Category: Miners

Thomas Long Smith

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Thomas Long Smith known as "Peg Leg Smith" image from a woodcut in Hutchings' California Magazine, October 1860
Thomas Long Smith known as “Peg Leg Smith” image from a woodcut in Hutchings’ California Magazine, October 1860

Early Life and Beginnings

Thomas Long Smith, known as “Peg Leg” Smith, was born on October 10, 1801, in Crab Orchard, Kentucky. As a teenager, he left home seeking adventure, finding work on a flatboat navigating the Mississippi River. By the time he reached St. Louis, Missouri, Smith joined the ranks of fur trappers employed by John Jacob Astor, working alongside legendary mountain men like Kit Carson, Jim Bridger, and Milton Sublette. His early years were marked by a restless spirit and a knack for survival in the rugged American frontier.

Adventures as a Mountain Man

In the 1820s, Smith established himself as a skilled trapper and scout, joining expeditions that explored the American Southwest, including present-day New Mexico. He accompanied Alexandre Le Grand’s expedition as a scout, learning several Native American languages and adapting to the harsh environments of the frontier. His ability to navigate and communicate with Indigenous peoples made him a valuable guide for early expeditions.

In 1827, during a trapping expedition in North Park, Colorado, Smith’s life took a dramatic turn. Wounded in the left leg during a skirmish with local Indigenous people, he faced a dire situation. With no medical help available, Smith, assisted by fellow trapper Milton Sublette and fortified by a jug of “Taos Lightning” (a potent whiskey), amputated his own leg below the knee. Sublette sawed through the bone, and the wound was cauterized with a heated rifle barrel. Taken in by Ute women who treated his wound with traditional remedies, Smith recovered and crafted a wooden leg, earning the nickname “Peg Leg.” He adapted remarkably, learning to ride horses and even using his detachable wooden leg as a weapon in barroom brawls, cementing his reputation as a fierce and resourceful frontiersman.

A Life of Diverse Ventures

Smith’s career as a fur trapper thrived despite his disability, but by the 1840s, the decline of the fur trade pushed him toward less savory pursuits. He turned to horse theft, targeting large Mexican haciendas in California. In 1839, alongside mountain man Jim Beckwourth and Ute chief Walkara, Smith orchestrated a massive theft, rustling 3,000 horses from California ranches and driving them to New Mexico for profit. His partnership with Walkara also involved guiding 150 Utes across the Sierra Nevada, stealing hundreds of horses in daring raids. These exploits, while lucrative, drew the ire of authorities, forcing Smith to abandon horse thieving by the late 1840s.

During the late 1840s, Smith operated a trading post along the Oregon Trail near the Idaho-Wyoming border, assisting emigrants with supplies and repairs. Travelers described him as a “jolly one-legged man,” a testament to his charisma and resilience. He also engaged in prospecting, particularly in the Borrego Badlands of southeastern California, where his most enduring legend was born.

The Legend of the Lost Peg Leg Mine

A Map of Henry E. W. Wilsons search area published in Desert Magazine
A Map of Henry E. W. Wilsons search area published in Desert Magazine

Smith’s greatest claim to fame—and controversy—revolves around the so-called Lost Peg Leg Mine. According to legend, in 1829, while traveling from Yuma to Los Angeles, Smith attempted a desert shortcut and lost his way. Climbing a hill to regain his bearings, he noticed black, burned-looking rocks sprinkled with yellow particles. He collected samples, later learning in Los Angeles that these were gold nuggets. Despite repeated attempts, Smith could never relocate the hill, and the tale of his “lost mine” grew into a frontier myth. He sold maps and claims to the mine until his death, capitalizing on the 1849 California Gold Rush fever, though many doubted his story due to his reputation for embellishment and drinking.

Historical accounts cast doubt on the mine’s existence. Research by the Legend Detectives, a historical team, suggests that the gold mine story may belong to another “Pegleg,” possibly John Smith, active after Thomas Smith’s death. Interviews with Smith’s contemporaries, including trapping partner George Yount, and Smith’s own statements late in life, indicate he never claimed to have found gold. Nonetheless, the legend persists, fueling treasure hunts and the annual Pegleg Smith Liars Contest in Borrego Springs, where storytellers compete in his honor.

