The view from the top of Silver Mountain looking east.

From time to time, I come across unusual tales about lost finds of precious metals. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is well known for its mineral wealth. The same geological processes that make copper also create gold and silver. They are often found together. It is not unusual to read that the copper mines were also producing considerable silver. In the 1800s there was a small gold rush around Negaunee and Ishpeming with over 30 mines producing gold.

Consequently, it is not unusual to hear a tale of a trapper or logger stumbling across nuggets or a vein of rich minerals. Tales of lost gold and silver come to light every now and then.

I came across this story in an old newspaper. It is an interesting story and I decided I should reprint it. This is from a 1917 edition of the Mining Journal.

“Carries Secret to Grave

“Zeba Indian Claimed to Have Found Gold in Baraga County.

“John Hulbert Adams, known as John Hulbert, an aged Indian, died the latter part of the past week at Zeba, the Indian Reservation near L’anse. For a number of years he was employed as a timber cruiser.

“Hulbert is supposed to have found gold in the Silver Mountains and while his story was regarded by persons who knew him intimately as pure fiction, outsiders were inclined to believe him. So far as is known, Hulbert carried his secret to his grave.

“Prospectors endeavored to locate the vein without success. John was fond of ‘firewater’ but no matter how much he consumed he never could be induced to take anyone to the spot. On his excursions into the woods he was frequently followed, but with Indian cunning he would elude his pursuers.”

The Silver Mountains are west of Baraga and are part of the Sturgeon River basin. It is very rugged country. Stories like Hulbert’s keeps the dream of lost U.P. treasure alive.

The mist dances above the Sturgeon River Falls in the sunshine. Could it reveal lost gold?

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