Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1898-12-21
Mining in WeStmOreland.

1t would seem foolish for Vermonters to
go to Klopdike iu search Ct trt a ure, when
The rugged hill, of Windsor and other
'ounties abound in Wealth, as do the hills
Just across the Connecticut on the New
Hampshire side. 1t is an interesting fact
that Lincoln hill, in Westmoreland, shout
mile from the Gibson ferry, has been
worked for some time for valuable ore,
which is being brought out in paving guam
titles. The story Of its discovery is inter-
estlpg and unusual to the residents OF
West Chesterfield and Westmoreland, who
are watching with no little expectation the
development of the vein. An old woman
named Linco Ia rs years ago dreamed three
lights in succession that there was gold in
certain locality on the hill, and finally
made her dreams known to her husband,
who spent all his money in investigating
and whose belief in the value Of the mine
was so strong that he went to Boston and
found an English miner, who returned with
him to Cheste, fi-ld, where the latter put in
tunnel to strike ledge in the local z
where Mrs. Lincoln had dreamed gold
could be found. Subse quently DR.. Charles
[. jackson Of Boston, the chemist, investi-
gated the tunnel, which he found to be
about 40 feet in length. The ore taken
out was chitf fly molly bdenite. 1t is used
for making assays in ascertaining phos-
phoric acid. 1t also makes most beauti-
tul blue. but has never been found in suffi-
Gent quantities to be proftably available
in this use. Extensive experiments ave
now being mad. to use the mineral in the
manufacture Of high-grade steel Two
miles away from this tunnel is fuorite
mine, the latter being about one mile from
the summer home Of Mr.. Overman Of
Springfield, Mass.
From this mine resident Of the town
says he has carried out Is different and
handsome specimens of various colors
William Writ Chapman, an experienced
miner from Colorad Ia 1871, backed by a
syndicate Of wealthy New York men, went
to Westmoreland and reopened these
mines, doing some surface work. At that
time the mineral bad almost no commercial
value, the matter Of mining being simply
experimer tai. Nothing was done with the
property until about four months ago,
when Mr.. Chapman. returned and began
operations with small force of men. He
has taken out quantity of the richest
moly bdenite yet discovered, most OF it be-
ing absolutely pure, for which there is an
urgent demand Mr.. Chapman declares
that Mrs. Lincoln's dream was not alto
gether vision. The work will be con-
tinued, undoubtedly with successful results.
The fuorite or fcospsr is used as fux.
1t is found in attractrye colors, that OF this
locality being of beautiful shades Of green.
The locality being worked seems to be
able to supply an abundance, the vein be-
j. G several feet in thickness in the hillside,
while mining is easy and cheap. The flu
orite mine will be opened soon. Mr.. Chip
man has already large supply Of the min
eral ready for shipment and went to New
York Friday to perfect arrangem ents for
the development Of the plants. He is an
interesting man, and his experit noes Of
mining are intelligent and widely quoted.
The men at work are largely citizens,
who welcome the prospect OF Westmore.
land being made mining town. One can
not help being convinced of the earnest
ness with which the work is being prose
cuted On visiting the scene, and it will not
be the fault of the present prospe ctors II
the future does not see large number
of men employed in and about the mines
So far as known there has been no attempt
to make it stock-jobbing affair, either by
selling shares or otherwise unduly urging
its promotion, and the none y SO far ex-
pended has come from the owners of the
plant.-Sprin g6-ld Republican.