Later Years and Legacy

By the 1860s, Smith’s health and fortunes declined. He spent his final years in a veterans’ home in San Francisco, where he died penniless in October 1866 at a hospital, likely at Yerba Buena Cemetery. Conflicting reports, such as a 1930 newspaper claiming he died in a Los Angeles bar fight in 1880, reflect the muddled lore surrounding his life.

Smith’s legacy endures through cultural touchstones. The Peg Leg Smith Monument, established in 1948 by artist Harry Oliver in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, invites visitors to add ten rocks to a pile for luck in finding the lost mine. Designated California Historical Landmark No. 750 in 1960, the site remains a draw for adventurers and history buffs. Smith appears in historical novels like Louis L’Amour’s The Lonesome Gods and Robert Lewis Taylor’s A Roaring in the Wind, as well as the 1995 game Oregon Trail II, where he runs a trading post. The annual Liars Contest, now held at American Legion Post 853, celebrates his storytelling prowess.

Historical Significance

Peg Leg Smith embodies the contradictions of the American frontier: a trailblazer who helped map the Southwest, a survivor who overcame immense hardship, and a rogue whose questionable deeds fueled his legend. While the Lost Peg Leg Mine may be more myth than reality, Smith’s life as a mountain man, trapper, and larger-than-life character captures the untamed spirit of the Wild West. His story, blending fact and fiction, continues to captivate, reminding us of the era’s rugged individualism and the allure of the unknown.

References

Rhinehart Petrasch

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Rhinehart Petrasch of Phoenix, Arizona, is best known for prospecting and ranching, and was said to have spent considerable time searching for the Lost Dutchman Mine. He had an influential figure in the development and history of the mining industry in the Southwestern United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His life and work contributed significantly to the economic growth of the region.

Early Life and Background

Rhinehart Petrasch was born on March 14, 1859, in Germany. His family immigrated to the United States when he was a young boy, settling in the Midwest before eventually moving to the Western territories. The promise of wealth and opportunity in the mining boom attracted the family westward, where Rhinehart and his siblings would make a significant impact.

Career in Mining

Petrasch initially worked in various mining camps across the West, gaining valuable experience and knowledge in mining operations. He became well-known for his skills as a prospector and his ability to locate valuable mineral deposits. His reputation grew, leading him to settle in Phoenix, Arizona, where he played a crucial role in the development of several key mining projects.

One of his most notable achievements was his involvement in the discovery and development of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine. The mine became legendary, not only for its purported riches but also for the mystery and lore that surrounded it. Although the exact details of Petrasch’s involvement remain somewhat shrouded in myth, his contributions to the mining community and local economy are well-documented.

Contributions to Phoenix and the Mining Community

Beyond his mining ventures, Rhinehart Petrasch was an active member of the Phoenix community. He invested in local businesses, supported infrastructure development, and was involved in various civic activities. His efforts helped shape the economic landscape of Phoenix and contributed to its growth as a burgeoning city in the American Southwest.

Legacy

Rhinehart Petrasch’s legacy is remembered in Arizona history as a pioneer of the mining industry. His work exemplified the rugged determination and entrepreneurial spirit that characterized the West during the mining boom. Although much of his life is intertwined with the myths and legends of the Old West, his tangible contributions to the development of Phoenix and the surrounding areas remain a testament to his impact.

Personal Life

Rhinehart Petrasch married his long-time partner, Emma, with whom he had three children. The family was known for their involvement in the local community, and Petrasch’s descendants continued to play active roles in Arizona’s development well into the 20th century.

Rhinehart Petrasch passed away on January 5, 1923, leaving behind a legacy of exploration, hard work, and community involvement. His story is a fascinating chapter in the rich history of Arizona and the American West.

References

Waterman S Bodey

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Waterman S Bodey (14 May 1814 – 9 Dec 1859 ) was a prospector whose name became immortalized in the annals of American mining history through the town of Bodie, California. Little is known about Bodey’s early life, but his story intersects with the era of the California Gold Rush, a period marked by the discovery of gold in 1848 and the subsequent influx of prospectors and fortune seekers to the Sierra Nevada region.

