Utah's Infamous Emma Mine

This month I'm going to talk about mining in Utah. Rather than go into a lot of detail, though, I'll give you a little historical background, then focus on the Emma Silver Mine and one of the most notorious mining scams in the Old West.
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The Emma Silver Mine

In the early days of Utah Territory, aka Deseret, mining was frowned upon by Brigham Young and the Mormon elders. They believed searching for gold and silver would distract their people from agricultural pursuits and the building of their promised land. The one exception was iron, which had practical uses and was expensive to ship into their mountain kingdom from the east. In the early 1850s Mormons followed Brigham Young's call for an "iron mission" in southern Utah (now Iron County). Unfortunately, their search for iron didn't pan out.

In October 1862, Colonel Patrick E. Connor led his California and Nevada Volunteers into the Salt Lake Valley, where he founded Camp Douglas overlooking Salt Lake City. Many of his soldiers were experienced prospectors and, with Connor's encouragement, they prospected for silver and gold in the nearby Wasatch and Oquirrh mountains. The first formal claims were established in 1863 in the Bingham Canyon area.

Connor started a small newspaper, The Union Vedette, and promoted Utah’s mineral riches to the outside world. Prospectors and miners trickled in and with the blessing of their leaders, many Mormons joined in the search for mineral riches. Later, with the completion of the nation’s first transcontinental railroad, fortune seekers poured in by the thousands. Like a silver carrot dangled before them was the Emma, the most famous and infamous mine in the history of Utah.

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Little Cottonwood Canyon

The Emma was located in Little Cottonwood Canyon, above the mining camp of Alta, on the western face of the Wasatch Mountains. Discovered in 1868 by two men named Woodman and Chisholm, it was christened "Emma" after a woman one of the men had known in San Francisco. Having no capital to develop their claim, Woodman and Chisholm sold a one-third interest in the mine to a speculator named James E. Lyon. The miners sank a shaft and during 1868-69 some 100 tons of silver ore were extracted.

Senator W.M. Stewart

In 1870 a large body of ore opened in another diretion. Woodman and Chisholm then took on several other partners and attempted to oust Lyon from the company on the grounds that since the silver vein had changed direction, Lyon no longer had any claim upon it. Lyon filed a lawsuit, with W.M. Stewart, Senator from Nevada, serving as his lead attorney. A great deal of legal maneuvering followed which resulted in the investors being reorganized as the Emma Silver Mining Company of New York.

Around the autumn of 1871, the owners decided they would try to sell the mine in London, relying upon its production record to promote it. The number of miners, previously about 100, was reduced to 10 and a new superintendant appointed -- said to be the best man to "prepare" a mine for inspection by engineers prior to a sale. Guards prevented anyone from entering the mine without written permission. A British miner who worked in the Emma at that time later reported seeing silver ore "plastered or engrafted" onto the limestone rock. In other words, they salted the mine to make it look like there was still a rich vein of silver to be extracted when, in truth, it was nearly worked out.

Hyperbole flew like wildfire: “. . . after the discovery of the great Emma silver mine mass of ore, mining and prospecting in Utah took a sudden leap; prospectors spread out in all the mountains; and the result today is, that Utah gives promise of soon being as largely silver bearing and silver producing as Nevada. English and eastern capital is now freely flowing there, and the great yield of those rich mines will enable Utah to take high rank in the production of silver bullion.” ~~ from a Report by the United States General Land Office

British investors paid some $5,000,000 dollars for the Emma. A short time later the vein played out, and those investors furiously cried "Swindle!". Bitter accusations flew back and forth. Both the British and U.S. governments  became involved, nearly going to war before the brouhaha finally ended. After the Emma scandal, British investment in Utah mining virtually stopped. In fact, all investment in Utah mines dried up except for a few well known, trusted operations, crippling Utah mining pursuits for decades.



Eventually the industry did recover, thanks to local and American investors, and mining proved to be a vital part of the Utah economy. A report issued by the Salt Lake Mining Review stated total mining production between 1865 and 1917 came to over 800 million dollars. Not bad!

The Utah silver boom plays a crucial part in Darlin' Druid, book one in my Texas Druids series. I hope you'll give this award winning novel of the Old West a try.

http://www.amazon.com/Darlin-Druid-Texas-Druids-ebook/dp/B004ASNDES

Sources:



http://www.scribd.com/doc/6966696/The-True-History-of-the-Emma-Mine

http://www.miningutah.com/id66.html

http://www.miningswindles.com/html/emma_mine.html

Riding the Rails in Old Utah

Last month, I promised to talk about mining and railroading in Deseret (territorial Utah). After giving it some thought, I decided to split the subject in two. This month I'll concentrate on Utah's early railroads and save mining for next time.

