Lost children of the Alleghenies

by Don Dibert
(Pittsburgh, PA)


First of all, The monument is In Pavia PA. Second, you say nothing of how the children were found at your website. Truly, a disappointment! The children were found by Jacob Dibert after having dreams of there whereabouts!!!

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Rating
starstarstarstar 		nice
by: Lavina Kendo

There are many places that does go un-noticed just because of the fact that most of the people fail to give good reviews or spread the word about how the experience was. But nowadays most people are out to find new places.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Not quite
by: NJG

The women of Lovely raised fifty dollars to buy a headstone for the lost children in 1856, and it was a small sandstone marker, found to the right of the new headstone, documented fact, and is in that book. The stone that was used as a pillow did mark the spot, along with several notched trees, that were above where the monument is today. The monument was put in in 1910, not 1906, the monies to be raised for it started in 1906. Google is not the end all be all for research, I do not want a battle of words on here, Lord knows I don't. There are so many varying opinions about this subject. People get so offended when others post what they read about it on here. Lets be adults about it, I get snippy about the subject but I know what I have read and found, just not from one resource either, I have found four books, and original documentation about the subject, even Allison Krausse wrote a song about it. Yes Dibert was sick, and yes he did still attend church. His church probably was not far from his farm. So lets just not be rude on here and instead of he said she said, share info and compare knowledge. I was wrong to word my other posts the way I did.
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starstarstarstarstar 		ok you win
by: njg

Ok you win. I wasn't there neither were you. I'm sorry to offend you. I only know what I have researched and reading an original document written a few months after they were found and read from the same book you quoted. You are right about the original location where they were found. But there was no original monument it was that rock and three trees marked. And it is not Mrs. Dibert it was Dibert. She remarried and was a Gardner then from Pavia. So just let Jacob rest in peace. And this is not meant to insult you, anonymous. If more would work together researching the subject there would be less grey area and more fact.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Incorrect yet Again
by: Anonymous

The original monument was erected in 1906 and was not a small stone used as a pillow. It was erected on the spot the children were found but has since been moved to the gravesite.
The new monument erected does not reside at the exact spot the children were found but at a nearby more accessible site. These are facts not fiction. Easily checked by google.
He was NOT down with a fever. If you had bothered to check the link with a letter from Dibert's wife you will see that they even attended church on the 27th which is when she says they learned of the disappearance. But I guess you know more than Mrs. Dibert who was actually there.
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starstarstarstarstar 		No original monument
by: NJG

Jacob Dibert did not do any thing but find the children. And the original monument was a medium sized stone that was used as a pillow by Joseph as a pillow in his final moments, it was at the dedication of the monument now there, it marked the spot for years and can be seen at the foot of the old man in the dedication picture. The original tombstone was replaced some time later at Mount Union Cemetery in Lovely, PA at the foot of Spruce Hollow where they disappeared from.

If you have ever bothered to really research the subject you know from relations and Dibert's wife that he was down with a fever before and after the boys disappeared and could not participate in the initial search. So there was no interaction or kidnapping.
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starstarstarstarstar 		misconceptions
by: Anonymous

1. Original monument was moved to gravesite of the Cox children. The new monument does not reside on the spot they were found.
2. It has been speculated over the years that Mr. Dibert molested the children then let them go believing they would find their way home. When they did not he went searching, finding them dead. He then made up the dream. Or that he found them and made up the dream to be in the spotlight.
3. Site of 1914 accounting which is more accurate since people involved were actually alive.files.usgwarchives.net/pa/cambria/history/local/lost-children.txt
4. Story of lost woman, Dibert's son finds her by a dream years later. Questionable as woman does not remember much of her "lost" time.
5. Dibert's state of mind described by his wife prior to getting help to lead someone to boys' bodies makes me think he already knew they were dead and where they were.
6. Dibert was 12 miles away. To get an idea of how easily that was actually traveled, he left at 3 pm on May 7th and arrived at his brother-in-law's by suppertime.

