The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1885-06-25
OIL AND CAS-!
CAN THEY Be FOUND In PAYING QUANTI-
TIES In JACKSON COUNTY?

The time for ''oil crazes," for the
going wild over visions of princely
wealth, bubbling out of the ground
at ones feet, is past. Men take a
practical view of things in these days.
Men dig oil wells, and gas wells, just
as they dig water wells-because they
expect to find the desired article at
the bottom Of the we'll. A well for
water is not sunk hap-hazard, with
out a thought of the result Of the
drilling, but the location is carefully
selected, the spot seeming to be the
most advantageous is chosen, and the
work pushed to successful completion.
1t has come to be so, as rule, in
boring for oil or natural gas. There
are certain characteristics common to
different oil-producing localities, GER
tain indications which lead the pros
pector to believe that he is moderately
certain to find oil or gas in reward
for his drilling.
Whether or not there are paying
quantities Of oil and gas underlying
the mineral regions Of Jackson Coun-
ty, has long been mooted question.
Many years ago an oil well was
sunk several miles down the creek
from town, but was not pushed far
enough to accomplish any practical
results. Since that time there has
been no effort made to reach oil in
this region, although this has some
features in common with other OIL
producing regions. The development
Of the mineral resources of Jackson
County has been slow. In the boring
of the great number of salt wells in
the immediate vicinity Of Jackson,
the workmen went throught the vein
Of Jackson Shaft Coal. Yet the
Shaft Coal here was practically un-
known and unheard-of until Messrs
Crooks & Linn, by their workman
James L. Rice, opened up the first
Shaft Mine, in 1862, at the frame
mill in this place.
It is factor, at least, is handed
down directly from the workmen
themselves-that in boring the we'll
near town, which, until few years
was flowing strong brine, vein of
gas was struck which rushed forth
with such force as to compel the
workmen to cease boring. But the
vein of salt water was struck, and
continued to flow over the top of the
we'll until it was filled up. 1t seems
very evident that there is a great de-
posit of natural gas in this region,
and there may be oil.
One day last week we accompanied
Mr.. Grove-who has been boring
we'll in Portsmouth-an IA number
of friends, on tour of inspection Of
the creek beds, and rocky formatians
within few miles of Jackson.
Mr.. Grove inspected very carefully
the formations Of the rocks, and such
indications as he could find Of the
probability Of oil deposits, and pro-
nounced himself satisfied with the re-
suit, satisfied that there is an abund-
ance Of oil in this region. Upon the
old maxim that "all signs fail in dry
weather." it might be possible that
the indications here might be delusive
But there is certainly not sufficient
ground for declaring that there is not
a paying oil-deposit underlying the
Salt Greek Valley.
1t is quite probable that borings
will be made in the near future with
a view to striking the oil-which is
believed to be here, and the gas
which is known to be here. The peo-
pie Of Jackson County do not realize
the value of their rough and as yet
comparatively unfruitful hills and