Buckingham Mystery: Horace Greeley and Buckingham Gold
Horace Greeley (1811-1872)
On December 18, 1872, The Daily State Journal ran this surprising notice:
At the time of his death Horace Greeley owned a farm in Virginia, which is likely to become a source of considerable wealth to his heirs. In 1870 he bought a joint interest in a farm of two hundred and fifty acres, in Buckingham county. The title is still in dispute, and requires a lawsuit to settle it, but there is no doubt that it will be confirmed. The land is extremely valuable, and is known to contain a quantity of auriferous ore under the surface. It is now occupied by colored people rent free.
Apparently, the famous American journalist and politician who said — “Go West Young Man!” – went South . . . to Buckingham!
Who sold Greeley (and partner) the land? Was he chasing the promise of gold? Buckingham was a whole lot closer to New York State than California….
How did the title dispute end? Who were the African-American “tenants?”
If you can help solve this Buckingham Mystery, please leave a comment.
Hats off to Coz. Mary Carolyn Mitton for finding this nugget of Buckingham County History!
slate river ramblings . . . . 
Alice! Great to hear from you, Yes, a trip to the courthouse just might solve this mystery. Since I’m in Ohio, I’m hoping to tempt a Buckingham volunteer. I will post findings if they materialize and am delighted to hear you are enjoying Slate River Ramblings. Armchair trips to Buckingham are especially nice in the summer heat….
Just wondering…since the date mentioned (1872) is well after the loss of county records…wouldn’t a quick trip to clerk’s office to research the deeds work? Wish I was up to it; alas my arthritis just won’t allow me to do this anymore….Good luck and please post your findings. I love Slate River Ramblings… Cuz Alice over in Fluvann
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