Rhinehart Petrasch

Rhinehart Petrasch of Phoenix, Arizona, is best known for prospecting and ranching, and was said to have spent considerable time searching for the Lost Dutchman Mine. He had an influential figure in the development and history of the mining industry in the Southwestern United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His life and work contributed significantly to the economic growth of the region.

Early Life and Background

Rhinehart Petrasch was born on March 14, 1859, in Germany. His family immigrated to the United States when he was a young boy, settling in the Midwest before eventually moving to the Western territories. The promise of wealth and opportunity in the mining boom attracted the family westward, where Rhinehart and his siblings would make a significant impact.

Career in Mining

Petrasch initially worked in various mining camps across the West, gaining valuable experience and knowledge in mining operations. He became well-known for his skills as a prospector and his ability to locate valuable mineral deposits. His reputation grew, leading him to settle in Phoenix, Arizona, where he played a crucial role in the development of several key mining projects.

One of his most notable achievements was his involvement in the discovery and development of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine. The mine became legendary, not only for its purported riches but also for the mystery and lore that surrounded it. Although the exact details of Petrasch’s involvement remain somewhat shrouded in myth, his contributions to the mining community and local economy are well-documented.

Contributions to Phoenix and the Mining Community

Beyond his mining ventures, Rhinehart Petrasch was an active member of the Phoenix community. He invested in local businesses, supported infrastructure development, and was involved in various civic activities. His efforts helped shape the economic landscape of Phoenix and contributed to its growth as a burgeoning city in the American Southwest.

Legacy

Rhinehart Petrasch’s legacy is remembered in Arizona history as a pioneer of the mining industry. His work exemplified the rugged determination and entrepreneurial spirit that characterized the West during the mining boom. Although much of his life is intertwined with the myths and legends of the Old West, his tangible contributions to the development of Phoenix and the surrounding areas remain a testament to his impact.

Personal Life

Rhinehart Petrasch married his long-time partner, Emma, with whom he had three children. The family was known for their involvement in the local community, and Petrasch’s descendants continued to play active roles in Arizona’s development well into the 20th century.

Rhinehart Petrasch passed away on January 5, 1923, leaving behind a legacy of exploration, hard work, and community involvement. His story is a fascinating chapter in the rich history of Arizona and the American West.

References

Julia Thomas


Julia Thomas, a figure of historical significance in Phoenix, Arizona, was born in the mid-19th century. Her role in the passing of Jacob Waltz serves as the foundation to the legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine. Though much about her early life remains shrouded in mystery, it is known that Julia was of mixed African American and Native American descent, which shaped her experiences and opportunities in a rapidly changing America.

Move to Phoenix


Julia Thomas moved to the burgeoning city of Phoenix, Arizona, in the late 1800s. At a time when Phoenix was still developing from a small settlement into a thriving city, Julia’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish herself as a businesswoman. She opened an ice cream parlor, which became one of the earliest and most popular establishments in the area. Her business acumen and unique offerings in the hot Arizona climate made her parlor a community hub and a beloved local fixture.

The Lost Dutchman’s Mine


Julia Thomas is perhaps most famously connected with the legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Mine. In the late 1800s, she and her husband, along with a German immigrant named Jacob Waltz (known as “the Dutchman”), became involved in the search for a legendary gold mine rumored to be hidden in the Superstition Mountains near Phoenix. According to legend, Waltz had discovered the mine but took its location to his grave when he died in 1891. Julia, having nursed Waltz during his final days, was believed to have been privy to clues about the mine’s location.

After Waltz’s death, Julia and her partners organized several expeditions to locate the elusive mine. Although they never found it, the legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Mine grew, capturing the imaginations of countless treasure hunters and becoming a significant part of Arizona folklore. Julia’s association with this legend cemented her place in the annals of local history.

Later Years and Legacy


In her later years, Julia Thomas continued to live in Phoenix, remaining a respected and well-known figure in the community. Despite the challenges she faced as a woman of color in a predominantly white society, Julia’s resilience and entrepreneurial spirit left an indelible mark on the city’s history.

Julia Thomas’s legacy is multifaceted. She is remembered as a pioneering businesswoman who contributed to the early commercial life of Phoenix and as a key figure in one of Arizona’s most enduring legends. Her life story reflects the broader themes of perseverance, adventure, and the search for opportunity that characterized the American West during her time.

Julia Thomas passed away in the early 20th century, but her story continues to inspire and captivate those interested in the rich tapestry of Arizona’s history. Through her endeavors and the legends she helped perpetuate, Julia Thomas remains an iconic figure in the narrative of Phoenix, Arizona.

