories from our past.

I love that you shared that and how special that you are going to read the "The Iceberg Hermit" to your son. I have never heard of that one.

I know the barbed wire takes me back to times in my mind when I think of free range and then how it all started building up to what it eventually came to be today, buildings everywhere, fences everywhere. Oh well... change happens but when I get bogged down, I just go out to the woods or the river and realize that all that was there before all of this and it gives me happy, peaceful thougths! A simpler time!! Now, don't get me wrong, I love running water, bathtubs with hot water, facilities, washer and dryers!! LOL I enjoy the dreaming of it but I imagine the reality was pretty harsh at times.

Please keep posting thoughts, memories, experiences. I love it!

Good night Craig and Oneguy! I have enjoyed the postings this evening. Hope to read more from you all on the subject later on. Have a good restful night! :)

Hi All!

I am posting a photo of some pottery shards. I haven't gotten the pieces out to photograph by a ruler yet but by telling you these are just about two inch pieces, give or take, perhaps that will give you a good enough idea for now. The textures are different, colors and patterns. Just such pieces of history.

One of my best friends from forever is a retired teacher but has gone back to college to learn the language of her ancestors, "Cherokee", with plans to teach emersion classes upon graduation. She has also learned to dig her own clay, process it and make beautiful pieced of pottery and fire it the way the "Cherokee's" fired it, in a pit in the ground. Most fascinating to me. I picked polk berries and processed and canned the juice to make dye for her to use to paint patterns on her pottery. If not processed correctly, it will eventually fade. There are two ways I found to process it. Hope I chose the right one!! Every link I have read on line says about the same. Just can't figure out how to classify the process I was doing. She appreciated it anyway and it was fun finding the berries and processing them as a surprise for her. I just did a cold pack, not pressure cooker. I am not much for in the kitchen! :p

Gosh, Jan! I'm starting to think that the inside of your home must look like some kind of museum! I know that mine does! :eek:

I do have some arrowheads. I did not find them myself. They were given to me. They are not completed. I have heard that incomplete arrow heads or other weaponry and/or tools made by Indians are not as valuable if they aren't completed in their construction for the purpose for which they were intended.

Is that true?

Gosh, Jan! I'm starting to think that the inside of your home must look like some kind of museum! I know that mine does! :eek:

I do have some arrowheads. I did not find them myself. They were given to me. They are not completed. I have heard that incomplete arrow heads or other weaponry and/or tools made by Indians are not as valuable if they aren't completed in their construction for the purpose for which they were intended.

Is that true?

Not so much a museum as just a mess! LOL :p But a fun mess!
;)

Hi, Jan!

I am wondering if you or someone who might see this thread has an answer to the question that I asked in post #19?

Hi, Jan!

I am wondering if you or someone who might see this thread has an answer to the question that I asked in post #19?

Hi Craig,
My first impulse when I read the post #19 was to say that any piece of flint, that has been worked in any manner with the pattern consistent with the arrowhead or bird point, ceremonial point or tool or weapon, would be worth something. However, that was speaking from my heart not head knowledge. I was just about to do some research and got caught up on a call with Denise! I am off the phone now so will research a bit and get back with you in a few minutes! Okie Dokie?? :)

Thank you, Jan! That's just fine! Based upon what you have just now stated, it might appear that collecting, trading and selling arrowheads or other artifacts for that matter, might be very much like coin collecting and art collecting, trading and selling because of the different degrees of wear and tear, quality of design and the design itself incorporated on the artifacts. Just a thought...

Thank you, Jan! That's just fine! Based upon what you have just now stated, it might appear that collecting, trading and selling arrowheads or other artifacts for that matter, might be very much like coin collecting and art collecting, trading and selling because of the different degrees of wear and tear, quality of design and the design itself incorporated on the artifacts. Just a thought...

You're welcome Craig! I did research and even signed in to another type of forum similar to this one. Haven't learned much yet. The info I found was quite interesting. I believe you are 100 % accurate in thinking this type of collecting, trading, and selling arrowheads or other artifacts is probably very much like coin collecting.

One thing the archaeologists shared with us is that as civilization progressed, the art of arrowhead and tool making diminished. The Indians would reshape old arrowheads rather than taking as much pride in making their own. Sadly we see the same progression in all facets of life.

We have some arrowheads that are marked as "Archaic" and some have the estimated age. These are pieces that were given to us, not pieces we have found. We are not knowledgeable enough for that! :( We found a thumb scraper in our garden. It is perfect. It was used to scrape the insides of small hides. We have some drills but those were given to us also.

I remember seeing one piece, well, a photo of the piece, when we were in the meeting I spoke about in an earlier post. It sold for $7,000.00 for a private collection. For some reason, when I heard that, it sort of made me feel sad. Our friends donated pieces to museums in the states they found the pieces for others to enjoy and I respected that but with the economy the way it is, well... who knows what I would do in a pinch! LOL I think I could sell coins much easier than I could an arrowhead, birdpoint, or tool but I am sure some coin collectors feel very protective over their special finds also. We each have our passions in life. I will keep a check on that other forum for a bit though, just in case, you and I can learn something that might make us not have to have another financial care in the world! That sounds kind of wonderful, you know?? LOL

Did we lose "Oneguyinohio"? I liked his stories and his interest in the past.

Hello, I'm still keeping up. Been distracted with genealogy research and work stuff.

I wanted to mention that a lot of people are going to great lengths to make counterfeit indian artifacts. They are selling these as originals in a lot of outlets.

I recently saw a workshop where an older guy had grinders, polishers, and all sorts of tools for faking the items. He had been doing it for a number of years. He must have had a truck load of scraps scattered around the workshop as well as supplies to fill a semi trailer. He died a lonely old man so he is no longer doing it, but it taught me a lesson about buying items.

Did we lose "Oneguyinohio"? I liked his stories and his interest in the past.

No. He's just been busy. He is back, above! :)

Hello, I'm still keeping up. Been distracted with geneology research and work stuff.

I wanted to mention that a lot of people are going to great lengths to make counterfeit indian artifacts. They are selling these as originals in a lot of outlets.

I recently saw a workshop where an older guy had grinders, polishers, and all sorts of tools for faking the items. He had been doing it for a number of years. He must have had a truck load of scraps scattered around the workshop as well as supplies to fill a semi trailer. He died a lonely old man so he is no longer doing it, but it taught me a lesson about buying items.

Hi there! Glad to see you back on this thread. You gave good information. Always good to be aware there is always someone out there trying to take our joy of the find away!! I guess as with all other things "Let the buyer beware!"

I hope you will share more stories when you have time. I have more photos I would enjoy sharing but it is 2:48 a.m. and I think I better get off here for now. I will be checking back tomorrow though!

Until later then!

Wait! Don't go! The night is young yet! :)

I didn't tell you yet about the big stone that I found in the ground when I originally rototilled the area for my vegetable garden a number of years ago!

Wait! Don't go! The night is young yet! :)

I didn't tell you yet about the big stone that I found in the ground when I originally rototilled the area for my vegetable garden a number of years ago!

:p Just when I am winding down... you are just getting your second wind!! LOL

Ok, don't keep me in suspense!! What about the big stone you found in the ground?? :)

I too am wondering about the big stone? Oh, and I wanted to mention that my mom found an Indian's head once when they were gardening... well, a buffalo indian head nickel anyway...

I too am wondering about the big stone? Oh, and I wanted to mention that my mom found an Indian's head once when they were gardening... well, a buffalo indian head nickle anyways...

Oneguy, you had me going there for a moment!! The mind was racing with questions. :p One never knows! LOL

This is a grouping of some artifacts found in my garden and some given to us by our friends who have now passed away. Some of the points are bird points and some ceremonial points, so tiny. What talent to be able to make these tiny points from flint rock. I cannot even imagine. After the holidays, if there is interest in these pieces, I will rephotograph them with a ruler or some sort of reference for size.

Wait! Don't go! The night is young yet! :)

I didn't tell you yet about the big stone that I found in the ground when I originally rototilled the area for my vegetable garden a number of years ago!

Hey Craig,
Are you going to tell us?? :)

All this talk about old artifacts has contributed to me wanting to wear some really old style clothing... well, more of a blanket I guess like I believe people wore long ago. Any ideas about finding something like the Indians wore in the old movies, that would be socially acceptable and not have people laughing at me? I'm sort of thinking about a ponch or blanket type thing with a whole cut out to put head through... Is that too odd??

All this talk about old artifacts has contributed to me wanting to wear some really old style clothing... well, more of a blanket I guess like I believe people wore long ago. Any ideas about finding something like the Indians wore in the old movies, that would be socially acceptable and not have people laughing at me? I'm sort of thinking about a ponch or blanket type thing with a whole cut out to put head through... Is that too odd???

Well Oneguy, you are talking to a gal from the hippie days so I doubt you could get "too odd" with the clothes for me. I was always coming up with something original, unlike the mainstream hippies, so to speak. I never quite got that time when I was in college and the big deal was be an individual then everyone dressed alike, did drugs, etc. I did my own thing, never did drugs, never took a drink of alcohol, rode a motocyle and dressed my own way and I admire people who do so I say go for it!! I even was known as the "iconoclastic" (breaker of images) one in college that changed the dress codes but that is a story for another thread I guess. LOL

I will do some research and come up with something for you for sure. It will have to be tomorrow though. :)

Sounds real good, and you're giving me some courage to go for it! Going to bed now myself. Good night.

If you wish, meet me on the thread tomorrow night and I will try to have some ideas for you. I love it!
Good night! Sleep well. :)

Hi Oneguy!
Just had a moment before running to the Nursing Home to help with my mother's care. Wanted to send a link for you to look at to see if this is anything like you have in mind or something even more simple. Let me know. I love this stuff. I have to leave now but will check later tonight. Have a good day!

MEN'S CLINT EASTWOOD WESTERN STYLE COWBOY PONCHO - (eBay item 230202696963 end time Dec-18-07 18:29:06 PST) (http://cgi.ebay.com/MENS-CLINT-EASTWOOD-WESTERN-STYLE-COWBOY-PONCHO_W0QQitemZ230202696963QQihZ013QQcategoryZ579 88QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting)

Hey there Oneguy! Did you have something more rustic in mind? I saw you were on line earlier today so I just quickly ran a check for style to see if my mind was going in the same direction as yours. Let me know when you have time.

I liked those quite a bit, but I'm still mentally trying to sort out if I want something without the patterns. Maybe plainer or less associated with the southwest or cultural group... not that anything is wrong with that, but I don't want people to think that I am pretending to be part of some other group than I am... I really appreciate your help!

I liked those quite a bit, but I'm still mentally trying to sort out if I want something without the patterns. Maybe plainer or less associated with the southwest or cultural group... not that anything is wrong with that, but I dont want people to think that I am pretending to be part of some other group than I am... I really appreciate your help!

I sort of thought that you might be wanting less designed. Just wanted to know if I was understanding a little bit of what you were sharing. I love the idea and hope you do it.

All this talk about old artifacts has contributed to me wanting to wear some really old style clothing... well, more of a blanket I guess like I believe people wore long ago. Any ideas about finding something like the Indians wore in the old movies, that would be socially acceptable and not have people laughing at me? I'm sort of thinking about a ponch or blanket type thing with a whole cut out to put head through... Is that too odd???

