| Transcribed by Norma Knotts Schaefer from microfilm
of the Calhoun Chronicle dated 2/5/1901.
Grantsville and Calhoun County Are Now the Center of Oil Attractions
in West Virginia
The Town Is Crowded Full of Oil Men, and Interest Is at Fever Heat
As stated in our last issue, the oil well on the Metz farm came in on
the 25th, and is a good well. At least, it is so good that
every one who can do so, is getting hold of all the territory in that neighborhood
that they possibly can, and they are paying right handsome sums for it,
too.
Instead of the Gordon sand, the flow of oil was struck in the "Berea
grit," and when the sand was first struck nothing was found but a slight
showing of oil and a little gas. A few hours later, while Mr. Lowther
was at the shanty, which is supplied with gas from the well, oil came spurting
through the gas line into the fire. It was but the work of a few minutes
to get the oil saver on and the oil piped off to the tanks. The well
had drilled itself in, and is yet to do more than it is doing now.
As soon as the word got out that oil had been struck, oil men began
to come here and at present the hotels are full of them, and more are arriving
daily.
It is hard to give what the well is making as reports conflict, but
as the well has not been drilled into this sand, having just touched it,
the fact is assured that we have an oil field here in Calhoun.
Work on the Gillespie well is progressing slowly on account of breakdowns,
etc..
It is rumored here that the oil well being drilled on Bell Run of Lower
Leading Creek came in a strong producer. Up to the time of going
to press, we have been unable to ascertain definitely as to the truth of
this, but it seems to have come from a reliable source. It is said
that the well is as good or better than the Metz well. If this be
true, it gives us two oil fields in this county. | 
