Buried Treasure in Ohio ? Read on...

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Buried Treasure in Ohio? Read on...

THE LOST FRENCH GOLD OF MINERVA, OHIO

    

     There are many legends in Ohio concerning the existence of buried gold, lost silver mines, and caches of ill-gotten gains hidden from bank robberies, and other crimes. Some of these legends, have been proven factual, others haven’t been proven either way. These legends are at least interesting to learn. These stories have been handed down through history. They may, or may not, be entirely factual. The legends range from demented millionaires burying their hoard in a secret hiding place, to wartime caches hidden from enemy hands, to ill-gotten gains stolen and hidden from the law.

     One such military treasure, hidden in the heat of the moment is said to be buried near Minerva, Ohio. During British campaign, led by General Forbes, against Fort Duquesne (now Pittsburg) in 1758, a small detachment of 10 men, and 16 horses, were sent out of the fort carrying two tons of gold to Fort Detroit. This was done, of course, to prevent the British from acquiring the gold. On the way to Fort Detroit, on the Tuscarawas Trail, the French soldiers were overtaken by a British unit. Just before they were attacked, they had time to bury the gold and silver. All but two of the French soldiers were killed in the skirmish.

     Through my research, I located a copy of a letter supposedly written by one of the surviving French soldiers, and found by his nephew. As the legend goes, in 1829, an elderly man came to the Columbiana County area in search of the lost gold mentioned in his uncle’s letter. He never found the gold, and to this day, unless it has been unreported, the gold has never been found. Here is the letter as it was presented on the web site I discovered: “"We of the French Army were defending Fort Duquesne against the British when it was learned that the English were attacking in force. A detail of 10 men and 16 pack horses was selected to carry the French Army's gold and silver away from the fort. I was chosen for this detail. Three days and a forenoon later, Northwest of West from the fort, while on the Tuscarawas Trail, our advance guard returned to our little column and reported British soldiers advancing on us. The officer in charge of our detail ordered us to stop in our tracks and dig a hole in the ground. He posted a few guards while the rest dug. The gold was unloaded from the horses and placed in the hole. Then the silver was lowered into the hole. On top of this we shoveled the dirt and covered it with branches. The British started firing at this time. The digging shovels were put under a log on the hillside. No sooner was this done than the British were upon us. Eight were killed, and only Henry Muselle and I were spared. The English had not noticed where the two of us hid. We made the following marks in the area before we fled. The gold was buried in the center of a sort of square formed by four springs. About one half mile to the West of the hole where the gold was buried, Muselle jammed a rock into the fork of a tree so that it would stay. Six hundred steps to the North of the hole, the shovels we hid under a log. As we left by the East I carved a deer into a tree which I judged to be about one mile east of the hole.” 

Turkeyfoot Creek Treasure

     The Indians buried $40,000 worth of gold in Summit County near the inside bend of Turkeyfoot Creek. According to legend, just after their defeat at the hands of Mad Anthony Wayne at Fallen Timbers, the Indians buried gold stolen from the army paymaster near the inside bend of Turkeyfoot Creek. The legend goes on to say the Indians left behind a guard, in the form of an Indian ghost, riding a large white horse. The Indians had all intentions of returning to the area to retrieve the gold, however, their return was not to be. Treasure seekers have tried over the years to locate the legendary treasure. Some have claimed actually seeing the ghost Indian on the large white horse, who guards the treasure. 

     So, if you’re brave enough to confront a ghost Indian, and you can locate the treasure; how about sending me a finder’s fee?

John Dillinger’s Loot

Hidden in Jackson, Ohio?

     According to this story, $825,000 stolen by the John Dillinger gang remains unrecovered by authorities. Some believe there is a possibility at least some of that money  is hidden on a farm near Jackson, Ohio.

     A man known only as “Bailey” lived on a farm just outside of Jackson, Ohio. Although Bailey was never implicated as being a member of the infamous  Dillinger Gang, he was known as a friend and a confidant. It was also known that Dillinger stayed at Bailey’s farm from time to time.

     One day Bailey came to town and purchased a brand new car. Nothing unusual, except that he paid cash for the car during height of The Depression. The rumors started flying. Did the money come from Dillinger’s ill-gotten gains?