I have searched high and low for authentic looking ponchos. If anyone on the forum can direct me to those, it would be great. I have a picture in my head but all the ones I have found even on the sites dedicated to authentic clothing from that era, do not have what you mentioned. I will be anxious to see what you come up with.

For some reason, I was not notified by e-mail when you answered so didn't get right back to you. I apologize.

Have you ever panned for gold? I have such a desire to do that. I have watched numerous programs on cable about it and I purchased a pan when I lived in California. Just really get excited about those days. It is not the gold so much as the challenge to find it and then just the feeling of accomplishment I think one would have upon finding even a little tiny nugget.

I have not done that, but have been thinking about it many many times. It does seem very appealing. Same with metal detector type adventure which I have done a little bit of.

I've actually been wondering about starting a business related to that type of product. I would really enjoy it but don't know what kind of market there is, or if it is glutted?

Now you've gotten my mind started on that again... seems like I have so many ideas and so little time (and money) for any of them... unfortunately it seems that most of my time is directed toward making money to squeak by with no burden of trying to figure out what to do with extra... well actually the burden would be how to get extra... Seems like there should be a way to shift the primary tasks in life to those that are enjoyed instead of only having those for dreams and enjoyment for brief periods?

I have not done that, but have been thinking about it many many times. It does seem very appealing. Same with metal detector type adventure which I have done a little bit of.

I've actually been wondering about starting a business related to that type of product. I would really enjoy it but don't know what kind of market there is, or if it is glutted?

Now you've gotten my mind started on that again... seems like I have so many ideas and so little time (and money) for any of them... unfortunately it seems that most of my time is directed toward making money to squeak by with no burden of trying to figure out what to do with extra... well actually the burden would be how to get extra... Seems like there should be a way to shift the primary tasks in life to those that are enjoyed instead of only having those for dreams and enjoyment for brief periods??

It has been several years since I have had any experience with a metal detector and it was my brother's and it was one he had purchased and had to build himself. It was not very sophisticated and we found a lot of pop caps but each find to me was fun. I looked for one to purchase a few years ago. I found exactly what I want. I think the brand was called "Whites". Not sure. I think it was around $700.00. It showed the depth the item was and the shape, etc. The store is in Tulsa, but like you, no extra funds and when I have extra funds, no time to purchase it or use it. I saw on cable a guy who had found something like 300 (alot but not sure if it was that many) or more gradution rings and always tries to get them to their owners. He had a detector that he could use under water. When he contacted the people, they would say it couldn't be theirs because they lost it while swimming, etc. He would tell them where he located it. How fun to bring happiness that way. One was worth several thousand dollars because of the weight of it, a huge ring. The owner asked how much he owed him for the ring and the guy said just come and get it. I collect rings so would be thrilled to find any ring. I would enjoy finding buttons from the war between the states or old coins, any old jewelry. Well, I won't go on but you see I get very excited about things like this.

We will both one day do these things in our hearts to do. As I stated in an earlier post, maybe I was born in the wrong time. LOL :p

Oh that is some cool stuff! One of my very limited hobbies is in finding people who are in photographs, diaries, or letters based on the setting, topic, theme, or any identification that I can come up with.

I once had a series of 20-25 love letters written in 1915 that I found in the attic of my home. They were between the couple who had lived there for about 70 years or so? Anyway, I was able to find a daughter of theirs from Florida who was very excited to get them.

On a garage sale, I once bought a high school class picture from the 20's, so I took it an hour away to where the high school was and began asking questions of older people that I saw there. I know it was dumb, but the first guy I showed the picture to told me the names of some of the people, and even where to find one of them that very minute. So I took the picture to the woman, and amazingly, she also had a twin in the picture and even new which one of her class mates that the picture had belonged to based on a number on the back... evidently, each person in the picture had a number from top to bottom left to right, to make sure that each person had gotten a copy, each picture was numbered individually!

I was also taking a tour of old homes in the past, when I found a camera on the ground. I asked around, but it belonged to no one there. I looked at the camera and found a roll of film which I had developed. In the pictures, I recognized a school shirt so I took the pictures there to the office and explained the situation to them, they asked one of the students in the picture to come to the office. That student knew immediately who the camera belonged to. It was a music teacher, and had students recital/performance pictures on it.

Also done this with a diary, and old post cards a couple of times, but not too much to say about those cases...

Oh that is some cool stuff!! One of my very limited hobbies is in finding people who are in photographs, diaries, or letters based on the setting, topic, theme, or any identification that I can come up with.

I once had a series of 20-25 love letters written in 1915 that I found in the attic of my home. They were between the couple who had lived there for about 70 years or so? Anyways, I was able to find a daughter of theirs from Florida who was very excited to get them.

On a garage sale, I once bought a high school class picture from the 20's, so I took it an hour away to where the high school was and began asking questions of older people that I saw there. I know it was dumb, but the first guy I showed the picture to told me the names of some of the people, and even where to find one of them that very minute. So I took the picture to the woman, and amazingly, she also had a twin in the picture and even new which one of her class mates that the picture had belonged to based on a number on the back... evidently, each person in the picture had a number from top to bottom left to right, to make sure that each person had gotten a copy, each picture was numbered individually!!

I was also taking a tour of old homes in the past, when I found a camera on the ground. I asked around, but it belonged to no one there. I looked at the camera and found a roll of film which I had developed. In the pictures, I recognized a school shirt so I took the pictures there to the office and explained the situation to them, they asked one of the students in the picture to come to the office. That student knew immediately who the camera belonged to. It was a music teacher, and had students recital/performance pictures on it.

Also done this with a diary, and old post cards a couple of times, but not to much to say about those cases...

Oneguy, I thought things like this only happened in movies!! Those were some amazing stories. I appreciate you sharing those. That took a lot of work tracking people down. Do you write these experiences down? Surely you could sell some of the stories and make some extra cash to fund your ventures you are thinking about!! :) Well, I have faith in you to do so. Maybe easier said than done in getting them published, I am not sure but would sure be worth looking into. Maybe someone on the writing thread could give pointers on getting stories published. I can see your experiences being developed into a movie but then I do dream large! I believe in the things I say, I just don't know how to make them happen.

Just between you and I and the rest of the world on this forum :p :p :p I think I have attachment issues and if someone found a camera I had taken special pictures on and returned it, how blessed I would feel. I get stressed if I lose a pencil I am needing to use with my art, even though I could run down to the local art store and buy one. I lost a ring when I was quite young. It was from Siam. My mother's cousin gave it to her. She was a missionary there before it became Thailand. So you see, I never forget the things I loose. Therefore you can understand part of why I love your stories and feel blessed knowing there are people who care about history, whether for history sake or for having such a heart for people.

Having lost my dad about a year and a half ago, reading anything he has written warms my heart. I cannot imagine someone contacting me with letters he had written to my mother. They had been married 60 plus years, my math mind is shut down for today! Ha. Anyway, a lot of history of love, caring, giving.

I hope to read more of your adventures. Thanks so much for sharing them! :)

Thanks for telling me that. I enjoy sharing the stories. I found a guy in Ohio to teach my son and I how to pan for gold, so now I'm planning a trip! Really low cost too... $10 and we each get to keep our pan and are promised to find a "teeny" bit of gold! Not sure when yet, but weather is a factor, and the guy is ordering more supplies currently so he will get back to me.

Thanks for telling me that. I enjoy sharing the stories. I found a guy in Ohio to teach my son and I how to pan for gold, so now I'm planning a trip! Really low cost too... $10 and we each get to keep our pan and are promised to find a "teeny" bit of gold! Not sure when yet, but weather is a factor, and the guy is ordering more supplies currently so he will get back to me.

Oh my goodness! When did you find the guy that is going to teach you and your son to pan for gold? Is he local to you? Please take pictures and post here. Will the trip be soon? I am so pumped that you get to do that! Made me smile tonight. That will be a great sharing time for you and your son. Those kind of times together just can't even be explained. It is like time encapsulated to keep forever, separate from all other times. Thanks for telling me about the trip. Keep me posted.

I have been hoping others will jump in here to join us in our excitement of history, artifacts, panning for gold, using metal detetctors and share stories. I noticed the thread is getting some views so hopefully others will get excited enough to share with us. Please tell me more about the trip plans, how long will you be gone or is it a day trip?? I am full of questions now. I will be happy to read about your experience and how you discern what is the real deal. I have seen shows as I said on cable but seeing it in person, the colors, the sand mixed in, the silt, etc. I love this! I saw one show not long ago that says gold is really almost anywhere, it gave helpful hints for locations but says it drifts down so it isn't just in one area even though the big strikes of years ago were in a certain area, gold can be found most any where if you know how to pan correctly.

I love it Oneguy! Please share also about your son's take on all of this. My kids were always happy to be introduced to new surroundings and experiences and still are. Just good times! :p

I don't know any details about the trip yet, but will let you know. It might not be for awhile.

Earlier this fall, I followed a hot air ballon with my son, and one of his school buddies, so they could see it land and help out with the packing up... It was a ton of fun! We have also gone to stay overnight on battleships, and a couple of trips to Niagara Falls. A number of trips around Ohio to visit various cave formations as well. We've even done a number of fishing trips with my dad as well. My son caught a turtle! I love doing anything with him!

I created a thread about treasure hunting and panning for gold that a few people have posted on as well.

I don't know any details about the trip yet, but will let you know. It might not be for awhile.

Earlier this fall, I followed a hot air ballon with my son, and one of his school buddies, so they could see it land and help out with the packing up... It was a ton of fun! We have also gone to stay overnight on battleships, and a couple of trips to Niagara Falls. A number of trips around Ohio to visit various cave formations as well. We've even done a number of fishing trips with my dad as well. My son caught a turtle! I love doing anything with him!!

The area my parents were raised in was in Missouri. When they were dating, movies were shown in an old cave called "Jolly Cave". There was an old mill in the area also, areas to fish in, etc. One place in the cave, only large enough to put your head and shoulders through, you could hear your heart beat LOUDLY! That was such a strange experience so I had to take my kids to allow them that experience. Do you have knowledge of what was called "carbide" lights? That is what we took into the cave. There were signatures of supposedly "outlaws" but probably were put there by teenagers just to yank our ankles but when I was still a kid, that was some kind of exciting. The Jesse James Gang did stop where my great great grandmother lived and forced her to prepare them an evening meal in Missouri. That is a true story. They were kind to the family, just came in and insisted they be fed though. :)

I created a thread about treasure hunting and panning for gold that a few people have posted on as well.

Oh, maybe I should respond on that thread rather than this one. What do you think? :confused: Since it is more specific to the subject matter. Where do I find this new thread, under which section?

Totally up to you if you want to try that thread. Awesome story of your own there! John Dillinger was around the area I grew up, and my grandfather told me where one of his hideouts were, from things he had heard from some older fellows he knew before I was born.

As for the carbide lights... my grandfather was a coal miner, bootlegger, and a lot of other things, but I think that may be why I like to go in caves. He told me a ton of good stories.

Oneguy, thanks. I found the thread. I am beginning to find my way around. I may post on it tomorrow. It was a good idea to post it. You have more people posting so getting more involved. That is always a fun thing.

