Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1884-03-13
TIN MINES.
A Discovery of Wonderfully Rich De-
posits i'm North CaroIina-Vyha: h to
Re Done.
richmond n Q. Correspondents.

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 UNI
known in all that section of the state.
The discovery is remarkable, because
of the fact that none of the biologists
had found tin in appreciable quanti-
ties, and it was left 10 a young man,
an amateur mineralogist to ascertain
the presence of immense bsds of the
ore. This young man is Robert Clay
well. 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 analyzed 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 orc to be ex-
hibited at the Boston Exposition. Tue
geologist examin d it, as did also
mineralogists at Boston They were
astonished az 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 Geoiogist and Others.
bonded large tract of land, and
then the discovery was made public
The ore can be found wing 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
underie not only the town itself, but
a considerable section roundabout
The surface ore is black, with 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 Claywell,
mere lad, was offered $50. 600 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 a
standing reward of $50, 005 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 GeoIogist brings
such glowing reports. 1t is officially
stated to be the first real discovery of
tin yet made IN the United States tt
is also SAID that years ago some emil
neBt mlnerangl3ts asserted that tin
would be found in North Carolina
Prof. Kerr, late State Geologist, but
now of the United States Geological
Survey, informed your correspondent
to-day that he had several years ago
been given 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, and the atten-
ton Of capitalists in all parts of the
country is hence specially attracted to
this one. There are several mines of
tin in Cornwall, one or two in Wales,
a few on the Continent of Europe,
and the metal has been discovered in
Australia. Tin is worth about $3.50
per ton, and its high price and com
parative scarcity in the markets of
the world lends additional value to
the discovery at Kings Mountain
The dlscoverers regard that they have
in truth struck a 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 l, 800 pounds of tin per
ton, and that its commercial value
ranges from $500 to 1915 per ton. I'll
should be remembered that the specl
mems analysed were taken from points
comparatively near the surface, aud
there is little doubt that as the mines
deepen the quality Of the ore will in
crease in value. It is said that some
specimens taken from the greatest
depth vet attained more nearly APP
preached absolute purity than any
Cin.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 the most 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 600 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. It's owned by Prof
William E. Hidden, who was for
T., 8