Slave axe from 1863-64..

[zaxfire69]

Well this is a rare treat that I want to share with you all. The Union Army seized the City Of Natchez, Ms in July of 1863. A personal account from a wealthy landowner by the name of Ellen Shields was written in 1903. She was a child during that time period and lived on a plantation in a very large antebellum home. Her family had several slaves that also lived on the plantation. One slave in particular was a very loyal slave to the family. His name was Uncle Ab..That is what they called him. Every night for almost a year the Union army would travel from a local picket post to the home and try to forcibly take the house from her family. The father would always manage to run them off and keep them from taking the home. Well one day it is believed that Uncle Ab the Slave made a deal with one of the Union officers to place several axes and wooden staves by a tree in the yard for a sum of money. The slave told the Father the axes were placed by the tree for protection in case the Union Soldiers decided to forcefully take the home. Well the Union Soldiers returned and found the cache of axes and took two axes and two Wooden Staves and beat the doors down to the Antebellum Home and arrested the entire family taking them to the City Jail. I set out on a mission to find one of these axes and I didn't think it was possible to find one. Well I was wrong. 10-12 inches under roots by the old Oak tree there it was...I was amazed..Literally floored. I was testing the new Garrett Edge Digging tool and caught it on video. I could not believe it and I still can't believe it now. I hope you all enjoy the video and see my excitement for finding such a historical find. zaxfire69

The Big Old Tree at Sunset

The Axe out of the hole

Axe before cleaning

 

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[Tnmountains]

Way Cool. To hear the accounts and story and then go after the find. That rocks. I would look at preservation quickly as it will deteriorate quickly now. Great post !

 

[kuger]

Very cool.I wonder how the hunk came to be taken out?I have never seen that

 

[zaxfire69]

Very cool.I wonder how the hunk came to be taken out?I have never seen that

Kuger, It is written that the soldiers took the axes and beat the hinges off the doors and split the doors with the axes. I was wondering if this was one of the axes they actually used. It honestly could be. I have a feeling this is a serious piece of Natchez History I am holding. I am restoring the axe and have it in Apple Cider Vinegar now.. It will be restored the proper way and I am giving it back to the landowner. The House burnt down years ago. All that is left is the kitchens to the home. It is being used as a home now. The landowner gave me the article two years ago. It took me this long to find it.

 

[kuger]

Kuger, It is written that the soldiers took the axes and beat the hinges off the doors and split the doors with the axes. I was wondering if this was one of the axes they actually used. It honestly could be. I have a feeling this is a serious piece of Natchez History I am holding. I am restoring the axe and have it in Apple Cider Vinegar now.. It will be restored the proper way and I am giving it back to the landowner. The House burnt down years ago. All that is left is the kitchens to the home. It is being used as a home now. The landowner gave me the article two years ago. It took me this long to find it.

I missed that part....I thought it was one of the stashed ones,well that explains why I have never seen that,and I think that is a darn solid explanation to how it happened and further concretes the story...ties the two...not just some lost ax....that doesnt happen splittling wood!!!

 

[zaxfire69]

I'm honestly not sure if it was one of the two taken or if it was part of the stash. All I know is it was by the big tree talked about in the writings. It is awesome either way. A slave placed these axes by the tree. What is awesome to me is that I actually did research, read about an item and recovered one of the items. Not to mention the slave Uncle Ab placed these axes by this tree.. Unreal!

 

[kuger]

I'm honestly not sure if it was one of the two taken or if it was part of the stash. All I know is it was by the big tree talked about in the writings. It is awesome either way. A slave placed these axes by the tree. What is awesome to me is that I actually did research, read about an item and recovered one of the items. Not to mention the slave Uncle Ab placed these axes by this tree.. Unreal!

Thats what its all about,when it comes together its an unexplainable feeling!

 

[zaxfire69]

You are right Kuger. I want to post pictures of the actual story as it was written. I am horrible at telling a story. I may do that tomorrow night.

 

[HutSiteDigger]

That is def. one old axe indeed mate! I think you got a great true story and history. Put the axe in a glass case with as much history on the info you posted! Good find!

 

[VOL1266-X]

Nice find Z!!! WTG, Quindy.

 

[dig kzoo]

Wow what a great story! you have done a great job learning and preserveing all of our history!!!

 

[zaxfire69]

Thanks guys. I love history. This is proof positive that I found the old tree. I really wish I could post the entire story on here. It is very interesting.

 

[fishinmcc]

Awesome tale thanks for sharing. I love finding history

fishinmcc muncie indiana TreasureNet

 

[HomeGuardDan]

awesome find and cool story... make sure you clean it correctly or sadly it wont be around as long as the story has.

Dan

 

[zaxfire69]

Soak in apple cider Vinegar for a week using a brush to remove scale until all the rust is gone. Put in oven and heat up then apply Brewax! Sealed up and a beautiful display piece.

 

[DocBeav]

That is a great story and an even better find that goes with it! Great job!