Tag: Jacob Waltz

Jacob Waltz, often shrouded in myth and mystery, is a legendary figure in Arizona’s history, known primarily for his association with the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine. According to lore, Waltz, a German immigrant, allegedly discovered a rich gold vein in the Superstition Mountains during the 19th century. His life remains enigmatic, with conflicting tales about his origins, the authenticity of his discovery, and the subsequent fate of the mine. Despite skepticism from historians, Waltz’s legacy endures as a symbol of the allure and elusive nature of hidden treasures in the American Southwest.

Dick Holmes

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Early Life

Richard J. “Dick” Holmes was born on July 18, 1865, near Fort Whipple in the Arizona Territory. Raised in a rugged frontier environment, Holmes grew up amidst the economic activities of cattle ranching and mining, which were central to the Holmes family’s prominence in the Phoenix area. Little is known about his formal education or early personal life, but his familiarity with the Arizona landscape and its challenges shaped his later pursuits. By his mid-twenties, Holmes was a known figure in the territory, respected for his tenacity and resourcefulness.

Connection to Jacob Waltz and the Lost Dutchman Mine

Holmes became a pivotal figure in the legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine, a tale centered on Jacob Waltz, a German immigrant prospector who allegedly discovered a rich gold mine in the Superstition Mountains. According to accounts, Holmes had some acquaintance with Waltz, possibly through mutual activities in the region. One story claims Holmes once attempted to trail Waltz into the Superstition Mountains to uncover the location of his mine but was discovered and warned at gunpoint to abandon the pursuit. This incident, if true, underscores the secretive and dangerous nature of Waltz’s endeavors.

On October 25, 1891, Holmes and his friend Gideon Roberts were present at the deathbed of Jacob Waltz in the home of Julia Thomas, a Phoenix woman who had cared for Waltz during his final illness. According to Holmes, Waltz, in his dying moments, bequeathed him approximately 48 pounds of high-grade gold ore stored in a candle box under his bed and shared clues about the mine’s location. Holmes’ narrative, supported by Roberts, asserts that Waltz entrusted him with this wealth and knowledge, though some accounts suggest Holmes may have taken the ore without Waltz’s explicit permission, leading to a feud with Thomas and her associates, Rhinehart and Hermann Petrasch. The gold ore was reportedly taken to Goldman’s Store in Phoenix, where it was assayed at an astonishing $110,000 per ton, with gold valued at $20.64 per ounce in 1891. Some of the ore was sent to a San Francisco jeweler in 1892 to craft a matchbox, ring, tie pin, and cuff links, as documented by shipping papers.

The Holmes Narrative and the Lost Dutchman Legend

Holmes’ account of Waltz’s mine paints a darker picture than other versions, particularly that of Julia Thomas. He claimed the mine was located on the west side of the Superstition Mountains and that Waltz had acquired it by killing its previous owners, possibly Mexican descendants of the Peralta family. Holmes also alleged Waltz was ruthlessly protective, even killing his own nephew to safeguard the mine’s secrecy. These claims, passed down primarily through Holmes’ son, George “Brownie” Holmes, and a document known as the Holmes Manuscript, have been met with skepticism due to their second-hand nature and the lack of corroborating evidence. The Holmes Manuscript, whose authorship is disputed (with some attributing it to Brownie or Charles Frederick Higham), is a key text in Dutchman lore, though Brownie denied writing it until his death in 1981. Despite these controversies, the manuscript and Holmes’ story have fueled generations of treasure hunters.

Search for the Mine

Following Waltz’s death, Holmes dedicated years to searching for the Lost Dutchman Mine, driven by the gold ore and the clues he claimed to have received. His efforts were marked by intense paranoia and mistrust, a trait shared with his son Brownie, who continued the search after Holmes’ health declined. Holmes never publicly revealed precise details about the mine’s location, and if he found it, he kept it secret. His searches were fruitless in terms of locating the mine, and he remained a figure of intrigue and suspicion among other Dutchman hunters. The lack of success, combined with the high value of the ore he possessed, has led some to speculate that the ore might have come from another source or that Holmes exaggerated Waltz’s story.

