USA > Wisconsin > Grant County > History of Grant County, Wisconsin > Part 57
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To the west of the above parties, and on the same range, are Kisselbury Brothers, Ham- merson & Trewatha. Also on the east end of the same range are the Poad Brothers, Tredin- nick, Vial and Geach.
382
HISTORY OF THE LEAD REGION.
The Robarts range has been traced for a distance of a quarter of a mile, the ore being found in flat sheets twenty-five feet above the glass-rock. The manner in which the ore is deposited is very remarkable, the order of deposition being as follows: Pyrites, blende, galenite. This is one of the few localities in the lead region from which cerussite is obtained. The three mines in the Robarts range are estimated to produce annually 200,000 pounds of lead ore and 100 tons of blende.
Treglown & Sons and Capt. Wicks .- Southwest quarter of northwest quarter of Section 8, in the west side of the Heathcock branch, Waring and Goldsworthy, owners. This range was discovered about forty years ago, and has been worked continuously ever since. The present company have been working it during the last two years in the glass-rock opening. The ore is found about fifteen feet below the surface; the width of the range is forty-five feet, drained by a level forty rods long. In former years it was worked for Sinithsonite at higher levels, and was quite productive. Its present annual production is, lead ore, 5,000 pounds ; blende, 100 tons.
Adams & Son & Bowden .- These parties are situated about a quarter of a mile southwest of Treglown & Wicks. They have been working during the last seven years on the Morrison range, producing annually abont fifty tons of Smithsonite and seven thousand pounds of lead ore. Water was removed from these diggings by drilling a hole down to the glass-rock opening.
David Morrison Diggings .- West half of southwest quarter of Section 8. The range is about seven hundred yards long, forty feet wide, and has a general north and south course. The range was discovered in 1846, and worked at various times for lead ore to 1874. Mr. Morrison then opened the main sheet of the blende, since which time the production has been as follows : In 1874, 90 tons; in 1875, 106 tons. During the present year the mine has not been worked, although it is still good. The range is drained by a level three hundred and fifty feet long. The ore is found in flat sheets, from seven to ten inches thick, on top of the glass- rock.
Richards & Faul Bros .- These diggings are situated in the village of Linden, near the southeast corner of Section 8, on land owned by William George. The ore is found under the glass-rock in a flat sheet, from ten to twelve inches thick, from fifteen to twenty-five feet in width, and from thirteen to thirty feet below the surface. The water is removed by a drain about one hundred and fifty feet long. This mine was discovered in May, 1875. From that time to May, 1876, they produced 80,000 pounds of lead ore, and 150 tons of blende. During July, August and September, 1876, they have produced 35,000 pounds of lead ore and 40 tons of blende.
Thomas Tamblin .- Zinc ores were discovered on the northwest quarter of the north west quar- ter of Scetion 10, Township 5, Range 2 east, on the 20th of December, 1875, on the land of Mrs. Thomas Shore. The general course of the range is nearly east and west, and is now worked at an average depth of ten feet below the surface, and has been proved to a distance of forty feet. The ore was found as a flat sheet of drybone, cropping out at the foot of a hill. On working into the hill, the amount of Smithsonite was found to diminish, and the blende to increase, which seems to be an indication that the Smithsonite is a secondary product, derived from blende. It is estimated that two mines can produce here one hundred tons of zinc ore per annum.
R. S. & W. J. Jacobs .- Southeast quarter of southwest quarter, and southwest quarter of southeast quarter of Section 7, Township 5, Range 2 east. This mine was discovered in March, 1875. There are here four east-and-west sheets from four to six feet wide, and from four to six inches thick in the upper pipe-clay opening, separated from each other by six or eight feet of unproductive rock. They are worked about twenty feet below the surface. There is but a small amount of water, which is bailed out. Some very large isolated masses of lead ore have been found here, one of which, weighing 1,527 pounds, was sent to the Centennial Exhibition. Small quantities of zinc ores are also found. The mine produced, during the year 1875, of lead ore, 70,000 pounds, and in 1876, 40,000 pounds. The mine has not been worked much during this summer, as the owners are engaged in farming.
383
HISTORY OF THE LEAD REGION.
DODGEVILLE DISTRICT.
The mines of this district comprise those in the immediate vicinity of the village. The zinc ore diggings situated about two miles east of the village, and those in Van Meter's Survey about four miles west of the town. The most productive and profitable are those situated east of the village, worked for drybone blende and lead ore.
