Gifts From Decorah Laurah

A gold coin found in the time capsule of East Side School was a real coin. Gus Klemetson, editor of the Decorah Docket and amateur coin collector, knew that, but he couldn't find any reference to it. The name of the donor, Decorah Laurah, also had no history. With persistence, luck, and help, he uncovered a most amazing story. Abraham Lincoln had commissioned a secret mint in 1861, the coins destined to buy Sioux Indian peacefulness during the impending Civil War. Stolen before delivery, Gus tracked their circuitous journey to the person of Decorah Laurah. Unfortunately, his quest soon struck very close to home, almost costing Gus his life and everything dear to him.