There is more but afraid I'll run out of room.
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starstarstarstarstar 		RE:21st Century perspective?
by: NJG

I posted the corrections to JEan, forgot to leave my name and contact info for any further inquiries on my post. NJG, contact pennstatenick@yahoo.com
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starstarstarstarstar 		21st Century Perspective?
by: Anonymous

Ok, to Jean. Jacob Dibert was killed in the Civil War, and is buried at Arlington Nat'l Cemetery in Washington, D.C. He fought with the 55th PA CO. K. Died at Point of Rocks, Va., October 26, 1864.

The Cox children disappeared on April 24th, 1856 and were found by Jacob Dibert and Harrison Whysong on May 8th, 1856. this was seven and a half years before Dibert died in the Civil War.

When the Cox children disappeared on the 24th of April, Dibert, who lived 11 miles away in Claysburg, was deathly ill with a fever, probably yellow or scarlet, and had been ill and unable to travel, so there is no way possible he could have been involved in the disappearance of the children. It was nearly a week and a half later he had the dreams, perhaps brought on from fever? Possibly, perhaps his wife Sarah, who grew up on a farm a mile or so from where the children were found had told Jacob they could be up around that area, considering that area was not searched due to swollen creeks from melting snow and spring rains. He probably had traveled there a long time before when his wife and he had met. So he would have a dream, as he was bothered tremendously he could not participate in the search. The human mind is a weird thing. I have an account hand written given to me as I am writing a book on the matter, and its from from Jun 1856, a month or so after the events, I feel every word is true as when it was written, it was fresh in the mind of the searcher and relative of the Cox's. The only one to have a problem with the events at the time was during the weeks the children were missing. His name was Charlie Ross and he was not a nice man.
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starstarstarstarstar 		debate= good!
by: Manzanita

Hey, Master's Degree from Columbia!...was Lizzie Borden guilty? How about Mary Surratt? And was President James Buchanan really gay? Oh...you don't know yet? But, but...YOU have a Master's Degree in history!

Well, while you are solving, for all time, the American history mysteries above, do you mind if the rest of us rabble talk about the Cox children story until you can conclude the truth about them as well? I'd sure be obliged to hear how your Ivy League Professors come down on the concept of clairevoyant history-changing events.
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starstarstarstarstar 		21st Century perspective
by: Jean

It appears that Jacob D. seemed like a weirdo to some of the local folks at the time of the incident, veteran status not withstanding. (In fact, what kind of PTSD did veterans have from the carnage of the Civil War? Yikes.) So, he lures the boys, telling them he knows where their Papa is hunting, and does...what? Then, he either feels guilt or sees an opportunity to be a hero. And not just a hero...one that God Himself has chosen.

During the Civil War, men swapped lots of yarns around fires and read their Bible stories as the absolute truth. Jacob in the Bible had a magical dream...Jacob in Pennsylvania came up with one as well.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Worth a deeper look
by: Interested

It seems from what a couple of the descendants are saying here that there were other opinions at the time. The story is a terrible one from any point of view, but due to the time between the events, it might be interesting to examine any known facts and oral histories, especially with their discrepancies intact. I can tell you as a child from a large nuclear and extended family, we have oral histories about seemingly insignificant events that vary drastically depending on who tells it, and fortunately at this point in our lives we get a kick out of the differences. Hopefully enough time has passed in this case that the differences can be fairly compared.

This would seem to make an excellent documentary to demonstrate the life and context of this tragedy. Geographically, musically, historically, narratively, controversially, what's missing from a great show? PBS anyone? Thanks again to the family members for contributing, I found out from the song, but this thread is the most informative by far. That so many people from the area have an association with this event is fascinating as well.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Ghost Hunters
by: Down to Earth Sue

Get 'Ghost Hunters' out there; they quickly get to the bottom of EVERY mystery. They could interview Jacob, the boys, their parents, the searchers- everyone! Get some EVPs that sound like an untuned radio, get some shaky video and say,"WTF", and talk a bunch about shadows.

Then they can sit down with the all the ancestors and tell them there's nothing dark or malicious going on and they have nothing to fear.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Unconvinced
by: Anonymous

I think a mock trial is a good idea. Publicity for the region, and attendees will be staying and eating locally. I'd come and observe the events myself. Have one every day for 5 days, different jurors.

No one is ever going to know what happened for sure, but if someone told that story today about a dream, he'd be arrested. Maybe not convicted but arrested because he's the most likely suspect.