Totally up to you if you want to try that thread. Awesome story of your own there! John Dillinger was around the area I grew up, and my grandfather told me where one of his hideouts were, from things he had heard from some older fellows he knew before I was born.

As for the carbide lights... my grandfather was a coal miner, bootlegger, and a lot of other things, but I think that may be why I like to go in caves. He told me a ton of good stories.

Write those stories down Oneguy and make some money when they are published. It is sad how many good true stories are lost because of not getting the stories out there, one way or the other. I for one would read them. Post them on the other site, I bet you would get a lot of response. Panning for gold, diamonds, outlaws, fishing, you can't miss! :p

You are inspiring me to do so!

Yea! :) My day has not been wasted then! From reading your posts, I think you have the excitement to do this! I know others will be encourgaing you also. This is something well worth pursuing! Think what it would mean to your son also to have those stories in print to pass on to his family later in life!! Something to really consider.

I had to get a few gift cards sent to Tenn. A bit ago. Just got those finished. Hope you have a great night. I will check your thread out tomorrow when I return from Tulsa. Thanks again for sharing about your gold panning trip and about Dillinger, caves, hot air balloons, fishing... goodness, brought back tons of stories to my mind of activities with the kids. You made me remember things long forgotten. Easy to get caught up in today and forget some very special moments. Thanks for that Oneguy! Good night for now. Until later then!

I liked those quite a bit, but I'm still mentally trying to sort out if I want something without the patterns. Maybe plainer or less associated with the southwest or cultural group... not that anything is wrong with that, but I dont want people to think that I am pretending to be part of some other group than I am... I really appreciate your help!

This is not an archaeology find but ran across a poncho made of light blanket material, all one color, tan, the back came down to a V and the two front sides were squared in front and just draped rather than having the hole for the head so gave more freedom of movement. Getting a light blanket and cutting a hole for the head would certainly work though as you mentioned. Just FYI on the design of the poncho.

I am looking forward to others posting their experiences of searching for artifacts and sharing photos of some of their "finds". My experience has only been in the United States and limited to one state searching for artifacts: pottery, beads, arrowheads, birdpoints, ceremonial points, weaponry such as axe heads, tools such as shovels made of flint, hoes, firestarters (not the correct name), even pieces of crystal as this generally means higher position in the tribe. I would be interested in those of you from other countries around the world, to share any finds you have made. It would open up the world to all of us.

I am also amazed at not only Human Artifacts, But Natural Mineral and Geological formations on this earth, Love the Hunt(gold, lost treasures)Use to live in Nevada, close to the Spanish Trail, and relocate springs, Explore the Mountains, Love caves and mines. Was in the Gold Prospectors
Association of America, Years ago(They go to Alaska Every Year). I live near old Pirate and Treasure Wrecks. Still looking. Last time I was Out West, I got my niece a metal detector, didn't have luck with the Detector, but found a perfectly round stone.
Size of a Quarter, Turned out to be an Indian Marble. They form from sandstone, and grow from the center out, Gypsum and Barite Roses are interesting Crystals that look like rose's . Could talk for hours.
I am 50 now, but when I was about 18, me and a Girl were drinking, and started driving, We were "Headin' West" going to California for something to do. Took a road(dirt)many miles, we may have been in California. Left headlights on to look around, saw little mining?
Shacks, water storage tank, then hair and bones on the ground, couldn't get to the car fast enough. However it wouldn't start(Had the headlights on) We stayed their the night, Next morning, We looked around and when we pulled the sheets down on one of the beds, it crumbled.
It had a Large D8 battery by the generator that powered a pair of wires strung between the shacks, We put that battery on a stretcher that was there, touched ground of Battery to bumper, and large piece of bent metal, was the positive. The car started, went home.
To this day I googleearth all over the area in search of this place. Have not found it yet.
It is below a spring. Problem is it is "Spring Mountains" and are many springs. Take Care
Merry Christmas.

Very cool and interesting story! You've got me wondering about those bones! Sounds like quite an adventure!

I am also amazed at not only Human Artifacts, But Natural Mineral and Geological formations on this earth, Love the Hunt(gold, lost treasures)Use to live in Nevada, close to the Spanish Trail, and relocate springs, Explore the Mountains, Love caves and mines. Was in the Gold Prospectors
Association of America, Years ago(They go to Alaska Every Year). I live near old Pirate and Treasure Wrecks. Still looking. Last time I was Out West, I got my neice a metal detector, didn't have luck with the Detector, but found a perfectly round stone.
Size of a Quarter, Turned out to be an Indian Marble. They form from sandstone, and grow from the center out, Gypsum and Barite Roses are interesting Crystals that look like rose's . Could talk for hours.
I am 50 now, but when I was about 18, me and a Girl were drinking, and started driving, We were "Headin' West" going to California for something to do. Took a road(dirt)many miles, we may have been in California. Left headlights on to look around, saw little mining?
shacks, water storage tank, then hair and bones on the ground, couldn't get to the car fast enough. However it wouldn't start(Had the headlights on) We stayed their the night, Next morning, We looked around and when we pulled the sheets down on one of the beds, it crumbled.
It had a Large D8 battery by the generator that powered a pair of wires strung between the shacks, We put that battery on a stretcher that was there, touched ground of Battery to bumper, and large piece of bent metal, was the positive. The car started, went home.
To this day I googleearth all over the area in search of this place. Have not found it yet.
It is below a spring. Problem is it is "Spring Mountains" and are many springs. Take Care
Merry Christmas.

"MERRY CHRISTMAS" to you also this afternoon! You have certainly piquéd my interest. I would like to know more about the Indian Marble. I think I have one but not sure. It is so perfectly round, it made me wonder. When you were in the Gold Prospector's Association of America, did you go to Alaska? I would be interested in hearing either your own experience or some that were told to you from that experience.

When I read about the hair and bones you saw in the mining camp area, sort of made me shiver. I'm sure it was animal?? But your story just made me feel like I was there for a split second, scared and wanting to get out of there... and then a dead battery?? :eek: I am sure there are so many little deserted mining areas that still hold so much history yet to be discovered. Good thing you knew what to do to start the car. I would love to hear more of your experiences with finding treasures and artifacts and the journey of experiences getting there when you have time to share. None of my local friends have interest in these scouting out areas and they have no desire to enjoy the hunt. So this venue is a great lift to my spirit. Thanks so much for sharing. Again, when you have time, would love hearing more!

In the morning and with daylight, we realized it was a small animal and hopefully died of natural causes, Hopefully it was not the water he drank? It was a little spookey in the middle of the desert and middle of the night. Thomas Terry put out a 10 Volume set of books of the 50 States. US Treasure Atlas. Stage coach robberies, Spanish gold in the ocean and All over the US. Trains/Stage stations, Ghost Towns, Very Informative for research. I would get 7.5 minute Topo's Shows a lot more detail, trails and ponds, many things the larger maps don't. Maybe take the kids to Cowee Valley, North Carolina. They can look for rubies, and MANY minerals. Over 300 Minerals from this area in the Smithsonian.

Those 10 Volumes used to cost about 7.95 each back int the 70 or 80's. Now they are about 14.95 each, I had 6 of the 10 volumes and the rest were hard to find/out of print for 14.95 each. I got lucky on Ebay and a guy had a about 40 complete sets. $40 each set and they were brand new.
I didn't get to go to Alaska, yet.

Those 10 Volumes used to cost about 7.95 each back int the 70 or 80's. now they are about 14.95 each, I had 6 of the 10 volumes and the rest were hard to find/out of print for 14.95 each. I got lucky on Ebay and a guy had a bout 40 complete sets. $40 each set and they were brand new.
I didn't get to go to Alaska, yet.

I just typed an epic and hit a wrong button and it all went away. I will save that story for another time. I will just say thank you for letting me know how to possibly locate the books and I love the way you ended your post with "I didn't get to go to Alaska, yet." Keep us posted if you plan the trip! :)

I was born and raised in southeastern Arkansas and my dad had a farm in Winchester. He had what he called an Indian dump on his farm near the shop. The creek near the shop was swarming with thousands of arrowheads, but most of them had the tip snapped off or had a large crack or flaw in the stone. My dad believed that is where the natives replaced and/or repaired their arrows after a hunt or fight.

He was a rice farmer that had to routinely roust out beavers. He would find the greatest things inside the beaver dam like stones used for grinding meal or grain and pieces of pottery. Beavers also apparently have an affinity for the glass thingies that used to sit on top of telephone poles. He found dozens of those.

I have really enjoyed this thread.

I still go to southern Nevada, and Lake Mead is very low now, There is a story about a guy, robbed a stage coach, bank or something, He hid his the Gold in a Cave, when he got out of Prison, he found the location was now under Lake mead which is a result of Hoover(Boulder) Dam. It will still involve Dive Gear, and I have a Whites PI 3000. If it is there, it will find it.

I was born and raised in southeastern Arkansas and my dad had a farm in Winchester. He had what he called an Indian dump on his farm near the shop. The creek near the shop was swarming with thousands of arrowheads, but most of them had the tip snapped off or had a large crack or flaw in the stone. My dad believed that is where the natives replaced and/or repaired their arrows after a hunt or fight.

He was a rice farmer that had to routinely roust out beavers. He would find the greatest things inside the beaver dam like stones used for grinding meal or grain and pieces of pottery. Beavers also apparently have an affinity for the glass thingies that used to sit on top of telephone poles. He found dozens of those.

I have really enjoyed this thread.

Emland, I loved reading this. Thank you for sharing. Do you have any photos of these treasures; pottery, stones used for grinding meal or grain or even arrowheads broken or not, flaws or even just partially worked? If you do, please post them. I would sure enjoy seeing them. If I even find a piece of flint where one side has been worked, I feel I had a good day! :) Your dad was probably correct in his idea that the place was where the natives replaced and/or repaired their arrows. I was told by our archeologists friends I shared about earlier in the thread, that there was generally one are where the Indians would sit and work and rework the arrowheads. Their camps were generally close to a river or stream. I would enjoy also seeing photos of the glass insulators you referred to from the top of telephone poles. I collected a few of those, a few of each color I could find.

I am glad you are enjoying the thread. Each time someone posts, I get more inspired to begin my search again for treasures. Thank you so much for sharing and please do post other stories and or photographs as you can. There is so much information out there, just like this from your dad that does not get written down or shared except with family so I count it a privilege that you shared this on the thread.

I still go to southern Nevada, and Lake Mead is very low now, There is a story about a guy, robbed a stage coach, bank or something, He hid his the Gold in a Cave, when he got out of Prison, he found the location was now under Lake mead which is a result of Hoover(Boulder) Dam. It will still involve Dive Gear, and I have a Whites PI 3000. If it is there, it will find it.

Hi there! What is a Whites PI 3000? Is it a detector you can use underwater or an underwater unit that helps propel you through the water? I did look at the White's detectors but I don't remember the model number of the one I wanted but I know it was not one that went underwater. I hope you do find the treasure! :p Are you planning a trip soon? Please document your travel and search and share with us when you do go. Was this information found in your books or a story passed down from generation to generation, research from newspapers?? I know, I have too many questions but my mind is going 100 miles an hour thinking about all this stuff. :p

The PI 3000 Underwater Detector is a couple of years old.
The story was in the Book, I would like to say, He worked with my uncle, And told him about the story, Cause he can't get it and "You Kan't breathe underwater".
The Story is in a couple of books, a little info in each.
Years would pass before technology would make it more accessible.
The 3 Gourges Dam in China, Don't know progress currently, But it will Bury a wealth of Information, and Artifacts. Lot of Nice Old History, and Artwork.

