The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1891-10-17
HE STRIKES II RICH.
Rich Vein of Silver Ore discovered on
the Range.
Leader Of Tuesday.

Leader Of Tuesday.
Many speculations have been indulg-
ed as to the possibility of great undls-
covered mineral wealth in the rugged
rocks of that wild and comparatively
UNEMPLOYED region known as the copper
range, and extending diagonall across
Douglas county about fifteen miles
south of Superior. These speculations
have not been with out some found
alton. Many years ago copper mines
were partially opened on this range,
their locations being preserved to this
day on the official maps of the county.
Ore from these mines frequently con-
tanned minute but indisputable traces
of silver. Several pieces of float ore
rich in silver have at different times
been found in the beds of streams, the
soprses of which are in the rocks of
the range.
Only three weeks ago a piece of sill
yer ore 60 per cent pure and as large
as ones thumb. was brought to the
assayer's Office at the Smelling & Re
tining works, having been picked up in
one of the dry gullies on the north
slope of the range. Search was made,
but the piece could not be traced back
to its parent ledge.
Monday, of last week, w. c. Tonhin,
an experienced miner from New Mex
leo, brought to the Smelling & Rein
ing works, specimens of silver ore
which he claimed to have found with
IN twenty miles of the city, the assay
of which proved to be exceedingly
high. running 1921 ounces OF silver to
the ton. 1t was what is known as sill
locus ore, that is ore free from lead or
iron ore and composed almost wholly
of silica At the New York quotation
of 969 cents per ounce this ore would
be worth 1912 a ton. Mr.. Tonkin
claimed that the ore was taken from a
vein l. feet thick, of variable richness
bat which would average so ounces,
to the ton, which as compared with %
ounces, the general average of the ore
the Smelling & Refining company is
receiving from Montana, may be con-
sldered exceedingly rich.
The defnate location of the lead,
Mr. Tonkin would not divulge. He
said it was within half mile of the
railroad, but at first it would be nee
essary to use pack horses to carry the
ore from the mine. Before he left the
city he arranged to ship a carload
of the ore to the Smelling s. Refining
works as soon as he could return from
the west where he haG business inter
ests to close up. Mr.. Tonkin says he
controles the title to the land, but
search at the Register of Deeds Office
did not disclose any land transferred
to him during this year, a fact which
has, of course, no necessary significance
as to the truth of the statement.
\ fine specimen of quartz with ma
tive copper taken from ledge in sec
ton HIP by Joseph Huck, has been
shown to several persons during the
past few days. The specimen has not
been assayed, but men who have
had experience in copper mining say
it IS rich and cln be worked with pro
lit.
These are only the most striking OF
several incidents Indicating that the
! copper range is to be the seat of CON
siderable activity in the way of pros
pecting and opening up of mines,
About three weeks ago one of the 10
cal real estate men was directed to Sc
cure options on three different pieces
of land in the range for an outside
buyer.
While the discovery Of silver or cop
per in paving quantities may mean
millions to those individuals who Sc
care control of these natural minis of
! wealth, it means more to the city of
Superior in general. In particular it
would give to the Smelling & Refining
industry, which IS yet in its infancy in
superior, an extent and Importance
that cannot be overestimated.