Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-09-20

ST. MARY'S, w. Va, September 16.
The oil business was never brlsker
nor the outlook brighter than now at
this point The scene Of activity has
shifted south of Sistersville, and north
of Marietta, and it can be readily seen
by glance at the map that st. Mary's
is the natural theatre of present opera
lions, not on the West Virginia side
alone, but on the Ohio side, this point
being made the base of supplies and
operations. Three miles north of this
city on the Bradfield farm the Wild Cat
Oil Company has splendid lnjun we'll.
1t is true it is not large one, but
the fact that oil exists in paying guam
titles is indeed gratifying. Its location
is not far distant from some splendid
gasers, and this fact confirms the be-
lief that pool Of considerable proper
lions has been tapped. This company
has located another well on the Feller
farm, and other parties having adj
joining leases are making preparations
to operate. Tne entire county IS VIZ
tually under lease, and the market
having advanced to point to warrant
wild-cating the oil industry is unus-
ually brisk.
The Old Belmont field is being re-
drilled and some very creditable wells
are being found. Some of these wells
are being found at the remarkably shall
low depth of 80 feet. 1t will be re-
membered that this pay streak was ut
terly ignored during Belmont's palmy
days, when Berea gushers were being
IF
territory, for the present at least, these
same parties are very well contented
with 10 to so barrel bumpers from the
shallow sands. On Henry Camp Fork
of French Creek drilling is very brisk.
The fact that competing companies
are drilling against farm lines LENDS
flavor to the excitement. Another at
tractive feature of this field is the
presence of so many good wells, any
of them seldom starting off at less
than so or rs barrels per day from
the First Cow Run. There is yet
great deal of undeveloped territory in
that vicinity and operations will be
quite active for the next twelve months
at least.
The old Calcutta field is still furnish
ing its quota of wells and dry holes.
The country between that field and this
city is also furnishing good wells with
gratifying regularity.
On Mckim Creek, four miles west OF
the old Hebron pools, new field has
been struck that bids fair to lead any
shallow sand pool ever discovered.
About three weeks ago the American
Development Company drilled test
well on the T. Campbell farm that
started at 240 barrels day. 1t has
been flowing since and the smallest
days earnings have been considerably
above the 200 barrel mark.
Last Monday they completed their
second venture, and have a producer
far better than the first. They have
made several recent locations and will
form this time on inaugurate a BRISK
campaign OF operations. Mayor S. W.
Lawrence, of Sistersville, has secured
a portion of the Wagner farm near
these wells, and is building rig.
Middle Island Creek and Shawnee
are coming in for equal attention.
Wilson & Murphy drilled in their No
3 Holden yesterday, and have $50
barrel we'll.
Root & Co. have drilled in their No.
1 J. p. Warner, and have a 80 barrel
we'll; they are starting rigs for Nos.
2 and 8. Their No. l G. d. Stout is
dry. A. A. Rowe & Co. completed their
No. Rice this morning, and have an
excellent showing. Northrup & Co.
have rig up on the A. w. Powell.
The Shawnee Oil Co. will complete
their No. Warner to-day. The
American Development Company have
the rig building for their No. 2 Chas.
Griffith. A. A. Stewards No. 8 Rachel
Locke will be in Tuesday. The G. H.
Smith Oil Company's No. G. c. Ruby
is due in the sand to-day.