Bodey hailed from Poughkeepsie, New York, and like many others, he was drawn to the West by the promise of gold and a better life. In 1859, Bodey, along with a companion named E.S. “Black” Taylor, discovered gold in the hills east of the Sierra Nevada, near what is now the Nevada-California border. This discovery marked the beginning of what would later become the town of Bodie.

Despite the potential of his discovery, Bodey did not live to see the full flourishing of the town that bore his name. Tragically, in November of 1859, Waterman S. Bodey perished in a blizzard while attempting to return to his camp with supplies from Monoville, a nearby settlement. His untimely death left him largely unknown, even as the settlement he helped found grew.

The town of Bodie itself experienced a boom in the late 1870s following the discovery of a profitable gold vein by the Standard Company in 1876. This discovery sparked a rush to the area, transforming the camp into a thriving mining town with a population that swelled to around 10,000 people at its peak. The town gained a reputation for its lawlessness and rough character, epitomizing the wild and often violent nature of frontier mining towns.

By the 1880s, the boom began to wane as the mines yielded less gold and people moved on to other opportunities. Despite several periods of revival, Bodie eventually became a ghost town, largely abandoned by the early 20th century. Today, Bodie is preserved in a state of arrested decay as a California State Historic Park, drawing visitors who are fascinated by its history and the remnants of its once vibrant community.

Waterman S. Bodey’s legacy lives on through the town that bears his name, a symbol of the rugged determination and perilous fortune-seeking spirit that characterized the California Gold Rush era.

References

Julia Thomas

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Julia Thomas (c. 1862–1917) was a pivotal figure in the enduring legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Mine, a tale of hidden gold in Arizona’s Superstition Mountains, inextricably linked to the German prospector Jacob Waltz (c. 1810–1891). While Thomas’s life intersected with Waltz’s during his final days, her role in popularizing the myth of his lost mine cemented her place in American frontier history. This biography explores her life, her connection to Waltz, and her contributions to the legend, drawing on historical accounts while acknowledging the speculative nature of some details.

Early Life and Background

Little is documented about Julia Thomas’s early life, but historical records indicate she was born around 1862, possibly in the United States, and was described as a woman of mixed racial heritage, sometimes referred to as a “quadroon” in contemporary accounts. By the late 1880s, she had settled in Phoenix, Arizona Territory, where she operated a bakery and confectionery shop. This business was her primary source of income, and as a woman proprietor in the late 19th century—particularly one of color—she stood out as an uncommonly independent figure in a male-dominated, racially stratified society.

By 1891, Thomas was navigating personal challenges, including a divorce, which likely strained her financial stability. Her bakery, while a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit, was not enough to shield her from the economic precarity of the time. It was in this context that her path crossed with Jacob Waltz, a reclusive German immigrant and prospector whose reputed discovery of a rich gold mine would define Thomas’s legacy.

Connection to Jacob Waltz

Photograph take of Jacob Waltz after his arrival in New York.
Photograph take of Jacob Waltz after his arrival in New York.

Jacob Waltz, often called the “Dutchman” (a misnomer derived from “Deutsch,” meaning German), was a prospector who arrived in Arizona in the 1860s. By the 1870s, he was known for periodically appearing in Phoenix with high-grade gold ore, the source of which he guarded jealously. In February 1891, a devastating flood along the Salt River destroyed Waltz’s homestead, leaving the aging prospector (then in his early 80s) destitute and ill, likely with pneumonia.

Thomas, described as a friend or acquaintance of Waltz, took him into her home and nursed him for several months. Some accounts suggest she was motivated by compassion, while others speculate she saw an opportunity to secure payment for his care, possibly through his rumored wealth. Waltz died on October 25, 1891, in Thomas’s home, an event that marked a turning point in her life and sparked the legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Mine.

Two conflicting narratives emerged about Waltz’s final days. According to Thomas, Waltz confided in her about the location of his mine, providing directions and possibly helping her draw a map. She claimed he intended for her to have a box of gold ore stored under his bed as payment for her care. However, Dick Holmes, a Phoenix local who was present on the night of Waltz’s death, asserted that Waltz gave him the gold and detailed directions to the mine during a deathbed confession. The dispute over the gold—reportedly 48 pounds of rich ore—and the mine’s location created a rift that fueled decades of debate among treasure hunters.

