The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1881-12-02
cellanrntts.
For The 1EgiS 0nd MteAigencey.
A Peep at the York County Slate Quar-
riau


A Peep at the York County Slate Quar-
ries.
A few weeks ago gave the readers of Tile
-EgiS a sketch of the quarries in Hartford
county. Now | will try and give them peep
at the mines worked in York county, Pa,
where slate was first found in the Ridge, one
hundred years ago.
After passing through our quiet little vii
lage of West Bangor, the first quarry we
50 was that of John e. Williams & Sons
They have lately opened it and are now en-
ploycd in taking off top" that is, in remov-
ing the earth and understandable slate, which
is perhaps twenty feet in depth, before the
valuable slate is reached. This firm have
made some fine slate and their prospects are
good for paying quarry.
The next quarry visited was that of John
Humphreys & Co. This is one of the oldest
firms on the Ridge, employing large num-
Der of hands Their quarry is the largest and
deepest in this locality.
quarry harFyyneWF 6 81 We came 10 nee%yoPened
owen Jones The indications for good
quarry are very promising. They have al
ready made some fine slate, Mr.. McLaugh-
lin has often before tried his luck for slate,
but has been unsuccessful until this time,
Wien IOTluHC SCtlllS W SlHllC upOIl Hill.
The next quarry we visited was r. l.. Jones
& Cos. Mr.. Jones showed me large quaint
tty of nice slate which he has on the bank
This is, perhaps, the most profitable quarry in
there parts, making more slate to the number
of hands worked than any other. Mr.. Jones
also has lease on what is known as the Big
Quarry. This quarry has $50 feet ofwater in
it. Mr.. Jones intends to suitcase it to some
monied men, who will take the water out
and make it a paying investment. 1t was
worked successfully for a number of years by
Isaac Parker, but for the last ten years it has
been lying idle, and now contains great
depth of water.
Taking a look at Owen p. Owens & Cos
quarry, found that they had been working
it only short time consequently they have
not made many slate. Their prospect for
success is good, They had been engaged in
working quarry not far from their new one
but the slate gave out and they were compel
ed to give 1t up.
The quarry formerly worked by James Kell
& Co. of York, is now being reopened by
Thos. Morris & Co They intend to make il
pay, as it contains large body of slate.
Foullx Jones quarry at this place is not be-
ing worked. We did not learn the cause
Perhaps he is waiting for the Baltimore and
start with full force.
On my way home | visited Owen X.
Thomas & Co.'S. newly opened mine, but
not much has yet been done.
The quarry formerly worked by Capt
DAVID Jones and others is being reopened by
E. Evans, William Rollins and William Nor.
ris, all of this place This quarry has run
ming into it tunnel nearly quarter of a
mile in length, which cost over $4,000. The
firm will be compelled TO spend great deal
of money in clearing away the rubbish, be-
fore they can commence making slate The
land upon which these quarries are situated
is owned by Mr.. William McSparren, of Wesi
Bangor, and they pay him handsome
amount every year.
The slate of York county differs very mucl
from that found in Hartford county. The lat
ter possess more "gumbo" in their makeup
than those of York county, and are more diff
cult to work JERRY.