Further Reading

The Curse of the Dutchman's Gold by Helen Corbin

The Curse of the Dutchman’s Gold by Helen Corbin

The Curse of the Dutchman's Gold by Helen Corbin Helen Corbin's The Curse of the Dutchman's Gold is the first book I have read on…

References

Herman Petrasch

Herman Petrasch ( April 6 1864 - 23 Nov 23, 1953 ), Photo by Desert Magazine January 1954 Issue
Herman Petrasch ( April 6 1864 – 23 Nov 23, 1953 ), Photo by Desert Magazine January 1954 Issue

Herman Petrasch of Phoenix, Arizona, is best known for his involvement in the legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine, one of the most famous treasure legends in American history. Born on June 6, 1868, in Walla Walla, Washington, Herman Petrasch moved to Arizona with his family, who were among the early settlers in the region. The Petrasch family played a significant role in the exploration and development of Arizona’s mining potential.

Early Life and Family Background

Herman Petrasch was part of a pioneering family deeply involved in the mining industry. His brother, Rhinehart Petrasch, was also a prominent figure in Arizona’s mining history. Growing up in a family dedicated to prospecting and mining, Herman gained extensive knowledge and experience in the field from an early age.

The Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine

Herman Petrasch is most famously connected to the legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine. The mine, allegedly located in the Superstition Mountains near Phoenix, Arizona, is said to hold a vast fortune of gold. The story of the mine is shrouded in mystery and has captivated treasure hunters for over a century.

The legend originated with Jacob Waltz, a German immigrant (often referred to as the “Dutchman”) who supposedly discovered the gold mine in the late 19th century. Before his death in 1891, Waltz reportedly shared the location of the mine with a few people, including Julia Thomas, a family friend of the Petrasch family.

Involvement with the Search

After Waltz’s death, Herman Petrasch, along with his brother Rhinehart and Julia Thomas, dedicated themselves to finding the lost mine. They conducted numerous expeditions into the Superstition Mountains, guided by the clues and maps left behind by Waltz. Despite their efforts, the exact location of the mine remained elusive.

Herman’s dedication to the search for the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine exemplified the adventurous spirit and determination of the time. The Petrasch brothers’ explorations added to the mystique and allure of the legend, attracting countless other treasure hunters to the region.

Later Life and Legacy

Although Herman Petrasch never found the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine, his legacy is deeply intertwined with the legend. His persistent efforts and the stories of his expeditions contributed significantly to the mythos surrounding the mine. The legend continues to be a topic of fascination and speculation, drawing treasure hunters and enthusiasts to the Superstition Mountains to this day.

Herman Petrasch passed away on April 7, 1953, in Phoenix, Arizona. His life and adventures remain an integral part of Arizona’s rich history, symbolizing the enduring allure of hidden treasure and the human quest for discovery.

Conclusion

Herman Petrasch’s involvement in the search for the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine has made him a legendary figure in the annals of American folklore. His story, marked by determination and adventure, captures the imagination of those who continue to be intrigued by the mysteries of the past and the promise of hidden treasures.

Further Reading

The Curse of the Dutchman's Gold by Helen Corbin

The Curse of the Dutchman’s Gold by Helen Corbin

The Curse of the Dutchman's Gold by Helen Corbin Helen Corbin's The Curse of the Dutchman's Gold is the first book I have read on…

References

  • Apache Junction Public Library
  • Findagrave.com

Adolph Ruth

Early Life and Background

Adolph Ruth was born in the mid-19th century and worked as a government employee in Washington, D.C. His passion for adventure and treasure hunting led him to explore various parts of the American Southwest in search of lost mines and legendary treasures. Ruth was particularly captivated by the tale of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine, a legendary gold mine purportedly hidden in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona.

Adolph Ruth’s started his side career in treasure hunting in California’s Anza-Borrego Desert. While searching for another lost mine. near Warner’s Hot Springs and Borrego Mountain, Ruth fell into a ravine and broke his hip on December 22, 1919. The injury almost cost his his life, and Ruth spent several hours lying in a desert arroyo before being discovered by a search party organized by his son.

The Legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine

The Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine is one of the most famous treasure legends in American folklore. According to the story, Jacob Waltz, a German immigrant known as the “Dutchman,” discovered a rich gold vein in the Superstition Mountains during the 19th century. Waltz supposedly kept the location of the mine a secret until his deathbed, where he provided vague clues to its whereabouts. Over the years, countless adventurers and treasure hunters have sought the mine, drawn by the promise of immense wealth.

