S.J.M. Rock with Map

[KY Hiker]

did anyone stop and think it might be reference to the north star

It could be, but since Lower Devils Creek runs North-South...? Also, old symbolism was the language of the masses, who were generally illiterate folks. This is partially why the Catholic Church used/uses so much symbolism in its construction of churches and cathedrals. Many protestant churches do the same. The eye knows the meaning without reading any words. Like today for instance, a hexagon is a stop sign, a cross is a holy symbol. A 5 pointed star has a different meaning than the 6 pointed star, same with 7 and 8 pointed stars. Think about how a 5 pointed star is drawn, then look at what would finish the one on the stone and the direction of the last stroke to complete it. When drawing a pentagonal star, the pen never leaves the paper and depending on if your right or left handed, determines the direction of travel making every point or turn. I think this stone has been thought of in the past as a marker for a buried stash. Instead, I think it was a way point for them. Not a pointer to the mines, but a pointer on where to leave the Indian trace or a heading to take when they do leave the trace. That last stroke to complete the star gave them a bearing, and the star itself had a specific meaning.

For example
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[Ken S.]

The last stroke could be the direction to travel too.

 

[KY Hiker]

And without being there and laying a compass beside it, we are no where...I hope it never got pushed or moved when the heavy equipment was used.
Time to re-watch the Gibson, Steely video at the Breaks. There is a lot of good info in that video.

 

[KY Hiker]

If the stone faces South so that it could be read heading up the creek (North) the missing line of the star would point toward Campton or (Swift Camp Creek) depending on how far from the mouth the rock is. There is also a creek East of Campton called Trace Fork off of Stillwater Creek which feeds the Red River. This could have been their route as well.



The water seems to be flowing toward the camera, so it could be facing generally South.

 

[franklin]

If you are looking at that stone and it is facing South. Then if you read the letters from right to left WBS should mean West by South or Southwest. The line on the star that is missing is also pointing Southwest.

 

[KY Hiker]

...but it would only be WBS if your standing on your head. Or would it be SBW? Why would one read it from right to left? I don't understand.

 

[franklin]

It could mean to go in the opposite direction? Maybe NorthEast

 

[Ken S.]

...but it would only be WBS if your standing on your head. Or would it be SBW? Why would one read it from right to left? I don't understand.

Hebrews read right to left at least the Hebrew language is written right to left.

 

[KY Hiker]

So Swift was dyslexic?
NE is my first thought, towards Campton, as you read the rock and your facing North.....looks like English letters to me, why try to make this more than it is?

Might want to read these again as KI has posted new pictures... looks like he has found one of Swift's early mines near the RRG!
http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/l...s-latest-swift-blog-all-clues-lead-swift.html
http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/lost-silver-mines-jonathan-swift/599606-carving-anchor-62-a.html
http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/l...7-travel-channel-documentary-about-swift.html

Also nearby is a rock called compass rock, some folks think they are to be used together...

 

[Ken S.]

just answered the question why read right to left. You ask the question and I answered it. So the missing line in the star point in what direction NE and SW

 

[KY Hiker]

just answered the question why read right to left. You ask the question and I answered it. So the missing line in the star point in what direction NE and SW

NE as there is nothing SW on the radar

 

[KY Hiker]

So Swift was dyslexic?
NE is my first thought, towards Campton, as you read the rock and your facing North.....looks like English letters to me, why try to make this more than it is?

Might want to read these again as KI has posted new pictures... looks like he has found one of Swift's early mines near the RRG!
http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/l...s-latest-swift-blog-all-clues-lead-swift.html
http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/lost-silver-mines-jonathan-swift/599606-carving-anchor-62-a.html
http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/l...7-travel-channel-documentary-about-swift.html

Also nearby is a rock called compass rock, some folks think they are to be used together...

I don't want anyone on here regularly to miss KI's latest posts click the links above...

 

[swiftfan]

MOST likely, West Virginia.

I can say, as a James myself, they did stop by and spend time with family after the WV bank robbery. In eastern Ky. Johns Creek in Floyd Co. This is from oral family stories.