     The farm where Bailey lived is 11 miles north of Jackson. It is believed, there is a good possibility that the Dillinger gang’s cache could be hidden somewhere on, or near, the old farm.

“King of the Bootleggers”

Where is the Hidden Vault 

     George Remus was a former lawyer from Chicago. Remus became known as the king of the bootleggers. He invested in connections with distilleries to obtain whiskey. He owned drug stores and distributed the whisky for medicinal purposes, which was legal. Remus’ headquarters was near the Indiana state line, west of Cincinnati. From here, he distributed whisky throughout the central United States. Remus built an empire, and reportedly made around $70,000,000.00 per year.

     Uncle Sam soon caught up to Remus, and he was indicted for income tax evasion. The government raided his Cincinnati mansion, a gunfight ensued, and several government agents, and Remus’ men were killed is a gun battle. Remus was sent to prison in January of 1924.

     Sometime between 1918 and 1923 it is believed Remus built a vault in a hidden location to protect his millions.

     After his release from prison, Remus lived a life of ease until his death of natural causes at the age of 76.

     It is believed that Remus’ hidden vault could be in Cincinnati, or near the home of his business partner, Buck Brady, near Newport, Kentucky. Remus never disclosed the location of his safe, and local legend maintains, the United States government is still looking for the safe.

Gold Bars Buried Near

Fairport Harbor, Ohio?

     During the time of the Civil War (1862), three daring men robbed a Canadian bank and made off with $50,000 in gold bars. The robbers then made their way across Lake Erie to the United States. Upon their arrival in the United Sates, the trio argued with each other over the division of their spoils. Eventually, one man shot the other two, and buried the gold near Fairport Harbor, the called just Fairport. The surviving bank robber ended up in a Chicago hospital, dying of a pulmonary disease. On his deathbed, he told his caregivers the story of the bank robbery. His dying confession went in part, "The gold is buried three feet deep, all the bars together, 20 paces northwest from a large oak tree near the west bank of Grand River, in Ohio, about two miles south of the lake."

     Grab yourself a deep-seeking metal detector, and head for Fairport Harbor—maybe you’ll find the missing gold, and validate this story.

More Ohio History...

THE CHRISTY KNIFE COMPANY

     All businesses take on a life of their own. They face everyday challenges, experiencing ups and downs. They grow and mature. Some die young, and some enjoy long lives. The Christy Company of Fremont, Ohio has lived a very long and interesting life, and continues to live today.

     With a life history that began in 1889, the Christy Company is one of the oldest continuous businesses in Ohio. The fourth generation of the Christy family is now at the helm of the business.

   Russ J. Christy designed and patented a nickel-plated, serrated, bread knife. The production of Christy’s invention was the birth of The Christy Knife Company, formed in 1889.

     Local investors purchased stock in the new company, and the  Christy Knife Company was born. The business was originally located on Arch Street. Just five years into its existence, in 1894, the company needed to expand the building. Again, local investors raised the funds to insure The Christy Knife Company remained in Fremont. At this time, 60 people were employed by the company, and they were distributing cutlery nationwide, and worldwide through an office in London, England.

     In 1902, and again in 1910, the company experienced devastating fires. Each time, the Christy Knife Company rebuilt and expanded.

     The company began production of a single-edge safety razor in 1906. The addition of the safety razor to the company’s line enabled them to actually grow at a time of material shortages during World War I.

     In 1917, the need for more production room was, once again, a concern, and the building at the corner of Dickinson and State Streets became the new home of The Christy Knife Company. At this time the company employed 100 workers, producing a complete line of cutlery.

     R.J. Christy retired in 1920, and his son, D. Lamar Christy took over the business management responsibilities. It was during the tenure of D. Lamar Christy that the Christy Knife was developed. Evidently, even in retirement, R.J. Christy couldn’t keep cutlery off of his mind. The retractable-blade “Christy Knife” idea came to him in a dream. He awoke from his dream and sketched the idea on a bedside pad. The next day, he made a wooden prototype and sent it to his son. They began tooling for the knife in 1936.

     The handy knife features a unique sliding blade, easily operated with one hand. The blade also locks in three positions, and its slim size makes it very convenient to carry.

