#3 - The Onslow Company

No original documents relating to the Onslow Company have been found to date, but the following accounts were told by John Smith and Anthony Vaughn Jr. in 1848 to Robert Creelman of the Truro Company.

1804
The Onslow Company was formed to continue the treasure hunt by Anthony Vaughn Jr.’s cousin, Simeon Lynds, along with a group of prominent businessmen from central Nova Scotia.

The company joined the three original searchers to relocate the dig area. When they dug past the original 30-foot level, more oak log platforms—approximately every 10 feet—were found. At the 50-, 60-, and 70-foot levels, layers of putty, charcoal, and coconut fibre were encountered. At 90 feet, a flat stone with unusual markings on one side was found face-down.

After removing this stone, a metal rod was used to probe down to 98 feet, where a solid object was struck. Work ended for the week. When they returned, the shaft had filled with 60 feet of water. Attempts to remove the water were unsuccessful.

1805
The Onslow Company devised a plan to dig a second shaft—110 feet deep and 14 feet east of the Money Pit—then tunnel underneath to retrieve the treasure below the 90-foot level.

This "Shaft 2" reached within a few feet of the intended target before the tunnel began to flood, barely allowing the men to escape with their lives. This left two shafts full of water, no treasure, exhausted funds, and marked the end of operations for the Onslow Company.

Contributor: Paul Troutman
Oak Island Company Name:  The Onslow Company
Also Known As: The Onslow Syndicate
Company Formation date and location: 1802 by Dr. Simeon Lynds, a young physician from Onslow, N.S.
Initial Company Shares per Price: Unknown – 25 to 30 financial backers from Onslow and Truro N.S.
Oak Island Leased by: John Smith
Years Active on Oak Island From 1802 to 1805
Deaths as a result on Oak Island: 0
Names  of Company Members:
John Smith of Chester, N.S.
Anthony Vaughan of Chester, N.S.
Daniel McInnis of Chester, N.S.
Dr.  Simeon Lynds of Onslow, N.S. (he also referred to as Dr. David Barren Lynds in some accounts)
Colonel Robert Archibald, director of operations
Captain David Archibald of Pictou, N.S.
Sheriff Thomas Harris  of Pictou, N.S.
Mr. Mosher of Newport, N.S., mechanic