Horn Silver Mine at Frisco, Utah

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This page was last updated on March 9, 2026.

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Overview

Although its history was certainly not nearly as wild as many writers tend to write about, the story of the Horn Silver Mine is usually presented as a classic Western epic, following the rapid rise and dramatic fall of one of Utah's most lucrative silver deposits. The more famous parts of the mine's history are usually galmorized in three simple stages.

Railroad service reached Frisco in June 1880 when the Utah Southern Railroad Extension finished its route south from York, just south of today's line between Utah and Juab counties. Utah Southern Railroad Extension was a Union Pacific-controlled company, and within a year, UP had taken control of two connecting lines: Utah Central Railway (between Ogden and Salt Lake City) and Utah Southern Railroad (between Salt Lake City and York). The Utah Southern Railroad Extension as organized as a Union Pacific enterprise to extend the rails of Utah Southern south to reach the silver mines at Frisco, the largest of which, the Horn Silver mine, was partly controlled by men who were also directors of Union Pacific. Union Pacific consolidated its control of the three roads by organizing the Utah Central Railway in July 1881, a merger of Utah Central Railroad, Utah Southern Railroad, and Utah Southern Railroad Extension.

The mines at Frisco were found to be very rich in silver and lead ores. By the end of 1882, the Horn Silver mine alone shipped $6 million worth of ore.

The following comes from the recollections of D. P. James, published in The Union Pacific Magazine, January 1931, page 35:

This famous old mining property which has paid fifty-four million dollars in dividends, was discovered April 5, 1875, by James Ryan and Samuel Hawks. A shaft was commenced and had been sunk about 3o feet in the ore when the claim was sold, February 17, 1876, to A. G. Campbell, Mathew Cullen, Dennis Ryan and A. Byram, to whom is due the credit for having developed and brought the mine to a state of profitable production.

February 17, 1879, the mine came into the possession of the Horn Silver Mining company and was worked by that company until 1928, when it was taken over by the Tintic Lead company, of Eureka, Utah. At the present time ten carloads of ore are being shipped weekly to the smelters.

My mother remembers 30 years ago, when box cars were used in shipping ore from the Horn silver mine, that 25 cars went out each day loaded to capacity.

"W. A. Hooker, in a report to the Horn Silver Mining Co., dated April 5, 1879, makes the following statement concerning the discovery and early history of the mine. -- The remarkable deposit of ore was discovered September 24, 1875, by James Ryan and Samuel Hawks. A shaft was commenced and had been sunk about thirty feet in ore when the claim was sold February 17, 1876, to A. G. Campbell, Matthew Cullen, Dennis Ryan, and A. Byran, to whom is due the credit of having developed the mine and brought the district to its present state of prosperity. These developments have resulted in proving the vein to a depth of over 280 feet, and about 25,000 tons of ore have been extracted and turned into billions." (Beaver County News, June 15, 1917)

"On February 17, 1897, the mine came into the possession of the Horn Silver Mining Company, and it has been worked by that company to the present time. From 1880 to 1884 it was one of the largest producers of lead and silver in the state. On February 12, 1885, the ground, which had been settling for some time, caved to the seventh level. The shaft was closed and the extraction of ore was interrupted for some time. The mine was reopened however, and has since been a steady producer." (Beaver County News, June 15, 1917)

Timeline

March 20, 1880
The Francklyn and Brown, of New York City, controlled both the Horn Silver mine at Frisco, and the Horn Silve smelter in Murray. Charles G. Francklyn was president of the Horn Silver Mining company, and Frank G. Brown was vice president. (New York Tribune, March 20, 1880)

June 23, 1880
Utah Southern Railroad Extension tracks were completed to Frisco, 137.24 miles from the Utah Southern connection at Juab. The next day the railroad began shipping ore from the Horn Silver Mine. (Salt Lake Herald, June 25, 1880; Reeder, p. 143; Athearn, p. 280)

February 12, 1885
The mine's peak ended abruptly on February 12, 1885. Due to heavy rains and inadequate timbering by operators hurried by greed, a massive cave-in destroyed the main shaft and tunnels down to the seventh level. While no one was killed—the collapse happened between shifts. In less than a year the Horn was producing again on a limited scale.

