By Don Jordan
Joseph Elias Golden was born on April 22, 1875. He grew up in Jackson County and proudly served in the Spanish American War. He eventually settled in the Little River area of Transylvania County. He was a farmer and a skilled blacksmith. Between his two wives he fathered 14 children (11 daughters and three sons); Joe’s last daughter was born when he was 65 years old. At that time, Jo was then serving as a ranger and caretaker for the Coxe family in what is now DuPont Forest. He was responsible for chasing off moonshiners and poachers.
Joseph Elias Golden
May 9, 1948
Selica, Transylvania County, NC
Joe was out in the Forest on Mother’s Day May 6, 1948. When he did not return home, an all-night search was mounted. His body was found early on May 7 by a group, including one of his sons-in-law. He had been shot in the chest with his own automatic pistol. Joe’s death was investigated by the sheriff and FBI, but no suspect was charged in the case.
It was noted that an empty cartridge was still in the pistol, and did not eject as would normally be the case. News outlets reported that Joe’s body was found near Triple Falls. Locals report that the body had been moved, adding another twist to this perplexing mystery. Perhaps someday historians will uncover a letter or diary shedding light on what really happened at the Falls.