Adolph Ruth’s Search

The Ruth Peralta Map
The Ruth Peralta Map

Adolph Ruth’s interest in the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine intensified in the 1920s after he acquired a set of maps that he believed could lead him to the elusive treasure. The maps were said to have originated from Mexico by his son and were purportedly linked to the Peralta family, who were believed to have operated gold mines in the region during the 19th century.

In June 1931, at the age of 66, Ruth embarked on an expedition into the Superstition Mountains, armed with his maps and an unwavering determination to find the legendary mine. Despite warnings about the harsh and treacherous conditions of the terrain, Ruth ventured into the wilderness.

Disappearance and Death

The skull of Adolph Ruth being held by searcher Brownie Holmes.
The skull of Adolph Ruth being held by searcher Brownie Holmes.

Adolph Ruth’s journey into the Superstition Mountains was fraught with difficulties from the start. After several days without contact, concern for his safety grew among those who had assisted him in his expedition. Following a newspaper report by the Arizona Republic on June 26th,, 1931, a search party was organized. Initially, there was no trace of Ruth. The search was quite intensive and even included the use of planes and sponsered by the newspaper to try and located the lost treasure hunter.

In December 1931, six months after Ruth’s disappearance, his skeletal remains were discovered in a remote area of the Superstition Mountains. The circumstances surrounding his death remain mysterious and have fueled speculation and intrigue. Some of Ruth’s personal belongings, including his journal and part of his skull with a bullet hole, were found near his remains, suggesting foul play. The official cause of death was listed as exposure, but the bullet hole led to various theories about possible murder.

Legacy and Impact

Adolph Ruth’s tragic end added a new layer of mystique to the legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine. His death reinforced the perilous nature of the quest and underscored the dangers of venturing into the unforgiving terrain of the Superstition Mountains in search of treasure. Ruth’s story has become a central part of the lore surrounding the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine, captivating treasure hunters and enthusiasts for generations.

Ruth’s son, Erwin Ruth, continued to believe in the legitimacy of his father’s maps and the existence of the mine. He, along with many others, perpetuated the search for the fabled gold, contributing to the enduring fascination with the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine.

Adolph Ruth’s quest for the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine and his mysterious death in the Superstition Mountains have left an indelible mark on the legend. His story embodies the spirit of adventure and the relentless pursuit of dreams, even in the face of danger and uncertainty. To this day, the tale of Adolph Ruth serves as a cautionary yet inspiring narrative, reminding us of the enduring allure of hidden treasures and the lengths to which people will go to uncover them.

The Coolidge Examiner Articles About Disappearance of Adolph Ruth

The desperate search for Adolph Rush as reported by the Coolidge Examiner, July 17, 1931

The Coolidge Examiner – The Search for Ruth Still Futile

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth The Coolidge Examiner of July 17, 1931 headlines the "Search for Ruth Still Futile" as he is lost looking…
Buried on page 2, The Coolige Examiner states on August 7th, 1931 that the Search for Ruth is suspended.

The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Ruth Suspended

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth The Coolidge Examiner of August 7, 1931 announces the Search for Rush Suspended due to heat in the Superstition…
The Coolidge Examine annoucing the presumed death of Adolph Ruth in December 1931

The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains

The Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains ends it tragedy as reported by the Coolidge Examiner on December 18, 1931. After months of…
Coolidge Examiner Article published November 11,1932 reports that Adolph Ruth is the nineth person lost looking for the Logs Dutchman Mine.

The Coolidge Examiner – Lookout Station on Superstition Mountain

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth Adolph Ruth was a nove treasure hunter whose pursuit of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine led to his mysterious…

Further Reading

The Curse of the Dutchman's Gold by Helen Corbin

The Curse of the Dutchman’s Gold by Helen Corbin

The Curse of the Dutchman's Gold by Helen Corbin Helen Corbin's The Curse of the Dutchman's Gold is the first book I have read on…

References

The Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine

Cover of a "Map of the Lost Dutchman" Area by J. Allan Stirrat Copy 1948 and Reprinted in 1959
Cover of a “Map of the Lost Dutchman” Area by J. Allan Stirrat Copy 1948 and Reprinted in 1959

. The tale, rooted in mystery and intrigue, has captivated treasure hunters and historians for over a century. The legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine is set against the backdrop of the American expansion westward during the 19th century. Following the California Gold Rush of 1849, prospectors flocked to the West in search of fortune, transforming the region’s demographics and economy. The Arizona Territory, with its rugged landscape and mineral wealth, became a focal point for these adventurers.

Jacob Waltz: The Dutchman

Photograph take of Jacob Waltz after his arrival in New York.
Photograph take of Jacob Waltz after his arrival in New York.