September 16, 1887
"The Utah Central road has closed its Frisco freight, ticket and telegraph offices, as they don't pay. Trains will run up there from Milford just the same, but all the clerical work will be done either at Milford or by the conductors." (Salt Lake Daily Tribune, September 16, 1887)

January 22, 1888
"St. Paul, Minn., Jan. 21. — There was filed in the United States Circuit Court today the complaint of the Horn Silver Mining Company against Dennis Ryan, the millionaire of this city, demanding that he pay plaintiff $500,000. The complaint shows that on or about Oct. 5, 1880, Mr. Ryan was one of the directors of the company, together with Charles C. Francklyn, Frank G. Brown, William S. Hoyt, Allan G. Campbell, Augustus Byron, and Matthew Cullen; that from that time till March, 1884, Francklyn and Brown managed the business of the company and borrowed from the company's funds large sums, which they devoted to their own use, making the proper entries upon the books of the company; that Mr. Ryan had full access to these books, knew of these loans, and that they were wrongfully and unlawfully made, and yet, although a director and bound to look after the best interests of the company, did nothing whatever to stop the transactions of Brown and Francklyn, and did not even put the matter before the other directors, as he should have done; that Brown and Francklyn are insolvent, wherefore they demand $500,000 of Mr. Ryan to make good losses suffered through Brown and Francklyn." (Chicago Tribune, January 22, 1888)

The $500,000 lawsuit against Dennis Ryan was part of a larger corporate scandal following a massive collapse at the Horn Silver Mine in Utah. Dennis Ryan and the other directors eventually reached settlements or had cases dismissed as the company underwent reorganization. The "millionaire" status of Ryan made him a prime target for the company's creditors and new management who were trying to recoup the massive losses caused by the "wrongful and unlawful" loans mentioned in the article. The "Francklyn and Brown" mentioned in the news item were Charles G. Francklyn (the company president and a grandson of Samuel Cunard, of the Cunard Line, the British cruise ship company) and Frank G. Brown. They were indeed found to have used company funds to speculate in other stocks, leading to a massive financial deficit that coincided with the physical collapse of the mine.

Discovered in 1875, the Horn Silver mine produced over $20 million in silver, lead, and gold. It was so wealthy that for a time, it was considered the "world's greatest silver mine." In February 1885, the mine suffered a catastrophic cave-in that destroyed the main shaft and shut down production. This event triggered the financial investigation that led to the lawsuit against Dennis Ryan. The company's books revealed the embezzlement and mismanagement by Francklyn and Brown that had been hidden while the silver was flowing. Francklyn's Cunard connection had brought several British speculators into the Horn Silver company as investors, and they were equally embarassed by their lack of oversight as long as the silver flowed.

Despite the scandal and the collapse, the mine was reopened and continued to produce ore intermittently well into the 20th century.

October 14, 1888
From the New York Herald, October 15, 1888.

Summary.

The Horn Silver Mining Company. - Salt Lake, Oct. 14. — In mining, as well as in financial circles, the interesting event of the past week was the annual election of the Horn Silver Mining Company. Next to the notorious Emma mine, which lies a few miles from this city, the Horn Silver has been more famous and more productive of scandals, if not of ore, than any other mine in Utah. During its earlier years it was a wonder, astonishing miners and puzzling experts. Nothing like it had been seen. It seemed a veritable mountain of ore, streaks and seams in which were nearly pure silver. It was neither a fissure vein nor a pocket; it was not a displacement, neither was it an upheaval; at times it was without true hanging and foot walls, and in places the loose ore could be shovelled into the cars like sand from a beach. Again a barren bank would be encountered, and there was apprehension that the end had been reached. Beyond, more ore would be found, and thousands of tons taken out.