The PI 3000 Underwater Detector is a couple of years old.
The story was in the Book, I would like to say, He worked with my uncle, And told him about the story, Cause he can't get it and "You Kan't breathe underwater".
The Story is in a couple of books, a little info in each.
Years would pass before technology would make it more accessable.
The 3 Gourges Dam in China, Don't know progress currently, But it will Bury a wealth of Information, and Artifacts. Lot of Nice Old History, and Artwork.

How colorful is this! :p

I am anxious to try to locate the books. What is this about the 3 Gourges Dam in China? I would like to know more about it and why on earth would they choose to bury all that would lie beneath? :confused:

I still go to southern Nevada, and Lake Mead is very low now, There is a story about a guy, robbed a stage coach, bank or something, He hid his the Gold in a Cave, when he got out of Prison, he found the location was now under Lake mead which is a result of Hoover(Boulder) Dam. It will still involve Dive Gear, and I have a Whites PI 3000. If it is there, it will find it.


Very Excitng Story & this type of thing certainly wets the appetite! It reminds me of the Lost Dutchman Mine... not that I've ever been anywhere near it, but I'd love to have the chance someday to dig my teeth into the search for something along those lines!

The closest I have come is an old newspaper story about a robbery in my area that supposedly involved $100,000 in gold that was never found, and reportedly buried at the base of an old oak tree approximately one to two miles upstream from where the river empties into Lake Erie...

The newspaper article was over a hundred years old and was supposedly about the deathbed words of a man who died in his late eighties who had buried it about 70 years before... He had apparently been in jail or far away and never able to reclaim his gold... later newspaper clippings suggested that the story was made up as a hoax to sell tools by the local hardware store? Evidently the store was willing to sell tools at a bargain to searchers... and it seemed that many holes were found in pasture lands that were quite upsetting to farmers... no report of any gold finds were found in the paper.

Of course after all this time, the trees would all be different... but the story remains with me.

I believe the 3 Gourges Dam is mostly for Power Generation, probably water distribution also.
What I see a problem currently, is the need to Deal with Hoover Dam, Millions gallons of water goes to Feeding Vegas, and then the Lights, Electricity. There is only so much water.
The level is currently very low. Do you give up water or electricity first?
Hope the don't have a drought. I love Nevada, I hope Growth slows.

Oneguyinohio, That gold may be in the river, also that tree may be a stump, or a depression where it was removed?
Here is a link to current auctions for those atlasses. Didn't see the price I got them for, but they are available:

treasure atlas, Maps, Atlases, Globes, Consumer Electronics items on eBay.com (http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=unknown&sbrftog=1&dfsp=1&from=R10&_trksid=p1638.m120&satitle=treasure+atlas&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=33037&sabfmts=1&saobfmts=insif&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1).

Jrebel, oneguyin Ohio, anyone else. Give location near you, and will see what I have, and Post back. I just got volunteered to go to store, will check back later. Take Care.

Hey there Stratmando, thank you for the offer to see what you might find in your books about our areas of interest. We were in a three car crash this evening... not really hurt, just shook up. Got broadsided on my side of the car so giving it up a little early tonight. But I guarantee, I will get back with you probably tomorrow evening and give you information. Thanks again. I am really excited the way this thread is progressing and appreciate so much those who are posting. Tomorrow then! :)

I'm interested in anything in northern Ohio... but not in Lake Erie as in plane crashes or ship wrecks since I never got around to those scuba diving lessons...

Sorry to hear about the accident, Hope all is well, or will be well. Going to work, will post Northern Ohio later. Or as Mel Fisher used to ALWAYS say in reference to Treasure Hunting, "Todays the Day". The fact is, it took him years to find the "Atocha".
Before he passed, He showed me a Infrared Image from space, of the lower keys, then pointed to a Dark spot on the map, and said, "Thats treasure". I hope his Family is checking that out, has been a couple of years now, Who knows?

"Today's the Day!" I love it! LOL We should keep that attitude with which to face each new day! I am like Oneguy! I never got around to those scuba diving lessons either! Ten Killer Lake and Green Leaf Lake are close to us also. A friend of mine use to teach scuba diving at Ten Killer when I was in college. I should have taken him up on his offer for free lessons! I almost drowned when I was five. My dad had to jump in, Sunday suit and all, to save me. I swim, I dive, I use to live at the lake, but seeing some of the size of the spoon bill catfish brought in at Ft. Gibson Dam area, I much prefer a swimming pool these days. LOL After getting snake bit by a water mocassin a few years ago while we were fishing, I am even a bit more skiddish than I ever have been of being in the brushy area. I use to be, "Full Steam Ahead" attitude. I am a little more cautious now. :(

I live in an are known as "Green Country" in Oklahoma. We live in the three Rivers area where the Arkansas, Verdigris and Grand converge, known as Three Forks. The surrounding towns are Muskogee, Ft. Gibson, Wagoner, Tahlequah, Tulsa. The Illinois River runs around Tahlequah, an area rich with Indian Heritage, with swift currents, canoeing, fishing, etc. The water runs clear and deep in some pooled areas, shallow with rock bottom, just beautiful. Cherokee Center is there in Tahlequah. Creek Council House is in Okmulgee, 50 miles from here. There was a Trading Post just a mile or so south of our house. Ft. Gibson is a town close to us but there is the actual fort still standing with officer quarters, barracks, etc. I like to go there and just try to visualize being there without the houses and town around. The Grand River runs just behind it. There is more shoreline in Oklahoma than the Pacific and Atlantic Coast put together. I am sure the area around the Fort has been gone over with a fine tooth comb so to speak long years past. But around the river areas, flint washes up and is uncovered. One of our favorite places to hunt for them was completely covered when they raised the water for navigation. Fort Davis was a confederate fort established during the civil war, just down the road from where we live (doens't exist any longer) to keep an eye on the Union Fort, Fort Gibson (built before the civil war. This was of course, when Oklahoma was still Inidan Territory, not a state. We became a state in 1907). There is a place called "The Big Mounds" which is located about a mile from our house but on private propterty now. One of these mounds was taken down and the artifacts were taken out of it and taken the University of Oklahoma. Anyway, would love knowing if there are rumors or stories of hidden treasures in the area but also wanted to share a little about this area where I live. Sam Houston's home was located just off the Grand River before he left and went to Texas.

Sorry to hear about the accident, Hope all is well, or will be well. Going to work, will post Northern Ohio later. Or as Mel Fisher used to ALWAYS say in reference to Treasure Hunting, "Todays the Day". The fact is, it took him years to find the "Atocha".
Before he passed, He showed me a Infrared Image from space, of the lower keys, then pointed to a Dark spot on the map, and said, "Thats treasure". I hope his Family is checking that out, has been a couple of years now, Who knows?

Thank you for your well wishes! I went to the Chiropractor today. My neck was out of whack, my right side was in spasms, my rib a bit quickie, causing heart rate to be up but I feel pretty good right now! Will be anxious to read new posts later tonight from everyone. I am going to look up "Atocah". I am clueless.

I am no longer clueless! :) Anyone reading this thread will find this passage about the Atocha enlightening. Talk about whetting an appetite for adverture, artifacts, fortune, inspiring one to perservere, this articile in full, will. Hope you enjoy the read.
Atocha.com :: History of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha (http://www.atocha.com/atocha_history.php)


In 1973, three silver bars were found, and they matched the weights and tally numbers found on the Atocha's manifest, which had been transcribed from the original in Seville. This verified that Fisher was close to the major part of the wrecksite. In 1975, his son Dirk found five bronze cannon whose markings would clinch identification with the Atocha. Only days later, Dirk and his wife Angel, with diver Rick Gage, were killed when one of the salvage boats capsized. Yet Fisher and his intrepid crew persevered.

By 1980, they had found a significant portion of the remains of the Santa Margarita -- with a fortune in gold bars, jewelry and silver coins. On May 12, 1980, Fisher's son Kane discovered a complete section of the Margarita's wooden hull weighted down by ballast stones, iron cannon balls and artifacts of 17th century Spain.

On July 20, 1985, Kane Fisher, captain of the salvage vessel Dauntless, sent a jubilant message to his father's headquarters, "Put away the charts; we've found the main pile!" Ecstatic crew members described the find as looking like a reef of silver bars. Within days, the shipper's marks on the bars were matched to the Atocha's cargo manifest, confirming Kane's triumphant claim. At long last, the wreck's "motherlode" had been found -- and the excavation of what was widely referred to as the "shipwreck of the century" began.

Quickly, Duncan Mathewson, Mel Fisher's chief archaeologist, assembled a team of archaeologists and conservators from across the country to ensure that the artifacts and treasure were excavated and preserved properly. Because the material had lain on the ocean floor for three and a half centuries, much of it was in an extremely unstable state; immediate preservation treatment was required to prevent its destruction after it left its saltwater tomb.

Glad you are feeling better, and hope you have a speedy recovery! I found your story of the area and forts very interesting. In my genealogy research, I found that one of Daniel Boone's nephews who had done some work with Daniel Boone, married a daughter of a guy that is my direct ancestor known as Irish John Alford. Though it is not in my direct line, I find it very interesting. I also have a Captain Henry Farley in the family tree, who was active in Virginia around the revolutionary war, as well as in Indian battles. He evidently constructed a fort named for him. On my son's side of the family tree, there is a guy who was in charge of constructing or blacksmithing the large iron chains that were used at West Point to block ships from going up the river. Family rumors on that line also are that George Washington learned to survey from that family named "Call". There is no evidence that I know of to prove this, but it is a great family story... the story also goes on to say that when George Washington was very young, he ran off to join the British navy, and his mother sent some of the "Call" family to go get him and return him home. Again I do not know if there is any way to verify that story but it would be great to find additional support.
Later on in years, the family of "Call" also was active in the Mormon church when they were in Kirtland, Ohio. Although my son's direct ancestor did not go west or join the church, many of those with the same last name did. I have not been able to identify the relationship of my son's direct ancestor to those who did move west. I believe he was a brother, or some close relation, because of living in the same small area. He even worked on road repairs along with people with the same last name and others believed to be Brigham Young's children... as those entries only cited Brigham Young's... so perhaps the money was given to the church, but I do not know... who did join the church.

One story that has been passed down in that family is that when either Brigham Young or Joseph Smith were in Kirtland, they had a revival or outdoor sermon where the minister was going to demonstrate his faith in God by walking on water. Well my son's direct ancestor was with some other boys before hand, and discovered some boards placed under the surface of the water... the boards were moved so that when the walking on water was tried, the person fell off and into the water as the boys watched from a distance making a memorable story that has been passed along for generations.