The central figure in the legend is Jacob Waltz, a German immigrant often referred to as “The Dutchman,” a term that mistakenly identified his German origin. Waltz was born on September 20, 1810, in Württemberg, Germany, and emigrated to the United States in the 1830s. After participating in the California Gold Rush, he moved to the Arizona Territory in the 1860s, where he gained a reputation as a skilled prospector.

Jacob Waltz lived out his later years in Phoenix, Arizona. The Dutchman lived in an adobe houses located in the northeast corner of section 16, Township 1 North, Range 3 East. The site is located today near the southwest corner of 16th Street and Buckeye.

On February 19th, 1891, his adobe home is abandoned when the Salt Creek flooded over running its’s banks. The flooding is severe and local papers at the time, do not mention Watlz, yet did headline “SEVERAL PEOPLE PROBABLY LOST”.

Waltz died on October 25, 1891 at the home of a black woman Julia Thomas after months of illness. Thomas had be housing the old man since . When the Dutchman passed, a candle box under his bed contained 48 pounds of the rich gold ore. The source of the gold is believed to be a “lost” gold mine of Jacob Waltz, the Dutchman, the Lost Dutchman Goldmine.

Unfortunately, the facts of the gold mine end with the death of Jacob Waltz, and the legends spring to life with rumor and tall tales.

The Last Days of Jacob Waltz.

On his deathbed in the early morning of October 25, 1891, Waltz is said to have revealed the location of the mine to Julia Thomas, a local woman who had cared for him during his final illness. Unfortunately, the old prospector was suffering from pneumonia, so, at best communication would be labored and difficult.

When the old man passed, Holmes and Thomas were in possession of a incredible secret and 48 pounds of rich gold ore. According to historians Tom Kollenborn, the Dick Homes took possession of the gold ore and took it to Goldman’s Store in Phoenix were it was assayed. The assay report stated the ore to be worth $110,000 a ton in 1890’s dollars.

Whatever was said a few things came from the events to the Dutchman’s death. Dick Holmes, Julia Thomas and Reiney Petrasch were the only people around when the old miner passed. Weather or not the true story of his last mine is the subject of debate from multiple factions from these two parties.

Julia’s Search

After Waltz’s death, Julia Thomas was convinced of the mine’s existence and its potential to transform her life. She, along with her adopted son Rhinehart Petrasch and his brother Hermann set out for the Superstition Mountains on August 11, 1892. They hoped to find the mine based on the directions supposedly provided by Waltz. However, the harsh and rugged terrain of the mountains, coupled with the elusive nature of Waltz’s descriptions, made the search extremely challenging. August in Arizona was probably not a good choice.

Despite her determination, Julia Thomas never found the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine. Her repeated failures and the high cost of the expeditions depleted her resources. Eventually, she was forced to abandon the search and return to her life in Phoenix Later in life, she would tell her story and sell maps to the Lost Dutchman’s gold mine. It remains confusing why someone would purchase a map to a gold mine from someone who didn’t find it, is also a mystery.

Following her search, Julia sold her story to Pierpont C. Bicknell who first published the tail in The San Francisco Chronicle on January 13th, 1895.

First Description of the Mine

Published in The Saturday Review, November 17th 1894

“In a gulch in the Superstition Mountains, the location of which is described by certain landmarks, there is a two room house in the mouth of a cave on the side of the slope near the gulch. Just across the gulch, about 200 yards, opposite the house in the cave, is a tunnel, well covered up and concealed in the bushes. Here is the mine, the richest in the world on the side of the mountains, is a shaft or incline that is not see steep but one can climb down. This, too, is covered carefully. The shaft goes right down in the midst of a rich gold ledge, where it can be picked off in big flakes of almost pure gold”

The Disappearance of Adolph Ruth

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth
Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth

The lost Dutchman Mine makes natioanl attention following the search for and death of Adolph Ruth.

Adolph Ruth was born in the mid-19th century and worked as a government employee in Washington, D.C. His passion for adventure and treasure hunting led him to explore various parts of the American Southwest in search of lost mines and legendary treasures. Ruth was particularly captivated by the tale of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine, a legendary gold mine purportedly hidden in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona.

Ruth lost his life by following a map he acquired and then initiated his search in the middle of June, 1931. His remains are found near Weavers Needle, by an investigation reported on by the Arizona Republic. His skull is found with a large hole which may have been caused by a firearm or scavenging animals. Regardless, the news paper published the story and the Lost Dutchman Gold mine is a national story.

Legacy

Following the death of Jacob Waltz, the location of the Lost Dutchman’s mine was lost forever. The dying miner may have shared the location of his mine with three people, Julia Thomas, Dick Holmes and Herman Petrasch. However, even this claim is unclear. All three of these people searched for the lost mine, and all three passed into history penniless, or with no apparent success.