Sometimes the ore would be so rich as to suggest the possibility of having passed through the refinery, and, side by side with this almost coin silver, would be vast quantities of the basest and most rebellious ores imaginable, defying all known processes of reduction, and tenaciously clinging to its little or much of the precious metals in spite of the skill and the efforts of the expert millers, smelters, and assayists. Many of the metals were indiscriminately mixed, and worthless pyrites of iron and even gold being found in the same lot, and sulphur abounding in all. Stories say that salt existed in the mine, but I never saw any. For a wonder asphaltum, asbestos, and ham sandwiches have not been reported as among the Horn Silver products.

Originally the mine was the property of four poor men, who worked it in a crude way, sharing enormous profits among themselves. By taking out the rich streaks and indulging in no expensive machinery and appliances, by doing much of the manual labor, and "bossing" and directing all, thus escaping high-priced managers, superintendents, foremen, experts, and other adjuncts of big mines, the proprietors soon found themselves rich. By that time the mine had achieved fame, and it was then that Charles G. Francklyn, the Cunards' cousin and agent in New York, Frank G. Brown, a New York capitalist and speculator, and a syndicate of Americans and foreigners purchased the Horn Silver for $5,000,000, and organized the company with a capital stock of $10,000,000.

Two of the original owners were wiser than most miners who become suddenly rich. One of them, Dennis Ryan, put a million into the Ryan Hotel, St. Paul, Minn., and has immense herds of cattle in the Western States and Territories. Matt Cullen, his partner, built and owns the Cullen House, the finest hotel in this city, is the principal owner of the leading brewery in the interior West, and has much real estate and live stock. Allen G. Campbell, the third of the quartet, was a millionaire for only a little while. He wanted to go to Congress, and at enormous cost contested the seat of the Mormon, George Q. Cannon. He was defeated. Then Campbell put a lot of money into a Washington city bank, as special partner, and when the institution failed three or four years ago he lost not only his investment but had to pay claims for which the courts held him responsible. Now he is poor. The fourth partner has gone into obscurity. He may be rich, but the probabilities are against this supposition.

But as to the Horn Silver. For a time the new company prospered amazingly. Then the contrariness of the mine developed, barren spots were more frequently encountered, the ore was less rich and more rebellious, and things generally went wrong. Expenses were cut down, the 400 miners were steadily reduced until only thirty or forty were employed, the smelter was closed, and the railroad came to be a thing of expense instead of profit. One year the Horn Silver paid to one railway over $1,000 a day for freight alone. Last year a determined effort was made to oust the Francklyn party, and at the election A. C. Washington of New York appeared loaded down with proxies from American and foreign shareholders, swearing vengeance on the Francklyn crowd. The election was held, the votes counted, and Francklyn and Brown continued on top, some heavy Salt Lake stockholders, who had been counted as against them, having gone with the old management. Since then the Horn Silver has figured very little in the mining reports. The office in this city has been kept up, and the manager has been able to take out and sell enough ore to pay expenses and his salary of $1,000 per month. He also reports $70,000 in the treasury, though a portion of this sum came from the sale of property belonging to the company. The election was held on Tuesday week, and Mr. Washington was again on hand, this time with enough proxies to carry things his way. The Francklyn party was ousted and a Board of opposition directors chosen. It is said that a new and less expensive manager will be installed, the force increased, and the mine be worked for everything there is in it.

December 18, 1888
"The Horn Silver management will be changed on the first of the year. Mr. P. T. Farnsworth, of Beaver, succeeding Major Hill, who has manipulated the working of the mine for so many years. Mr. Farnsworth is an energetic business man, and it is thought that his policy will be to push out in new directions and attempt to bring the mine back to the excellent working order that existed of old." (Salt Lake Herald, December 18, 1888)

(At this time, Farnsworth moved from Beaver to Frisco, with his family remaining in Beaver except for regular visits.)

