Rev. Coggins Finds Gold on His 50 Acres Near Black Mountain, Aug. 17, 1922

Minister Finds Gold in North Carolina Hills

Asheville, Aug. 10—Lured to the mountains of western North Carolina (by) the climate and scenic beauty, Rev. Dr. J.O. Coggins, pastor of the Central Christian church of Augusta, Ga., has found attractions in the native hills, and gold is the leader. While there are as yet no indications as to whether gold, in commercial quantities, will be found on the 50-acre tract of land owned by the Georgia minister, located within a half mile of Black Mountain, the prospects are considered bright in view of the quality of the “free gold” found on the surface of the land by the minister. Rev. Dr. Coggins is also in possession of a large nugget, weight six dollars (pounds? ounces?), which was also found on the property by a mountaineer.

From the front page of the Marion Progress, Aug. 17, 1922