     During World War II, military post exchanges around the world sold Christy Knives to service personnel. At one point, the United States Customs agent training school issued the Christy Knife to their graduates. Many police and firemen, order the Christy Knife through their supply catalog. The Christy Knife is sold all over the world. “The handiest pocket knife ever designed” has been a keep-sake item handed down from generation to generation for many years.

     D. Lamar Christy managed the company from 1920—1955. Upon his retirement, third-generation, Earl B. Christy began his tenure overseeing the operations of the plant. At this time, nearly 80% of the company’s business was manufacturing surgical steel blades for a Cincinnati surgical instrument company. In 1961, The Christy Knife Company lost the contract with the Cincinnati firm, and nearly collapsed. The drastically reduced work-force was able to continue on by manufacturing their famous Christy Knife.

     Earl Christy passed away in November of 2006. Fourth generation, Randy “Hal” Christy, and his wife, Donna, continue to carefully maintain the high quality of standards established more than 100 years manufacturing excellence. The Christy Knife is still manufactured in Fremont, Ohio, on the same 1936 equipment.

THE FAME OF THE CHRISTY KNIFE

     Over the years, The Christy Knife Company has been privileged to hear real-life drama stories that have helped to earn the title: “The Handiest Pocket Knife Ever Designed.”

     “The Christy Knife saved the life of a Navy pilot in the South Pacific during WWII. Injured and without the use of one hand, the pilot removed his Christy Knife from his sleeve pocket, opened it with one hand, cut his shoulder harness, replaced the knife in the sleeve pocket, opened the canopy, bailed out and parachuted to safety.”

     “Coming upon a bad accident on the turnpike, a doctor saved a man’s life. The injured man couldn’t breathe because of facial injuries. The doctor used his Christy Knife to perform a tracheotomy, inserted a tube in the throat incision, thus allowing the man to breathe and saved his life.” 

The Conclusion of The Kiser Trial

     The state began their final arguments by stating that the case could be proven in their favor for several reasons. Prosecutor Mead stated that the case presented by the state stood on more than just one form of evidence. He claimed that the medical evidence could be disregarded completely, and there was still enough evidence to convict Josh Kiser. However, the state still insisted that Mrs. Kiser was poisoned, and that arsenic could have been the culprit. The state’s medical experts informed the prosecution  that arsenic could have been processed by the body and that is why no evidence of arsenic was found. At this point the state was certainly grasping at straws. Their star witness turned out to be mentally unstable, and therefore her testimony would probably not enter into the jury’s thinking. Also, the defense had done a good job refuting the so-called “expert” medical testimony presented on behalf of the prosecution. The state’s main case was based on rumors from a gossiping town. Hardly, enough evidence to convict someone beyond a reasonable doubt. The state’s case was in trouble, and they had to know it.

     The jury heard the final words of Judge Garver on Saturday, February 24, and at 2:58 they filed out of the court room and entered the jury room to make the decision concerning the fate of Joshua Kiser. Kiser made conversation with his friends and family while they awaited the much anticipated verdict. It was observed that Kiser seemed calm and confident of acquittal.

     Just about two hours later the jury announced that they had reached a verdict. Once everyone returned to the court room, the verdict was handed to Clerk Thomas Weaver. When Weaver read the words, “not guilty” Josh Kiser finally gave way to his feelings. All through the trial Kiser had maintained his composure. However, when he heard the words that meant his nightmarish ordeal was over, he broke down and the tears flowed. Kiser shook the hand of every juror, and thanked them profusely, he was quoted, “As God as my judge, gentlemen, you would have murdered me had you voted for conviction for I am innocent.”

     As soon as the verdict was read, Prosecutor Mead immediately left the court room without saying a word. A.V. Bauman followed and neither attorney for the state offered any statement.

     The jurors gave their reasons for finding in favor of the defense as: they did not believe the state had proven their medical testimony; they disregarded the testimony of Louise Boston due to her mental condition; and also because they believed what the defense contended in that gossip, rumors, and hearsay had much to do with charges being brought against Kiser. Another reason for their decision was the testimony of Kiser himself. He started with one story of innocence, and ended with the same story. Even in the face of intense cross-examination by Prosecutor Mead, Kiser’s story never wavered.