Thank you for your well wishes. I am doing much better than I thought I might after yesterday. One of the guys who hit us told my husband, "I saw your wife and she was really bounced around inside that car a lot." We were hit by two different cars and spun around. I have the bruises to prove it and the soreness but got my neck adjusted, muscle spasms addressed and feeling so much better tonight. I thank the Lord no one was really hurt badly. I am glad you enjoyed the fort stories. When we first moved here from Missouri, I was totally drawn to the fort. I have always been a tomboy and enjoyed riding horses, motorcycles, climbing trees, hunting, fishing, etc. When I was little, I would put a piece of cardboard on the spokes of my bike with a clothespin to make it sound like a motorcycle then my daddy bought me one when I was 14. I know that movies have influenced us a lot regarding the 'old west' and such but even having that knowledge, even though it is Hollywood truth, has made me more aware and interested in artifacts, heritage, history, etc. so I count that as good. :) I have tried to introduce all of this to my children and now my grandchildren. I know we need to appreciate the present and appreciate the future but I think we also need not to forget the past and the paths our ancestors forged for us to be where we are today. I can't imagine cutting through dense timber to get a wagon through but many did, not having a clue what lie ahead. Well, I am getting carried away as usual.

Great stories Oneguy! It would be great if you could find documentation to support some of these stories and who knows... as you share on the post, maybe someone with knowledge of the same story will come across your post and... well... there you go!! :) I would like to hear more about Captain Henry Farley. Have you researched him much? Keep us posted as you have more to share.

I believe the 3 Gourges Dam is mostly for Power Generation, probably water distribution also.
What I see a problem currently, is the need to Deal with Hoover Dam, Millions gallons of water goes to Feeding Vegas, and then the Lights, Electricity. There is only so much water.
The level is currently very low. Do you give up water or electricity first?
Hope the don't have a drought. I love Nevada, I hope Growth slows.

Oneguyinohio, That gold may be in the river, also that tree may be a stump, or a depression where it was removed?
Here is a link to current auctions for those atlasses. Didn't see the price I got them for, but they are available:

treasure atlas, Maps, Atlases, Globes, Consumer Electronics items on eBay.com (http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=unknown&sbrftog=1&dfsp=1&from=R10&_trksid=p1638.m120&satitle=treasure+atlas&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=33037&sabfmts=1&saobfmts=insif&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1).

Jrebel, oneguyin ohio, anyone else. Give location near you, and will see what I have, and Post back. I just got volunteered to go to store, will check back later. Take Care.

I was a bit overwhelmed looking at all the books available. I could sure use your advice on the best ones to purchase if you have time. Thank you.

I know that the Captain Farley I previously mentioned had at least 20 children, and one branch of that Farley line (perhaps a brother) started the Farley Candy company that I think is still making candy today... maybe that is why I have such a sweet tooth?

Oh, and evidently Henry Clay is also a cousin in the family tree... so I felt a strong draw when I visited some of the rooms where the congress used to meet... certainly gave me a lot to imagine and think about!

I know that the Captain Farley I previously mentioned had at least 20 children, and one branch of that Farley line (perhaps a brother) started the Farley Candy company that I think is still making candy today... maybe that is why I have such a sweet tooth?

Oh, and evidently Henry Clay is also a cousin in the family tree... so I felt a strong draw when I visited some of the rooms where the congress used to meet... certainly gave me a lot to imagine and think about!

Sounds like you have a lot of information to begin a really accurate search for family history. Keep us posted. :)

Well, I've been into the family history stuff for over 20 years on and off. I do a little digging from time to time... My mom is getting it pretty well organized now.

Well, I've been into the family history stuff for over 20 years on and off. I do a little digging from time to time... My mom is getting it pretty well organized now.

Do you have any documents that tie things together? I would be interested to know a little about how you proceed with your searches. Do you use ancestry.com or Bible entries of family history, births and deaths, letters? As usual, Oneguy, I am full of questions! I am not looking for a formula of "how to", just interested in what path you and your family have taken in your search.

A lot of online stuff including books and census records. I joined ancestry.com a few months ago but most of it came from other sources and online boards. A lot of going to court houses and searching old records of marriage, birth, etc.

Newspapers on microfilm are also fun for me... I came across the treasure story I previously mentioned while doing genealogy hunting...

Also spent time at family history center looking through early Mormon records.

I have also been fortunate to connect with others who have common lines and have done parts that link with mine.

I thought of another article I found on my son's line... his gr-gr-gr-gr-grandfather was stabbed to death by a man over an argument about a pawned gun... the killer was the one who didn't pay but wanted his gun back... so the killer was hung from the town hanging hill... and my son lives very near that town. It was the last hanging in the area.
His family has lived very close for many generations.

A lot of online stuff including books and census records. I joined ancestry.com a few months ago but most of it came from other sources and online boards. A lot of going to court houses and searching old records of marriage, birth, etc.

Newspapers on microfilm are also fun for me... I came across the treasure story I previously mentioned while doing geneology hunting...

Also spent time at family history center looking through early Mormon records.

I have also been fortunate to connect with others who have common lines and have done parts that link with mine.

I thought of another article I found on my son's line... his gr-gr-gr-gr-grandfather was stabbed to death by a man over an argument about a pawned gun... the killer was the one who didn't pay but wanted his gun back... so the killer was hung from the town hanging hill.... and my son lives very near that town. It was the last hanging in the area.
His family has lived very close for many generations.

Thanks for the information on how you go about your search. I am patient with art and hunting for artifacts but doubt I have it in me to do what you do... though I admire the drive and ability very much. I would imagine, not only stories, history and such are uncovered in such a search but who knows when you might come upon a clue. This is sort of off the thread topic a bit I guess but did you watch the movie, "National Treasure"? I heard some people say they thought it was hokey but I loved it. I would love to be involved in such a hunt and that family continued it for years through several generations. (Don't worry, I realize it is fiction!! LOL :p ) It is just easy for me to get into a movie like that and put myself in their place in my head and go with it and really enjoy the thought processes that went into the writer coming up with the plot and details, so intricate.

Again this is sort of off the subject but my husband's dad's cousin (we always called him uncle so that was confusing for me but anyway... moving on) thought he and his mother had been abandoned all of his growing up years into late adulthood. He was a intense little man. Didn't seem to smile much and was not a trusting person too much. He trusted my husband's dad thoroughly though. He had been married for years and one day, received a call. It seems that a man had died in California and had given a death bed confession. A group of men had met in a cabin by a certain spring in the sand hills of an area not far from us. They were playing cards, gambling, etc. One of the men in the cabin was this cousin's father, intending to gamble then return home. He never returned. The man in California stated that they were drinking and he and the cousin got into a fight and the man in California shot him to death and buried him under the wooden floor of the cabin. He always felt bad about it and needed to confess what he had done. So this cousin of my husband's dad came to realize that his dad had not abandoned him at all but was murdered late at night and buried under the floors of the cabin. When my husband and I found out about it, we, of course, went searching. We found the natural spring with no problem and followed the description of where the cabin had stood. There was no cabin and not having enough details, was unable to pinpoint even where the foundation could have been. I always wanted to find "Uncle Ben's" dad. I thought it would help give Ben more closure to a long story that clouded his life through the years. Just like in the story I shared about the guy traveling the three rivers on the map I posted earlier, he found all the landmarks, well, most of them, to be the same as on the old map, the cane breaks, markers, etc. we even found a grouping of berry bushes that had been described in the story when the man in California was trying to clear his conscience.

When my ship comes in so to speak, and time allows, I will be getting a nice metal detector and check out even places around like that. Who knows, maybe we can still find the place the cabin once stood. If they were gambling and did it a lot, perhaps there are coins that might indicate activity of gambling in that area. :)

That kind of search would be very exciting!

I didn't get to see the movie. Perhaps another time?

Jrebel, Hope all is well. I was born in North East Oklahoma. A lot of buried gold in your area. I would get volume 8 of the atlasses:
treasure atlas, Maps, Atlases, Globes, Nonfiction Books items on eBay.com (http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=treasure+atlas&category0=)

Can you and oneguyfromohio provide County you want info, looked for river emptying into Erie, many, many stories in both of your areas.

Something you could do for fun? Is go to geocashing.com, register, then click "hide or seek treasure". Click "seek", enter your zip code, and it will list things hid in your area. You will be given GPS coordinates, and a clue that needs to be decyphered, Easy to decypher with the conversion also on page, kids can do it. You are suppose to look with your GPS. I have been a little lazy, and will copy and paste coordinates to Google Earth. In the US, the coordinates will be North lattitudes and West Longitudes, example, I live near N25.000.000, W 80.000.000. So After I copy and paste to Google earth, I delete the N and the W, and add a - to west longitudes. Example for me, it would be 25.000.000, -80.000.000, then go to that coordinate, and zoom in. Lazy way to look for the treasure with no GPS.
Will dig up more info. So many stories, so little time. Take Care

jrebel, Hope all is well. I was born in North East Oklahoma. A lot of burried gold in your area. I would get volume 8 of the atlasses:
treasure atlas, Maps, Atlases, Globes, Nonfiction Books items on eBay.com (http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=treasure+atlas&category0=)

Can you and oneguyfromohio provide County you want info, looked for river emptying into Erie, many, many stories in both of your areas.

Something you could do for fun? is goto geocashing.com, register, then click "hide or seek treasure". click "seek", enter your zip code, and it will list things hid in your area. You will be given GPS coordinates, and a clue that needs to be decyphered, Easy to decypher with the conversion also on page, kids can do it. You are suppose to look with your GPS. I have been a little lazy, and will copy and paste coordinates to Google Earth. In the US, the coordinates will be North lattitudes and West Longitudes, example, I live near N25.000.000, W 80.000.000. So After I copy and paste to google earth, I delete the N and the W, and add a - to west longitudes. Example for me, it would be 25.000.000, -80.000.000, then goto that coordinate, and zoom in. Lazy way to look for the treasure with no GPS.
Will dig up more info. So many stories, so little time. Take Care

I woke this morning thinking about this thread. I am a little intuitive. As always, I loved reading your post. Muskogee County would be my area. Thank you for letting me know which volume to purchase. It will take me a bit to digest the information you have provided here. When you mention the GPS, are you referring to just the GPS one might have in their car? I bet my son-in-law can help me understand your instructions... I am geared toward archeology and "finds" and such by my love of history and my pioneer spirit but scientific mind, I do not possess. :confused: LOL

I appreciate your info and shared interest. I understand "so little time" so appreciate even more you and all others taking the time to share on this thread. It is just exciting to me to have people to share with and read your (their) experiences in our individual quests. "HAPPY NEW YEAR" and may each of us find our treasures either of the heart, of gold, or special artifacts this new year but above all, peace in our spirit. Best to each of you who have posted or are viewing this thread. Hope to hear from many more.

Specific counties in Ohio that I am most interested in are Lake, Portage, Defiance, and Paulding

Specific counties in Ohio that I am most interested in are Lake, Portage, Defiance, and Paulding

Hi there, I went on eBay on the link that Strat provided and placed a bid on the volume he recommended for Oklahoma. I will know in a couple of hours if I got the book. Sure hope all this leads you and I to some exciting finds.

Jrebel,
Good luck, some are "Buy it Now" makes it yours, if price is right. You should also Search
On Ebay "Oklahoma" in books category, some interesting stuff. 1 Auction I am bidding on now. You never know what you run into on auction sites. Very nice, old, stuff. Books and maps are searches you should do under "Oklahoma" on Ebay once and a while.

