There's gold in them thar hills!

How cool is this old picture?!

That Parson Swinney was the father of the William Swinney for whom I am named.

He had a pretty interesting life, graduating from Yale, managing a vast tobacco empire, founding colleges, and . . . from the looks of this picture . . . some prospecting out west.

He purchased an interest in the Gilpin Mine near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, back in 1886. But, I've never really followed-up on that little tidbit with any actual research. Perhaps, this picture will provide the inspiration . . . if not the time!