Wiliam J. Belll Farm , Caro , Michigan 1903.

[jeff of pa]

with the odds against them of finding it all .
Just like we Never do.
If they missed 1 Can or even 1 Coin.
May be worth a Hunt with a detector.


Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.), 11 June 1903.





https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/...=&proxValue=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=27

 

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[Overseas]

I definitely would have bought my metal detector earlier if I would have known this years ago when I was passing through.

Thanks for bringing this to thia Michigander's attention!

 

[donrooker56]

I was excited when I read this bring that I’m 10 miles from Belding. I thought maybe Caro was a defunct old township. Disappointed to see it’s over near Detroit but still a fascinating piece.

 

[jeff of pa]

Deseret evening news. (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]), 05 June 1903.



https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/...ext=&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=2


=======

The Madison daily leader. (Madison, S.D.), 06 June 1903


https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/...ext=&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=2

 

[jeff of pa]

Ameryka echo. (Toledo, Ohio), 13 June 1903.

{POLISH)



https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/...ext=&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1


Possibly Mile West of Caro?

Best I can do.



W. Caro, Mich., William Bell died who for many years lived alone on his farm like the last stranger, although in a shed among the opai trees he had hidden $ 12,000 in cash

opai
opai Trees ? opal trees ?

 

[Toecutter]

Just spoke with local librarian shes gonna see what she can find for me, shes pretty good with that stuff, thanks again Jeff

 

[jeff of pa]

Good Luck

Unfortunately he boarded on a neighbors Property, & It doesn't list the Neighbors name. so tracking the property may take some work.

It also says He kept his property where it couldn't be TAXED, sO a paper trail,
if any would be very limited.

If Caro had a Small Local Newspaper, that would be a Help
Because they probably went into more detail, maybe even Followed that hunt & rumors of the Weeks following his death. & May be the only paper trail with location
mentioned.

of course Old Timer Rumors, Perhaps the story was Repeated in a local history
when it was still remembered by the living

 

[Toecutter]

If it is west of town it is all farm land for 20 or 30 miles, They also say they searched the house and barn, Im guessing the house was in shambles and probably didn't stay standing long after his death.

Geo Gunsell might be a relative of my neighbor he is a Gunsell and retired sheriff I'll ask him if hes herd of the story.

She is checking the local paper, Caro is the county seat so I have easy access to the government buildings, also helps i used to service all their printers lol

 

[teleprospector]

There should be an address on the death record or check census records. I will check it out using dowsing and see what comes up.
Jon

 

[Toecutter]

Any help will be greatly appreciated Jon, i have never searched death records or census, I'll give it a go today, thank you!!

 

[teleprospector]

Any help will be greatly appreciated Jon, i have never searched death records or census, I'll give it a go today, thank you!!

You're welcome Toecutter,
Looks like at least 3 people were poking around based on the articles I've come across.
On the census Wm. Bell (poss born 1835) may be listed as a servant since he was a tenant/border on someone else's farm. This will give you an address for him.
Even tho he was an "eccentric" bachelor miser, he couldn't have hidden from everyone. The landowner also would have been asked who was boarding on the property during the census. You may find something on the census from 1830 to 1900
Hope this helps
Jon

 

[teleprospector]

Hi Toecutter,
My research person in my treasure club found some information for you.
Do you want PM or email?
Jon

 

[Toecutter]

Hi Toecutter,
My research person in my treasure club found some information for you.
Do you want PM or email?
Jon

Thanks Jon i sent ya a PM

 

[uglymailman]

I hope you find the spot and have good fortune there. You might think of giving Jeff of PA a 10% finders fee for turning you onto the story. Good luck.

 

[Toecutter]

Both Jon and Jeff will feel the love if i turn something up, and a man is only as good as his word

 

[ken135]

Not sure if anyone followed up on this lead or not but I found this about 1.5 miles north of Caro.