Oneguyfromohio,
Lake: In 1862, 3 robbers made off with(at that time) $50,000 in gold, A fight over the division, left 2 dead, the survivorburried the ingots near the west bank of theGrand River, about 1 or 2 milesSouth of Lake erieAbout 3 foot deep, 20 or 30 paces NW of a large Oak tree, near the rivers West Bank.
Lake:Indian relics and artifacts can be found at Indian Point, East of Painesville, also used as a French Trading Post from 1750-1760
Portage: The Hopkins Mill, near Garrettsville, built 1804 popular for gamblers and picknickers said to have coins, relics, and artifacts.
Defiance: 1780's there was a trading post on the bend of the Maumee River, on highway 24, about 7 miles from Defiance State Park, on Girty's Island is said to have numerous treasures.
Paulding: Along the Maumee and Auglaize Rivers are indian artifacts.
Jrebel, I have more for you, Get Better.
Everyone have an Excellent New Year>

[QUOTE=Stratmando]
In 1862, 3 robbers made off with(at that time) $50,000 in gold, A fight over the division, left 2 dead, the survivorburried the ingots near the west bank of theGrand River, about 1 or 2 milesSouth of Lake erieAbout 3 foot deep, 20 or 30 paces NW of a large Oak tree, near the rivers West Bank.
QUOTE]

This sounds very much like the old story that I was mentioning earlier. Next time I get a day off when it is warm, along that river, I want to take a little walk...

[QUOTE=Stratmando]
In 1862, 3 robbers made off with(at that time) $50,000 in gold, A fight over the division, left 2 dead, the survivorburried the ingots near the west bank of theGrand River, about 1 or 2 milesSouth of Lake erieAbout 3 foot deep, 20 or 30 paces NW of a large Oak tree, near the rivers West Bank.
QUOTE]

This sounds very much like the old story that I was mentioning earlier. Next time I get a day off when it is warm, along that river, I want to take a little walk...

Hey Oneguy... that walk might prove very profitable! LOL

Much luck on that venture.

jrebel,
Good luck, some are "Buy it Now" makes it yours, if price is right. you should also Search
on Ebay "Oklahoma" in books category, some interesting stuff. 1 Auction I am bidding on now. You never know what you run into on auction sites. Very nice, old, stuff. Books and maps are searches you should do under "Oklahoma" on Ebay once and a while.

Oneguyfromohio,
Lake: In 1862, 3 robbers made off with(at that time) $50,000 in gold, A fight over the division, left 2 dead, the survivorburried the ingots near the west bank of theGrand River, about 1 or 2 milesSouth of Lake erieAbout 3 foot deep, 20 or 30 paces NW of a large Oak tree, near the rivers West Bank.
Lake:Indian relics and artifacts can be found at Indian Point, East of Painesville, also used as a French Trading Post from 1750-1760
Portage: The Hopkins Mill, near Garrettsville, built 1804 popular for gamblers and picknickers said to have coins, relics, and artifacts.
Defiance: 1780's ther was a trading post on the bend of the Maumee River, on highway 24, about 7 miles from Defiance State Park, on Girty's Island is said to have numerous treasures.
Paulding: Along the Maumee and Auglaize Rivers are indian artifacts.
Jrebel, I have more for you, Get Better.
Everyone have an Excellent New Year>

Ok, I got the book!! Should be here in a few days. It will be interesting even if I don't find specifics for this area. I will be glad to get the book. Thanks for all the info. Looking forward to more posts from you when you have time. Other surrounding counties here are Haskell, Wagoner and Cherokee County. Maybe that book will have some information on these counties.

Jrebel, Sure glad you won that book, Saved me a whole lot of writing. Last several days, have been reading just Oklahoma Stories. Lots of Caves, Gold, You will love the History behind these stories as well. The Counties you mention are Loaded.
Perhaps you can send me a gold coin, should the weight of it all be too much for you.
Good Luck Friend. That is what I tell my friends when they play the Lottery, "Good Luck, FREIND"

jrebel, Sure glad you won that book, Saved me a whole lot of writing. Last several days, have been reading just Oklahoma Stories. Lots of Caves, Gold, You will love the History behind these stories as well. The Counties you mention are Loaded.
Perhaps you can send me a gold coin, should the weight of it all be too much for you.
Good Luck FREIND. That is what I tell my friends when they play the Lottery, "Good Luck, FREIND"

I appreciate you reading up on this area. WHEN I find the gold coins, I will be sure and send one to you because I am sure if I find them, there will be many. LOL Well, one never knows. Without our dreams, we fade away!

I was born and raised in southeastern Arkansas and my dad had a farm in Winchester. He had what he called an Indian dump on his farm near the shop. The creek near the shop was swarming with thousands of arrowheads, but most of them had the tip snapped off or had a large crack or flaw in the stone. My dad believed that is where the natives replaced and/or repaired their arrows after a hunt or fight.

He was a rice farmer that had to routinely roust out beavers. He would find the greatest things inside the beaver dam like stones used for grinding meal or grain and pieces of pottery. Beavers also apparently have an affinity for the glass thingies that used to sit on top of telephone poles. He found dozens of those.

I have really enjoyed this thread.

Hi there, haven't heard from you for a bit. Was hoping to see more from you, photos, stories, etc. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Well, there is a big snow storm hitting up this way today, so I googled a satellite image of the area along that river. Most of it is highly developed with a marina, a stone loading dock for large ships that haul on the lakes, and even a rail road that goes right next to the west bank of the river. Right at about the two mile mark on the river, there is a small island that is quite interesting. It would have surely been an eye catching landmark if ever there was one back in the days of the supposed events. It is part of a Marina now. I'm still going to check it out later this year, but digging 3 foot holes might be unlikely!

[QUOTE=Stratmando]
In 1862, 3 robbers made off with(at that time) $50,000 in gold, A fight over the division, left 2 dead, the survivorburried the ingots near the west bank of theGrand River, about 1 or 2 milesSouth of Lake erieAbout 3 foot deep, 20 or 30 paces NW of a large Oak tree, near the rivers West Bank.
QUOTE]

This sounds very much like the old story that I was mentioning earlier. Next time I get a day off when it is warm, along that river, I want to take a little walk...

Hello,

I stumbled on this sight doing more research on Girty's Island. I have been on the Island several times, but not yet have found that piece from the past I am desperately searching for. I know Simon Girty hid there, George Girty had a trading post. But there were other structures on the island. So far, my research has told me that there was also a victoria amusement park that people were ferried to the island by a sternwheel steam boat named the Pastime in the early 1900's. I also have heard there was an early dance hall there. Does anyone have any additional information on the Island? I have found the location of an old foundation and I am trying to find which structure it belongs to.

[QUOTE=oneguyinohio]

Hello,

I stumbled on this sight doing more research on Girty's Island. I have been on the Island several times, but not yet have found that piece from the past I am desperately searching for. I know Simon Girty hid there, George Girty had a trading post. but there were other structures on the island. So far, my research has told me that there was also a victoria amusement park that people were ferried to the island by a sternwheel steam boat named the Pastime in the early 1900's. I also have heard there was an early dance hall there. Does anyone have any additional information on the Island? I have found the location of an old foundation and I am trying to find which structure it belongs to.


Have you been to the historical society or library to see if they have any information. I have not done any research on structures there, but I do have a couple of acquaintances who are in their 90's from the Painesville area. I can try to contact them this week.

I'd also like to hear more about your search, and anything you might share. Is the area open for visitors, along both sides of the river? Hope to hear from you soon.

[QUOTE=oneguyinohio]

Hello,

I stumbled on this sight doing more research on Girty's Island. I have been on the Island several times, but not yet have found that piece from the past I am desperately searching for. I know Simon Girty hid there, George Girty had a trading post. but there were other structures on the island. So far, my research has told me that there was also a victoria amusement park that people were ferried to the island by a sternwheel steam boat named the Pastime in the early 1900's. I also have heard there was an early dance hall there. Does anyone have any additional information on the Island? I have found the location of an old foundation and I am trying to find which structure it belongs to.

Hi there,
Glad you stumbled across the site and this thread! It has been interesting for all of us. Welcome aboard! :p

Oops, I got my islands mixed up. I was thinking of a Ram's Island near Painesville, but for Girty's Island, my grandmother was actually from the Florida Ohio area.

I wonder if you've had an opportunity to meet with
The City of Defiance, City Historian Randy Buchman?

I know he is EXTREMELY knowledgeable about the area and would highly suggest contacting him.

In the 1780's Simon Girty and his brother had a Trading Post in the bend of the Maumee
River on Highway 24, about 7 miles from Defiance State Park, on Girty's Island.
Outlaw Simon Girty had a cabin near Fort Miami and robbed pioneers and helped the Indians(not the ones at your local MiniMart) fight colonist During the Indian War of 1790-
1796, using Fort Miami for protection. He ammassed a large store of coins and other valuables which he buried in various caches around the fort. Girty went to Canada in 1800 and was never allowed to reenter the U.S. and his plundered treasure was never recovered.
Fort Miami, AKA Fort Campbell, founded by the French in 1748 on the site of a Fur Trading post and stockade. The Fort was taken over by the British from 1763-1812.

jrebel, Hope all is well. I was born in North East Oklahoma. A lot of burried gold in your area. I would get volume 8 of the atlasses:
treasure atlas, Maps, Atlases, Globes, Nonfiction Books items on eBay.com (http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=treasure+atlas&category0=)

Can you and oneguyfromohio provide County you want info, looked for river emptying into Erie, many, many stories in both of your areas.

Something you could do for fun? is goto geocashing.com, register, then click "hide or seek treasure". click "seek", enter your zip code, and it will list things hid in your area. You will be given GPS coordinates, and a clue that needs to be decyphered, Easy to decypher with the conversion also on page, kids can do it. You are suppose to look with your GPS. I have been a little lazy, and will copy and paste coordinates to Google Earth. In the US, the coordinates will be North lattitudes and West Longitudes, example, I live near N25.000.000, W 80.000.000. So After I copy and paste to google earth, I delete the N and the W, and add a - to west longitudes. Example for me, it would be 25.000.000, -80.000.000, then goto that coordinate, and zoom in. Lazy way to look for the treasure with no GPS.
Will dig up more info. So many stories, so little time. Take Care

Ok, I know what my longitude and latitude is of my home. I don't quite understand about deleting the N. and W. and add a - to west longitude. When you have time, sure would appreciate just a bit more instruction. Thanks much. Also I went to Google Earth and saw there was a free one and two paid ones. I was a bit confused where to go on that site. As I said, I get a little lost sometimes with directions. :confused:

Go to Google Earth,

Google Earth (http://earth.google.com/)
Top right corner, click "Free Download", They don't care if you buy or not.
This is a must have for anyone, No Spam, JunkMail, Spyware, very safe. Excellent.
After you have downloaded it, copy and paste this coordinate to the search box, then click fly to.
N 35° 47.618 W 095° 14.843 This should be near you.
Went to Google a minute ago, and you can leave the N and the W, and not add the minus, that is another program.(Ignore earlier mention of deleting N+W, and adding -)Either will work.
Once you are there, you can click and drag the earths surface to area you want to zoom in on, You can rotate the earth, and tilt your view. In tools there is a ruler. You can measure between 2 points. Once you find your house. You can click on the "Push Pin", mark your location an call it "Home" if you want. Any other areas of interest, you can mark with a pin. When you have several locations, you can do like a tour, will go from place to place locations on your list.
You may want to uncheck some or all of the layers to get an idea of what's helpful. Roads, Boundries, schools, etc. Some can block a clear view.
Also this may help get GPS cordinates to an address: TerraServer-USA (http://www.terraserver-usa.com) . Have fun, Good Luck