The Expedition and the Birth of a Legend

Rhinehart Petrasch - 1954 from Curse of the Dutchman's Gold
Rhinehart Petrasch – 1954 from Curse of the Dutchman’s Gold

Following Waltz’s death, Thomas acted swiftly to capitalize on his story. In 1892, she partnered with Rhinehart and Herman Petrasch, two German immigrant brothers, to search for the mine in the Superstition Mountains. At 29 years old, Thomas was an unlikely expedition leader, given the era’s gender norms and the rugged terrain of the Superstitions. The trio embarked in mid-July, a perilous time due to the desert’s extreme heat. The expedition was a failure, yielding no trace of the mine and nearly costing them their lives. Financially ruined, Thomas parted ways with the Petrasch brothers and never attempted another search.

Undeterred by her failure, Thomas leveraged the mystique of Waltz’s mine to sustain herself. She began selling maps purportedly based on Waltz’s directions for $8 each, a significant sum at the time. Her account of the expedition was published in the Arizona Weekly Gazette, and she likely provided information to journalist Pierpont C. Bicknell, whose articles in the San Francisco Chronicle brought national attention to the Lost Dutchman’s Mine. Thomas’s maps and stories, while criticized as embellished or fabricated by some, laid the foundation for the legend’s enduring appeal. Her entrepreneurial flair for publicity—whether intentional or opportunistic—transformed a local tale into a national obsession, inspiring countless treasure hunters and shaping the mythos of the American West.

Later Life and Legacy

In July 1893, Thomas remarried, wedding Albert Schaefer. The couple became known in Phoenix for eccentric behavior, including ritualistic burnt offerings in their front yard, which some accounts describe as cult-like. These practices may have reflected personal beliefs or an attempt to maintain public attention, but they further distanced Thomas from mainstream society.

Thomas’s financial situation never recovered from the failed expedition. She spent her later years in poverty, a stark contrast to the wealth she sought in the Superstitions. On December 15, 1917, she died of Bright’s disease (a kidney ailment) at age 55. Ironically, the route of her 1892 expedition passed over the sites of the Mammoth and Black Queen mines, two of Arizona’s richest gold deposits, discovered shortly after her search.

Historical Significance and Critical Perspective

Julia Thomas’s role in the Lost Dutchman’s Mine legend is both celebrated and scrutinized. To some, she was a savvy opportunist who amplified a dying man’s tale for profit, possibly fabricating details to cover unpaid debts or capitalize on Waltz’s reputation. Others view her as a victim of circumstance, a woman whose limited options in a patriarchal society led her to pursue a risky venture that ultimately failed. Her status as a woman of color adds complexity to her story, as her independence and visibility in Phoenix were remarkable for the time, yet likely contributed to her marginalization.

The veracity of Waltz’s mine remains debated. Some argue the Superstition Mountains, being igneous, lack significant gold deposits, suggesting Waltz’s ore came from elsewhere, possibly California or Colorado. Others, citing Waltz’s documented sales of gold to the U.S. Mint, believe the mine existed, though its location may have been a cache rather than a traditional vein. Thomas’s maps and stories, while influential, are often dismissed as unreliable, yet they reflect her agency in shaping a narrative that has outlived her.

Julia Thomas died penniless, but her legacy endures in the lore of the Lost Dutchman’s Mine. Her actions—nursing Waltz, leading an expedition, and selling maps—transformed a prospector’s secret into a cultural phenomenon. The Superstition Mountains, now part of Lost Dutchman State Park, draw thousands annually, many inspired by the tale Thomas helped create. Her life, marked by resilience and ambition, embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and harsh realities of the American frontier, forever tied to the enigmatic Jacob Waltz and his elusive gold.