I won't totaly discount a clairvoyant event but...why didn't the Anthony's see their granddaughter's body in a dream?.... or a hundred thousand other people missing family members or friends? Because it doesn't seem to happen anymore. He saw a dead dear in the dream? Hmmm...pretty random detail.

As for the shoes? A clever criminal would think to fake some wear on them with a knife and scouring with rocks.

I ask again.....what is the most likely, reasonable answer?

Not the magic one.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Some things you should know
by: NJG

the boys shoes were resoled two days before they got lost. When they were found the shoes brand new soles were worn to almost nothing, with huge gaping holes. Their bodies were basic "skin on bones." Their skin had massive scratches and lacerations from wondering through brires. Mr. Dibert had a dream that ultimatley cannot be explained, but it need not be. He was blessed for some reason and had the courage to follow his dream, even though he knew people would judge him and call him crazy and may very well blame him. His own brother in law, Mr. H. Wysong, had almost not guided him up to hog back ridge and the valley below it where the children were found because he said Jacob was basically off his rocker. Jacob, from my understanding, then told him he would go it alone and become the third lost one in tne Alleghenies. So Mr. H. Wysong guided him. I hope you will take what I have replied, and possibly research it as I have before casting further judgement as I once did. Research is the key to facts and truths. There is info out there, just look and you shall see.
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starstarstar 		Very Suspicious
by: Anonymous

What's more likely...a guy had 3 very precise dreams and found 2 little boys dead and in recognizable condition after 2 weeks in the animal-packed woods of 1856?
Or a guy that the boys recognized, lured them away and did God knows what with them? They may have been hidden and kept alive for a while. Wives can help cover up for some awful things.

He may have had the "dream." And I might be an Ostritch with a computer.
Quit taking such offense...no one is blaming the decendants.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Jacob Is Burried at Arlington National Cemetery
by: Don Dibert

My Brother Found his grave. As I understand from him Jacob is in a far corner of the Cemetery. There is a monument to fallen soldiers with his name in Pavia, But, Jacob is Burried at Arlington
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starstarstarstarstar 		Co.K 55th PVI
by: Anonymous

Wow, he fought at Gettysburg, Anitetam, and most major campaigns for the Union Army of the Potomac!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Jacob Dibert
by: Nick Gruse

I just wanted to say to don that I have researched this subject through old books, books written in the 1880's. I now know that Jacob made the biggest decision of his life when he went out to find the children, through a blessed dream. And what an honor it is to have met Don on here. I am in the process of wrting a non-fiction account of the story. My reserch partner and I are actually going to walk from Spruce Hollow, to the monument. Cross over Blue ridge, cross Bob's Creek as Jacob Dibert, Harrison Wysong and the children did, though the Cox children would have crossed it a few days before and then follow the small stream down the ravine to the monument. tomorow May 8th, 2012 marks the 156th anniversary.
What regiment did Jacob serve with in the Civil War? And were is he buried in VA? I would love to visit his grave site and pay homage to him for his courage on following his dream from God, and then answering the call to fight the rebellion and dieing for our freedom.
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starstarstarstarstar 		cox homestead
by: GCH

does anyone know where the cox family cabin was located
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starstarstarstarstar 		the story has been written
by: Anonymous

Not true. The story has been written. Also published in the Altoona Mirror. Google "Lost Children of the Alleghenies" You will find a link to the written work. Although you probably are correct that author got her facts from family members and descendants of people that were there
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starstarstarstarstar 		Oral traditions lose facts
by: Anonymous

Let me begin by saying, first of all, that I'm a historian. I have a Masters degree in American History from the University of Columbia. I'm not from Pennsylvania, or anywhere in the Appalachains, though I've studied the culture extensivley, and grew up in the South Missouri Ozarks, which is very simialr culturally and linguistically. Anyway, that's all neither hear nor there. I stumbled upon this post, because I had recently heard about this tragic event and wanted to find out more about it. Unfortunately, not much reliable information is to be had. I would just like to point out one thing that bother's me on this thread; everyone is spouting their mouths off declaring absolute truths and bickering with each other on who's right and who's wrong (filled with spelling and grammar errors I might add) but the problem is, most of it seems to be based on stories passed down orally. While this can be a great source of information, it can also be a great way for things to get blown out of proportion and, over the course of generations, lose facts. In Missouri, we have our own problem like this on a much wider scale in regards to Jesse James. Everyone has something different to say, and it's always the "truth" and it's always something completely opposite what someone else says. Anyway, to get to the point, I find it a little childish to come and banter on this thread when the fact of the matter, is that little is 100% set in stone about this event. If you're truly interested in finding out what happened, dig. There's always more there than meets the eye, and there is always more information you can gather. You don't have to be a historian to do that, just someone with an interest in the truth. It appears, that, in this case, the entire story may never be known, but enough can be pieced together to make a coherent summary of the event that everyone can agree on, no matter if it paints one's relatives in a positive or negative light. Facts are more important than that.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Your Interest is Wonderful
by: Don Dibert

