Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1884-03-20
TIN MINES.
A Discovery of Wonderfully Rich De-
posits in North CarOIina-VYhatF Us TO |
BE Done
Richmond n. G. Correspondan

Richmond n. G. Correspondence.
The discovery of extensive and
valuable deposits Of tin near Kinks
Mountain, in Cleveland County,
North Carolina, has created such an
excitement as has hitherto been I'M
known in all that section of the state.
The discovery is remarkable, because
of the fact that none of the geologists
had found tin in appreciable quaint
ties, and it was left to young man,
an amateur mineralOgist to ascertain
the presence of immense beds of the
ore. This young man is Robert Clay
we'll. He attended the military
school of Capt. Bell, at Kings Noun
tain, and, being fond of mineralogy,
thoroughly examined Capt. Bells
large tract of land and found strange
mineral. This he analysed and dis
covered to be tin. This occurred some
months ago He kept his discovery
somewhat secret, but sent the State
Geologist mass of the ore to be ex-
hibited at the Boston Exposition. The
geOlOgist examined it, as did also
mineralOgists at Boston. They were.
astonished at the purity of the ore.
which contained rs per cent. of tin.
Some weeks since an investigation
began, and Capt. Bell, young CLAY
well, the State Gcoiogist, and others,
bonded a large tract Of land, and
then the discovery was made public
The ore can be found lying upon the
surface of the ground even in the
streets of the Town OF Kings Noun
tain, and excavations have developed
the TACT that extensive beds Of tin ore
underlie not only the town itself, but
a considerable section roundabout.
The surface ore is black, with a rusty
coating, very nearly resembling iron
ore, though considerably heavier
The excitement of the people IN
that section can better be imagined
than described. Young Clayweu. a
mere lad, was offered $50, 1000 for his
share of the discovery, if the term
may be used, but declined to sell, and
is One-fOurth owner of the property.
1t is stated by persons who assume to
know that the Government has
standing reward of $50, 900 for the
discovery Of tin. Judge Avery, of
the Superior Court and Gov. Jarvis.
are two of the stockholders, and the
Governor expects to visit the mine, of
which the State Geologist brings
such glowing reports. 1t is officially
stated to be the first real discovery of
tin yet made in the United States. It'll
is also said that years ago some emf
nent mineralOgists asserted that tin
would be found in North Carolina.
Prof. Kerr, late State Geol0gist, but
now of the United States Geological
Survey, informed your correspondent
to-day that he had several years ago
been gives a piece Of tin ore said to
have been taken from the western
part Of North Carolina, but had
never been able to find the locality.
No tin-mines have ever been worked |
in the United States, ard the atten-
ton Of capitalists in all parts of the |
country is hence specially attracted to !
TINS one. There are several mines of |
tin in Cornwall, one orAtwo in Wales, |
a few OD the Continent of Europe,
and the metal has been discovered in |
Australia. Tin is worth about $3.50 |
per ton, and it's high price and com
parative scarcity in the markets of
the world lends additional value to
the discovery at Kings Mountain.
The discoveries regard that they have
in truth struck bonanza.
The State Chemist and the chemist
of the United States Mint have made
careful analyses of the ore. These, |
just completed, show it to be a re-
markedly pure cassiterite, containing
from 900 to 1, 800 pounds of tin per
1+c ii l.,
ranges from 5000 to 1875 per ton. I'll
should be remembered that the speci-
mems analysed were taken from points
comparatively near the surface, and
there is little doubt that as the mines
deepen the quality Of the ore will in
crease in value. 1t is said that some
specimens taken from the greatest
depth yet attained more nearly APP
preached absolute purity than any
Gin-ore yet discovered. Steps are be-
ing taken to do the work of mining
thoroughly, to put in the best machin-
cry, as speedily as possible to develop
a new industry.
1t may be mentioned in this con-
nection that more gold is mined in
North Caralina than all the States
east of the Rockies. There are very
nearly 400 mines, some Of which yield |
enormous results. The work is con
Quoted quietly, in the main by North |
ern and Western capitalists, who are
perfectly aware when they have
found a good thing. In over forty
counties there are gold mines, and
some Of theEmost prominent men in
the political and financial worlds
have an interest in them. The late
President Garfield was part owner of
a mine in Nash County, fifty miles
from Raleigh, which paid him hand
some dividends. Very expensive
plant is being put in many of the
mines, and nearly 900 Stamps" are
at work reducing gold-ore. 1t may
also be mentioned in this connection
that diamonds have been found in
this state, and that the most remark
able gem mine In the world is in
Iredill County. tits owned by Prof. |
TJ1IJo,, r.