Further Reading

The Curse of the Dutchman's Gold by Helen Corbin

The Curse of the Dutchman’s Gold by Helen Corbin

The Curse of the Dutchman's Gold by Helen Corbin Helen Corbin's The Curse of the Dutchman's Gold is the first book I have read on…

References

Theodore Jesse Hoover

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Theodore Hoover in Bodie, Calif., 1904
Theodore Hoover in Bodie, Calif., 1904

Early Life and Education

Theodore Jesse Hoover was born on January 28, 1871, in West Branch, Iowa. He was the older brother of Herbert Hoover, who would later become the 31st President of the United States. Theodore grew up in a Quaker family that valued hard work, education, and service. His father, Jesse Hoover, was a blacksmith and farm implement dealer, and his mother, Hulda Minthorn Hoover, was deeply involved in the local community.

Theodore attended Stanford University, where he pursued a degree in mining engineering. He graduated in 1901, becoming part of Stanford’s early cohorts of engineers. His time at Stanford laid the groundwork for his future career and instilled in him a passion for both engineering and conservation.

Career in Engineering and Mining

After graduating, Theodore Hoover embarked on a successful career in mining engineering. He traveled extensively, working on mining projects in various countries, including Australia, China, South Africa, and Russia. His expertise in mining engineering and his innovative approaches to solving complex problems earned him a reputation as a leading expert in the field.

In 1912, Hoover joined the faculty at Stanford University as a professor of mining and metallurgy. He brought his practical experience and global perspective to the classroom, inspiring a new generation of engineers. His teaching emphasized not only technical skills but also the importance of ethical practices and environmental stewardship in mining operations.

Arrival in Bodie

In the early 20th century, Theodore Hoover arrived in Bodie, California, a booming mining town known for its rich gold deposits. Bodie, once a thriving gold rush town in the late 1800s, experienced fluctuating fortunes as mining activity waxed and waned. By the time Theodore Hoover arrived, the town had already seen its peak population and was in decline.

Contributions to Mining in Bodie

Theodore Hoover’s contributions to Bodie were marked by his work as a mining engineer and manager. He was employed by the Standard Consolidated Mining Company, one of the most significant mining enterprises in Bodie. Under his leadership, Hoover implemented more efficient mining techniques and technologies, which helped to extend the life of the mines in Bodie. His engineering skills and innovative approaches contributed to the extraction of gold and other precious metals, ensuring that the mines remained productive for a longer period.

While Theodore Hoover’s time in Bodie did not radically transform the town, his work left a lasting impact on the mining industry in the region. He exemplified the skilled and educated professionals who were essential to the continued operation of mining enterprises during a period when many such towns were facing decline. His contributions helped maintain employment and economic activity in Bodie for a longer period than might have been possible otherwise.

I suppose there has been no relative of any president of the United States who has received less benefit from the distinction of this relative than in my case. So far from having any benefit out of the situation it has only brought me expenses and knocks on the head; rotten press, publicity and other decided handicaps.

Theodore Jesse Hoover

Contributions to Conservation

Theodore Hoover was a pioneer in the field of conservation. He recognized the environmental impacts of mining and advocated for sustainable practices long before it became a widespread concern. Hoover’s work included promoting the reclamation of mined lands, the efficient use of natural resources, and the protection of water quality.

His contributions to conservation were not limited to his professional work. Hoover was actively involved in various conservation organizations and initiatives. He served on the board of directors for several environmental groups and was a vocal advocate for policies that balanced economic development with environmental protection.

Later Life and Legacy

In addition to his work in engineering and conservation, Theodore Hoover played a significant role in the development of Stanford University. He served as the first dean of Stanford’s School of Engineering from 1925 to 1936, where he helped shape the school’s curriculum and fostered an environment of innovation and excellence.

Hoover retired from Stanford in 1936 but continued to be active in both professional and community affairs. He authored several books and papers on mining, metallurgy, and conservation, contributing valuable knowledge to these fields.

Theodore Jesse Hoover passed away on May 4, 1955, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, education, and environmental stewardship. His work as an engineer, educator, and conservationist had a lasting impact on the mining industry and helped pave the way for more sustainable practices.

Theodore Jesse Hoover’s life was marked by a commitment to excellence and a forward-thinking approach to the challenges of his time. His contributions to mining engineering and conservation continue to be relevant today, reflecting his vision of a world where technological progress and environmental preservation go hand in hand. Through his work and legacy, Theodore Hoover remains an inspiring figure in the history of engineering and environmental science.

References