Weekly graphic. [volume] (Kirksville, Adair Co., Missouri) 1880-1949, 1884-12-05
ADalR's HIDDEN WEALTH.
A Trip to the Cave Of the Black
Dianends By . Graphic
Reporter.

oreclation of the hidden wealth Of coal
within our borders? Yet it is here,
and every year witnesses the growing
development oe an industry that must
il time prove an important factor in
the prosperity of the county.
THE cREBToN MINES.
Are located at Stahl, on the line oi
the Q. NJ. e.. p. Ry. fourteen miles west
Of Kirksville, and are owned and wo,k-
ed by Messrs Pickler and Crebs, OF
this city.
Last Thursday GRAPHIC scribe.
went TO the scene of operations, FOR
the purpose OF gathering items for this
article.
TuE COAL YftH.
The first coal vein Is near the sur
face, and measures Iran three TO four
feet in thickness, and consists Of de-
posit of the finest quality of coal min
ed IN This section. Beneath this vein
is another of still greater thickness and
of similar quality. Miners who have
worked in Pennsylvania and in Eng
land agree in pronouncing the grade
of this coal as excellent.
Its purity Is better demonstrated by
the fact that an engine using it does
not require cleaning during la whole
trip, and but little refuse matter is
found in the fire. box at the end Of a
long run. The reputation OF the coal
produced at the Crebsron mines has be-
come so favorably known abroad that
the nroprietors find 1t difficult to sup
ply the demand, although they have
largely increased the force Of miners.
Indeed they now have many orders
ahead which they are unable to fill at
once owing to this fact.
THE MINES
The coal miner can find no more de.
sirable place in which to work, as the
root il an even surface of SHINING slate,
under which he may feel as safe as in
his dwelling above ground. The floor
Is also perfectly dry making it at once
healthful and comfortable as well as
safe. A main track is now extended
though the mine, and coal Is loaded
on cars and drawn by mules to the TOP
Of an incline plane at the mouth of the
mine, where they are taken IN charge
by trusty brakeman who sends them
flying down the grade to the railroad
track. The GRAPHIC reporter tried a
flying trip and enjoyed the sensation OF
locomotion without steam.
sTAHL CITY.
Owing TO the rapid and permanent
development of these mine Stahl City
has developed into quite a business
point with fiattering prospects for q
prosperous future. A blacksmith, q
shoemaker and wagon shop are al
very much needed, and would do g
thriving business.
Morrow & McCanne keep larg'
stock of general merchandise, and ar,
doing fine business. Mr.. Morrow
also entertalns the travelling public anc
the man who stops with him may bt
always sure OF a good meal and mic,
bed, which coupled with the geniaiity
of the host, goes long way toward
making the way farer who puts up herr
happy man.
Scobee & Brownell also keep larg,
) stock of general merchandise, and keeI
the post Office. They do a good bust
ness.
The people are moving tc erect
church and school house at an earl,
date. Both are needed.
Messrs Pickler G. CrebS deserve mucl
credit for their energetic management
of their extensive business at this plac
and we are glad to know that their in
vestment Of capital and energy ar
yielding, at present, good returns
} with promise of still richer rewards il
!. the future.