Dirty Dutchman
Sr. Member
Hello All,
I just skimmed through the responses, so if someone has already offered this up, I apologize in advance.
I wanted to address the question about why Waltz didnt file a claim. While any theory could be correct, my personal belief is that Waltz didnt file due to the "Reavis Land Fraud" going on at the time. Reavis was making money off of almost everyone in town during that time with his scheme. And Reavis wasnt "found out" until well after Waltz was gone.
If the mine was truly as rich as Waltz described (and I believe it was), then Waltz wanted no part in sharing any of it with anyone. That is the reason for his secrecy (personal opinion). Another reason could be the killings of the two Mexicans that were working the mine. (Obviously I believe the "partner" story, not the Holmes "killer" version).
I believe I read that Reavis actually got quite a bit of money out of the Silver King Mine, which also plays a part in the "Waltz Story". (Deering/Chunning) I like to keep it "simple" when trying to figure out the 'actual' story, and the "Reavis Fiasco" seems to be the easiest explanation of why Waltz never filed a claim.
I believe Dick Holmes completely made up his version of why Waltz never filed, out of necessity. I believe Holmes never actually asked Waltz 'why', and thought he needed to have an answer to that question, before he went 'public' with his story. Now, I do believe 100% that Dick Holmes got directions to the mine. I just don't believe the Holmes version of WHY Waltz gave them to him.
thanks,
Travis
I just skimmed through the responses, so if someone has already offered this up, I apologize in advance.
I wanted to address the question about why Waltz didnt file a claim. While any theory could be correct, my personal belief is that Waltz didnt file due to the "Reavis Land Fraud" going on at the time. Reavis was making money off of almost everyone in town during that time with his scheme. And Reavis wasnt "found out" until well after Waltz was gone.
If the mine was truly as rich as Waltz described (and I believe it was), then Waltz wanted no part in sharing any of it with anyone. That is the reason for his secrecy (personal opinion). Another reason could be the killings of the two Mexicans that were working the mine. (Obviously I believe the "partner" story, not the Holmes "killer" version).
I believe I read that Reavis actually got quite a bit of money out of the Silver King Mine, which also plays a part in the "Waltz Story". (Deering/Chunning) I like to keep it "simple" when trying to figure out the 'actual' story, and the "Reavis Fiasco" seems to be the easiest explanation of why Waltz never filed a claim.
I believe Dick Holmes completely made up his version of why Waltz never filed, out of necessity. I believe Holmes never actually asked Waltz 'why', and thought he needed to have an answer to that question, before he went 'public' with his story. Now, I do believe 100% that Dick Holmes got directions to the mine. I just don't believe the Holmes version of WHY Waltz gave them to him.
thanks,
Travis