Go to Google Earth,

Google Earth (http://earth.google.com/)
Top right corner, click "Free Download", They don't care if you buy or not.
This is a must have for anyone, No Spam, JunkMail, Spyware, very safe. Excellent.
After you have downloaded it, copy and paste this coordinate to the search box, then click fly to.
N 35° 47.618 W 095° 14.843 This should be near you.
Went to google a minute ago, and you can leave the N and the W, and not add the minus, that is another program.(Ignore earlier mention of deleting N+W, and adding -)Either will work.
Once you are there, you can click and drag the earths surface to area you want to zoom in on, You can rotate the earth, and tilt your view. In tools there is a ruler. you can measure between 2 points. Once you find your house. You can click on the "Push Pin", mark your location an call it "Home" if you want. any other areas of interest, you can mark with a pin. When you have several locations, you can do like a tour, will go from place to place locations on your list.
You may want to uncheck some or all of the layers to get an idea of whats helpful. Roads, Boundries, schools, etc. Some can block a clear view.
Also this may help get GPS cordinates to an address: TerraServer-USA (http://www.terraserver-usa.com) . Have fun, Good Luck

Thank you for the instructions. Much appreciated. Don't know how long it will be before I get my book I ordered but anxious to see what stories are in there about this area. Thanks again.

Let us know if Goole Earth works for you, after messing with for a while.
What is your county? I will give you a couple of stories to hold you over, until you get your book.
Google Earth is handy when a story tells of robbers crossing a river from a known point,
Up to where the valley splits like a "Y", and take that left fork to a box canyon for 2 miles, and looking to the north you can see Mount something? Once you get the book, search a couple like that, Very Interesting. Also great for finding Trails, Ponds,.

You just read my mind Strat!! You have been so good shaing information, I didn't want to impose and ask but am dying to know a little bit regarding stories in my area.

Muskogee County
Haskell County

One connects to the other but Muskogee County is the county in which I live.

Muskogee:
A wealthy Cherokee Indian Settled in Webber falls after the "Trail of Tears" in 1838 and built a Mansion on the banks of the Arkansas River. When the Civil War erupted, he buried his accumuliated gold on his property, when he refused to tell of the location The Yankees burned his Mansion to the ground.
Also, in 1838, a Cherokee Indian Named Big Head settled at Younger's Bend, on the banks of the Canadian River near Briartown,18 Miles due east of Eufaula, he reportedly buried $10,000 in gold coins before his death, then around 1880, tHE outlaw queen Belle Starr Purchased the Old Hannel Farm and moved into the Big Head Cabin, and searched for 10 years before her death. She is said to hide some of her own loot, as well as other bandits that used her place a refuge.
In Haskill, There was a Trading Post called "Canadian Shoals" on the bank of the Arkansas River, near the Junction with the Canadian River. When Civil war broke out, the Doctor that ran the place Buried $15-20,000 near his home and fled, Indians knowing of the gold followed him, and left, planning to come back, he died before that happened.
Take Care

Muskogee:
A wealthy Cherokee Indian Settled in Webber falls after the "Trail of Tears" in 1838 and built a Mansion on the banks of the Arkansas River. When the Civil War erupted, he burried his accumuliated gold on his property, when he refused to tell of the location The Yankees burned his Mansion to the ground.
Also, in 1838, a Cherokee Indian Named Big Head settled at Younger's Bend, on the banks of the Canadian River near Briartown,18 Miles due east of Eufaula, he reportedly burried $10,000 in gold coins before his death, then around 1880, tHE outlaw queen Belle Starr Purchased the Old Hannel Farm and moved into the Big Head Cabin, and searched for 10 years before her death. She is said to hide some of her own loot, as well as other bandits that used her place a refuge.
In Haskill, There was a Trading Post called "Canadian Shoals" on the bank of the Arkansas River, near the Junction with the Canadian River. When Civil war broke out, the Doctor that ran the place Burried $15-20,000 near his home and fled, Indians knowing of the gold followed him, and left, planning to come back, he died before that happened.
Take Care

Thank you much as onward we go!! :p

Just wanted to post an excited little update to the family genealogy stuff I've been doing...

I found out that one of the ancestors I've been doing research on, was born in the same place (castle) as William the Conqueror... he was evidently a nephew... also another Lady Jane Sefton in the same family was also descended from William the Conqueror... There are castles out there that still exist where my ancestors were born almost a thousand years ago!! AMAZING STUFF

Just wanted to post an excited little update to the family geneology stuff I've been doing...

I found out that one of the ancestors I've been doing research on, was born in the same place (castle) as William the Conqueror... he was evidently a nephew... also another Lady Jane Sefton in the same family was also descended from William the Conqueror... There are castles out there that still exist where my ancestors were born almost a thousand years ago!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AMAZING STUFF

How exciting!! Just my luck I will be related to Attila the Hun. LOL How did you come across this information, books, computer, ancestry studies on line? Honestly, that is exciting and fun that you shared with us. I love it.

My book I ordered about this area is in the mail. Not sure what day I will receive it but if it has some dynamite info on my area, I will be sure and share it. :)

I found one reference to where my ancestor was born, and that he came to England with William the Conqueror. My ancestor was referred to as William de Fallaise. So I got on line trying to figure out where Fallaise was... found out that it was Normandy France. I also looked up William the Conqueror and found that he was from the same place.

At first I thought it might be the same person since they were both Williams, and that the part of the name "the Conqueror" was changed after the fact, but with a little digging I found reference that William the Conqueror had a brother Walter, who had two boys (William the Conqueror's nephews) who went to England to get lands... Further reading showed that William the Conqueror did take away from the English nobility and awarded lands to his people as a way to ensure support... if they didn't support him, then they risked losing their holdings... so it all fits together.

I just received the book I ordered today! It has taken me a little while to figure out how to navigate through it to find certain items of interest. Has a lot of information. Muskogee has a lot of references in the book. The other counties close around are full of information and so many of them are located on the river banks. My dad use to tell me about "noodling" fish. He never quite got into it but his friends did. What a find, to reach back, thinking you were getting a huge catfish and pull out gold. Well, I am not brave enough to "noodle" for turtles, fish or any such thing. I do enjoy fishing but after getting bitten by a water moccasin a few years ago in the late winter, early spring, I am a bit more skittish about where I walk! :(

I've never been bit by snakes, but got a pretty big scare once. I was tossing some fish back into the water, as I was putting them back, a very large snake came up out of the water and grabbed a nice sized fish in its mouth. It was at least four to five inches across at the point where it came out of the water. I saw orange markings on it and a lot of brown. That was in northwest Ohio in an old stone quarry that had filled with water.

I still enjoy trying to catch the big catfish, but noodling is not for me!

Dead of winter and I am wanting to go hunting for treasures. I sure would enjoy some stories of special "finds" from any one viewing this thread. I need to keep my enthusiasm up so when warm weather starts creeping in before the little critters start creeping about, I will get out there and be ready to find treasures. I look forward to reading of more adventures, stories of adventures from ancestors past down through the family, etc. :)

Oneguy, I have always heard that stone quarry's are filled with snakes more so than other bodies of water. Do you know if this is true? Since getting bit, I am just not quite as adventuresome in just hitting the brush whether hunting, fishing, or hunting for special finds. I don't like that about myself. I use to never worry, just always figured if I got bit, I got bit. Don't feel quite the same about that now.

I don't know if the snake thing is true or not. Perhaps if you consider length of shoreline as a comparison? One of my cousins got a snake bite in their backyard pond. Doctors claimed it could not have been poisonous but she was hospitalized to detox her system... seemed to be the perfect cover for her drug use and therapy... family secrets and all, but it went on for years of illness and hospitalization always being blamed on the snake bite as the source of all her problems.

On a positive note, I purchased a couple of books at a Goodwill store for a quarter each, and sold them for $10 and $8 respectively... nice mark up to help pay for the other 100 or so that I have sitting around...

Jrebel, Some of my searches help with the season, In winter with no leaves you can see better and farther. When it is dry, you can cover areas that would be more difficult if wet or soggy. Also got a couple of old books on Oklahoma from Ebay. Didn't ralize the History Behind the Panhandle(No Mans Land). When Texas and Oklahoma were States, that still belonge to Mexico. US had no Jurisdiction, Sounds like a wild place.
Did you ever mess with the Google earth and Geocashing. Curious

Jrebel, Some of my searches help with the season, In winter with no leaves you can see better and farther. When it is dry, you can cover areas that would be more difficult if wet or soggy. Also got a couple of old books on Oklahoma from Ebay. Didn't ralize the History Behind the Panhandle(No Mans Land). when Texas and Oklahoma were States, that still belonge to Mexico. US had no Jurisdiction, Sounds like a wild place.
Did you ever mess with the Google earth and Geocashing. Curious

Glad to see you posting again! Been missing our fun information on areas. I am liking winter more and more after getting bitten by the snake. LOL Although, in Oklahoma, well, in the area I live in, on warm days, it is not unusual to run onto a snake sunning themselves on top of a bush, which I did or just under a rock's edge.

The Panhandle still seems like No Man's Land. The area is flat and very windy most of the time. The only trees you see are basically down in the gullies. Oklahoma only became a state in 1907, the year my father-in-law was born. :) Just a bit of trivia! LOL I live in an area called "Green Country" where we have many lakes, rivers, natural springs, etc.

I did look up longitude and latitude of my house. I went to Googlearth and from there I could not seem to follow your instructions. I printed them out. I asked my son to help me and explained why I wanted to do it but he lives in KCMO and has been working on the end of a programming deal for Adidas. Hopefully, he will come home before long and be able to do it for me. I hate even admitting on this open forum that I could not figure this out. I am such an A to Z person. Once I do learn a program, for instance, I know it very well but those first steps seem to be difficult for me.

I have looked in my book I got on Ebay somewhat. As with other things, I am finding it a bit hard to make sense of some of it. There is a lot of information there and I am so thankful for the information on which one to purchase.

My niece and her husband and a couple of friends just rode the "Trail of Tears Remembrance Ride" ride on their Harley's a few months ago. I rode with them on my little Honda once they got into town. They started in N. Carolina, back to Tenn. Where they live, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas and Oklahoma. I think they said there were 1,500 riders but I may be off on that. I will check. A route was formed for the riders to take them off the interstate and through some back roads, smaller towns. It was along ride, with patrols ever so often. I can't imagine walking it as the Indians did. I know my niece and her dad's picture (he lives in Okmulgee, Ok) was on line after the ride. I will check to see if I can find the link and post it later. The "Trail of Tears" was where the five tribes, Choctaw, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Creek and some Seminoles made the trip where so many died. A large portion of Seminoles escaped and ended up in the Everglades of Florida. Just got a call so will check back in with you later! :)

Strat, I thought you and other's might enjoy seeing this link. Welcome to the Official Trail of Tears Motorcycle Ride Web Site (http://www.trailoftears-remembrance.org/) is the link with the photo of my niece and her dad. It is flashmaker I believe it's called and I didn't see where the slides were numbered. You scroll about half way down the page and on the left, you will see photos revolving.