Replicas of UP No. 119 & CPRR No. 60 (the Jupiter) meet at the
Gloden Spike National Historic Site.

Train travel across Utah began with the driving of the Golden Spike at Promontory Point on May 10, 1869. Hammered in by Leland Stanford, head of the Central Pacific RR, that last spike linked the CPRR with the Union Pacific RR, completing the nation's first transcontinental railroad. The windy spot where the rails met was more than sixty miles northwest of Salt Lake City. Both the Mormon capital and Denver, Colorado -- the two largest cities in the mountain west -- were bypassed by the historic route. Feeder lines would need to be built to both cities.

Railroad construction workers in northern Utah

Ironically, Mormons made up most of the Union Pacific work gangs who blasted and tunneled a path through Weber River Canyon and laid track to Promontory. Latter Day Saints President Brigham Young had won a contract with the UP, employing Mormons to build the route in Utah. Church elders were lukewarm about railroads entering their domain, but Young realized train service would make it easier for new converts to "gather to Zion." It would also help their economy by increasing the flow of trade with the outside world. In 1867, Young said, "This gigantic work will increase intercourse, and it is hoped, soften prejudices, and bind the country together."

However, when the decision was made to bypass SLC in order to cut 76 miles and many steep grades from the route, and save 2.5 million dollars, Brigham Young was furious. He threatened to withdraw his support but in the end he accepted the inevitable and sent Mormon laborers to help. Some 4,000 men answered his call.

At the same time, plans were soon drawn up for the Utah Central Railroad, which would run from Salt Lake City to Ogden, where it would connect with the transcontinental route. Incorporated in 1869 and built by Mormons, this vital feeder line was completed in January, 1870. The two hour trip from Ogden to Salt Lake City cost $2, equal to about $55 in 2012.

In May of 1871, construction began on the Utah Southern, running south from SLC down the Jordan River Valley. This road eventually reached 105 miles south to Chicken Creek (Juab, Utah). Meanwhile, work also began on the Utah Northern RR from Brigham City to Ogden, and in 1874, the Utah Western got underway. Workers laid narrow guage tracks west from Salt Lake City, completing the route near Stockton in 1877. These "Mormon Roads" formed the basis for a network of rails intended, not for profit, but to connect the smaller Mormon settlements they served. Of course, there were some drawbacks. As early as the 1870s, air pollution became a problem. Smoke from trains and smelters (more about those next month) damaged crops, and together with coal smoke from home and commercial heating, made Salt Lake City air unhealthy to breath.

 A railroad groundbreaking was an exciting event, as shown in this news article: "Editor News -- Ground was broken for the Utah Northern Railroad, this evening, by moonlight. The dedication prayer was offered by Lorenzo Snow. John W. Young broke ground, and a portion of the grade was begun and completed, by shovel, pick, plow and scraper, amid the firing of cannon and ringing of bells. A great number of people were present to witness the ceremony. The brass band and Professor Fishburn's choir were present." (Deseret Evening News, August 28, 1871)

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CPRR Groundbreaking Ceremony, Scramento, CA, Jan. 8, 1863 -- G.J. "Chris" Graves Collection
(Sorry, I couldn't find a picture of a Utah railroad groundbreaking. Darn!)

All of the above mentioned shortline railroads came under the control of the Union Pacific by the late 1870s to early 80s. However, another line, the Denver & Rio Grande Western, entered Utah Territory in 1881. The D&RGW rails approached from Denver via the Price River Canyon, reaching Salt Lake City in June, 1882. By purchasing several shortlines, the company swiftly began collecting revenue, giving the Union Pacific competition.

That's it for now. Next month I'll delve into mining in Utah, and how the railroads influenced the mining industry. Now here are two brief excerpts from Darlin' Druid, showing how I imagine an Old West train depot, c. 1872:

Outside Omaha’s Union Pacific Station, Captain David Taylor awaited the westbound train. Tired of the wait, he paced to a corner of the building, crossed his arms and leaned back against the yellow frame wall. This new depot was a far cry from the rickety old Riverside Station he’d passed through some years ago, he mused. Built on landfill, the new structure stood near the Missouri River Bridge, which had recently replaced the slow ferry service David recalled with distaste.

Admiring the bridge, he did his best to ignore the passengers and baggage crowding the station platform. He loosened his collar and tugged his campaign hat lower against the hot noonday sun. Barely June but summer was already here . . .

And:

She [Jessie] fished a handkerchief from her reticule and patted her damp forehead. The depot seemed to grow hotter by the minute and the smell more revolting. Craning her neck, she looked through the window again, still seeing no sign of Tye. He’d best return soon or they would miss their train. The great iron beast had pulled up outside and now sat building up steam.

