Gideon Roberts was a minor but notable figure in the legend of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine, a fabled gold deposit hidden in Arizona’s Superstition Mountains. Little is known about his personal life, as historical records provide sparse details, and he is primarily referenced in connection to the events surrounding Jacob Waltz’s death in 1891.
Early Life and Background
Virtually no verifiable information exists about Gideon Roberts’ birth, upbringing, or early life. Some accounts suggest he was a Phoenix local and possibly a miner by trade, as he owned a lot in Phoenix near Julia Thomas’ property around 1891. One source indicates he hailed from Trinidad, Las Animas County, Colorado, and spent winters in Phoenix, but this lacks corroboration. His age is also unclear, though some narratives describe him as significantly older than his associate, Dick Holmes, and possibly closer in age to Jacob Waltz, who was around 80 at the time of his death.
Role in the Lost Dutchman Legend
Gideon Roberts is most prominently mentioned in connection to the deathbed scene of Jacob Waltz, the German immigrant known as “the Dutchman,” who allegedly discovered the mine. In October 1891, Waltz was gravely ill with pneumonia and was being cared for by Julia Thomas in Phoenix. According to accounts, Thomas left to find a doctor and encountered Roberts and Dick Holmes, a young prospector, on the street. She brought them to her home to watch over Waltz. That night, on October 25, 1891, Waltz reportedly shared the location of his mine and bequeathed a box containing 48 pounds of rich gold ore to Holmes, with Roberts present as a witness.
Roberts’ presence during this pivotal moment lends credibility to Holmes’ claim to the gold and the mine’s clues, as he corroborated Holmes’ story. However, unlike Holmes, who spent years searching for the mine, there is no definitive record of Roberts actively pursuing it himself. Some sources speculate he may have been too old or lacked the means to undertake such a quest.
Later Life and Legacy
Details about Gideon Roberts’ life after 1891 are scarce. It is generally reported that he died shortly after Waltz’s death, though no specific date or cause is provided in most accounts. This lack of information has led to speculation about his role and even his existence, with some modern researchers questioning whether he was a distinct individual or conflated with other figures in the legend. For example, one source references a “Gideon O. Roberds” (note the spelling variation) as a possible identity, but this remains unverified.
Roberts’ legacy is overshadowed by more prominent figures like Dick Holmes and Julia Thomas, and he is often omitted from detailed retellings of the Lost Dutchman story. His brief role as a witness to Waltz’s final moments remains his primary contribution to the legend, adding a layer of intrigue to the conflicting narratives surrounding the mine’s location.
Historical Context and Challenges
The scarcity of information about Gideon Roberts reflects the broader challenges of the Lost Dutchman legend, which is riddled with contradictory accounts and unverifiable details. Most books on the subject focus on Waltz, Holmes, or later treasure hunters, leaving Roberts as a footnote. His fleeting presence underscores the elusive nature of the mine itself, which has captivated treasure hunters for over a century but remains undiscovered.