Jasper County Democrat, Volume 5, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 July 1902 — ONE LOST MINE IS FOUND. [ARTICLE]

ONE LOST MINE IS FOUND.

Chain of Unsuccessful Searches Seems Broken in Oregon, An interesting but true story of a lost mine being found has been brought to light at Grant’s Pass. Ore. A rich mine discovered and left fifty years ago has been found again, the jubilant discoverer coming into Grant’s Pass with a bag of gold dust and nuggets that he had removed from the treasure. S. D. Johnson, a mining man from lowa, arrived in Grant’s Pass, bringing with him a rough sketch or map of the Josephine mining districts that had been drawn for him by a capitalist of Colorado Springs. This capitalist was a close friend of Johnson, and in the pioneer days had been in southern Oregon prospecting and mining. He made a good stake near Grant’s Pass, and among others, made a very rich discovery on Jack Creek, of the Jump-Off-Joe district. Northern Josephine County. This find was in the nature of an auriferous gravel bed, the yellow grains being distributed through it in a most remarkable quantity. He had hardly begun work upon his bonanza when he and his companions were attacked by the Indians and forced to flee for their lives. The bloody Rogue River Indian war came on and the prospector left southern Oregon. He made many later fortunes in Colorado, but did not forget his bonanza on Jack Creek, Jump-Off-Joe. Fifty years passed by,‘and his friend Johnson came to him and wanted a grub stake to Oregon. The capitalist agreed to put up all the money required if Johnson would come to Josephine County and search for the lost treasure on Jack Creek. Johnson agreed to do so, and with nothing but the rough sketch to guide him came to Grant's Pass. He found Jack Creek and began prospecting. On one gravel bar he dug three shallow prospect holes and took out $26 in coarse gold. He kept on scratching around and uncovered several big nuggets. He nearly went wild with delight. He came into Grant's Pass with his bag of gold, a much excited man. He had found the lost mine. Investigation proved that the claim had been since located by H. Hail, of this county. Mr. Hall, not knowing of the discovery, sold the claim to Johnson, together with all water rights he had taken up, for $1,500. Johnson has left for Colorado Springs, but will return in a short time with his capitalist partner. They will equip the mine with a complete and extensive hydraulic plant and put it in shape for work on a big scale. The gravel of the property Is such as to make it one of the richest placer propositions In southern Oregon.—Portland Telegram.