Evan Williams' Mines .- Southwest quarter of southwest quarter of Section 25, Township 6, Range 3 east. These mines were discovered in 1844, and were worked at intervals until 1853. Since then Mr. Williams has worked them continuously to date. The ore is found in flat sheets, about one hundred feet wide, in the lower beds of the Galena limestone, and the ground is drained by a level a quarter of a mile long.
Mr. Williams estimates that this range has averaged fifty thousand pounds of lead ore per annum during the last twenty years. Previous to 1863, they were worked exclusively for lead ore. Since then they have averaged one hundred tons per annum of blende, the produc- tion rising in some years to two hundred tons. During the present year (1876) thirty thousand pounds of lead ore have been produced here, and one hundred and twenty-five tons of blende. In November, 1875, Mr. Williams commenced working about seven hundred feet south of the preceding location. A flat sheet was found here at a depth of ninety feet, and has been proved horizontally a distance of sixty feet. This mine in the past year has produced, lead ore, 15,000 pounds ; blende, 50 tons. In July, 1876, Mr. Williams sunk a shaft twenty- five feet deep, about quarter of a mile west of the center of Section 25, and discovered a flat sheet of blende abont five inches thick, from which he has obtained about three tons of blende.
Owens & Powell .- On the southwest quarter of southeast quarter of Section 25 are some small drybone digging, on Mr. Williams' land. Five tons of ore are produced here each year. This is known as Rounds' range.
Jones, Farrager & Owens .-- Southwest quarter of southwest quarter of Section 25, near the west line of the Section on Evan Williams' land. This is an old range, which has been worked since its discovery in 1849. The range is drained by a level three hundred yards long. The ore is found in flat sheets, from forty-five to eighty feet below the surface. Five shafts are now open. These diggings produce only lead ore. The annual product is valued at from $3,000 to $5,000.
Mrddth Evans .- Northeast quarter of north west quarter of Section 25, in John Williams' land. These diggings are on Morgan Jones' old range, and have been worked during the last four years for Smithsonite. During the present year (1876), lead ore and blende have been dis- covered, and 65,000 pounds of lead ore have been produced, and considerable blende.
Hugh Jones .- Northeast quarter of northwest quarter of Section 25. These diggings are on the eastern portion of the Watkins range. They were discovered in 1848. The present party commenced work in 1864. The ore is found in an irregular, flat sheet, from one hundred to two hundred feet wide, in the lower part of the Galena limestone. The annual product of this mine is: Lead ore, 25,000 pounds ; blende, 150 tons.
Hendy, Davey, Lovey & Co .- Northwest quarter of northwest quarter of Section 36, Town- ship 6, Range 3 east. These diggings comprise the sonthern and western portions of the Wat- kins range. The ore is blende and lead ore, found in a flat sheet, in the same opening and position as in the Hugh Jones diggings. The works extend eastward, and will ultimately connect with them, the intervening space being about one hundred feet. The mine has been and is now quite productive-the exact amount cannot be ascertained.
Samuel Clegg .- Northeast quarter of southeast quarter of Section 26, Township 6, Range 3 cast. The land is owned by Mr. A. P. Thompson, of Buffalo. The ore is found in a flat sheet, in the glass-rock opening, and is obtained from three shafts, each 100 feet deep. Lead ore only is produced. It was discovered in 1870, and produced in that year 20,000 pounds. Since that time to October 1, 1876, the total product has been 600,000 pounds.
Joseph Pearce Diggings .- This mine is situated in the village of Dodgeville, a short dis- tance northwest of the court house. It is known as the Lowry range, and was discovered in
384
HISTORY OF THE LEAD REGION.
1836. It was not worked from 1850 to 1870, when Mr. Pearce commenced work on it, and has worked it continuously ever since. It is worked exclusively for lead ore, which is found in tumbling openings and in flat sheets, from fifty to seventy feet wide. The range is drained by a level 800 feet long to a depth of 30 feet below the surface. The deepest shaft is eighty feet. There is considerable water in the mines, but much less than there was twenty-five years since. The water is removed by a horse-pump, worked during the daytime. The length of the range, so far as it has been worked, is 1,000 feet. During the last two years, this mine has produced 200,000 pounds of lead ore ; previous to this it only paid expenses.
