At Richburg!

Cuba Patriot, Friday, May 15, 1881 - Researched & Submitted by Richard Palmer

                                                                 AT RICHBURG!

     As previously announced, your reporter started on Monday morning last for the Richburg oil field, to look after his oil interests, buy and lease more (?) land, &c.,&c.               

              _____

    After a pleasant drive of about one and a half hours duration, we drew up in front of the Hotel de Richburg. We were warmly welcomed by ye host, Chadwick, and our friend, John Bristol who was staying in town. After a short rest “John” kindly offered to guide us to the “big spouter,” which of late has caused so much excitement.

    We reach the well after a pleasant (?) walk of about three-fourths of a mile, and found her flowing at a good rate. – We were informed that she produced 46 barrels the day previous, and was still flowing without perceptible diminution.

     In conversation with prominent oil men and othe4rs we learned that the majority of those who know anything about the business think that this territory, from present indications, stands a good chance of rivaling the famous Bradford district.

     Two more rigs are being built not more than a mile from the well now in operation. The Waugh & Porter well at Bolivar was to be torpedoed the next day with every indication of panning out big. Derricks are also going up in neighboring localities, Clarksville, Alma and Wolf Run receiving a large quota. Property in the immediately vicinity has more than trebles in value in the past few weeks. A number of persons from surrounding towns are leasing land for building purposes, Cuba being well represented.

     As for a railroad, Richburg people seem to be all of one mind to wit, that the extension of the T.V. R.R. from Cuba is the most feasible one on account of connections and grade, and the most lively of all on account of the powerful corporation which is to build it. While there the stages from the different towns came in, Cuba’s carrying passengers, and Friendship’s only one. All impartial citizens seemed to think that Cuba is to be the coming city. ‘Cause why, she has the capital, she has the railroad, she has the enterprise, and don’t you forget it. After learning all we could and satisfying ourselves that we could not consciously invest in more land, we started for home tired and worn out, but well pleased with our day’s journey.