Later Life and Legacy

Holmes continued to live in the Phoenix area, involved in local economic activities, until his death on October 31, 1930. His son Brownie, born in 1892, inherited his father’s obsession with the Lost Dutchman Mine and spent much of his life searching, often misleading others to protect potential clues. The Holmes family’s narrative, particularly through the Holmes Manuscript, remains a cornerstone of the Lost Dutchman legend, despite its inconsistencies and lack of verifiable details. Historians like Tom Kollenborn have noted the difficulty in separating fact from fiction in Holmes’ story, citing the misinformation and conflicting accounts that surround it.

Dick Holmes’ role in the Lost Dutchman Mine saga is both central and enigmatic. His possession of the gold ore, his deathbed encounter with Waltz, and his relentless search for the mine have cemented his place in Arizona’s folklore. Yet, the truth of his claims—whether he was a recipient of Waltz’s trust or an opportunist who capitalized on a dying man’s wealth—remains shrouded in the mystery of the Superstition Mountains. His legacy endures through the enduring allure of the Lost Dutchman Mine, a testament to the power of gold and the human drive to uncover hidden treasures.

Adolph Ruth

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The disappearance and death of Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona in 1931 is one of the most enduring mysteries associated with the legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine. Ruth, a 66-year-old veterinarian and amateur treasure hunter from Washington, D.C., vanished while searching for the fabled mine, and the subsequent discovery of his remains—marked by evidence suggesting foul play—sparked national attention and fueled speculation that persists to this day. This report chronicles Ruth’s expedition, the search efforts, the discovery of his remains, and the theories surrounding his death, drawing on historical accounts while acknowledging the ambiguities that shroud the case.

Background and Expedition

Adolph Ruth was born in 1866 and worked as a veterinarian in Washington, D.C. His passion for treasure hunting developed in the early 20th century, inspired by tales of lost mines in the American West. In 1919, while searching for the Pegleg Mine in California’s Anza-Borrego Desert, Ruth fell into a ravine, breaking his hip and requiring metal pins and a cane for mobility thereafter. His interest in the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine, a legendary gold vein purportedly discovered by German immigrant Jacob Waltz in Arizona’s Superstition Mountains, intensified in the 1920s after his son, Erwin Ruth, acquired maps allegedly linked to the Peralta family, who were said to have mined in the region during the 19th century.

In May 1931, Ruth arrived in Arizona, determined to locate the mine. He stayed at the Quarter Circle U Ranch, owned by William A. “Tex” Barkley, a seasoned rancher familiar with the Superstitions. Barkley, aware of the mountains’ treacherous terrain and the summer’s extreme heat, urged Ruth to abandon his plan, citing his age and physical limitations. Ruth, undeterred, insisted on proceeding. Barkley agreed to arrange for Ruth to be packed into the mountains but asked him to wait a few days while he attended to business in Phoenix. Impatient, Ruth convinced two of Barkley’s ranch hands, Leroy Purnell and Jack Keenan, to escort him to a camp at Willow Spring in West Boulder Canyon on June 13, 1931.

Ruth’s camp was established, and he wrote a letter to his family on June 14, noting he was “just north and west of Weaver’s Needle,” a prominent landmark in the Superstitions. This was his last known communication. His plan was to spend two weeks in the mountains, but he did not return as scheduled.

The Ruth Peralta Map
The Ruth Peralta Map

Initial Search Efforts

Ruth was reported missing on June 18, 1931, by Tex Barkley after Jack Keenan and Cal Morse, a local gas station owner, noted his absence from the Willow Spring camp. On June 19, a search commenced, focusing on the area around Willow Spring, but no trace of Ruth was found. The rugged terrain, extreme heat, and limited resources hampered early efforts. At the time, search operations were rudimentary compared to modern standards, often involving only a handful of locals, such as sheriffs and ranchers, with jurisdictional disputes between Maricopa and Pinal Counties further complicating coordination.