I find your interest wonderful. I wish I could tell you that the trail to the monument follows Jacobs trail.. I just don't know. I do know they followed the creek part of the way so its not far from where they walked. I do not believe the homestead still stands as I understand the cox home was a cabin as many homes where in that area of that era. I am thrilled by your interest and wish I had more and better information for you. Enjoy your reading
Don
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starstarstarstarstar 		Is the Cox homestead still in existance?
by: Nick Gruse

Is the Cox homestead still in existance? If not, where in Spruce Hollow was it? I am just curious the distance that the children walked, terrible shame. At least their remains were recovered by Jacob Dibert and Harrison Whysong. Is the trail going up to the monument the same route taken by Jacob Dibert and Harrison Whysong or did they come over the mountain top or down from the upper end of the valley? It would be kind of neat to travel the same path those two brave souls took. I am reading an old book about it, there was a part of the book that said an old woman heard a child crying in the night and sent word for the searchers, who arrived in the late night and couldn't find them because they probably cried themselves to sleep. That breaks the heart. So close but so far away.
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starstarstarstarstar 		No Apologies Please
by: Anonymous

I am especially glad that you have gotten a handle on your apparent alcohol abuse. I am sure it is fine to have a drink from time to time. All things in moderation is how I try to live my life. Great words to live by. I am glad they were told to me long ago.
Please do not call me Mr. Dibert either. I appreciate your respect but, please just call me Don as I am no different from you. We all put our pants on one leg at a time.
I am very pleased you have had a change of heart I truly am.
You should be very proud of yourself for not only seeing you had an issue but, for taking responsibility for yourself. I am proud of you if you are not proud of yourself. But, you really should be! There are not many people that are able to see a problem within themselves as you have and, even less are able to correct it on their own as you are doing. You should indeed be very proud of yourself!! Quite an accomplishment!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Reread my posts, Jeez, I sounded like a nitiwit
by: Anonymous

To Mr. Dibert, I most sincerely and humbly appologize to you. I should not have spouted off false hoods like I did. I am and will not 'muddy the waters. I had a bit to drink and was not in my right mind, I hit a rough spot this past week and drinking, which I rarley do, and the story surrounding the event in 1856 popped into my head after remembering some old stories TOLD to me and perhaps the ones who filled my head with such nonsense wanted to see heros fall because they were jealous or needed a scapegoat. I see the error in my ways. It is a wonderful story with two men who should have a monument to them, and I am glad Mr.dibert corrected my knowledge, so I am thankful for what I typed in a way. And to scb, you were rigth as well. I just hope this never happens again and it won't on my part. So, once again my deepest appologies and regrets for the things I wrote, though they were only recollections told to me by others. God Bless you and your families.
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starstarstarstarstar 		The Facts of the Story are published
by: Anonymous

I am not going to communicate further. You can very simply google "lost children of the Alleghenies" and, learn all that anyone knows. I refuse to stoop to this level. I don't know what else to call what you are attempting to do other than to "muddy the waters" I have never heard anyone suggest such a ludicrous notion other than yourself.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Let's agree to dissagree
by: Anonymous

