The elevator., 1888-09-08
u GOLD-REGlUN STORY.
The Adventures and Romance of Mr.. Fer
dinand Van Zandt.

The Adventures and Romance of Mr.. Fer |
dinand Van Zandt.
The presence at the Palace Hotel OF
Ferdinand Van Zandt. one of the rich
est mine owners in the country, re-
called to the memory Of local mining
men his remarkable adventures. Eif-
teen years ago he was in Leadville
without a cent; in the phrase Of the
times he 'slung beer Now he is
worth millions, is sole proprietor of
the Blue Bird Mine at Butte, and is
son-in-law of Sir John Lubbock.
Van Zandt was the scion Of Knick
erbocker family possessed Of q great
deal more pride than ready cash, or
even collateral. When Leadville was
the second Pixies Peak Of the West
the young man left his home and
started for Colorado, He arrived at
Leadville in adestitufa Condition; he
lid 14e#1 sisgseess enougf IL to purchase
sleeping room. There was constant
stream Of men flowing to and from the
gold mines; and, after working in a
menial position for awhile, Van Zandt
left with a party for the mountains
AS partner in his poverty he took a
young man no better equipped for the
rough life of miner than he was
himself, but the two remained to-
gether through all privations, and the
companion is now superintendent OF
the Blue Bird mine.
For two years they worked together,
but luck was against them, and all
they cot from their hard labor was
just enough to keep them alive. They
were Joined by young man who pos
sessed some money and q knowledge
Of the country. With his assistance
Van Zandt was able to find a more
favorable location, and the men begar
to save something.
Six months after the arrival OF The
stranger he was chosen to go to New
Mexico to gather mining statistics
He was not to be gone more thar
three months, and promised Nal
Zandt that he would return to th'
camp when his mission was accom-
plished. The stranger rode away, ant
the months multiplied to a year, bu
he never returned. Then Van Zand
determined to hunt him up, or at leas
learn his fate. All the money tn
partners had was gathered togethe
and taken by the young man to aid Il
the search for the stranger. VA
Zandt travelled into New Mexico an
afte.. some time was successful i
discovering the trail Of his friend
In a few weeks he came to tn
end Of the trail and found hi
friend had been murdered Van Zand
spent month at the scene OF tn
crime and succeeded in finding tn
slayers OF the stranger. He had tn
men arrested, but time passed an
there was no chance Of the case con
ing to trial. Four Mexicans were
the prison and Van Zandt decided the
we're all guilty Of the murder. II
worked up feeling against the me
! and headed small party which brok
open the jail and hanged the gang.
, Van Zandt then returned to Lea'
Vile. There he was engaged by
> syndicate to 60 to England to secul
9 funds with which to stock farr
j Valuable letters were given to tt
young man, and he was well receive
e in London. Among the promlne
: people he met was Sir John Lubboc
\ whose daughter he married She hi
s great deal Of money in her oV
7 right, and her young husband ma
9 good use Of it. Sir John was We
4 much opposed to the match. but t
\ young people were determined, an
\ after withdrawing objections. the Ba
n onet prcAed very venerable fatht
r in-law. Van Zandt brought his w
d to this country. He purchased t
g Blue Bird mine, which he got We
! cheap. 1t is now clearing 100000
n month.-SGn Francisco CdH.