(Read more about P. T. Farnsworth)

February 1, 1889
"Mr. P. T. Farnsworth of the Horn Silver has shipped 300 tons of ore, and could have shipped 200 more had there been cars sufficient. The people of Frisco are jubilant over the new management of the mine and justly think a bright future is before them." (Beaver Utah Utonian, February 1, 1889)

June 30, 1889
"In a conversation with Superintendent P. T. Farnsworth of the Horn Silver Mining company, of Frisco, Utah, we learn that he was first sent out here by the company to examine the Alexander mine and Grantsville mining property, which have been transferred to the above mentioned company by Francklyn and Brown, of New York City, the original owners. Superintendent Farnsworth went through the old works, and was satisfied with the outlook, saying that by the end of six weeks he would return here, as the shaft, now being sunk, would be far enough down then to determine the nature of the ledges below the water line, and if the ore turns out what it has done in the past, it is very probable that the company will put up money and develop the mine as it should be done, to make it a success. There is yet a show for Grantsville coming to the front." (Salt Lake Herald, June 30, 1889)

By 1891 quarterly dividends averaged $50,000. At that time the Horn Silver mine was one of eight leading silver mines in the United States which, collectively, produced more than half of the nation's total silver production value.

February 18, 1892
"The Horn Silver Mining Company report for the year 1891 has just been published by A. C. Washington, president of the company. The report of P. T. Farnsworth, manager, is very concise and clear, from which it is learned that during the year there was extracted from the mine at Frisco 24,547 tons of ore, which came from the first to the ninth levels inclusive, and down nearly to the tenth. The principal part of the ore was sold in "open market" in Salt Lake City. The remainder was delivered to the Philadelphia Smelting and Refining Company at Pueblo, Colo., upon a contract. All necessary repairs of machinery were made, and enough timber was on hands for the next six months. The report shows 25,760 tons of ore shipped in 175 lots of ore." (Salt Lake Tribune, February 18, 1892)

December 2, 1893
"Hon. P. T. Farnsworth, of the Horn Silver, is again in the city on business. He says the Horn Silver is again increasing its force of employees and getting out a great deal more ore than for the past few months. The company expects to have its concentrator in running order by the first of the year." (Salt Lake Herald, December 2, 1893)

(During March 1894, the Horn Silver mill at Frisco was idle due to the fluctuating silver prices. -- Salt Lake Herald, March 20, 1894)

March 20, 1894
"P. T. Farnsworth, manager of the Austin Mining and Milling company, and the Horn Silver, and president of the Bullion-Beck and Champion Mining company, arrived from the west yesterday morning and returned again last evening on urgent business. 'The mill at the Horn Silver is all ready to resume operations and will probably be turning out concentrates again in a few days.'" (Salt Lake Herald, March 20, 1894)

(Read more about the price of silver, and silver mining in Utah in general)

April 2, 1894
The Horn Silver mine had completed its new concentrating mill for the treatment of the mine's second class ore. The mill was to begin work very soon. This according to P. T. Farnsworth during a visit to the Tintic district, where he was the recently installed as president and general manager of the Bullion Beck mine. (Salt Lake Herald, April 2, 1894)

(P. T. Farnsworth was elected as president and general manager of the Bullion Beck Mining company on March 9, 1894 when the management of that company was reorganized.)

