The Elk Mountain pilot., 1881-06-16

A. I. Gilkinson had tried his luck
in the mines of various western states
and territories for twelve years with
very poor success and was really in
destitute circumstances. He had load
ed his effects in a wagon at Gothic,
some twenty miles from here, and was
about to do the same with his almost
naked family and start on his weari.,
some journey across the plains to his
old home in the far east. Going to
the pasture for his mules, he found one
Of them dead. He had no credit,
could not buy another animal or get
work, and leaving his family with the
few provisions they had, he walked
hither in hopes Of receiving at least
temporary employment. Pausing near
the present site Of the Lead Chief
buildings to fest and eat scanty lunch
with companion, R. A. Dur can, he
took occasion to follow the trail a few
yards down to Anthracite Creek for
drink, and on the way noticed an in
viting ledge that had been laid bare by
horses hoots. 1t was prospected, the
Lead Chief discovered. and soon its
marvellously rich specimens of native,
ruby ard wire silver attracted the at.
tention of capitalists, and last March
he was made fifty thousand dollars
richer by its sale, Duncan pocketing
like amount.
REDUCTION WORKS.
Last week we gave quite lengthy
description of the Pioneer stamp mill,
therefore will not take up much room
for that this week.
The Sampling Works, of Rose, Reed
& Co. were erected here late last sum-
mer, in time however, to handle con-
siderable ore, bit owing to the short
season the mines were not pre-
pared to furnish them with ore all
winter. They are now ready to run,
and will probably start any day. These
gentlemen after travelling all through
San Juan country and other portions
Of the Gunnison last summer, saw no
place that was SO inviting for mills as
this camp, After looking over the
ground last July, they spared no time
in getting their mill shipped from
Georgetown, this state, to this place.
If business justifes they will put in
concentrating works this summer Of
the most complete description. They
will use jigs, fuevanners and slime
tables, crushing the ore with, Blake
cfushers, Cornish rollers and stamps.
When completed it will be on the
most improved plan of any in the
state, as there is not mill in Colorado
with all Of these appliances. Mr..
Willet Rose, of the firm, was for nine
years one Of the firm of Rose Bros.
leather importers, New York, (now
Rose, McAlpine & Co.. His health
failing him he came to Colorado some
six years ago, and went into the min.
ing and milling business about George
town, where he has been up to last
year. He is thorough practical man
and has the utmost confidence in the
future of this camp. Mr.. S. A. Reed,
also of the firm, is practical assayer
and metalurgist, having graduated
from the school Of. mines, of Columbia
College, with high honors, and stands
very high with the faculty of that COL
lege. He has had considerable expe-
rience in Colorado both in mining for
h,mself, and as an expert in examining
mines for other parties. He is at
present in the Wood River country,
examining property for come New
York parties. Nj. G. N. Williamson,
who is the silent partner, Is the son of
D. d. Williamson. manufacturer Of
chemicals in New York, is a graduate
of Columbia College, both classical
and law department and is also an
alumni of the school of mines of that
college. He is also a practical ass yer
and metalurgist. With the practical
knowledge combined with energy these
gentle men will no doubt in few years
have as extensive works is any in the
state.
saw Mills
W. A. Eckerly 4 Co., the pioneer
saw mill men brought THEFT mill in
here last spring through many diff
ctltIes. From the day he began to
get it IN he was beseiged with orders
for lumber so that when he did get to
running he was compelled to run day
and night. Being encouraged by last
years work he went to Chicago this
winter, and purchased a planning ma
chine, ma cher, edging machine and
other improved machinery, so that
now he is able to supply the market
with all kinds Of plain and fancy lum-
Der at eastern prlces. He also runs 4
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