CA CA - John Doe, 60 to 65, found in desert, Carriso (Carrizo?) Springs, Imperial County, 1909

[Startover]

Story at find a grave
German Man Unknown (Unknown-1909) - Find A Grave...

a rather bizzare story-his oiveralls could point that he was a prospector or miner yet why did he wear two pairs; where was his camp? His food ? his water? where was his tools? Also how did he get into the desert in the first place {there is no report of any animial or automobile tracks where he was found]? Lastly what doesword "Philathea" stand for?

 

[Tabirey]

Story at find a grave
German Man Unknown (Unknown-1909) - Find A Grave...

a rather bizzare story-his oiveralls could point that he was a prospector or miner yet why did he wear two pairs; where was his camp? His food ? his water? where was his tools? Also how did he get into the desert in the first place {there is no report of any animial or automobile tracks where he was found]? Lastly what doesword "Philathea" stand for?

Philathea: as defined by Wikipedia:

The World-Wide Baraca and Philathea Union, Incorporated was founded by Marshall A. Hudson in 1890 in Syracuse, New York[1]. This group was a Christian ecumenical movement designed to facilitate adult evangelism through Bible study. At its peak it had over a million members during the early twentieth century. Its growth was fueled by young adults and teenagers who felt a need to reconcile experiences between their churches and their own life in an increasingly industrial American society[2]. Hudson had been a business owner in Syracuse, New York, selling tableware and utensils.

More at link:
World-Wide Baraca and Philathea Union, Incorporated - Wikipedia.

 

[Tabirey]

This is possibly what the badge looked like or something similar

 

[Sillybilly]

There is Carrizo Springs (not Carriso) in Imperial County, CA.

In addition to the Philathea gold badge, this man also had a gold crucifix, possibly suggesting a religious connection. I am seeing references online to Philathea churches and bible study groups.

He wasn't broke .. $20.50 was a fair bit of money in 1909.

 

[Sillybilly]

Red dot is Carrizo Springs, CA

 

[Tabirey]

Link to what the badge may have looked like:

Tiny Philathea women's bible society vintage pin | Etsy

 

[Tabirey]

There is Carrizo Springs (not Carriso) in Imperial County, CA.

In addition to the Philathea gold badge, this man also had a gold crucifix, possibly suggesting a religious connection. I am seeing references online to Philathea churches and bible study groups.

He wasn't broke .. $20.50 was a fair bit of money in 1909.

I agree, it definitely was quite a chunk of money, if this calculator is correct:
$20.50 in 1909 → 2020 | Inflation Calculator

 

[Bit of hope]

This is possibly what the badge looked like or something similar

Wow! Thank you for finding it.

 

[Bit of hope]

Maybe he was on his way for or from this.

In June of 1909 <19th - 23th> Asheville <NC> hosted the 13th annual convention of the World Wide Baraca-Philathea Union. Over 1,000 delegates were expected to arrive from many states.

Baracas & Philatheas

 

[Bit of hope]

Imperial County John Doe (1909)

Side note says; It's not known on what date this person was found but it was on a Thursday. In June 1909 these days were a Thursday 3th, 10th, 17th and 24th.

 

[Really?]

I found this......
Imperial Valley Press. Saturday, June 26 1909

Pack Horse In Desert

A report has reached George L. Campbell at Silsbee , that
A horse with a pack has been wandering about in the Carriso Creek District, and it is believed that the animal may have belonged to the unknown man whose body was found last week.

 

[Bit of hope]

I found this......
Imperial Valley Press. Saturday, June 26 1909

Pack Horse In Desert

A report has reached George L. Campbell at Silsbee , that
A horse with a pack has been wandering about in the Carriso Creek District, and it is believed that the animal may have belonged to the unknown man whose body was found last week.

Nice find! This could explain how he got there and also something about on what day he was found...last week would mean June the 24th.

 

[Bit of hope]

Timeline and stats don't fit nicely, but duhhh it was in the early 1900's. Could he be Elijah Gersham Cravens?

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)

The MP was a farmer who lived outside of Okmulgee, OK. He left on horseback to attend a 'Woodmen of the World' meeting and was never seen again (LKA is unknown). A possible DOB of 10-20-1867 was located for the MP during genealogy searches, but is not yet confirmed as the MP's true DOB.

BTW was the horse pack the reason they think he might have been German? I would love to know the background of that.

OK - OK - Elijah Gersham Cravens, 30-40, Okmulgee, 1 Jan 1902

 

[MadMcGoo]

This is quite an old case.