WONDROUS DEVELOPMENTS.

203

able to the secretion of oil? If this upheaval was by volcanic action, it might very reasonably be concluded that the rock beneath would be contorted, and broken, and left full of extensive cavities, and, being in the oil region, these cavities would almost necessarily be filled with oil.

This Pit Hole well flows spontaneously at the rate of one hundred barrels per day, and this under great disadvantages, as the sucker rods are yet in the chamber.

A wondrous development is taking place in the resources of this region. It appears to be outstripping Oil creek itself, both in the success of the oil operations, and the growth of its population. The first well opened was the "United States," in the spring of the present year-1865. This at once attracted the attention of oil men, when the tide of speculation commenced, and has continued with unflagging energy to the present time. There are now ten flowing wells, yielding from two hundred to eight hundred barrels each per day, on Pit Hole creek; with this encouraging feature, that so far there has been no evidence of decrease in the yield. Towns have sprung up as though by magic. Pit Hole creek has, in less than two months, attained a population of from five to seven thousand. The houses built in the same period of time number about five hundred. The place has already two banks, numerous hotels, theatre, and arrangements for religious service. Two railroads are in process of construction to the neighborhood of Pit Hole. One extending from Oil City up the western bank of the Allegheny to the mouth of Pit Hole creek, to which it is proposed bringing the oil by means of pipes; the other extends from Reno, accross Oil creek, to Cherry run, thence up Cherry run to Plumer. Both

204

REGISTER OF STRATA.

these roads connect with the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad.

There are a number of fine wells near the mouth of Pit Hole creek and above, along the Henry and McCrea farms. These wells are from three to six hundred feet deep. Some of them have flowed, and are now pumping from five to twenty barrels per day.

As an indication of the strata, the following register is given of a well bored on the Culbertson farm :

:

33 feet. 127

25

66

In the second rock there was a rose tint, approaching a flesh color, that has frequently been perceptible in these deep sand rocks. One of the wells on the Hussey & McBride farm flowed from two to two hundred and fifty barrels per day for two months; it was then closed up as there was little demand for oil. It has since been pumped with an increase of yield; it now produces some fifteen barrels daily.

A little farther up, Hemlock creek empties upon the eastern side of the river. This region is sometimes known as President, that being the name of the township and post-office. This creek, in connection with the river, presents a large extent of flat lands for the consideration

HEMLOCK-TIONESTA.

205

of parties that prefer low lands and proximity to water courses as locations for wells. These lands are now in process of being tested, and the successes that have attended operations below would indicate that Hemlock and President will not be lacking when vigorous operations shall have explored their territory.

As we approach the Tionesta, which is thirty miles above Franklin, numerous islands dot the river, some of them of considerable extent, that are sought after as oil territory. Formerly islands were in better repute than at present. It was supposed that the water courses indicated the course of the oil currents, and that under the bed of the river was the best possible location. Theory and observation both seem to agree latterly that this is not the case; that there are no oil currents; that oil wherever it may be found is sluggish; and that it may be found underneath the high lands as well as on the water-courses. Still these sands are eagerly sought after, and in many cases prove very productive.

Tionesta is a beautiful town on the eastern bank of the river, and was, at one time, the centre of a very thriving lumber trade. Of late this has somewhat fallen off in importance, as the people have been giving their attention to other pursuits. Little Tionesta empties below the town, while Tionesta proper enters the river at the town, and, with its tributaries Coon creek, Ross and Salmon runs, affords a large extent of available land for experiment and development. These operations are meeting with success, too, in proportion as they are prosecuted with vigor and perseverance.

Four miles above Tionesta we come to West and Little Hickory creeks, one upon each side of the river, and three miles farther up East Hickory. Operations

206

SUCCESS ON LOWER ALLEGHENY.

were commenced on these streams early in the history of the oil business; but were interrupted by the flowing wells on Oil creek, together with the circumstances of the war; still there are some wells in operation, and preparations for great and enlarged operations are in progress by stock companies. The geological features of this region have a great resemblance to those of Oil creek, and future operations may be attended by like

success.

A short distance above this is Tideoute, once the scene of extensive and exciting oil operations, bidding fair to rival Oil creek; of late there has not been so much done, as circumstances have interrupted operations to a considerable degree. This place is in Warren county.

We return now to the lower Allegheny, or that portion of the river below Franklin. There is here a large extent of valuable land for oil purposes, and, so far as matters have progressed, operations have been attended with the most gratifying success. Just below Franklin there are quite a number of successful wells, or those yielding oil. The comparative success attending operations on this portion of the Allegheny is greater than in any other portion of the oil region. On an average more than half the wells bored have proved successful. In a distance of two miles below the borough line of Franklin, there are at present, on the western bank of the river, thirty wells bored; of these, eighteen yield oil in remunerating quantities, and six, or one-third, are or have been flowing wells. The aggregate is now about one hundred and fifty barrels daily, having a gravity of from 34° to 37°, Baume. In this region the depth of the wells is about four hundred and fifty feet, and the oil is found in the second sand rock. The variation in