August 19, 1894
At Frisco, the Horn Silver mine was about to begin trial runs of its new concentrating mill. "The hoisting works, which were also destroyed by the fire last spring, have been rebuilt, and will be in running order before the week is out. The Horn Silver will soon be producing the big lots of ore that were recorded before the fire." (Salt Lake Tribune, August 19, 1894)

September 6, 1894
"Mr. P. T. Farnsworth leaves for the Horn Silver mine this morning. He expects to return Saturday evening. The mill is now running successfully so far as restored. New hoisting machinery will be completed some time within a week. Meanwhile the mills that are ready for operation have commenced work and will begin at once to make some output. Shipments of considerable quantity may be expected in the near future." (Salt Lake Tribune, September 6, 1894)

October 2, 1894
At the annual meeting of the Horn Silver Mining company held "yesterday afternoon" in Salt Lake City, the following officers and directors were elected: Allen C. Washington, president; Juan M. Ceballos (New York), vice president; Ambrose I. Harrison, secretary and treasurer; with P. T. Farnsworth as manager, and additional directors: M. Bache, C. E. Whitlock, Theodore E. Moore, John Sharp and Frank W. Jennings. "At the meeting President Washington, 320,826 shares, out of a possible 400,00, were represented. Mr. Farnsworth retains the management of the company's interests, over which he has so well presided for several years. President Washington expressed the satisfaction of the eastern stockholders at the methods adopted in the operation of the property." (Salt Lake Herald, October 3, 1894)

December 15, 1910
"At the annual meeting of the Horn Silver Mining company held in Salt Lake last week, a directorate was elected to serve for the ensuing year, as follows: J. M. Cabellos, W. H. Wolverton, Fred A. Bishop, Jacob Neadle and T. E. Hodgskin, of New York, and P. T. Farnsworth H. S. Young and M. C. Morris, of Salt Lake." (Salt Lake Mining Review, December 15, 1910)

November 29, 1912
"Newhouse, Nov. 28. — The South Utah Mines and Smelters company have been making an extensive series of tests on the tailings of the old Horn Silver mill at Frisco; and have decided on a method of treatment adaptable to their Cactus mill. The tests have shown it possible to make a very good recovery, without many changes in the present plant. The Horn Silver is now loading four hundred tons of the tailings for a trial run; and the necessary changes in the Cactus mill are being made as rapidly as possible." (The Beaver Press, November 29, 1912)

December 6, 1912
The Horn Silver mine was shipping about half and half lead and zinc ores from its 300, 500, 700 and 900 levels. During November 1912, the company shipped 4,095 tons of ore in 91 railroad carloads. (Beaver Press, December 6, 1912)

June 7, 1914
"For years P. T. Farnsworth, a well-known business man of Salt Lake, who at one time was prominently connected with the old Horn Silver mine near Milford with its $5,662,000 dividend record, has been quietly developing the Rob Roy. He has extracted some extremely rich ore from a number of places, but the unsolved faulting has yet baffled his efforts. Yet he and associates are not one whit discouraged." (Salt Lake Herald, June 7, 1914)

October 15, 1914
In a report for the Wall Street Journal, the Horn Silver Mining company reported that as of June 31, 1914, 699 persons in Europe held 69,574 shares of the company's 400,000 shares outstanding, or 17 percent. It was also the same number for the year 1913. (Deseret News, October 15, 1914)

October 24, 1914
"Stockholders of the Horn Silver Mining company held their annual meeting in Salt Lake this week, at which were represented 185,251 shares out of 400,000 shares in the incorporation. A new board of directors was chosen with President Jacob Neadle of New York still at the head, and the change of the date from December to October for holding the annual meeting was approved. At the meeting Jacob Neadle was chosen chairman and Attorney E. B. Critchlow, secretary. For the year commencing January 1, 1915, the following directors were unanimously chosen: Edward F. Emmet, Charles Brenneman, Alexander B. Simmonds, Harvey R. Britton, Hyrum S. Young, Edward B. Critchlow, William J. Barrette and Jacob Neadle." (Salt Lake Herald, October 24, 1914)

December 19, 1914
"In the San Francisco district the old Horn Silver mine operated considerably during the year and was the largest shipper of zinc in the state." (Deseret News, December 19, 1914)