The Legend of the Lost Dutchman’s gold mine is grown by the stories of these three people and those who listened to them. The tale over time becomes sensationalized, expanded, convoluted, romanticized and even led to the death of some. In 1832, The Coolidge Examiner claimed that nine people including Adolph Ruth had lost their lives searching for the treasure. The original tale has been expanded to include murders, apaches, mexican bandits and the Peralta.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=30TBnZjGQV4%3Fsi%3DZR6aA_IbHncPXC4E

The Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine

Obviously, anyone would be interested in a map to the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine. Sadly, you need to keep looking… In the meantime, here is a map of locations associated with the lore of the lost mine.

People Associated with the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth

Adolph Ruth

Early Life and Background Adolph Ruth was born in the mid-19th century and worked as a government employee in Washington, D.C. His passion for adventure…
Herman Petrasch ( April 6 1864 - 23 Nov 23, 1953 ), Photo by Desert Magazine January 1954 Issue

Herman Petrasch

Herman Petrasch ( April 6 1864 - 23 Nov 23, 1953 ), Photo by Desert Magazine January 1954 Issue Herman Petrasch of Phoenix, Arizona, is…
Photograph take of Jacob Waltz after his arrival in New York.

Jacob Waltz the “Dutchman”

Photograph take of Jacob Waltz after his arrival in New York. Jacob Waltz, often referred to as "Dutchman," was a German immigrant whose life became…
Cover of a "Map of the Lost Dutchman" Area by J. Allan Stirrat Copy 1948 and Reprinted in 1959

Julia Thomas

Julia Thomas, a figure of historical significance in Phoenix, Arizona, was born in the mid-19th century. Her role in the passing of Jacob Waltz serves…

Rhinehart Petrasch

Rhinehart Petrasch of Phoenix, Arizona, is best known for prospecting and ranching, and was said to have spent considerable time searching for the Lost Dutchman…

Historic Newspaper Accounts

Mesa Free Press. (Mesa, AZ) 9 Nov. 1894, p. 1. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/item/sn95060636/1894-11-09/ed-1/.

Mesa Free Press – A Curious Find

Mesa Free Press. (Mesa, AZ) 9 Nov. 1894, p. 1. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/item/sn95060636/1894-11-09/ed-1/. A Curious Find. P. C. Bicknell is back…
The San Francisco Chronicle, January 13, 1895 first reports of the Lost Dutchman Goldmine of Jacob Waltz.

San Francisco Chronicle – Jan. 13, 1895

On January13th, 1895, an article from the San Francisco Chronicle entitled A Mine in the Superstition Mountains announced to the world, Jacob Waltz and what…
Coolidge Examiner Article published November 11,1932 reports that Adolph Ruth is the nineth person lost looking for the Logs Dutchman Mine.

The Coolidge Examiner – Lookout Station on Superstition Mountain

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth Adolph Ruth was a nove treasure hunter whose pursuit of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine led to his mysterious…
The Coolidge Examine annoucing the presumed death of Adolph Ruth in December 1931

The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains

The Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains ends it tragedy as reported by the Coolidge Examiner on December 18, 1931. After months of…
Buried on page 2, The Coolige Examiner states on August 7th, 1931 that the Search for Ruth is suspended.

The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Ruth Suspended

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth The Coolidge Examiner of August 7, 1931 announces the Search for Rush Suspended due to heat in the Superstition…
The desperate search for Adolph Rush as reported by the Coolidge Examiner, July 17, 1931

The Coolidge Examiner – The Search for Ruth Still Futile

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth The Coolidge Examiner of July 17, 1931 headlines the "Search for Ruth Still Futile" as he is lost looking…
The Kansas City Journal, Sunday February 17, 1895 outlines the initial legend of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine.

The Kansas City Journal, Sunday February 17, 1895

The Kansas City Journal, Sunday February 17, 1895 outlines the initial legend of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine. The Kansas City Journal, Sunday February 17,…
A Mythical Mine Headline in The Saturday Review, November 17, 1894

The Saturday Review, November 17, 1894

A Mythical Mine Headline in The Saturday Review, November 17, 1894 J.C. Bicknell's newspaper articles on the Lost Dutchman Mine, published in the late 19th…

Further Reading

The Curse of the Dutchman's Gold by Helen Corbin

The Curse of the Dutchman’s Gold by Helen Corbin

The Curse of the Dutchman's Gold by Helen Corbin Helen Corbin's The Curse of the Dutchman's Gold is the first book I have read on…

References