On June 25, Cal Morse contacted Maricopa County Sheriff James MacFadden to report Ruth’s disappearance, despite the Willow Spring camp being in Pinal County. This decision, possibly influenced by Morse’s connections in Maricopa County, meant that Maricopa authorities led the investigation, a point later criticized as unusual. The initial search was brief and yielded no results, and by late summer, hope of finding Ruth alive had faded.

A peculiar development occurred when a bottle containing a note, allegedly written by Ruth, was found floating in the Salt River. The note read, “I’m sitting under a tree in a creek with leg broke. I’ve got to have help quick. Finder of this note please give to Howard Peterson. Ruth. P.S. Have found the lost Dutchman.” The note, retrieved by Delbert Daley but initially returned to the river, prompted renewed interest when it was later recovered. However, its authenticity was questioned, as it suggested Ruth had survived longer than evidence later indicated, and some speculated it was a fabrication to support theories of natural death over murder.

The skull of Adolph Ruth being held by searcher Brownie Holmes.
The skull of Adolph Ruth being held by searcher Brownie Holmes.

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Discovery of Remains

On December 10, 1931, an archaeological expedition led by Richie Lewis and George “Brownie” Holmes stumbled upon a human skull near the “Spanish Racetrack” at the north end of Bluff Springs Mountain, approximately six miles from Ruth’s camp. The skull, found under a palo verde tree, was identified by anthropologist Dr. Ales Hrdlicka, who compared it to Ruth’s dental records and confirmed it as his. Hrdlicka’s examination revealed two holes in the skull, which he concluded were bullet holes, likely from a high-powered rifle or shotgun fired at close range, with a small entry wound and a larger exit wound.

The discovery, reported by The Arizona Republic on December 13, 1931, reignited public interest and prompted a new search. In January 1932, Ruth’s skeletal remains were found about three-quarters of a mile from the skull, scattered by scavengers but accompanied by personal effects, including his pistol (fully loaded), metal pins from his leg, a journal, and a checkbook. The checkbook contained a note with the Latin phrase “Veni, Vidi, Vici” (“I came, I saw, I conquered”) and directions to a cave, suggesting Ruth believed he had located the mine. Notably, the map he carried was missing, fueling speculation of foul play.

The search party, led by Maricopa County’s Jeff Adams and Tex Barkley, followed the directions in Ruth’s note to a cave on Peters Mesa but found no mine. Some accounts suggest Barkley admitted to moving Ruth’s remains to prevent treasure hunters from disrupting his cattle grazing on Peters Mesa, a claim that raised suspicions of his involvement.

Investigation and Theories

Maricopa County authorities, led by Sheriff MacFadden, did not convene a criminal inquest, concluding that Ruth likely died of thirst, heart disease, or even suicide. They argued the bullet holes could have resulted from postmortem damage or that Ruth shot himself, though this was widely criticized as implausible, given the lack of a missing bullet in his pistol and the difficulty of explaining how he could have reloaded after such a wound. Erwin Ruth, Adolph’s son, vehemently rejected these explanations, insisting his father was murdered for his map, a view shared by many treasure hunters and locals.

Several theories emerged about Ruth’s death:

  1. Murder for the Map: The prevailing theory, supported by the bullet holes and missing map, posits that Ruth was killed by someone seeking his directions to the mine. Suspects included Purnell and Keenan, who escorted him, or others in the area, such as Tex Barkley or unknown prospectors. Some speculated the mine was already being worked secretly, and Ruth’s accurate map threatened to expose it.
  2. Natural Causes or Accident: Authorities suggested Ruth succumbed to the harsh environment, possibly exacerbated by his physical condition. The bullet holes were attributed to scavengers or later tampering, though this explanation failed to account for the forensic evidence. The note in the bottle, if authentic, suggested a broken leg, but no such injury was confirmed in his remains.
  3. Conspiracy and Cover-Up: Some researchers, citing inconsistencies in the search and investigation, proposed a cover-up involving local figures like Barkley or Adams. The decision to have Maricopa County handle the case, despite the crime scene being in Pinal County, and the destruction of pre-1935 sheriff’s records in 2008, fueled suspicions of suppressed evidence. Barkley’s alleged movement of the body and the reluctance of key figures like Gertrude Barkley to discuss the case added to the intrigue.
  4. Alternative Motives: Another theory suggests Ruth was searching for something other than the Lost Dutchman’s Mine, possibly a different cache or Spanish artifacts, as hinted by discoveries in the area by Ray Howland in 1930. His remains’ location near Peters Mesa, far from his camp, and the shift in search focus to the Salt River area raised questions about his true objective.