With a sigh, she eyed the crowd on the platform. It was a mixed group. There were settlers with children in tow and all their worldly goods heaped around them. Others, well-dressed easterners, might be journeying west for business purposes, Jessie supposed, or simply to see the land in all its glory. She also saw buckskinned westerners, going home perhaps.

Four such men, more dirty and rough looking than most, caught her eye. She watched them pass a whiskey jug back and forth between them and heard the muffled sound of their raucous laughter. They appeared to be well into their cups. Wrinkling her nose, she sincerely hoped they would not be traveling in her coach.

Reference sources

Union Pacific Country by Robert G. Athearn

Mormons and Gentiles, A History of Salt Lake City by Thomas G. Alexander & James B. Allen

Pioneering the Union Pacific by Charles Edgar Ames

http://www.utahrails.net/
http://cprr.org/Museum/First_Rail_Laid_1863.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_spike#.22Golden_Spike_Days_Celebration.22_.281939.29 

Deseret, Land of the Honeybee

Part of my first book, Darlin’ Druid, is set in Utah, c. 1872. This required a lot of research, especially because I’ve never been able to visit the Beehive State in person. Today I’d like to share a smidgen of what I learned from books, internet sites and the Utah State Historical Society.

When Brigham Young first looked upon the Salt Lake Valley in 1847, he is supposed to have said “This is the place.” It’s hard to imagine why he chose such a dry, inhospitable spot for his people to settle, but history has proven him right. Within a few decades, the Mormons turned that dry valley into fruitful farm land and Salt Lake City into a thriving community. 

 The early pioneers had few material resources. Thus, they had to rely on their own ingenuity and hard work – their industry – to survive. Think of a colony of bees working together, building a new hive, and you’ll know why the beehive became the emblem for the provisional State of Deseret in 1848. The symbol was retained along with the word "industry" on the state seal and flag after Utah was granted statehood in 1896. “Deseret” is reportedly a word for honey bee in the Book of Mormon. The honey bee was named official state insect in 1983, thanks to the lobbying efforts of a fifth grade class.

Crofutt’s Trans-Continental Tourist Guide, 1872 edition, describes Salt Lake City: “This is one of the most beautiful and pleasantly located of cities.” Situated at the foot of a spur of the Wasatch Mountains to the east, and extending onto the uplands that unite valley and mountains, the city boasts a dramatic setting that impressed the writer of the tourist guide. “The lofty  range of the Wasatch forms the background, lifting its rugged peaks above the clouds. Piles of snow can be seen in the gorges where the warm sunlight has not the power to melt it.”

From those snowy gorges, the Mormons drew life-giving water via a clever irrigation system, allowing them to turn the desert valley into rich farm land. They brought water to Salt Lake City in the same way, laying out irrigation channels along the streets, which naturalist John Muir describes this way: "The streets are remarkably wide and the buildings low, making them appear yet wider than they really are. Trees are planted along the sidewalks -- elms, poplars, maples, and a few catalpus and hawthorn . . . ." Muir goes on to complain about the irregular size of trees and buildings, and disapproved the Latter Day Saints' stand on polygamy. Yet, from his description, it's plain to see the Saints planned their city with an eye for beauty as well as practicality.

The following is an excerpt from Darlin’ Druid in which my heroine, Jessie, marvels at her surroundings while out for a Sunday afternoon stroll.

A short while later, she paused beneath a leafy elm tree and fished a handkerchief from her reticule. As she had many times before, she blessed the city’s Mormon founders for planting so many trees along the broad streets. Their shade was a godsend in this heat.

Patting the dew from her forehead and upper lip, she smiled at a group of youngsters frolicking in a small peach orchard across the street. The city abounded with fruit trees – apple, plum, but most of all peach – and a variety of grapevines. Most every gray adobe or white clapboard house also displayed a vegetable plot and flower garden. All thanks to the Mormons’ ingenious irrigation system, a necessity in this hot, dry valley.

There were even lilac bushes. Although long since done blooming for the year, they still reminded Jessie of home. Her mother had loved lilacs, and she’d planted several bushes around their cottage. Every spring their radiant purple blooms had filled the air with a heavenly scent – before the fire had swept them away along with the house and everything else, leaving only destruction behind. And nightmares.

Salt Lake City in the old days (photos from Utah State Historical Society) 

First South, 1872, with Salt Lake Theatre on the left. Built in 1861, the theatre staged plays, hosted dances and concerts. Brigham Young often attended.   One guest said, "At the time of its erection, it was not surpassed in magnitude, completeness and equipment by any other existing house." Each event opened with prayer; no smoking or drinking allowed. *Notice trees lining the street.     

