A Real Pot of Gold

MORTLEY, KRUMM, KINNARD

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 6/25/2011 at 18:32:05

The Grinnell Herald; Jan. 26, 1923

A REAL POT OF GOLD

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Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Mortley Had Over $800 Buried in Chicken House

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THE MONEY HAD BEEN HIDDEN IN AN OLD CAN

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Mr. Mortley Was Assisted to Locate Treasure as He Was Preparing to Leave

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Although they lived in apparent poverty on their farm southwest of Westfield, Mr. and Mrs. William Mortley, who were recently taken to the home of their son, James, near Lockman, had a real pot of gold buried in the chicken house. Through the assistance of Jacob Krumm and others, who were helping the old couple prepare for departure, an old can was found hidden behind an antiquated engine that contained $820 in $20 gold pieces and some odd amounts of silver and currency.

When the old couple were informed that they were to be taken away they were told that they would be given a day to gather anything that they wished to take with them. The next morning Mr. Mortley was found searching in the shack that served as a chicken house. He could find nothing but after some assistance the small fortune was unearthed. In the hopes that some more plants would be found the old people were again given another day to find "anything else that they might want to take along" but they claimed that all their treasure had been found.

It will be remembered that the Mortleys lost a large sum in gold and currency about two years ago when their house burned. The money was concealed in an old stove. About a year ago some thieves went to the farm and attempted to force them to tell where their money was hidden. Mrs. Mortley died but a few days after being taken to the home of her son at Lockman.

According to reports certain fortune hunters have been delving in the earth at various places around the homestead during the past few days.

A sale of property on the place was made yesterday afternoon. Three horses from 8 to 12 years old that had never been broken to harness were sold running loose in the field. Two head brought $50 per head and the other $40. An old stallion was bid on by Jack Kinnard for $5. Mr. Kinnard told that he had offered Mr. Mortley $150 for the animal while times were prosperous but the owner insisted on having $2.50 more and the deal was not completed.