Aftermath and Legacy

Ruth’s death made national news, transforming the Lost Dutchman’s Mine from a local legend into a cultural phenomenon. The Arizona Republic and other outlets sensationalized the story, drawing treasure hunters to the Superstitions and cementing the region’s mystique. The mystery deepened with subsequent disappearances in the mountains, including that of J.A. “Tex” Bradford in 1933 and James A. Cravey in 1947, further fueling tales of a “curse” associated with the mine.

Erwin Ruth continued to advocate for a murder investigation, but no one was ever charged. The last person involved in the investigation died in 1980, and the destruction of Maricopa County’s pre-1935 records in 2008 eliminated potential evidence. The maps Ruth carried, whether singular or multiple, remain a subject of debate, with some accounts suggesting Erwin was vague or contradictory about their details.

The Adolph Ruth case remains unresolved, a testament to the Superstition Mountains’ allure and danger. His death, marked by bullet holes and a missing map, suggests foul play, but the lack of definitive evidence leaves room for speculation. Whether Ruth was a victim of greed, misadventure, or a larger conspiracy, his story endures as a pivotal chapter in the legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Mine, inspiring adventurers and historians alike to unravel its secrets.

The Coolidge Examiner Articles About Disappearance of Adolph Ruth

The desperate search for Adolph Rush as reported by the Coolidge Examiner, July 17, 1931

The Coolidge Examiner – The Search for Ruth Still Futile

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth The Coolidge Examiner of July 17, 1931 headlines the "Search for Ruth Still Futile" as he is lost looking…
Buried on page 2, The Coolige Examiner states on August 7th, 1931 that the Search for Ruth is suspended.

The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Ruth Suspended

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth The Coolidge Examiner of August 7, 1931 announces the Search for Rush Suspended due to heat in the Superstition…
The Coolidge Examine annoucing the presumed death of Adolph Ruth in December 1931

The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains

The Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains ends it tragedy as reported by the Coolidge Examiner on December 18, 1931. After months of…
Coolidge Examiner Article published November 11,1932 reports that Adolph Ruth is the nineth person lost looking for the Logs Dutchman Mine.

The Coolidge Examiner – Lookout Station on Superstition Mountain

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth Adolph Ruth was a nove treasure hunter whose pursuit of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine led to his mysterious…

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

The Kansas City Journal, Sunday February 17, 1895

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The Kansas City Journal, Sunday February 17, 1895 outlines the initial legend of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine.
The Kansas City Journal, Sunday February 17, 1895 outlines the initial legend of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine.

The Kansas City Journal, Sunday February 17, 1895 outlines the initial legend of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine of Jacob Waltz. This version of the origin story has Jacob Waltz purchasing the mine from the Peralta Family. Allegedly, he concealed the mine for fears of retaliation after he killed six Mexican miners on his initial journey to the mine.

A LOST EL DORADO.

A MINE IN THE SUPERSTITION MOUNTAINS OF COLORADO

The Half-told Tale of an Old Miser Afraid to Return to the Source of His Mysteriously Gotten Wealth

That there exists an undiscovered gold mine of fabulous wealth near a point In the Superstition mountains not more than fifty miles from Phoenix: has long been an article faith among a number of mining men In a position to rift the mass of accumulated during the put (unity jean. The fact and individual statements, although emanating from widely diverse sources and furnished by persons who could hao had no possible communication with one another, all agree In n remarkable in inner as to the description of the mine, and, what Is still more convincing, are unanimous In Indicating in particular quarter of the mountains In question as the place of Its location.