I wanted to post that as of this morning, I found documentation that I am part Cherokee!

It has been part of the family oral tradition for years, but I had no evidence of where it came from as far as official documentation.

There is a James Adair who was an Indian trader with the Cherokee back in the early part of the 1700's... He is a famous author about the Cherokee people, and I believe was even made a chief... but that may have been his son... I don't have the papers in front of me... Anyway, I was able to trace this back to me!! I'm very excited... I am descended through his son who was 3/4 Cherokee...

I also know that I have a lot more Shawnee blood through my great grandmother who was at least half... but I am still having hard times finding the documentation...

Anyway, I think it is neat that it all seems to tie into this thread... with the Trail of Tears posts... and my earlier talk of genealogy...

I have thought about getting more into that lost part of my family history, but I don't look anything like a native american... more like German or British European mix... so I'm not sure if people would think I was too odd??

One of the websites stated that many people consider if you have one drop of Cherokee blood, then you are Cherokee.

I wanted to post that as of this morning, I found documentation that I am part Cherokee!!

It has been part of the family oral tradition for years, but I had no evidence of where it came from as far as official documentation.

There is a James Adair who was an Indian trader with the Cherokee back in the early part of the 1700's... He is a famous author about the Cherokee people, and I believe was even made a chief...but that may have been his son... I dont have the papers in front of me... Anyways, I was able to trace this back to me!!! I'm very excited... I am descended through his son who was 3/4 Cherokee...

I also know that I have a lot more Shawnee blood through my great grandmother who was at least half...but I am still having hard times finding the documentation...

Anyways, I think it is neat that it all seems to tie into this thread... with the Trail of Tears posts... and my earlier talk of geneology...

I have thought about getting more into that lost part of my family history, but I don't look anything like a native american... more like German or British European mix... so I'm not sure if people would think I was too odd???

One of the websites stated that many people consider if you have one drop of Cherokee blood, then you are Cherokee.

Oneguy, this thread is just full of surprises! :p I am so happy you were able to get the documentation of your families Cherokee Heritage. Timing on this thread is just unreal. Pretty cool. I know what you mean about not looking Indian. I do not have documentation but my great grandmother was 1/2 Cherokee, she is the one whose mother was forced to fix a meal for Jessie James gang I mentioned earlier?? My brother and sister are both tall, black hair. I am 5 ft 2 inches tall, and blonde. Go figure. Anyway, I am proud of that part of me and always have felt that heritage. I have a friend, I think I mentioned her also earlier, that is Cherokee and is taking the language in college to teach emersion classes in the language. She has taken classes on how to make the authentic Cherokee pottery by digging and processing your own clay, firing it in a hole in the ground, etc. Both of her sisters look Indian. She does not and feels displaced. She always tells me I have "Indian Humor" and that is why she loves me so much as her friend. I think she is being a little bit prejudiced there but a great sense of humor is part of the Indian Heritage. I do have that. We laugh all the time and talk about odd, I probably am. My grandfather's dad's brother's came over on a ship from England and we have Irish heritage also. I am proud of all the parts for that is what makes me, me. LOL We have Indian on both sides of the family, both Cherokee but was missing the spelling by an 's' on the end of a last name. That kept us from getting the documentation we needed as proof. I have never felt I fit anywhere in the family looking different than siblings and having more spunk and being more chatty and lots of other differences. Maybe I am just a misfit :confused: But I am a happy misfit. :p I find the statement you made at the end to be true. It has not always been so. I am happy it is now.

I will be looking forward to hearing more about your journey learning about your family history. Adair is a name we hear around here a lot. Maybe you have relatives here! :) There is an Adair, Oklahoma also. I can just feel your excitement not only of finding out this information but also the timing of the "Trail of Tears" being brought up here today. What timing we have. Love it... just love it. Best go to sleep now but when I read this, just had to respond tonight.

I'm pretty sure many of the Adair line stem from the Indian trader back in North Carolina... He had 4 Indian wives and an English one or two. His son did as well. Many Adair descendants went on the trail of tears, and others into hiding... or married into other families...

Bed time for me too...

Here is the latest "find" in my genealogy stuff...

My mom found a website that traces one branch of the family tree back through the royalty of Europe... to people who assisted the Apostle Paul! (Rufus Pudent and his wife Claudia, along with Claudia's brother Linus... Siblings of King Cyllin of Siluria?) The story is that the Apostle Paul baptized Saint Cyllin's father (Bran) and grandfather(Caractacus)...

The lines go back many generations before that as well, and in numerous directions. I guess now I'm going to have to become familiar with historical stuff of a different era... Up to now, I have been mostly interested in the American history related to the family line in the early colonies...

Some of the names mentioned are names that I'm sure many people have heard of but as in my case... don't really know much... Ole King Cole is in there along with King Lear... and a Caractacus. It might take a while trying to sort all of this information out but it sure was some mind boggling news for me tonight!

I just had a strange thought... I hope that posting this on this board about archealogy, won't bring too much attention from any secret societies! I suppose that there are at least a million and a half other people who have the same ancestors as well... and given all the "milk men" that are likely to have paid a social visit through the years, my information is more for speculation than anything else...

Here is the latest "find" in my geneology stuff...

My mom found a website that traces one branch of the family tree back through the royalty of Europe... to people who assisted the Apostle Paul! (Rufus Pudent and his wife Claudia, along with Claudia's brother Linus...Siblings of King Cyllin of Siluria?) The story is that the Apostle Paul baptized Saint Cyllin's father (Bran) and grandfather(Caractacus)...

The lines go back many generations before that as well, and in numerous directions. I guess now I'm going to have to become familiar with historical stuff of a different era... Up to now, I have been mostly interested in the American history related to the family line in the early colonies...

Some of the names mentioned are names that I'm sure many people have heard of but as in my case... don't really know much... Ole King Cole is in there along with King Lear... and a Caractacus. It might take a while trying to sort all of this information out but it sure was some mind boggling news for me tonight!

I just had a strange thought... I hope that posting this on this board about archealogy, won't bring too much attention from any secret societies! I suppose that there are at least a million and a half other people who have the same ancestors as well...and given all the "milk men" that are likely to have paid a social visit through the years, my information is more for speculation than anything else...

Hey there! WOW! You just keep on keepin' on finding out goodies. It may be as you say, "milk men" but as I think of archeology and genealogy, they have one thing in common and that is the anticipation of finding a treasure, either something one can define and hold and research it's beginnings or documentation of family lineage, realizing the continuity of life and the treasures that each "Find" holds for each of us searching. Keep us posted on any finds, family history or special artifacts, both are special to us. I would just like to know if certain family stories past down through the years are fact or fiction in our family. As the older ones pass on, it seems less likely to be able to know for sure but as I say, the anticipation makes it interesting. Thanks for sharing. I thought I had some photos of other finds but haven't located them yet. I will and will post later. I know we found a flint thumb scraper in our garden, fully worked. Just holding these artifacts in my hands, gives me such an appreciation for all who have passed before us.

I've found that the family stories have a lot of truth in them. The dates and names might be off, but just about always, there is some evidence to support them, and they also can give a lot of clues about the family history.

Great Gramps might have forgotten the name that was involved in some story, but a lot of the details remain.

Reminds me of a story my grandfather told about two old timers...

They were sitting around telling stories when one of them said, "You know, you ain't never gonna believe me, but I saw a man swimming across the Ohio River with a woman and a cookstove on his back." He went on to say, "You can call me a liar if you want, but I know what I saw."

The other old timer spoke up and said, "Now I aint about to call you a liar. Infact, I'm glad you told us what you saw because I was afraid to tell you before now that the man you saw was me, and that was my wife cooking my breakfast so it would be ready when we got to the other side."

Wish I could have been there to hear those men talking! Kind of tells me about the story telling that was passed down in the family...

Great story telling is such an art. That is one gift with which I wish I had been blessed.

As you and your family continue your search, I have no doubt you will find a lot of documentation down the way. Those who persevere accomplish much. Do you have any family now that you know of that live in Europe? You might just have to make a trip before to long to track down details. :)

No family in Europe since mid 1800's... Right now, I can't imagine ever getting to Europe. Maybe someday.

I was thinking about a dream my grandfather told me that he had.

Once, he dreamed that he fell off a mountain, so he had to quickly run all the way down to the bottom so he could catch himself before he hit the ground. In trying to analyze his dream, I think he must have been trying to cover/protect himself... for some reason... as in protecting himself from the consequences of what might happen to him... He only told the story as a funny dream and never talked about what meaning it might have had for him.

Given his life style of moonshining, shootouts, and other illegal activities I can understand those feelings he may have had. Kind of makes me relate to it given my situation with my employer... Anyway, just more to add to how family stories can relate from one generation to the next.

My daughter just went to Paris and used her flyer miles. I think round ticket cost $76.00. She met nine other gals there and just stayed a few days. I was astounded that she was able to get such a great price on her flight. So you never know, you may find a great deal and take off for parts unknown to find family that might still be in Europe.

I enjoyed hearing about your grandfather's dream. It was interesting. I dream so much that some nights, I feel I don't rest... my dreams are very vivid, with many details. I use to try to figure them out and still do some of them. Do you find it interesting that you recalled this story about the time you were going through stuff at work? Everything seems to connect if we just allow it.

I have been going through my book that Strat told me about on e-bay. I know that the areas probably have been searched out for years for the cache of treasures that are supposed to be buried around the area. Where I live, three rivers come together as you saw on the map I attached earlier. That is an area of great interest. Story after story mention "Where the rivers come together" so guess it was a great way to remember where one hid one's loot. LOL Now, if I could just locate it. They have widened the river to allow barges down now. Hope during the process, they didn't just dump it in the river without realizing it. I saw another show on panning for gold the other evening. Just not enough time to do what I would like to do.

We live near an old Fort. There is an original stone well there. The stockade inside the fort is kept up. A map like the one I posted is in one of the officers quarters. I know this is not something I found on my own but if any of you would like, I could take photos of the Fort and the structures surrounding it. I didn't want to post them if there is no interest. I have missed hearing from all of you. Maybe spring time will allow us better weather to discover new treasures!

Hey friends!

A new poster "Ace High" posted a question regarding an item called "Greek Wall Clip". I let the poster know I would post here as someone on this thread might have knowledge of the item. Ace is not even sure this is what it is called. It is an interesting piece. I will not post all the images but Ace was appreciative to find answers anywhere possible.

Great information. I am providing a link that might prove interesting.

Is this legal? (http://www.americanarrowheads.com/id15.html)
RE: the Carter Clause

Most of our pieces have been found in our garden each year. Some along the rivers edge after a big rain and then the water recedes. The couple who provided pieces to us went through a legitimate Archeology group who logged each arrowhead, pottery chard, etc. found with the State University in which state they were working. They had permission to do so. Each piece is listed by description, given a number, etc. They could retain the pieces as long as they were logged and they also later built a museum to house them which is a great credit to them.