Kathy Magruder, owner of Pageturners Bookstore, has uncovered a remarkable piece of history at an Iowa nursing home – a mysterious, 318-year-old Bible.
Magruder shared her astonishing find with KCCI-TV, recounting her experience at the Calvin Community home’s library.
The discovery unfolded as Magruder, an avid collector of unique texts, was perusing the nursing home’s collection. Among the assortment of older books, the ancient Bible caught her attention. Speaking to the Independent Advocate, Magruder recalled, “It doesn’t look like anything special. I said, ‘You know, I think that one is kind of old. … I’m going to have to research that one because I can’t even make an offer until I have some idea what it is.'”
Driven by curiosity, Magruder delved into the history of the book, unraveling some captivating details. The Bible, printed in 1705 in Selkirkshire, Scotland, presented a potential twist – it might have been produced without the monarchy’s permission, a serious offense at the time that could lead to a death sentence, according to KCCI-TV.
The intrepid bookstore owner didn’t stop there. Magruder managed to trace the Bible’s ownership back through time, discovering a family history inscribed in its pages. One entry poignantly noted, “Janet Scott my Spouse Died on Wednesday third Day of Novm 1773 Aged 33 years of the Smallpox.” This referred to a couple named James Burnet and Janet Scott, married in 1761 with three daughters, as per the written history.
The intrigue deepened as Magruder further investigated the book’s publisher, unveiling details about the family and shedding light on how the centuries-old Bible came to be printed.
Despite Magruder’s exhaustive efforts, the nursing home remains puzzled about how the Bible ended up in their library, and the original owners’ relatives have proven elusive thus far. The overarching question looms large – how did this historic tome traverse the Atlantic and find its way to the United States?
A video posted on X by What To Watch shows Kathy Magruder sharing her mysterious find.
318-Year-Old Bible Found in Nursing Home
A 318-year-old book has sparked a mystery in Iowa. Kathy Magruder found a leather-bound Bible in the back of a retirement home library. This book was the King James version of the Christian Bible printed in Scotland in 1705. Through death… pic.twitter.com/DTtSxYMJGi— What To Watch? (@hieuquach12) November 20, 2023
Magruder’s quest for additional information continues, driven by her determination to unearth the complete narrative surrounding this ancient Bible. While nursing home officials grapple with the mystery of its arrival, Magruder remains steadfast in her pursuit, aiming to connect the dots and shed light on the Bible’s extraordinary journey.
As the story unfolds, Magruder plans to eventually part with the centuries-old Bible, opening the door for enthusiasts and collectors alike to delve into its rich history. For those intrigued by this extraordinary discovery, further details can be found [here](link to more information).
In the quiet corners of an Iowa nursing home, a seemingly unremarkable shelf harbored a hidden treasure.