     The jurors also made it clear that they thought Prosecutor Mead had acted honorably during the trial. They thought he was misled by his medical experts, and the gossip preceding Kiser’s arrest.

     For reasons unknown to this writer, very soon after the trial Josh Kiser moved to Los Angeles, California. He may have moved for health reasons, or maybe it was because he didn’t want to deal with further rumors. Joshua Kiser passed away at the age of 67. He died and was buried in Los Angeles.

     The Kiser trial set records in Sandusky County as well as this section of the state. The trial was in progress for a total of thirteen weeks, and used 56 days of actual court time. At the time it was estimated that the trial would probably cost Sandusky County nearly $15,000.

     While this writer is sure justice was served from what was learned of the case. Still, however, a question remains. Exactly why did Louise Boston make up her story. It seems she went to great, dramatic, lengths to give herself up as an accomplice to murder. We will probably never know.  

The Kiser Trial Continues....

     Sheriff Shanahan was next up to testify as to his involvement in the case. His testimony stated that he received an envelope containing white power, believed to be corrosive subliminate, with which the prosecution thought actually killed Mrs. Kiser. The white powder Sheriff Shanahan received came from the home of Josh Kiser, and his daughter, Edna, gave the powder to the sheriff. Sheriff Shanahan also testified that he was in charge of glass containers holding vital organs of Martha Kiser, which were obtained during the examination of the exhumed body. Sheriff Shanahan also testified that he was present when Martha Kiser’s body was exhumed. The defense again opted not to cross-examine Sheriff Shanahan.

     The next witness called was Edward Tschumy, the  undertaker who prepared Mrs. Kiser’s body for burial. Tschumy testified that he emptied the contents of Mrs. Kiser’s stomach in to the sewer, after which he filled the cavity with an embalming fluid. When asked if the embalming fluid contained arsenic, Tschumy claimed he was unsure if the fluid contained any poison.

     After all testimony on Friday, December 29, court recessed until Tuesday, January 2, 1917 to break for the New Year holiday. However, as fate would have it, Judge Garver had to postpone further due the death of his mother. During the postponement, an unbelievable scene took place.

     On January 3, like a scene straight out of a cheesy soap opera, Mrs. Boston stumbled into Fremont, after walking about two miles in the cold, barely dressed.  At 4:30 in the morning the distraught woman was wailing that she had helped Josh Kiser poison his wife, and she demanded to be jailed. 

     Mrs. Boston was held in jail under an order that would enable the court to keep her in jail, without charges, until the end of the trial. As one might imagine, this new development involving Mrs. Boston caused quite a stir among the gossiping public. Everyone thought that this development would help the defense prove the fact that Mrs. Boston is mentally unstable. However, the prosecution could also benefit due to Mrs. Boston’s claims that she helped to poison Mrs. Kiser. Everyone following the case had their opinion as to which side would benefit the most from this most extraordinary set of circumstances.

      From here, the state attempted to hang their hat mostly on testimony from the medical experts. Their claim was arsenic and corrosive sublimate had caused the death of Martha Kiser. Louise Boston’s testimony was now highly questionable due to her recent escapade.

     After nearly four more weeks of testimony, the state, and the defense, prepared their closing statements.

     Attorney Frank O’Farrell, assistant to J.B. Stahl, began the closing statements for the defense on Wednesday, February 21.  On Friday the 23rd at 10:10 a.m. he finished his remarks. Kiser’s attorneys had put together a good defense. O'Farrell's statements consumed two and one-fourth days of court time. If nothing else, it certainly must was a thorough defense. The highlight of the defense’s closing statement begged the question - was there a crime committed? The Fremont Daily News quoted O’Farrell: “Let us stick to the text in the case. Let’s not get the cart before the horse. Before a conviction can be returned the court will charge you that a crime must be shown. Then if a crime is shown you must look for a motive. If no crime has been shown then it makes no difference if Louise Boston had been in Kiser’s arms every day for two years. Joshua isn’t charged with improper conduct. He isn’t charged with being a gay old sport. He is charged with murder and you first must find that Mrs. Kiser was poisoned. The rest is trash.” The defense put a great deal of emphasis on the fact that the state could not, and did not, prove that Martha Kiser had been poisoned. If the prosecution could not prove she was poisoned, they had no case against Josh Kiser.

