Stories Based on Fact

Plenty of Excitement.

The past ten days have developed a generous degree of excitement respecting the oil interests of this locality.

It seems to be a well settled fact that oil exists far to the east and something to the north of the Bradford fields, and former efforts to obtain it, coupled with present operations at Canisteo and upon the Honeoye, give strong color to the proposition that only a few miles south of this village the precious fluid not only exists, but is soon to be produced.

As previously stated in these columns an efford was made some years ago to find oil at Whitesville, in the town of Independence, this county, and about 12 miles distant south east from Wellsville.  The drill was sent down some 700 feet, and in what is now understood to be the “second sand,” oil was found in small quantity,---The Bradford fields were then unknown, and the presence of oil in large quantities in the “third sand” was a yet undeveloped fact.  The well was abandoned, but, as the sequel shows, is soon to be drilled deeper and a competent test applied.  We hear that the W. H. Granby, Sheriff Withey and others are to undertake the work, having leased lands in the neighborhood.

A company of Wellsville and Alma gentlemen has been formed within a few months, and, as our readers are already familiar, are pushing the drill at the Wildcat Well, on the Honeoye in the town of Alma, on lands owned by Ittai J. Elliott.  The first sand was struck about ten days ago, and tallies with the Bradford formations.  On Saturday last the presence of “slush” oil was observed, and on Monday a fair flow of gas was indicated.  To say that excitement prevails among our citizens, is only to quote mildly.  Stock shares in the well were in great demand and a handsome premium was offered for them.  Second sand is expected to be reached this week, and every one seems confident that success is certain to crown the efforts of the pioneer well on the Honeoye.

On Monday evening it was rumored that the Bradford Oil Company had offered $10,000 for the well and leases of this company, doubtless to prevent immediate development of this territory, but it is by no means probable that such efforts will succeed.

The Bradford company is about to put down a test well on the Eleven Mile, about frive miles from the Alma well, and this is a fair indication of their faith in the territory as a paying one for oil.

In Genesee township, PA., south of Willing line, Messrs. Hart and Konkle, experienced operators from Rochester, have recently leased 2,000 acres in a body, and are preparing to erect a derrick and start the drill.

At Canisteo, Steuben county, the greatest excitement prevails over the discovery of small quantities of oil found in the second sand.  In spite of the rumor which prevailed last week that this was a hoax, it turns out that toil was actually found, with abundance of gas, and there is every indication that the Canisteo well will reward the enterprise which set the drill in motion with generous success.  A few days more will settle the question there, and if oil is found in any considerable quantity, the hopes of our local operators will be greatly strengthened.

A few years ago a well was sunk at Almond, but not deep enough to make a fair test.  A few days ago this hole was uncovered and found to exude considerable quantity of gas.  It is quite certain that, should oil be found at Canisteo, this well be deepened.  On the same creek, and at the saw mill two miles this side of Hornellsville, surface indications so plainly point to the existence of oil that the proprietor of the mill proposes to erect a derrick, and, from his mill power, give the locality a fair test.

But the eyes of our citizens are now turned upon the operations immediately to the south of us.  If oil is produced there, Wellsville at once becomes the center of extended operations, and will spring into significant importance as the outlet for the productions and natural base of supplies.  It will be a glad reverse leverage on the long depression caused by the hard times and will be hailed with delight by our citizens all.  Of course, if oil is found on the Honeoye, at Genesee Forks, and at Whitesville, there will be ample tests of territory made nearer this village, and it is by no means certain that we have not the precious fluid close to our very doors.  Co-incident with these circumstances will come substantial tests of promising territory in the towns of Genesee, Bolivar and Willing, and not unlikely in Wirt.  And should it prove that our county shall indeed be blest with this hidden treasure, we can heartily unite in congratulations, crow over good luck, forget political quarrels, all get rich and prepare to die happy.  So mote it be.

On Tuesday evening an enthusiastic meeting of citizens of the town of Willing was held at Shongo, to take action on the best means to protect so much of their town as is believed to be ‘on the belt’ from speculating leasing parties, and to insure the earliest development of their territory by responsible companies.  Mr. W. H. Granby of Belmont made an offer, and committees were appointed to investigate leases and plans and report at an adjourned meeting on Saturday evening.  Our neighboring town is pretty shaken up and we hope the best of good results may follow.  They are taking the true course.


(Source: ALLEGANY COUNTY REPUBLICAN; 11/22/1877)