New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-09-15

Mr.. Stratton had been i'll for several months
and his death was expected at any time to-day.
He had been unconscious throughout the day
and the relatives. including sister, Mrs Jennie
Cobb. of San Jose Cal. who is the only near
relative who survives Mr.. Stratton, were with
him to the end.
One of the most remarkable successes in making
a big strike in gold mining occurred to "lnheid
Scott Stratton in the famous Cripple Creek region
in Colorado. He was the fortunate dsCOverer OF
the Independence Mine. which he disposed or IN
1899 for SoO 600 after having taken quantity OF
gold from it valued at s45oO,OGo. the net profit on
which was 100000 AT the time of the sale 1t was
in the mine levels
". S. Stratton was the son of Myron and Mary
Halstead Stratton. and was born in JeffersonVlHa
Clark County, Ind. opposite Louisville, July "a
1S4S. He the only son in family OF nine
children and educated in the public schools
of his native town. His ia ther boat builder
and contractor and when his was seventeen
years ola he apprenticed TO carpenter ana
draugh tsman. When he twenty years old he
went to Eddyville. Ind, and was clerk IN a drug
store for six months He then returned to his
trade and worked in Sioux City, Omaha ana LIN
coin, Neb In 1872 he went from Lincoln to Colo
RADIO Springs Col He had $500 in his pocket ana
was possessed of a good trade and he secured en-
ployment and had a carpenter shop ana pus-
ness of his own. BY building contracts in the
course of two years he accumulated S3Vp' anu III
1874 he invested it, with associates VINO were
familiar with mining, in the ETetana mine near
SilVerton, Col. in the San Juan country. He went
TO that region with supplies the backs of burros
but the mine proved a failure, and Mr. Stratton re-
turned to Colorado Springs TO resume MS lride-
But, having become interested IN mining ne KEPT
M tho easrcb for rracious minerals and
for several years went every summer to the san
Juan country but without success in discovering
gold. While working in Colorado Springs he mace
a practical study of works on mining and took
course in assaying at the Colorado College and
learned the treatment of ores. In 1891 he fitted out
an expedition to search for cryolite, which had
been found in the Cheyenne Mountains Failing to
find it, he went the Cripple Creek country where
a number OF claims had been staked out on Ten
derfoot Hill and other places. Mr.. Stratton camped
out the head Of Wilson Creek not far from
Battle Hill There he began prospecting, and
found rich float but the search for the vein
without success. He became discouraged by
reason of the failure of the man who had agreed
to grub stake" him 70 keep his word. Finally he
took samples OF the best rock he could find 10
Colorado Springs and had it assayed but found
only a trace Of gold. He went to bed on July 3.
1891, with almost complete discoura cement. but
when he awoke the next morning was impressed
with the lde4 that the south side OF Battle Hill.
where he had not prospected, would prove rich in
and before nighuaH he had made a blowpipe test
and had staked claim. which he named Inde-
other claims In the immediate vicinity. one being
named Washington. y sample of rock assayed $3.50
to the ton, and Mr. Stratton began sinking shaft
over the vein. 1t until 1898 however. that
made known by the uncoverins Of a vein OF nearly
In the spring Of iSa3 Mr. Stratton gave lease and
Dond OF the Washinsf.a claim ad}2lnng the hide
which gave him the means to defray his debts and
prosecute fe the york in the Indepsndence mne In
covered Even the huge boWider on the surface Of
the Independence mine when broken up and smelted
furnished gold TO the amount OF $4,000
furnished Mr. Stratton developed other properties
No. 2 Wilson Creek Contact. Buckeye. sphinx
Hll the American Eagle Lodes Nos, l. and s.
Lottie John A Logan, Lucy. Brooklyn and Won.
five Claims on NC Globe ODE Hill The first years output
Of the Independence mine In 1882 was $50 coo When
in alI-were sold to the Venture Corporation of
four miles Of levels II was said to be the most
thoroughiy developed and best equipped mine IL IN
vidual mine owner in this country and the indie
pendenSe was the largest ndivdga I'M d Crater
Mining Company. of which he owned two-thrds of
the Portland company. which at one time paid him
dividends OF s12,o6o a month. He was unmarried.
One i"S Of the many stories told OF his experience
One day he Senator Wolcott in the camp
Knowing the Senator by sight, and knowing also
s good PTospeet he approached him and said
Senator. my name is Stratton- I've got a good
man physically. and have no money; but II had
$500 believe could develop GOOD Inine &c; on my
me $500 I will deed you undivided one-half in
erest in it. and agree to spend the money develop
Where is your prospect" asked the Senator. as
over there on Battle Hill: said stratton
Ny dear man said the senator, 9 mere mere Is h no
ne knew of mines and mining 1t did not take the
little Hoosier long to tell him At the end the
nv dear sir would not give you three cents
for all you have over there