The Goldfield news and weekly tribune. [volume] (Goldfield, Nev.) 1911-1947, 1914-09-19
INDIAN FINDS ORE
ON RESERVATION
TAKES SAMPLES TO
SCHOOL OF MINES FOR
ASSAY

who came IN ITOul tue Nyiohio 49,
eryation Yesterday with half a dozen
samples of mineralized rock that ne
found in lodges out on the reserva-
ton. near "The Willows" says the
Reno Journal. Jack showed them
to Indian Agent G.. H. Ashbury, who
had his clerk, w. C. Van Enron, con-
due him to the Mackay school OF
mines at the university to have them
assayed.
Some of the samples look very
good, and it is not impossible nat
they may be the forerunner OF I'M
portant discoveries. Jack explains
that the lodges are big, and II the
ore runs all right he has a chance to
get rich like the white men.
For man. years there have been
traditions of fabulously rich foat
found on the reservation, but even
the most diligent prospecting has
failed to disclose any of the ledges
from which it came. Several very
promising properties, including the
old Parry mines, have been develop
ed and produced considerable ore
in that region, but the sources OF
the rich float that have from time
to time stirred the pulse OF pros
pectors apparently yet remain to Do
found.
It would not be strange, however,
if the discovery should finally De
made by one of the stolid redskins
who make their home on h reserva-
ton. many of the notable mining dis
coveries having been made by In
dams.
To Harry Stimler Of Tonopah, a
half-breed Shoshone Indian, and his
partner, Billy Marsh, is due tho
credit for the first discoveries In
Goldfeld, for they were the ~locators
of the Sandstone and other claims
which first disclosed the presence
of gold in that district and led the
"a for the Goldfeld boom. Slim
Ter and Marsh we're also the discov.
erers of the camp known as St1mler,
in the Silver Pick country, and have
been identified in a prominent way
with many other camps of Nevada.
The famous NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
mine at Bullfrog was discovered by
a Shoshone Indian, known as Little
Johnnie" and it was through their
friendship that Bob" Montgomery
was "staked in" on the property and
made an Independent fortune, the
control of the property finally pass
ing to the Charles M. Schwab inter-
ests.
Another well-known Indian pros
pector of the southern Nevada camps
who has made several important dis
coveries was "Peavine Johnnie"
whose headquarters were anywhere
he happened to be on the desert, out
from Tonopah, Manhattan and other
contiguous country. "Peavine" Is
accredited with having discovered
the so-called Clifford properties at
Helena, about SO miles from Tono-
pah. having been grub-staked by the
Cliffords. "Peavine" and his squaw
are said to have made the discovery
and built a signal fire on the top OF
a high hill at night to inform the
Cliffords that he had found rich ore.
Claiming that he al not given his
rightful share of the property. long
litigation by the Indian ensued in
the courts of Nye county, but John
ME-" died before the suit was set
tied, and never got to enjoy the
fruits of his discovery. His squaw,
however, received a substantial set
Element through the courts after his
death. The property is still being
worked by the Cliffords and making
a good production Of high grade ore.
It was at one time bonded to Gold
field parties for 100000, and $780,
900 was paid in installments before
the option was given up.
Indians who make their homes in
Manhattan have also figured In some
GOOD mining discoveries, and are as
enthusiastic in prospecting as any
white man that ever packed a can
teen and a pick around the low hills
of the desert, or the higher pine
covered ranges.
These Indians are keen In the
search for the signs of ore. and are
likewise good miners, understanding
the whimsical freaks Of giant powder
and knowing how to handle it and
being able to do a good days work
with hammer and drill, pick and
shovel, in sinking a prospect hole.
They are not strong on extended de-
velopment, however, and usually get
rid of their interests for a compare
lively small sum, leaving 1t to the
white man to reap the real benefits
of their discoveries.
So it need not be surprising II
Jack Samuels Of the Pyramid reser-
walton should turn up something
sood as the result of his interest In