We may be a few days late for April Fools’ Day, but this week’s #FridayFind is no joke!

Written By Dmitri Schmidt, B.A.

In late 1885, Enoch Beakley, the “chief of a band of spurious money manufacturers,” was arrested and brought to trial. After searching his house, the officers found molds and other supplies for forging various gold and silver pieces. The New York Times estimated that hundreds of dollars (thousands in today’s money) had been circulated throughout the region.

Have you come across any interesting crimes committed by your ancestors? Email us at emma@backlog-archivists.com

Dmitri Schmidt, B.A.

Dmitri Schmidt, B.A., holds a degree in anthropology and German studies from Saint Louis University and has experience in museum collections, archival outreach, and digitization.

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Last week’s find was the craftwork of a silversmith. This week’s #FridayFind is how you can find said craftwork.
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This week’s #FridayFind is a full house, even by 20th-century standards.