Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-05-20
A GOLD FILLED CAVE.
OLD JOHN DoNAHoE'S SECRET MINE
TO BE OPENED AT LAST.
Untold Treasure Under Guard-EngIish
Capitalists and New Workers Cast Eyes
on the wealth-An Old squaw Told the
Secret Maybe New Cripple Creek.


secret-Maybe n New Cripple Creek.
Gold has been discovered in Putnam
sounty, N. Y, and some of the largest
capitalists in that section are said to be
interested in the development of the
mines
1t was several years ago that nuggets
of gold were first found on the shores of
Indian Lake, about mile back from
Garrison s. Silver in large quantities
was also found, and at that time mul-
titude Of prospectors were drawn to the
spot. Free fights occurred when claims
were being staked out, and for weeks
state of anarchy prevailed on the
grounds. As in the present rush to West
chester county. the operators then had
no right to take gold from the place.
Mr.. Donahoe, the owner Of the land,
called upon the authorities for rrotec-
tion, and the jumpers were elected. For
years ffterward nothing was done to de-
velop the mines.
( Capitalists came and offered Donahoe
large sums for his tract of mountainous
land, but he refused to sell 1t had been
gossiped around the village that Dona-
hoe knew where the principal bed of
precious ore lay, but he kept his own
counsel. An Indian woman had been
brought up in the Donahoe family from
her childhood, and she it was, the gos-
sips said, who impaired the secret to old
John Donahoe.
About five years ago the old man
died. and on his deathbed he told his
son where the vein was.
Several months ago the younger Dom
ahoe decided to work the mines. He
hired laborers and began in a systematic
manner. He called upon Speaker Fish
and explained his situation. John M.
Toucey of the Hudson River railroad,
Samuel Sloan of the Delaware, Lacka-
wanna and Western railroad, Assembly
man Louis f. Goodsell of Highland
Falls, aud few others were also let
into the secret.
The project of starting big mining
company was discussed. but the desire
of the majority was to keep the matter
secret until it was certain that gold
in paying quantities could be dug. In
the meantime all the land in the vicin-
ity was secured.
Donahoe still kept his men at work
and soon made other discoveries. He
found cave which extended fully 500
feet into the heart of the mountain.
Chambers filed with stalactites and
stalagmites Of unusual brilliancy made
it look like an enchanted place. Lumps
of silver ore weighing several pound:
We're found. Gurgling streams Of spring
water ran through the center, and on
the bottom small nuggets of the pre-
cious metal were found. The walls were
also studded with Jumps of silver ore.
Other chambers of unknown extern
branched north and south, but the lacl
Of good air prevented the explorers from
! proceeding. Donahoe closed up thi
mouth of the cave and set his men t,
work drilling apd digging over the spo
where his father said the richest veil
was concealed.
There shafts are now being sunk, an,
|, the new machinery will soon enlivel
the surrounding hills.
Recently half dozen English specu
: lators paid the place visit and com
. menced making soundings Donahoe'
a men warned them off, and since the
b1CJ noAO nOfGlCd alOuhu Vic dlStliCi
9 A score of New York mining operator
I also came prepared to jump claims.
: liberal display of six shooters cause
d their quick departure.
: Donahoe still runs the hotel at GA
= rison's. He is excited over his good fol
) tune He is single man, not niue
over 80 years of age.
When Assemblyman Goodsell WI
n asked about the mine, on his way to A
bany. he was retioent and wondere
10 how the news leaked out. He admitte
having heard of the gold mines at Ii
=. dian Lake. and intimated that ther
.. were also large quantities of gold in tl
, mountain ON the west shore OF the Hnt
"a son. He denied owning stock in til
q mine, but thought it likely that the mi
4 lionaires of the Garrison slope wei
= helping Donahoe. Donahoe says that I'll
: quantity of ore SO far nnearthed viii pa
: for the labor and expense incurred. Z
= has several beautiful specimens Of ore
his office. New York World,