William Carter & Owens .- West half of the southeast quarter of Section 26. Owner of land, A. P. Thompson, of Buffalo. This is known as Edward Edwards' range, and was dis- covered in 1853. The range has a general north-and-south course, but with some irregulari- ties. It was worked north 500 feet, then west 600 feet, then north-the north-and-south por- tions being the most productive of lead ore. The mine is quite wet, but is drained by a level about two thousand feet long. The number of shafts is nine, the greatest depth below the sur- face being seventy feet. The length of the drift is 1,250 feet. Mr. Carter has been working this mine for six years. . During that time, the product of the east-and-west portion has been 65,000 pounds of lead ore annually, and in the north-and-south portions, 150,000 pounds per annum, with the same expense. Other parties working in this vicinity are Nicholas Bailey & Co. and John Bosanco & Co.
Lambly Range .- Northeast quarter of Section 28, Township 6, Range 3 east. This range has been worked continuously for a great many years. It produces lead ore to the amount of about thirty thousand pounds per annum. Four years ago, its annual product was 200,000 pounds.
Porter's Grove Diggings .- These mines are situated in Town 6, Range 4 east. At pres- ent the following mines are in operation :
Union Mine, William Hendy & Co .- Situated on the northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 28. The ore produced is lead, and in tumbling openings, at a depth of seventy feet, and in the upper surface of the rock. The mine is drained by a level one-quarter of a mile long.
Ridgeway Mine, William Hendy & Co .- Situated on the southeast quarter of the south- east quarter of Section 21. This mine is owned and operated by the same parties as the pre- ceding, and is in the same range, which is known as the North-and-South Branch Lot. It is drained by a level a quarter of a mile long. The present owners commenced operating them in 1872. Since then the product of lead ore has been as follows :
Union Mine. Lbs.
Ridgeway Mine. Lbs.
1872
300,000
44,000
1873.
35,000
44,000
1874
16,000
63,000
1875.
38,000
44,000
1876, to October 1
22,000
17,000
Frank Farwell & Co .- Southeast quarter of northeast quarter of Section 28. These parties commenced working on the Wakefield range in October, 1875. Previous to that time it had not been worked for twenty years. Most of the workings are at a depth of thirty-five feet below the surface, although some are as deep as sixty feet. The work is chiefly removing pillars of lead ore, which have been left from former operations. The product from October, 1875, to October, 1876, has been 14,000 lbs. Other parties mining in this vicinity are John and Thomas Paull, of Ridgeway, producing lead ore.
VAN METER'S SURVEY.
On the north half of the northeast quarter of Section 18, Township 5, Range 3 east, are three very large ranges which have not, to our knowledge, been reported. Their general course is northwest and southeast, and they are crossed by numerous north-and-south crevices. It is at these crossings that the largest bodies of ore are found. The ore is galenite, and is entirely free
385
HISTORY OF THE LEAD REGION.
from any mixture of zinc ores. It is found in the green rock opening. The northernmost of the three ranges known as the Duke Smith, contained an opening in places fifty feet wide, some- what intersected with bars. It was worked over a quarter of a mile in length, and produced about half a million pounds of lead ore. It has not been worked since 1853. A short distance south of this is a parallel range, which produced over 20,000 pounds in a distance of about 100 feet. The opening was about thirty feet wide.
The third parallel range, 300 feet south of the Duke Smith range, has been worked since the winter of 1873-74, by Mr. John Hutchinson, of Mineral Point. The lead ore occurs in large pockets, containing crystalline pieces of from one to 500 pounds' weight. The opening is in the green rock, and is from ten to twelve feet high. This range has been the least worked of all, but formerly produced about 100,000 pounds. It now yields ore of the value of $5 per day when worked. None of the ranges have been worked to any great depth, and all were abandoned with ore going down in the crevices. The gradual diminution of water in the country has now made it possible to resume work.
Powell & Co .- This party is working on what is known as the Nic Schillen range. Work was commenced in the spring of 1876, and continued for three months. The work was in the glass-rock opening, and about twenty feet below the surface. The amount produced was 3,000 pounds.
Richards & Burns .- This party is situated south of the preceding, and in land of the Sterling estate. They have been working there during the present year, in the green-rock opening, producing about 2,000 pounds per month.
Powell Diggings .- They are situated about a quarter of a mile north of Mr. Hutchinson's diggings. This is a new discovery, and has been in operation about a year. The product has been 35,000 pounds.
MINERAL POINT DISTRICT.
These mines comprise those in the immediate vicinity of the city and those of Lost Grove and Diamond Grove. Considerable mining is being carried on at these localities, which are among the oldest and most productive of the lead region. They are all comprised in Towns 4 and 5, Ranges 2 and 3 east. In addition to the lead ore, a great deal of zinc ore has been pro- duced within the past ten years, and they now supply a large portion of the zinc ore of the lead region.