Years ago Indians boasted to the early settlers – notably to the discoverers of the celebrated Antelope diggings – of the wonderful wealth of this deposit, and even pointed out vaguely the direction In which It lay Plmas, Marlcopas, Apaches- all claim a knowledge of it, though nothing can even tempt one of them to disclose Its exact whereabouts. Mexicans- even Mexicans of mean equipped with elaborate maps of the mysterious region, had more than once made journeys from Sonora in the hope of enriching themselves at this storied Ophlr. They even name fortunate countrymen of theirs who in former years, running the gauntlet of Gringo and Apache, have surreptitiously worked the mine for a few weeks at a time and returned to the land of Mannna with gold laden burros. Lacking citizenship to enable them to claim the mine, they meretly helped themselves hurriedly to what they could get and departed, after covering all traces of their work.

The district designated Is not extensive. It lies within an Imaginary circle whoso diameter Is not more than five miles and whose center Is marked by the Weaver’s Needle, a prominent and fantastic pinnacle of volcanic tufa that rises to a height of 2,500 feet among a confusion of lesser peaks and mountainous mases of basaltic rock Ono can reach Its base only after struggling through a network of bowlder choked canyons and well nigh Impregnable thickets. In Its weird loneliness it scorns an Index finger marking the location of some hidden my story. Owing to Its resemblance, from one point of view, to a pointed sombrero, says a Phoenix correspondent of the San Francisco Chronicle, the Mexicans and Indians call It Sombrero butte, or rather El Sombrero, and It Is the landmark around which cluster all the tales of treasure referred to, whether Indian, Mexican or frontiersman. Americans have given It the name of Weaver’s Needle, in memory of old Paullne Weaver, the well known trapper and pioneer of the Southwest.

In regard to the mine, It cannot be doubted, in the face of the conclusive evidence adduced, that It really has an existence; though in view of the numerous and unavailing efforts to discover It, made during a period of years. It seems more than likely that It has been forever hidden by some landslide or cloudburst, or perhaps by the earthquake that gave thl3 range a severe shaking up In 1887.

During the past year all the old stories have been revived and a new impetus has been given to the search, which has been
conducted spasmodically ever since the settlement of the territory, by reason of the deathbed disclosures of an old Ger-mi- n, who, In his last hours, confided to the woman nursing him how he and a partner worked that very mine In 18933,
until the latter was killed by Apaches.

Jacob Waltz, for thus he signed his name, though he was better known as ‘ Old Dutch Yoccub” to the few with whom he came In contact, had taken a fancy to the woman, who had, in fact, taken care of him during the last few 5 years of his helpless life, and had given her gold nuggets on several occasions. He had been a resident of the territory for thirty years and had lived for twenty
years of this time on a little ranch near Phoenix, where ho had a small ‘vineyard and orchard He was morose, miserly and uncommunicative, avoiding contact with men, and was always suspected of having a burled treasure, for he was known to have sold gold nuggets at different times, though he never went out In the mountains. It was only when he was convinced that he had to let go of life that he endeavored to inform the woman his only friend how to go to the mine, and also. It appears, to divulge the hiding place of his burled treasure. But he had cultivated the habit of reluctance and secretiveness too long, and death overtook him, even while he was struggling to make himself Intelligible.

Of course, his beneficiary lost no time after the funeral in turning over with the shovel every foot of the old man’s little piece of property which, by the way, he left to her by will but there are those who have shrewd suspicions that the treasure was found by another. The only gold found on the place was a few particles remaining in the seams of four buckskin sacks unearthed from the bottom of “Old Yoccup’s” trunk. His directions, too, in regard to finding the mine were at fault, or else (which Is probable, his hearer being a woman and relying entirely on her memory ) she got them mixed. She made several trips to the supposed locality, taking with her experienced prospectors, but all to no purpose, finally the made the story public, and since then scores of prospectors have scoured the “suspected district” In vain.

