Historical Detective Work: Unraveling The Mystery Of A Vintage Gold Band!

source: Jamie Cross Frusetta/Facebook

In an enchanting tale of serendipity and history, the discovery of a gold ring inscribed with “Elinor Aberdeen 1870” in a Californian farmhouse garden leads to a fascinating historical investigation. The ring’s origin traces back to the household of Llewellyn Thornton, a postmaster who lived in the house in the late 19th century and was Elinor’s grandson. With the help of a friend passionate about historical puzzles, the narrator unravels the lineage and stories intertwined with the farmhouse, eventually connecting with Elinor Aberdeen’s direct descendant. This heartwarming narrative culminates in the ring’s return to its familial lineage, bridging over a century of history and creating an unforgettable link to the past.

“I live in an 1870s farmhouse in California. While gardening one day last year, I espied a glint of gold! I had dug up a thick gold band! I rinsed it off and found that it was inscribed inside, Elinor Aberdeen 1870. I have lived in this house for 38 years and this was by far the most interesting thing I have ever found! I called my friend who is a historical detective buff, and together we spent hours of research finding all the previous owners of the house. Finally, we “struck gold”. We discovered that the local postmaster, Llewellyn Thornton, had lived in the house between 1892-1901, and he had a grandmother named Elinor Aberdeen! Elinor was born in Ireland in 1808. She had one daughter with John Aberdeen in 1833. This daughter married and came to California. Elinor stayed in Kentucky. She died on July 1, 1880 at the age of 72 and was buried in Versailles, Kentucky. Elinor’s grandson lived in my house after Elinor had died. Logic tells us that the ring was lost by one of his family members here in my yard between 1892-1901. And I found it approximately 122 years later! My friend Sharlene and I were able to find the great great granddaughter of Elinor Aberdeen, Mary Doherty, just a few hours away. We met, had a lovely lunch together, and gave her back her long lost family heirloom!” – Jamie Cross Frusetta

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