Terrill Range and Badger Range .- These ranges are situated on Lots 128, 129, 130, 131, 132 and 134, of Harrison's survey of the city of Mineral Point. They are old and well-known ranges, which have been worked continuously for many years, and are now productive of Smith- sonite and galenite. The mines are situated in a high ridge, from which the water drains natu- rally into the adjacent ravines, leaving the diggings constantly dry. The ore is found in flat sheets and " pitches" (inclined sheets). The ranges are from one hundred and fifty to two hundred feet wide, more than a quarter of a mile long, and contain ore at depths varying from ten to sixty feet below the surface. There are three principal openings in the lower beds of the Galena limestone. The parties now working on the Terrill range are as follows :
Matt Shields and John Linden .- They have been working for three years, at an average depth of forty feet, pro lacing chiefly Smithsonite from the second opening. The sheet averages about ten inches in thickness.
Pascoe & Collins .- They have been working their present mine during the last cight years, producing Smithsonite, blende and galenite from the green rock and green-rock opening. The Smithsonite is the most abundant, and the lead ore the least so. The workings are from twenty to sixty feet deep, and the ore is found in sheets from one to four inches thick. The blende is found at the greatest depth, and averages about four inches in thickness.
Jacka & Waggoner .- These parties have been working here eight years, at a depth of about fifty feet below the surface, but never having reached the lower opening. They estimate their annual production at 15,000 pounds of galenite and 25 tons of Smithsonite. The range at this point is two hundred feet wide.
386
HISTORY OF THE LEAD REGION.
Hitchins & Terrill .- They have been working at various times during the last ten years in the northwest end of the Terrill range, known as the Brush Lot, producing lead ore and zinc ore. This was formerly very rich ground. The work at present is confined to prospecting.
Huxtable & Son .- These parties are working near the center of the range, and from twenty to fifty feet deep, producing large amounts of lead and zinc ore. This is believed to be one of the best mines in the range.
Parties working on the Badger range are as follows :
Thomas Cox & Sons .- These parties are working near the center of the range, and have been mining here during the last ten years. The ore is found in three flat openings. The first is from ten to twenty feet below the surface, and contains chiefly Smithsonite, in sheets of three inches in thickness. The second opening is ten feet deeper, containing the same ore, mixed with galenite, in sheets of three inches. The third opening is ten feet below the second, and contains chiefly blende, in sheets averaging for inches. The description in these openings applies to all other mines in the range. Other parties working in this range are :
. Cox & Co., James Hitchins & Holman and Harris and Partner .- The mining ground on this ridge is owned in small lots by several parties, among whom are Messrs. Ross, Priestly, Tyck and Prideaux. It was found impossible to obtain any information of the amounts of ore produced on this ridge, but it is safe to estimate ore to the amount of $600 per annum for each man, and this is probably much beneath the actual amount.
William Prideaux Mines .- Southeast quarter of northwest quarter of Section 30, Town- ship 5, Range 3 east. This is a part of the Ashbank range, so called from the decomposed appearance of much of the surface lead ore. It was discovered more than thirty years since, and worked extensively for lead ore. The course of the range is nearly northwest, and its aver- age width ahout twenty-five feet. The principal product of the mine is Smithsonite, with some lead ore. The workings are chiefly in the green-rock opening, where the ores are found in flat and pitching sheets, from two to eighteen inches thick. The ground is dry, and the workings rather shallow, seldom being more than fifty feet below the surface. In one place, where the water was troublesome, it was removed by drilling a hole fifty-four feet deep, draining it off through a lower opening. During the present year (1876), about 51,000 pounds of lead ore and some blende were obtained in the brown-rock opening. Mr. Prideaux commenced work in April, 1873. He estimates that from January 1 to October 1, 1876, the value of ores produced is $6,500, and about the same amount from April, 1873, to January 1, 1876. A short distance south west of the preceding is a parallel range not workedat present, but regarded as valuable. mining ground.
J. Jackson & Co .- These diggings are also on the Ashbank range, and a short distance east ot William Prideaux. The ores produced are Smithsonite and galenite, in nearly equal amounts, found in flat sheets in the green rock and its openings, from fifteen to forty feet below the sur- face. The range is about forty rods long and 350 feet wide; ten shafts have been sunk upon it. Work was commenced here in 1868, since which time it has been continuous, the mines proving very productive. No exact amounts could be ascertained, but the owners estimate the value of ores produced since 1868 at $18,000, the present year being the most remunerative.
