Hi MTXSWINGER,
I am a student of history and absolutely no expert.
The real fun for me is the research.
Here is a little info gleaned from net on Morgan being in Ohio area:
Buffington Island
Other Names: St. Georges Creek
Location: Meigs County
Campaign: Morgan’s Raid in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio (July 1863)
Date(s): July 19, 1863
Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. Edward H. Hobson [US]; Brig. Gen. John Hunt Morgan [CS]
Forces Engaged: Brigades: 4,700 total (US 3,000; CS 1,700)
Estimated Casualties: 925 total (US 25; CS 900)
Description: On July 13, Morgan’s raiders crossed into Ohio at Harrison, pursued by several columns of Union cavalry under overall direction of Brig. Gen. Edward H. Hobson. On July 19, Kautz’s and Judah’s brigades attacked Morgan near Buffington Island. During the night, Morgan and about 400 men escaped encirclement by following a narrow woods path. The rest of his force surrendered.
Result(s): Union victory
Salineville
Other Names: New Lisbon, New Lisbon Road, Wellsville
Location: Columbiana County
Campaign: Morgan’s Raid in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio (July 1863)
Date(s): July 26, 1863
Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. James Shackelford [US]; Brig. Gen. John Hunt Morgan [CS]
Forces Engaged: 3,000 total (US 2,600; CS 400)
Estimated Casualties: 364 total (US none; CS 364)
Description: After escaping encirclement at Buffington’s Island with about 400 of his men, Morgan continued east and north, attempting to find a safe crossing over the Ohio River. With several columns of Union cavalry in hot pursuit, Morgan passed through Salineville, riding down the railroad toward Smith’s Ford. Turning onto the New Lisbon Road, Morgan’s raiders were finally cut off. Morgan surrendered. During this raid, Morgan and his men captured and paroled about 6,000 Union soldiers and militia, destroyed 34 bridges, disrupted the railroads at more than 60 places, and diverted tens of thousands of troops from other duties.
Result(s): Union victory
I'm thinking if he had loot, it's somewhere along that route or he sent out a detail to hide it.
Word has it he had many sympathizers in my area( Ohio Valley and beyond). There are many "signs" in the area. Some being time locked and others in plain sight.Some really strange markers,so well hidden, the only way to them is quite a hike.There are many signs showing the way to main ones.
I'm also curious of other raids by "men dressed in Union uniforms" ,robbing payrolls, etc.
There are also stories of sentinel types in the area. Old fellow up to his 90's going to "town" every day but noone knew where he spent his time.
He also bought up silver dollars and gold coins from men in the surrounding area. These guys were usually paid with coin which he would trade for the paper.
Many of these men showed up during and after the war.Some suggested the Order of the Sons of Liberty (OSL) (KGC) copperheads etc.
In the fall of 1863 plans were made to establish a Northwestern Confederacy.One of Morgan's men, Capt Thomas C. Hines was involved as well as a Dr Wm A. Bowles, supposed military leader of the OSL. You might want to research these two guys.
You may already have this info,if not I hope it helps.
Good Hunting,
Ron