The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1893-02-09
SILVERIN GARRETT.
An Interesting Account of a Lost
Silver Nine.

tlOn IN Cne WOrlu almO5G, anu LOT
wears, and possibly centuries these
two counties will continue to yield
up from their almost inexhausi ole
beds the black diamonds so neces-
sary to the human race.
But coal is not the only valuable
product of this region. Iron ore,
paint, limestone, ETC., are produced
here in large qua ltities. Nearly
all minerals can be found here, and
now it is claimed that one of the
most precious metals known-s,l.
ver-can be mined in quantities
sufficient to pay big dividend on
investments.
A company was organized some
time ago under the name of the
Silver Bell Mining Company, whose
sole purpose was to prospect for
silver in Garrett county, and prob
ably in a portion of Allegany. The
ex;stance of silver, in small
quantities. in Garrett county has
been known for wears, and it was
discovered by mere accident.
Years ago, there lived in Frost
burg, just across the Allegany line,
man by the name of Layman.
He was an inveterate hunter, and
when not engaged in endeavoring
to make money enough with which
to supply the necessaries of life for
his family, spent his idle moments
in hunting deer and other large
G me. Late one evening after a
hard days hunt, his dog scented a
young buck, and shortly after ran
upon it, An exciting chase ensued
and, Laymen, hot on the trail, did
not notice whittier the pursuit was
leading him.
The deer finally leaped into a
stream and swimming 1t escaped.
Layman gave up the pursuit and
started to retrace his steps. The
country he was in was strange
one to him and not at all familiar
to him. He, however, pushed on,
hoping to find some landmark by
which he could put himself on the
right path and reach home. Night
was coming on and he redoubled
his efforts. At last, thoroughly
tired out he sat down to cogitate
and devise some means to get out
of the wilderness which his ardor
for the chase had led him. He
realized that he was lost and knew
that something must be done.
Upon looking around he saw that
he was resting at the foot of a high
hill and the thought at once struck
him that If he assembled it he could
possible find out where he was.
No sooner did the thought enter
his mind than he put it into execu-
ton. The Hill was rugged and full
of stones and at places very, very
steep. Up he tolled and when
near the top the ascent became
more PERCEPTIONS,
At one spot, he was compelled to
grab at Young bushes to assist him,
and while doing this, he inadver-
tently clutched at young haw
tree. He was compelled to place
the whole weight of his body on
this mere bush, and while thus
proceeding it broke loose from the
ground and back he rolled, down
the hill few feet, still holding
the bush in his hand.
Hearose to his feet, not in the very
best frame of mind, and looked at
the bush. In the light of the set.
ting sun he observed some bright
particles clinging to the roots. Not
exactly knowing what they were,
but having a slight idea that his
discovery might be of some value,
he pocketed number of the bright
specimens. A few hours afterwards
he found way cut of the woods
and went to his home When an
opportunity presented itself he had
the specimens examined, and they
were pronounced by minerologist
to be magnificent specimens of sill
yer ore. He sent them to the mint
at Washington and had eighteen
silver half dollars coined. This
placed the value of his nuggets at
nine dollars. He impaired the
news of his valuable discovery to a.
number of citizens in Frostburg,
and they Immediately fitted out an
expedition, placing Layman at the
head. He searched energetically
through the wilds of Garrett for q
long while for the place where he
had discovered the silver, but he
never again found it.
The present company was the
first eyer organized for the purpose
Of mining for silver in this region.
Itwas composed entirely of Allegany
aud Garrett county residents. 1t
was regularly incorporated and the
intention was to at once sink shafts
for mining.
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