Well, thanks again for replying to my "outlandish" post. It happened a long time ago. But the truth of the matter is, it is still a cold case. And from a legal background it does not make sense. Two men find them, the only witnesses to a possible crime scene, no one else. I was told by a direct decendant, his father and uncle were named after Joseph and George and my co-worker is in his late sixties and his father and grandfather (his grandfather having known Samuel). What happened, or what was thought happened needs to be clearly looked through from a legal stand point. I am not muddying any waters, Jacob Dibert was a hero of mine for many years along with Mr. Whysong. I would really appreciate your side of the story, being a relation to the Diberts, I can see why you are so bothered by my post to your thread. The truth is out there and I feel it is my duty to bring justice to this issue, although it is almost 160 years after the fact. If Jacob had a dream and found the corps', it was a miracle, but the people need truth and EVIDENCE of this. No wild accusations just a cold case that needs some attention. I think a mock trial should do the trick. I have no qualms with you. Let evidence from the old days do its job, i.e., newspaper articles, proof that people weren't any where arround Spruce Hollow at the time of the dissaperance. If it is alright with you, I would like to give you my personal email, so we can communicate on a private basis. I would appreciate your input and help me lay this to rest between you and I.
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starstarstarstarstar 		responce
by: scb

-NJG- its fine to express your thoughts or "knowledge" for us to see, yet, you came here spouting that you know the real "truth" and then tried to soften it when called on it. I can say I questioned this story all my life, but have yet to see any reports or writings from that time period that truly indicate fowl play. I know and have talked to decendants of the Cox's, Dibert's and Whysong's and have never heard some of the side your claiming.(at least not so confidently expressed)
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starstarstarstarstar 		Clearly
by: Don Dibert

Clearly you do not have a grip. Because something is told to you by someone that feels slighted because he does not have a moment in the "limelight" does not make it right to utter wild accusations. I had the good fortune of meeting a descendant of the Cox family while working in Detroit. He lives in or near Sproul. We talked at length about the legend and, never once did he ever even hint that any of the Cox's had any notion that there was any wrong doing. I believe sincerely that you are only making up what you say to try and, muddy the waters surrounding A bit of Great American folk lore. Jacob was not the only one in the Family to have clairvoyance. His Grandson L.W. had a couple instances. As did Some on Grand Daughters side of the family. I myself find familiarities in times there should be none and, tend to know things before they happen. It could just be prejudging the obvious of course or... Anyway, Jacob was not the only one in the family to have dreams. Also, I think it is big of you to thank me for posting to a thread that I began. But, thank you for expressing your wildly outlandish scenario. However far from the truth it may be.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Well there are two sides to each story
by: Anonymous

I have a grip, I just repeated what was told. How did over a thousand people not know where to cross Bob's Creek to get to Cienna and Rhoades Run because it was flooding from the spring melt other than those two? Why did Dibert admit to hunting in the area of Spruce Hollow the day they went missing? Why was he accused before then of being a little off kilter and the local mad man? Why aren't these questions answered? Don't turn a blind eye towards a cold case and history. People did do such attrocious things in the 1850's, read a history book. Heroes die hard, I didn't say they or he deffinatley killed them, it is just one side of the story no one wants to talk about. If your children were killed or found dead untouched by predation two weeks after they went missing in a dense wilderness, would you want answers? Especially from the two that were the only ones that knew what over a thousand people didn't? Everyone has a black sheep scoundral in their family, its just a fact of life. But thanks for posting what you think.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Really?
by: Don Dibert

Omgg! How could Jacob have killed them? He was with his brother in law when they found them! Prior to that he was with his wife. People did not kill each other then as they do today! Get a grip!
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starstarstarstarstar 		A different story as well
by: NJG

I grew up 8 miles from the monument to Joseph and George and work with a decendant of Samuel, Suzanah and Jospeh and George. He told me the Cox family, as he is one of them, know that Jacob Dibert killed their children and may have done other things to them as well. I wish the truth could be told and people would quit hailing Dibert as a hero and know he was a monster. Glad to see some one else commented on here and knows the truth. Wikipedia deleted my editings on their encyclopedia, what a shame.
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starstarstarstarstar 		too sad
by: Anonymous

How on earth could a mother not pay attention to her own sons? This story made me cry. But the question still hangs by a thin string, how could this happen, why didn't see the signs? And did they won't to come back?
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starstarstarstarstar 		sob sob
by: someone you dont know

This story made me cry.why wouldn't the mother pay attenchion? Nothing like that should ever happen to a 7 and 5 year old boys. To everyone, lozenges to the song Jacobs dream on YouTube, its a grate song and it tells the story.
have a good day :)
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starstarstarstarstar 		Q
by: Anonymous