 

Temple Square, 1882, showing left to right, partially completed Temple, Assembly Hall, and the Tabernacle.

 

 

 

One of the city's largest hotels was the Salt Lake House, where Jessie dines with an admirer. Run by a Mr. Townsend, a Mormon convert from Maine, the hotel stood on Main Street. Notice the stagecoach out front.

 

Businesses and wagons loaded with goods. By 1870, a number of gentile (non-Mormon) businesses were in operation.







Most Mormon merchants belonged to Zion's Co-operatice Mercantile Institution (Z.C.M.I.) and displayed the sign of the all-seeing eye.

Modern Salt Lake City

 

                    The Great Salt Lake in daylight                   . . . . And at sunrise

Next month I will dig into mining and railroading in Utah. Hint: Nevada and Colorado weren’t the only western states to experience silver booms.

http://cprr.org/Museum/Crofutt_1872/index.html
http://pioneer.utah.gov/research/utah_symbols/insect.html
Mormons and Gentiles, a History of Salt Lake City by Thomas G. Alexander & James B. Allen
History of Utah,1540-1886 by Hubert Howe Bancroft
Utah, the Land of Blossoming Valleys by George Wharton James
Steep Trails  by John Muir

Say Hello to my guest, Lyn Horner

Lyn Horner

Howdy, Ginger. Thanks for having me over for a visit. It’s a pleasure to be with you. I’d like to tell you and your readers about my new book, Dashing Druid. Recently published in Kindle format on amazon.com, this is the second volume in my Texas Druids trilogy.

First, let me say I firmly believe there are people who possess extrasensory abilities. Why? Because I have experienced prophetic dreams and premonitions myself, real enough to scare me a couple times.

Since I know psychics live among us, and I’m pretty sure they existed in ages past, doesn’t it make sense that such gifted folks may also have lived in the Old West? They do in my imagination. Meet the Devlins, three psychically gifted siblings. Descended from legendary Irish Druids, their hidden talents lead them across prairies and mountains, into the land of cowboys and Indians, with consequences not even a Druid seer could predict.

Darlin’ Druid, the first book in this unique series, drew wonderful reader reviews. Now the saga continues in book two. This western romance stars Tye Devlin, eldest of the three adventurers. Tye is a sensitive, an empath in modern terms. He “feels” other’s emotions. Over time, he has erected mental barriers to block out most of the “racket” in order to save his sanity, but when he meets Texas cowgirl Lil Crawford, her troubled feelings easily breach those barriers.

Unlucky in love, Lil sees herself as a gangly old maid. She guards her bruised heart behind a tough façade, working alongside her father’s cowhands. When a handsome stranger with an Irish brogue calls her beautiful, she thinks he’s mocking her. Learning he’s the brother of the woman who wed her lost love, Lil tries to put Devlin out of her mind, yet she can’t help wishing such a man might truly find her beautiful.

Tye Devlin’s flashing smile conceals a painful burden. A failed prospector and silver miner, he’s left with nothing but guilt over a friend’s death and nightmarish memories of a mine cave-in. Seeking peace, he’s come to visit his sister and her husband on their Texas ranch. They convince him to remain with them, and while learning to ride and rope, Tye becomes fascinated by Lil Crawford. The daughter of a neighboring rancher, the part Cherokee beauty attracts him with her golden skin, dark flashing eyes and slim, feminine curves, but it’s her bravery and hidden sorrows that capture his heart. He realizes they’re kindred spirits. However, her parents regard him as a no-good Irish Yankee. Not a promising start for their romance!

Set against a backdrop of Texas ranch life, an iconic cattle drive, and feuding families, this action packed story delves into Tye's painful empathic ability and the impact it has upon his life and those he loves. As he and Lil struggle to survive raging rivers, hostile Indians and a vicious enemy, they must face their personal demons and decide if love is worth the consequences. Explosive surprises will determine their fate.

Ginger and friends, I hope this brief description whets your interest in my Texas Druids. You can purchase the books or download free samples from my Amazon product pages. Darlin’ Druid is also available for Nook on B&N, and Dashing Druid soon will be. You might also enjoy the haunting book trailer prepared for me by Shirley Hicks. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om4QX4NCMBw

Darlin’ Druid: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004ASNDES

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/product.aspx?ean=2940012184290

Dashing Druid: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0069HLDJU

http://texasdruids.com/

http://texasdruids.blogspot.com/

Note from Ginger:  I had the privilege of purchasing Darlin' Druid and I loved it.  I can't wait to get my hands on Dashing Druid.  I love Lyn's writing and I'm sure you will, too.