Hero Is a short outline of “Old Yoccup’s” story as told by himself and repeated by his only hearer: At the beginning of the civil war, being at that time in Arizona, he went over Into Sonora to avoid military duty, and there made the acquaintance of the Peralta family, with whom he became quite Intimate. Speaking of Arizona, they told him that they owned a largo grant in that country, which, however, being nothing but a desert, was valueless, except for a rich gold mine from which they had drawn “poll wealth. They had worked It in the forties, sending up a band of trusty peons, who always returned, in a few months’ time, their burrows loaded with the precious yellow metal, which was obtained without mill or machinery of any kind. All that was needed was a hammer to break It out of the quartz. ,

Believing that they had lost the title to their grant, as a result of the Mexican war, the Peralta’s sold to “Old Yoccup” for a trifle the Information necessary to enable him to And the mine, and their description of Its glittering wealth was sufficient to start him at or back to Arizona. At Tucson he picked up a partner in the shape of another German, also named Jacob, and together they set out for the Superstition mountains, which, even at that early day, enjoyed the uncanny reputation indicated by their name. Arriving at the Initial point mentioned in Peralta’s Instructions “the first gorge on the south side, from the west end of the range” they found, as he had told them, a monumented trail which led them “northward over a lofty ridge; thence downward past Sombrero butte Into a long canyon running north, and finally to a tributary canyon very “deep and rocky, and densely wooded with a continuous thicket of scrub oak.”

Here the woman Is at fault, She has forgotten whether the canyon enters from the east or west. Proceeding up this canyon with difficulty, they were startled by a repeated knocking a short distance ahead, as of some ono breaking rock, and with rifles ready for instant use they advanced with caution. Presently, on the steep slope about 100 feet above them they spled two Indians busy breaking rock. This was evidently the much desired mine; and If so, it was no time, for trifling. They did not propose to be balked of a fortune now almost In their hands by a naked Indlan or two. Each picked his man, and, taking careful aim, they dropped the interlopers in their tracks. The smoke had hardly cleared away when they were horrified see two more Indians, who appeared to come out of the earth. They began to fear that they had got Into a hornet’s nest, but they were In It for It now, and without more ado they dispatched these two by the same road as the others. Then two more jumped up and began running up the hill, endeavoring to hide themselves in the brush. By good luck they dropped these also, and as no more of them appeared after they remained concealed a reasonable time the Germans climbed up the dump of the shaft for such they found It to be congratulating themselves that the golden treasure was theirs at last.

On examination of the bodies of the supposed Indians their exultation changed to horror. The men were Mexican- naked, it Is true, but that Is the way the Mexican miners prefer to work underground They had murdered six men In cold blood! The unfortunates were doubtless some of the Peralta peons, who had been working the mine on their own account, They probably
had friends, who, on their failure to return, would come In search of them, and the matter would end In the arrest and conviction of the two Germans.

At any rale, this Is what “Old Yoccup” and his partner thought, and on that account they feared it would not be safe to
claim the mine and work it openly. They planned, therefore, to get what gold they could in week or two of work, and then, after covering the mine, leave the country to return at some future time.

Their first care was to go back along the trail and throw down all the monuments that had made It so easy for them to reach
the spot. The bodies they threw Into the shaft, for they had found a rich cropping of the auriferous quartz lower down the bank where there was more gold than quartz.

The shaft, It appears is about sevens-five feet deep, and made in Mexican style, with flaring wall, rendering ladders unnecessary. After two weeks of work “Old Yoccob” had to make a trip to Florence for supplies. It was a three days’ journey. On his return he found his partner lying dead killed by Apaches. After that he was afraid to stay there alone, but before leaving the spot he
dragged his partner’s body Into the tunnel they had made, which he then walled up and covered over. The shaft, he
thought, was not likely to be discovered, as It was high above the gulch and pretty well concealed by the brush.

There arc those that believe that “Old Yoccup” murdered his partner after they had worked together covering up the
mine, as they had planned. However this may be, certain it Is that the old man never profiled by his gold. His superstitious fears always prevented him from returning to the spot. No doubt he believed it to be haunted, and it was so, for him. For the remainder of his life he was a morbid, fearful and broken-down old man, afraid to look his fellow man in the eye, and not even daring to enjoy his wealth. It was believed by his neighbors that he saw ghosts, and persons passing his cabin frequently heard his voice in tones of fear and supplication as though he were addressing some menacing presence. He never told the woman who cared for him toward the last gold he had brought away from the mine, but whether it was $10,000, or $50,OOO, as some suppose, the amount must be still nearly Intact, as he was never known to spend any money. He gave her at one time $5,000 to raise a mortgage, and at other times nuggets amounting in all to about $15,000. But that there Is more of it somewhere is proved by the
fact that he was In the act of telling her where to find It when death overtook him.