March 12, 1915
David Evans, of Los Angeles, was one of the "heavy shareholders" of the King David mine in the Frisco district west of Milford. The King David mine was adjacent to the famous Horn Silver mine, and an important silver strike had been made in the Horn Silver mine and it was expected that the rich silver vein would continue for several hundred feet into the King David ground. The workings of the Horn Silver company were only 150 feet from the King David ground. David Evans made a trip up from Los Angeles, and along with J. William Knight, another heavy shareholder, made a trip to the Horn Silver and King David mines. "Mr. Evans and the Knight people own practically all of the King David stock and there are less than 30,000 shares on the market." (Eureka Reporter, March 12, 1915)

(David Evans and the Knight family also owned large amounts of stock of numerous mines in the Tintic district.)

(Read more about the mines of the Tintic district)

March 30, 1915
"The Horn Silver Mining Company, of Frisco, has taken a lease on a block of King David ground which is suposed to cover the extension of the body of rich ore recently discovered in Horn Silver territory." (Salt Lake Mining Review, March 30, 1915)

July 2, 1915
"M. L. Crandall engineer for the Knight companies, has been at Frisco, Utah, during the past week. He went there for the purpose of making a survey of the King David ground, where some excellent ore has just been opened. A portion of this property has been leased to the Horn Silver Mining company. The King David is controlled by the Knights and David Evans." (Eureka Reporter, July 2, 1915)

October 20, 1915
"Stockholders of the old Horn Silver Mining company held their regular annual meeting yesterday at which 204,602 shares were represented, which was voted unanimously for the nine directors as follows: Edward F. Emmet, Charles Brenneman, Alexander B. Simonds, Harvey N. Wadham, William R. Britton, Hyrum S. Young, Edward B. C. Critchlow, William J. Barrette and Jacob Neadle. President Jacob Neadle of New York was present and voted his 11,750 shares, and 191,952 shares were voted by proxy." (Salt Lake Herald, October 21, 1915)

Horn Silver Mines Company (1916)

October 17, 1916
"The Horn Silver Mines company, successor to the Horn Silver Mining company, filed articles of incorporation yesterday with the county clerk. The new company, according to the articles, has acquired all the holdings of the old concern, including mining claims and other property at Frisco, Beaver county. It is capitalized at $400,000 in 400,000 shares of $1 each par value, nonassessable. Incorporators are Jacob Neadle of New York, Alexander B. Simonds of New York, E. B. Critchlow, W. J. Barrette and G. A. Marr of Salt Lake. Neadle and Alexander B. Simonds as trustees hold 399,995 shares of the stock. The rest is in the names of incorporators. Neadle is president, Simonds is vice president, and Edward F. Emmet is named as secretary. Salt Lake is given as the principal place of business, but it is specified that directors' meetings shall be held in New York." (Salt Lake Herald, October 18, 1916)

December 30, 1916
"The Horn Silver Mining Company, owing the famous old Horn Silver mine at Frisco, Utah, has this month posted its second dividend for the present year. Leasers at the property have erected a large milling plant there and have been working over the old dumps the past year. Shipments of silver-lead ore from the mine have been heavy, in addition to the zinc product. W. H. Hendrickson is manager." (Salt Lake Mining Review, December 30, 1916)

January 15, 1917
"Beaver county, at the present time can boast of two dividend payers. These are the Horn Silver Mining Co. and the Moscow Mining & Milling Co. The former located at Frisco paid $40,000 in "velvet" money in 1916, making a grand total of $5,692,000 to date. The Horn Silver is the deepest mine in the county, and is still productive after being in continuous operation for nearly half a century. The mine, under the management of W. H. Hendrickson, is making regular shipments of silver-lead ore and looks good for dividend disbursements for some years to come." (Salt Lake Mining Review, February 2, 1917)

