Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1860-09-28
Tho iIeeea on YeIla.

! MEccA, TRuuBULL Co., Sept 1860.
EDIroRs LEApER:-Although much has
been said and written about the oil fever, the
excitement still continues unabated in Mecca
as well after well is completed and put into
successful operation. The passing stranger
would scarcely expect mother earth to pro-
duce so bountihlly the rich, oily substance
that has become so important an article Of
merchandise. ...,..-....
In the immediate region of the wells the
surface of the land is quite level and unbro-
ken, with clayey soil not so generally
adapted 70 agricultural purposes as other
portions of the country.
There are at present about twenty-five
wells in operation pumping oil, and many
others are in a state of progress approaching
cOrnpIetion--nearly every day new steam
engine arrives to fill some order
The total number of wells completed and
being drilled, in this one township is esti-
mated at Too hundred 10 too hundred and .ttty
IA truely wonderful number-the wonder
is where so much oil comes from. A writer
in the Warren Chronicle advances the idea
that the oil was imbedded il, the earth in its
present condition at the time of the Creation
and produces arguments to sustain his theory;
be this as it may, it is certain that the Olea-
ginous sleeper is being raised from its repose
Of aues in a verv haetV manner
A good well win average ten barrels per
day Of the crude oil ready for shipment to the
refining establishment, where it commands
from 20 to 40 cents per gallon-the market
value not seeming to be fully determined yet.
A refinery is about being built here which
will be great advantage to the place and
those interested in the wells.
The property holders are coming money
by leasing their lands in small parcels to
anxious spectators and prospectors; but as
long as the oil continues to be found as
plentifully as at present the investment is a
paying one even where high lease rent Is
paid. "The Corners" once place where
you turned to go somewhere, has suddenly
become point of lively interest. New build
ings are spFingihg up mushroom like land
about as substantially
Staid wheat fields and old fogy corn lots,
ancient orchards and pretty flower gardens,
are alike ruthlessly inVaded-the inevitable
three poles erected and hole dug down to
the solid rock and then the drill is brought
into requisition. A most simple mechanical
contrivance furnishes a stout, effective spring
TO work the drill The oil is reached at an
average depth of from 40 to so feet, an iron
pipe inserted, machinery attached and the
pumping commences. The fluid pumped up
passes through a conduit into large Hats or
reservoirs, where the oil and water naturally
separate and the water is drawn off. But
the separation is not perfect-an oily scum
floats on the surface of the water. Some of
the children, to amuse themselves, dipped up
aquantity Of this waste water, drained it off
again, and the result was two or three barrels
of good oil. This shows what might be done
If attention were turned in that direction.
Experiments have been made by painters
with this oil in place of linseed, with n
highly satisfactory result so far as tested =
This viii give an additional value to this
mysterious substance. One peculiar effect
Of such an universal pumping in that neigh
bOOrhood is a nearly complete drying up of
common wells of water; circumstance that
might excuse a resident in drinking some
thing else; and even where water is found, it
partahes so much Of an oleaginous nature
that one desires Something in it, to make
it palatable.
The grounds are daily visited by large
number of the curious and those desirous of
investing. Several Clevelanders are engaged
in the business here, and seem to be doing
WE'LL Why would it not be profitable to dig
a big well, after the style of the Great East-
earn, and dip up the oil and fortune by the
bucket full The visitor is well repaid
spending half day in the vicinity.
p r