The Mysterious Missing Pioneer Puzzle

THROWBACK THURSDAY/ JULY 16TH, 2020

Today we want to share a very interesting story that we found in an old newspaper clipping. This story features a mysterious puzzle that was treasured by Jenny O’Hara Pincock and has been lost over the years.

It is said that this puzzle, which we do not have but have no record of where it went, had the ability to prove a man’s fate!

There are two possible origins for the puzzle. The first being that it was made by one of the first criminals in North Hastings while he was in prison. The second is that it was made in the blacksmithing shop on the O’Hara Farm and that practically no one could detangle it! While we have no picture of the puzzle, it sounds as though it was made from some form of metal and was very intricate in design, featuring “An iron frame fitted with round iron rings”. It could very well be like the small metal ring puzzles one can buy today as challenges!

The tale goes that a murder had been committed in North Hastings and the accused man was waiting in jail for his trial. He was told if he could solve the puzzle he would be considered innocent and would be released free of any charges. The man successfully solved the puzzle and was sent free an innocent man!

Jenny, starting from when she was a child, was said to be able to “work” the puzzle.

So, where did this unique puzzle go? We don’t know! It may have been given to family members after Jenny’s death or may have just been lost over time. Nevertheless, the story of this puzzle is one of great interest that leaves us wondering which of the legends of its origin are true, either one would make it very interesting we think!