The Kiser Trial

     Mrs. Boston claimed, under oath, that just after her divorce, she was afraid to stay at her home for fear of her ex-husband’s retribution. She claimed she stayed at the Kiser home at the invitation of Mrs. Kiser and her daughter, Edna. She also claimed she had several telephone conversations with Mrs. Kiser. Mrs. Boston also testified that Edna Kiser phoned her on the day before Mrs. Kiser’s death, asking if she knew where they could find a bed pan. Mrs. Boston then claimed she took a bed pan to the Kiser home. Later, Mrs. Boston claimed, when she was preparing to leave, Mrs. Kiser asked her to stay. According to her testimony, Boston stayed until the passing of Mrs. Kiser, early the morning of November 17.

     The next day of the trial, Friday, December 29, 1916, saw Mrs. Kiser’s brother and sister testifying, as well as undertaker Tschumy, Sheriff Shanahan, and others.

     Philip Hetrick was the first to take the stand on Friday morning. Basically, his testimony told how he and Josh Kiser’s brother, Charles, discovered Kiser in the home of Mrs. Boston, days after his wife’s death. When the state finished questioning Hetrick the defense opted not to cross-examine.

     Next on the witness stand was Mrs. Kiser’s sister, Mrs. Anna Immel. Immel testified that on an evening in early October, 1915 she stayed overnight at the Kiser home. While she was there, they heard Josh Kiser come home at about 2 a.m. Immel testified that she asked her sister if there was any trouble between her and Josh. However, due to objections from the defense, Immel was not permitted to answer questions regarding the Kiser’s relationship. Immel’s only other contribution to the case was to testify that she was present the day of her sister’s exhumation, and she identified the body as that of Martha Kiser. Again, the defense did not cross-examine.

     The next witness called was O.W. Hanser, the registrar of vital statistics. Hanser was called to officially produce the death certificate, and to testify that, according to the death certificate, the deceased died of ptomaine poisoning.

The Kiser Trial Continues....

      Stahl was beginning to drive home his point of Mrs. Boston’s mental instability. Prosecutor Mead couldn’t let his star witness be nullified without a fight. And fight they did. The opposing lawyers seemed to be close to blows on several occasions throughout the trial.  At one point, the opposing attorney’s were beginning to lose patience with each other, and it wasn’t long until things came to a head. While Mrs. Boston was on the witness stand, Stahl asked if it was true that on December 16, while being interviewed by Prosecutor Mead, she was experiencing one of her “spells,” and she was tied to her bed. Mead took exception to the question and strongly stated it wasn’t true. Attorney Stahl snapped back, stating he could prove it was true, and Mrs. Boston’s daughter, Helen, would testify to the fact. Mead shot back stating that if she did she was a liar and would perjure herself. Stahl quickly responded that he would believe Mead a liar before he would believe it of Helen Boston. This prolonged outburst caused cooler heads to prevail. Judge Garver calmed the men down with this level-headed statement, “if counsel on either side has been doing anything improper there is a remedy and a proper course to pursue.” With Judge Garver’s sobering remark the two men once again settled down to business.

     Day two of the trial was another packed house in the courtroom. Mrs. Boston was still on the stand telling all she claimed to know of the circumstances surrounding Mrs. Kiser’s death.

     Mrs. Boston was prepared with new statements that would add plenty of fuel to the fire of the prosecution. She claimed that Kiser had presented her with jewelry on several occasions. She also claimed that plans were discussed for Josh Kiser and herself to live in the Buchanan street home after their marriage. Boston further stated that when Kiser heard authorities were planning to exhume his wife’s body, Kiser told her that he was very concerned that poison would be found in her system.

     While Mrs. Boston is testifying that she and Josh Kiser were spending time together, insinuating an affair of sorts, she would now testify that she was also friendly with Mrs. Kiser. Did Mrs. Boston consider herself a wolf in sheep’s clothing? Or, was she delusional and living in a fantasy world? Attorney Stahl, of the defense,  was sure of the latter, and he was determined to prove it.