Treasure Diggers
“Countless treasures yet remain hid in the earth. Speed the plough, ply the hoe, ‘Twill all come to light.” — Vermont Watchman and State Journal
During the early nineteenth century, treasure hunting was a popular activity in New England.2 Many enthusiasts, who were also Christians and spiritualists, believed they possessed a “second sight” or a special intuition that could guide them to hidden riches. They often employed tools and techniques such as divining rods, seer stones, and folk magic rituals to aid their searches.1
There were several treasure hunters in and around Palmyra including Sally Chase and Luman Walters, and as a young man, Joseph Smith was hired by Josiah Stowell to look for Spanish silver.3
