Cañon City record., 1910-03-24
II Tale of -Four Gold Seekers That
Passed Through Canon CITY in L87.

~ of four men arrived in Canon City
ON their way to the newly discovered
gold fields. which were situated about
ninety miles southwest of that city.
They were all fine looking men. In
the full vigor of manhood, and as q
spirit of adventure possessed them
they were determined to overcome
each difficulty which might beset their
pathway Filled with ambition, they
pushed forward to their destined goal.
II was their intention to sink SHAFT
upon the claim which they had previ-
ously staked off in Huerfano county.
From favorable reports which had
would be fortunate enough to strike
a lucky pay streak" and they fondly
hoped that a rich harvest Of gold
would be the final result of their ef-
forts.
After remaining a night in Canon
City, the next morning they purchased
a quantity of provisions and other
necessary supplies. and with these
their pack burros were well loaded.
They cinched their saddles and.
mounting their strong little bronchos,
were soon on their way to Silver
Cliffs, distance of thirty-five miles.
Four Stalwart Fortune Hunters.
The beautiful mountain road took
them through the small mining town
Of Chandler, then following up the
picturesque canon of Oak creek. they
passed through the mountain hamlets
of Yorkville and Galena and reached
Silver Cliffe about sundown.
The invigorating air in the high al
titudes of the Rockies and the vary
ing aspect of the landscape all had
tendency to heighten their spirits. un-
I'll II seemed as II each man We'd with
the other in promoting fun, good ma
tire and laughter.
Early the next morning they pur-
sued their Journey across the beauti-
full Wet Mountain valley 10 the base of
the great Sangre de Cristo range.
whose towering peaks. the highest in
the Rockies, rose in majestic gran
deur before them.
After another days travel they
reached the small town of Bradford
in Huerfano county. Upon inquiry
they learned that the country that
they intended penetrating was SO Wild
and unsettled and the trails so un-
certain and precipitous they deemed
n best to dispose of their burros and
bronchos and go out on foot. carry
ing with them their tools and a por
ton of their provisions.
They joked upon their way and ex-
uRed over their possible good fortune
and the honors that would be heaped
upon them when they had successful
Iy worked their lucky claim and had II
recorded in the land office in their
own right
Sustained by pluck and enthusiasm.
they reached their destination in three
days, The place was located near
the top of Twin Peak, from which
point they could plainly see, as they
looked toward the south distance OF
more than fifty miles. the great mon
arch of the Rockies. Sierra Blsnco
rising to an altitude OF 1880 feet
above the level Of the sea.
They pitched camp with merry
hearta When everything had been
adjusted to a nicely in arrangement
and comfort about their tents. they
kindled their camp FIRE and prepared
their evening meal. which was soon
enjoyed by an appetite whetted by ia
tigue and a long fast.
The next day was a busy one, stalk
ing their claim. sorting picks and
shovels, selecting a spot for sinking
their 4xS shaft and storing their sup
plies. They had hoped TO have their
assessment work finished in a few
weeks, by which they would hold the
claim for one year according to the
mining laws of Colorado.
For the next three weeks they took
no notice OF time. but with feverish
energy they pursued their work. The
leading spirit of the party was Peter
stiles. He was a man of splendid
physique. tall and well proportioned,
with a disposition so merry and cheer
frl that it effected the others with
magnetic charm.
He had been a prospector since
1860. when gold was first discovered
in California Gulch, Colorado, and his
knowledge OF the geological formation
of the rock was OF great service to his
companions. His words were always
those OF encouragement, while his own
vigor and strenuous action left its i'm