That is so sad but wonder what happened with them and what the deer had to do with it?
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starstarstarstarstar 		q
by: Anonymous

Where does the dirt road after the monument go? It continues on where does it go/end?
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starstarstarstarstar 		pavia
by: Anonymous

hello

its interesting to see all of these last names. I can remember my grandfather talking about this event and some of the last names i do recall hearing! Just to add, my uncle tom hendrickson built and painted that sign at the bottom of the road that takes you to the lost children monument and also my great great grandfather Thomas Croyle lived and owned the farm "rosedale" in pavia
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starstarstarstarstar 		Babes in the Woods song
by: Deborah Thomas

Harrison Whyson is my great-great grandfather and I too have heard the story all my childhood told by a song. The song called Babes in the Woods has the chorus poor babes in the woods and was song to me by my grandmother. I would like to know who wrote this song?
my e-mail: dltpraypi@yahoo.com
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starstarstarstarstar 		my family gave a different story handed down.
by: Anonymous

I am sorry, but I have to bring this out. My father's ancester lived within a short distance of Dibert, bothe before and after he was supposed to have had this 'dream'.
What I was told happened in reality that Dibert was in fact familar with the area, and these two boys in fact.
It was always a consideration that he may have taken these boys when he saw the chance, and chose to either molest them and kill them, or molest them after leaving them a distance away from home thinking they would eventually find their way home, but was overcome by guilt within days, and used a cover story of the 'dream' to lead people back where he left them. Also perhaps out of curiousity as to their fate.
This story is not made up, and was told to me many years ago.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Help
by: Anonymous

Myra Dibert Whysong-Krentz and others in the family.

I work as an indepented film producer, and I know the story well, and I'm hoping to put together a short film, with Allisons music to follow same.
Please reach out by email please, would love to chat about same. 1wildfire@atlanticbb.net

I've contacted Allison about doing a folow up video to her song, here in the mountains where it all took place.

Just a side note for anyone reading this. Trust me these hills are wicked steep,as I have hunted here for over 40 years.

People also seem to think that the boys took this short hike in the woods... not really. The path they took from thei rhome to where they met God, well it was more than a hike.

Thanks so much.
Ron

Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		so sad
by: brandy

some people want to cry foul play and all that junk. pointing fingers to the men who found then when in all truth God does use dreams. in this case he use a man named jacob dibert to find those poor babies. i can't stand to think of those little children lost out in the cold all alone. it just breaks my heart.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Interesting
by: SCB

I am a descendant Of Harrison Whysong, of course I have known about this story all my life. I had no Idea untill tonight that there was a song written about it, or that there would be post all over the internet about it.
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starstarstarstarstar 		A doubt too...
by: Anonymous

Hello from France,

A sad story about an accidental or a criminal infanticide despite all the love parents are able, and credulity folks are trying to maintain in their deep mind, in order to hide unbearable truth...

A Fan Of Bluegrass & Krauss releases (october,2010)
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starstarstar 		A Doubter
by: Anonymous

I accidentally came upon the monument recently while camping at Blue Knob State Park. I found it very moving, but I can't believe that no one has ever investigated this further. If this happened today, Dibert and Whysong would be considered suspects and be thoroughly investigated. Was this ever done at the time? What do we know about the condition of the bodies when they were found? Were they decomposed? Isn't it strange that animals had not consumed parts of them? Did Mr. Whysong move out of the area because he was being accused of sorcery or because being there reminded him of a terrible deed? Why are these men unquestionably regarded as heroes? Am I the only one who feels this way? I hope I haven't offended any descendants, but we all have relatives we that we would rather forget. It doesn't reflect on you. If anyone can shed any light on this case, please e-mail me at cakightl@ncsu.edu.
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starstarstarstarstar 		ROAD
by: Anonymous

THE ROAD TO THE MONUMENT, ALTHOUGH NARROW IS PAVED AND ACCESSIBLE BY CAR.
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starstarstarstarstar 		re: Don Dibert II
by: Laura (Dibert) Dean

Hi Patricia.

My name is Laura (maiden name Dibert) Dean. Jacob was my great, great grandfather. Dr. Lawrence Dibert of Williamsburg, PA. was my grandfather.

