Contributed by Maine Historical Society
- MMN #104505
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Description
The home of Dr. John Moreland Cummings, on a small island off the coast of Cape Elizabeth, has long been associated with the Richmond Island Coins, a buried treasure wrapped in legend, found on the doctor's property.
In May 1858, a farmer and his son working on the land plowed up a broken stoneware jar, a signet ring, and thirty coins of British origin (hailing from the reigns of Elizabeth I, James I and Charles I). Legend recalls that the booty, typically called the "Richmond Island Treasure" was buried by the island's first European inhabitant, Walter Bagnall, who settled there in 1628.
Walter Bagnall became wealthy by cheating the Wabanaki, specifically the female leader Warrabitta’s family, at his trading post. According to Massachusetts Governor Winthrop, "Bagnall...was a wicked fellow, and had much wronged the Indians."
Bagnall had violated his social responsibilities, and as a result, Warrabitta’s brother, Skitterygusset, killed Bagnall in 1631 and burned down the trading post.
Note from MHS accession log (1919) reads, "Ambrotype of Richmond's Island showing John Moreland Cummings' house, later destroyed by fire. Augustus and Stephen Cummings (and probably Dr. John [Cummings] too) are in foreground (184?-185?). The island was purchased by Dr. John Cummings and his father."
About This Item
- Title: Home of John Moreland Cummings, Richmond's Island, ca. 1855
- Creator: George M. Howe
- Creation Date: circa 1855
- Subject Date: circa 1855
- Location: Richmond's Island, Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: Ambrotype
- Dimensions: 10.8 cm x 14 cm
- Local Code: Coll. 2003, Box 3/10
- Collection: Early photography collection
- Object Type: Image
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Colonists--United States--Maine
- Commerce
- Maine--History--Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775
- Richmond Island (Me.)
- United States--History--Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775
- Wabanaki Indians
People
- Bagnall, Walter
- Cummings, Augustus
- Cummings, John Moreland
- Cummings, Steven
- Skitterygusset,
- Warrabitta,
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
Use of this Item is not restricted by copyright and/or related rights, but the holding organization is contractually obligated to limit use. For more information, please contact the contributing organization. However, watermarked Maine Memory Network images may be used for educational purposes.
More to Consider
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Exhibit
Early Maine Photography at Maine Historical Society
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