The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-29

militia. composed of 1900 men. Surround
ing Altman are the famous Pharmacist,
Buena Vista, Zenobia, American Eagle,
Pixies Peak 1 and 2, and Garfield Grouse
mines, all of which are regular shippers
and most valuable property.
Between Altman and Victor, distance
of only three miles, are three incorporated
towns-InGepende with a population
of 1000, and Gold Fields, with popula-
ton of $500, who are mostly miners with
their families.
The most prominent. mining man of
Cripple Creek to-day is Winfield S. STRAIT
ton, the owner OF the famous Independ-
ence mine. He was born in Jacksonville,
Ind, in 1s4S. He learned the carpenter
trade, and in 1872 moved to Colorado
Springs. Stratton had several times in
his life saved up thousand or two dollars
and spent year or two prospecting, but
never met with any success. He was one
of the first to go to Cripple Creek, and
after remaining there a month or two had
packed up his few traps upon his two
burros and was leaving the camp when he
accidentally picked up some rich float on
what is now the Lone Star claim, owned
"father of Cripple Creek The rock
looked good, and Stratton concluded he
would have it assayed. While waiting for
his assay. one bright and beautiful morn
ing, which happened to be the 4th of July,
1891, he located a claim. and being of a
patriotic nature, called it the Independ-
ence. 1t is now the richest mine in
America. There is a standing offer OF
S12,000,0O0 for the property.
1t is said upon good authority that Mr..
Stratton can hoist million dollars In one
day. if he so desired, and that there is at
least SIC, 000, 900 in sight. When asked why
he did not sell his mine for such large
sum of money, be said: "What could | do
with so much money? | could not man.
age such large sum in one bunch;
would certainly lose it. / have enough
trouble with $500, 900 per month income
now. can't find any investment for it.
As long as my money is in the mine
know where it is, and when l want more
l know where | can take it out"
Mr.. Stratton is not the keenest financier
IN the world. Most millionaires can tell
you TO a dollar how they stand with the
world. Last Novemb his money matters
began to worry him. He had purchased
i've mines In two months, and had bought
the controlling interest of two mining
companies, in which he had been elected
president. He began TO figure UP his de-
posits and drafts, and was much wor-
risd over the possibility of owing
a slight balance TO the bunk. Now,
Mr.. Stratton dislikes to overdraw, so
he wrote to his bankers asking how he
stood, saying that if there was an over
draft he would shortly fix it up. Imagine
his surprise when he was informed that
there was still to his credit 81 ,952, 900. 1t
seems that Mr.. Stratton had not figured in
the deposits from the ore sold from his In
dependence, Portland No. 2, American
Eagle, John A. Logan, Lottie and Caledonia
mines. Mr.. Stratton is peculiar in this re-
gard that he will have no partners in any
OF his mining ventures. He owns outright
the above mentioned mines, as we'll as the
Lowell, the Harry, Rosario and Washing
ton mines. He owns a quarter of all the
stock of the Portland Mining Com pany,
which is incorporated for 100000 shares,
and which is selling on the market to-day
at 81 per share, besides the controlling in
terest in two other companies.
Mr.. Stratton is supposed TO be worth
$40, 100000. All of his ninss are fitted up
with the latest and most improved ma
chinery. There probably has never been