Don Dibert II is my nephew (I have two brothers) and is Jacob's great, great, great grandson.

Rating
starstarstar 		Some Errors in Your Facts
by: Myra Dibert Whysong-Krentz

The Lost Children's Monument does not stand in Spruce Hollow. Spruce Hollow is near Lovely PA and was the home of the lost boys, George and Joseph Cox, ages 7 and 5. They were lost when they followed their father into the woods on April 24, 1856. The Monument is in the woods in the midst of Blue Knob State Park, about 3 miles from the village of Pavia PA. I am the great-great-granddaughter of Jacob Dibert, the man who had the dreams that located the boys.
What makes this story significant is that Jacob and his wife Sarah Whysong lived near Claysburg PA, Jacob was not at all familiar with the wilderness around what is now Pavia. He dreamed his dream 3 nights in succession. After the third night he traveled to the top of Blue Knob where his wife Sarah's family lived, there he enlisted the help of his brother-in-law Harrison Whysong. He described the deep ravine that he had seen in his dream to Harrison who knew of such a place near the foot of the mountain. They found the children beneath a birch tree with a broken top, beside the creek, exactly as Jacob had dreamed.
Allison Kraus' song is based on the story. She learned of the story through a relative of mine who is a singer and songwriter who works with Allison periodically.
Jacob and Harrison never had peace after the event. Jacob Dibert enlisted in the Civil War and died of dysentary while in VA. His body is buried there. Harrison Whysong left the area to escape the accusations of sorcery, etc and died in 1876. Sarah remarried and moved her three sons to Pavia where I and many of the family still live.
There are two pamplet-style books that have been published on the story. The Lost Children of the Alleghenies by Ned Frear and The Miracle at Blue Knob by Wendell Allen. My father worked with both men to get the facts for their books. These books are the best sources for information. Contact the Bedford County Historical Society in Bedford PA for copies of these books.
The dirt road to the Monument is very remote and excellent for a bike ride (terrain is hilly, so you need to be in good shape- 3 miles each way). You will also need to hike into the woods on a trail to view the Monument.
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starstarstarstarstar 		My Feeling
by: kimberly and nick

The first I've heard of this tradgedy, I waz in my 6th grade class room and my teacher had told me about the lost children of the alleghenies and I started to cry right. My teacher had played this song for us and I imagined what they were going through. Those children had done nothing wrong. They will stay in my heart forever.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Tragedy
by: Anonymous

I know that this story is a tragedy but the fact of the matter is that it is very interesting about how the boys wandered away how I came about the story is from listening to Alison Krauss's song about the story I love the song and anytime I hear it, it brings me to tears thankyou for putting this picture up I truley appreciate it.
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starstarstarstarstar 		nice dad
by: Donald B Dibert II

its nice to see a great thing on the internet such as that the lost children is a great story if you don't know it find out about it its just to good but its true and i happen to find this in the most crazy way and if you did not have this story on this site your a joke
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starstarstarstarstar 		LOST BOYS
by: Anonymous

I LOVE YOUR SONG HOW DID YOU KNOW ABOUND THE KID HOW OLD WERE THE CHILDREN??????????
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thank You!
by: Olivia Dibert

Hi Patricia,

We've connected before. Thank you for putting the link to the song on your site. Truely a great addition. Though I'm married into the Dibert family. I love showing my kids your site of their great great great great Grandfather. My daughter is doing a report on the Cox tragedy, and we couldn't find the song. I just happened to revisit your site, and found the link. So cool!

Warmly,
Olivia Dibert
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starstarstarstarstar 		How sad!!
by: Renee

This story is so sad! Thank you for making these details available. It is important to know the small history of our nation.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Lost Children of the Alleghenies
by: Patricia

Hello Don,

I don't think you've taken the time to look at my website very close. I have a full page about the "Lost Children of the Alleghenies" and about Jacob's dream about finding them. I even have a link to Allison Krauss's new song, "Jacob's Dream". This is one of my popular pages.

You can find it if you click on the link to the left titled Museums/Memorials. You'll see "The Lost Children of the Alleghenies" listed there. Just click on the link and you can read the page.

I noticed your last name is Dibert, are you a relative?

Thank you for submitting the photo, I hope you take the time to read the page,

Patricia

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