Mitchell & Pollard .- Northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 30, Town- ship 5, Range 3 east. This range is situated about sixty rods southwesterly from the Prideaux mines. These parties have been working about four years, producing Smithsonite and lead ore. The workings are shallow and dry, similar to the Ashbank range, but not so productive.
Sinapee Diggings .- These mines are situated on the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 30. They were discovered in 1854; have been worked continuously since then, and now furnish employment to several parties, among whom are
Samuel Prisk and William Paynter .- These parties commenced work in the fall of 1875, and have produced during the last year about fifty tons of Smithsonite and some lead ore. The diggings are quite dry, and average about fifteen feet in depth. The ore is found in flat sheets, the principal workings being in the glass-rock openings. The mine furnishes fine cabinet speci-
387
HISTORY OF THE LEAD REGION.
mens of galenite. The range is about five hundred feet long, and from one hundred to one hundred and fifty feet wide, and has a general east-and-west course. The ore sheet is from two to four inches thick.
Prisk & Coad .- This is a parallel range, situated about three hundred feet south of the preceding, and having about the same length, width and thickness. The above parties com- menced work in the fall of 1875, and are now working in the upper pipe-clay opening. This mine is from fifty to sixty feet deep, and formerly produced over a million pounds. The pro- duction during the past year was 7,000 pounds of lead ore.
Samuel and William Richards .- These parties are working a short distance east of Prisk & Paynter. They have been engaged here about a year and a half, producing chiefly blende and lead ore.
Bennett & Brady .- Situated near the center of Section 29. A large amount of work has been done here, including a level to unwater the ground. They are quite productive of the ores of zinc and lead.
Short & Co .- Situated on the northwest quarter of Section 29. Considerable mining has been done by these parties in this vicinity during the last few years. There are several very profitable mines in the northwestern part of Strong's Addition to the city of Mineral Point, all on land owned by Mr. J. J. Ross. They are as follows :
Bohan & Co .- Smithsonite and lead ore are produced here. The range is from seventy to eighty feet wide, has a general east-and-west course, and is worked to a depth of seventy feet below the surface. There are two openings, separated by about twenty feet of unproductve rock, the lower ore being the glass-rock opening.
Connaughton & Casserly .- These parties are working on an east-and-west range, about three hundred feet north of the preceding. They have been working here during the last two years, having sunk two principal shafts to a depth of sixty feet to the glass-rock opening. This is an east-and-west range, about sixty feet wide, and has been drifted on to a distance of 100 feet. It produces chiefly blende, estimated by the owners at $800 per year.
John Wogler & Co .- Situated about three hundred feet northwest of the preceding. These parties are working in the same openings, and producing chiefly zinc ores. Until very recently, two other parties were employed in this vicinity, this ridge having for many years been very good mining ground.
Bennett & Co .- This party is engaged in mining and prospecting about a quarter of a mile east of the preceding diggings. Near the corner of Towns 4 and 5, Ranges 2 and 3 east, are a number of ranges which have been worked for many years. Those situated on Section 1 are the property of the Mineral Point Mining Company ; those on the adjacent sections are the property of Mr. John J. Ross. There are six principal crevices, running nearly parallel, on Sections 33 and 1. Their general course is south 70° east, and on entering Section 6, they run nearly east and west. The crevices lead down to the opening between the buff and blue limestones, known as the glass-rock opening. The ore here is found in a flat sheet, about a foot thick and from seventy to one hundred and forty feet wide, which has been worked for a dis- tance of half a mile. The ores are galenite and blende, and occur associated with baryte, and have to be separated before reduction. The mode of drainage in Mr. Ross' mine is somewhat peculiar ; shafts were sunk at intervals to a distance of eight feet below the opening, into the buff limestone, where a bed is reached through which the water readily passes away. This mode of drainage was accidentally discovered in prospecting for the sheet. No ore of any con- sequence is found in the upper pipe-clay opening ; occasional bunches have been found, prob- ably not over 20,000 pounds in all. These ranges have been worked at intervals for the last forty years by various parties. Active operations were commenced by Mr. Ross about ten years ago, since which time his ground has produced about 2,500,000 pounds of lead ore, and about 3,500 tons of zinc ores. During the whole time in which these mines have been worked, it is safe to say they have produced not less than 8,000,000 pounds of lead ore, and twice as much zinc ores. During the winter of 1874-75, ore to the value of $1,600 was produced.
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