Semi-weekly herald., 1916-05-25
SEARCH FOR LOST
MINE is REWARDED

Back in the old days of rs and
'76, when the attention of prospect
ors in the La Platas was entirely de-
voted to placer mining, Missourian
arrived in camp, whose stock in trade
consisted of optimism, perseverance,
and two burros. With the determine
tion and initiative that characterizes
the residents of the "show me" state
he decided to try his luck quartz
mining instead of following in the
foot steps of those more familiar with
the country.
After tramping over the hills for
many days, he located promising
lead, just below small spring in
a draw, and commenced development
work. Shortly he opened an ore body
which appeared to run high in gold
values.
Meanwhile news of gold discover
les in the La Platas reached Denver
and increased the desire for the pre-
cious metal When well-to-do resi-
dent of the Colorado metropolis re
ceived some specimens from the Mis-
sourian's mine and a letter describ-
ing it, which included an offer to
sell for 100000, he Immediately STRAIT
ed young man on his way to exam
inc the property and make the pur
chase if it proved all the enthusias-
tic owner claimed.
Forty years .esn 1Ae. journey from
DenUmas Coppinger latas was long
Cortez were tnie: 1t necessitated
morninge trip by rail to the San Luis
of fatty, a more tiresome Journey BY
,,-sosssi to Animas City and long
horseback ride to the camp. The
young man reached his destination
completely fatigued as "a result of his
experience, only to find the mine was
making such an excellent showing the
| owner refused TO consider less than
100000. Thoroly disguseed, he re-
| turned to Denver and made no fur
ther attempt to consummate the
deal.
When fall came the Missourian
loaded his burros with precious met
al and started for his old home to
spend the winter. In Pueblo he sold
| both ore and packtrain and disap.
peared. From that day to this he
has been lost to the world.
About a decade ago, the young
mining man." now well nigh the three
score mark returned to the La Pla-
tas to attempt to locate the proper
| ty. The ground, in the old days free
from brush as result of the fires
started by the Indians, was covered
with dense underground that chang
ed the whole appearance of the land
scape. He searched alone and with
the aid of the old time miners, but
was unable to accomplish his mis-
sion.
Veteran prospectors cherished the
story and determined upon locating
| the property. Among these was Geo.
Brawner, and many trip he made
over the hills seeking the lost mine.
| A few days ago when travelling on a
slope of the La Platas two miles from
the May Day he refreshed himself
at a small spring in draw. Look
ind down he beheld the exposed
workings of an old prospect. Upon
examination he found the ore reveal
ed was the kind the long sought prop
erty produced. After restalsing the
claim, he named it Park View, on ac-
count of its location with reference
to Thompson's Park.
Mr.. Brawner expects to take a
force of men to the property to COM
mence work at an early date. All
indications are that the claim that
promised to place a man on Easy
street in the old days will make good
its promise in these, and possibly have
part in the fortunes of several
people, as it is not unlikely that a
number of valuable mining proper
ties will be located in the immediate
vicinity.