It Is a curious fact that the Indians describe just such a mine, with a tunnel and shaft. In that same vicinity, with Sombrero butte ni a landmark; and they also say that the tunnel has been walled up and covered over. This Is also the description of It given by the Mexicans, who have come In search of It at different times. The great clue from which all the search Is now being made Is a rock cabin In a cave, which, according to “Old Yoccup’- story, lay directly across the canyon from the mine, and not more than 200 feet from It. It was here that the two Germans lived while they worked the mine.

It Is a coincidence that the writer succeeded In finding a rock cabin in a cave, very near the region referred to; but It
was the work of the cliff dwellers, and, besides, there was no mine on the opposite side of the canyon.

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

The Curse of the Dutchman’s Gold by Helen Corbin

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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 Jacob Watlz’s mine. The book does an excellent job of documenting the history of the most enduring legends of the American Southwest: the tale of the Lost Dutchman’s Mine. Nestled in the rugged Superstition Mountains of Arizona, the story of this elusive treasure has captivated adventurers, historians, and treasure hunters for over a century. Corbin’s book offers a comprehensive exploration of the legend, blending historical research, folklore, and personal accounts to create a rich narrative that is both informative and enthralling.

Engaging Narrative and Rich Historical Context

Corbin excels in setting the stage, providing a detailed historical context that enriches the reader’s understanding of the legend. She meticulously traces the origins of the Lost Dutchman’s Mine, starting with the enigmatic figure of Jacob Waltz, the “Dutchman” himself. Through Corbin’s vivid storytelling, Waltz comes to life as a complex character, shrouded in mystery and intrigue. The book doesn’t merely recount the legend; it delves into the socio-economic backdrop of the time, exploring the broader context of mining booms and the cultural tapestry of the American West.

Meticulous Research and Diverse Perspectives

One of the book’s strengths is its thorough research. Corbin has sifted through an array of sources, from historical documents and old maps to interviews with contemporary treasure hunters. This diligent research is evident in the depth and breadth of information presented. Corbin also presents various theories about the mine’s location and the curse supposedly protecting it, offering multiple perspectives that allow readers to form their own opinions. The inclusion of personal anecdotes and firsthand accounts adds a layer of authenticity and immediacy to the narrative.

Captivating and Atmospheric Descriptions

The author’s descriptive prowess shines as she brings the Superstition Mountains to life. Her descriptions of the harsh yet beautiful landscape create a vivid backdrop for the story, immersing the reader in the treacherous and alluring terrain where the legend unfolds. Corbin’s ability to convey the atmosphere of the mountains—their eerie stillness, the rugged beauty, and the palpable sense of mystery—enhances the overall reading experience.

Corbin strikes a balance between entertaining storytelling and scholarly analysis. While she doesn’t shy away from the more fantastical elements of the legend, she also provides a critical examination of the myths surrounding the Lost Dutchman’s Mine. This balanced approach allows readers to enjoy the story as a captivating legend while appreciating the rigorous historical inquiry that underpins the narrative.

The Curse of the Dutchman’s Gold is a compelling read that will appeal to history enthusiasts, treasure hunters, and anyone fascinated by the mysteries of the American West. Helen Corbin’s ability to weave together historical facts, folklore, and personal stories results in a book that is as informative as it is engaging. By the end of the journey, readers will find themselves not only more knowledgeable about the legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Mine but also deeply immersed in the enigmatic allure of the Superstition Mountains.

Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer in the legendary treasure, The Curse of the Dutchman’s Gold offers a captivating exploration of one of America’s most intriguing mysteries.

Book Summary

TitleThe Curse of the Dutchman’s Gold by Helen Corbin
AuthorHelen Corbin
PublisherFox West Publisher
Pages237 Pages