October 30, 1918
"The Horn Silver Mines Company, operating a famous old dividend payer at Frisco, is now shipping about 1,000 tons per month, mostly crude ore. It comes mainly from the upper workings. Some prospecting work is under way down to the 1,200. The mine has been a producer to the 1,600 level. The recent meeting of stockholders, held in Salt Lake, elected the following: President, Jacob Neadle; vice president, Alexander B. Simonds, and M. S. Hirschberg, secretary. The directors are as follows: Messrs. Neadle and A. B. Simonds, E. B. Critchlow, Sydney T. Perrin, Harvey N. Wadham, W. R. Britton, Charles Brenneman, William J. Barrette. and H. S. Young. Benjamin B. Lawrence is consulting engineer, and William H. Hendrickson, manager." (Salt Lake Mining Review, October 30, 1918)

(A production of 1,000 tons per month is approxiamtely one railroad carload per day.)

April 6, 1919
From the Horn Silver Mines annual report: "Manager W. H. Hendrickson reported that during the year 12,528 tons of ore bringing $181,235 inclusive of $37,277 from lessees, were mined and sold. This was inclusive of 11,712 tons of lead ore, 170 tons of copper and 646 tons of lead concentrates. Mining operations cost $130,000. Work was conducted from the 50 to the 1200 levels." (Salt Lake Herald, April 6, 1919)

August 13, 1919
"R. H. Cameron, Melville Gillett and G. Henry Stetson have purchased the Horn Silver mine from William A. Smith, who held the property under lease and bond from the old English organization called the Horn Silver Mining Company which held it during the last twelve years. -- Pioche Record." (Salt Lake Herald, August 13, 1919)

June 19, 1919
"From Beaver county comes word that the old Horn Silver Mining company at Frisco is at present working a force of about 75 men. It is shipping 1500 to 2000 tons a month. This is crude lead-silver ore from the mine and concentrates from the mill. Most of the ore is coming from above the 600-foot level, but some work is going on down to the deeper levels. The old company mill is the one now turning out the concentrates. William Hendrickson is the manager of the Horn Silver." (Salt Lake Herald, June 19, 1919)

"There is practically nothing going on at present in the old camp of Newhouse, still further to the west. The South Utah and other mines are today dead as a door nail. To the west of Horn Silver is King David, a Jesse Knight property which is now inactive." (Salt Lake Herald, June 19, 1919)

In 1921, the Horn Silver mine shipped "a few" carloads of "mill ore" to the Tintic mill at Silver City. By early 1922, a grand total of 22 carloads had been shipped.

Horn Silver Mine Sold To Tintic Lead Co. (1928)

1928-1931
Tintic Lead Company purchased the claims of the old Horn Silver Mine near Milford in 1928. The following is a summary of several online newspaper searches.

During its years of operation prior to 1928 the Horn Silver mine was shipping 1000 tons per month.

In 1928 the Horn Silver mine was acquired by the Tintic Lead Company. Newspaper articles show that it was after this acquisition that several improvements to the mine were made, employing 27 men to put mine back into production, including re-timbering of many of the tunnels, and improvements of surface workings. Within a month 50 men were working and the company was spending $10,000 per month putting the mine and "surface plant" into shape "for operations on a large scale." At the time, the Horn Silver mine was the fourth largest silver (and lead and zinc) mine in Utah), after the Park Utah mine in Park City.

By mid April 1929 Union Pacific was busy rehabilitating its spur tracks in anticipation of large shipments. However, it appears that the concentrating mill was not to be put into operation, with all ore coming out of the mine and being shipped directly to area smelters. A total of 15 carloads had already been shipped by leasers who were busy rehabilitating and extending the various tunnels and shafts. The mine company itself had been involved in straightening and expanding the main hoist shaft, and installing a modern triple-compartment hoisting system.

A newspaper report for April 21, 1929 shows that the mine company had spent $250,000 putting the surface plant "into perfect order." This included a steam-driven hoist, machine shops, sawmill, electric gear, an assay office, and a blacksmith shop. The 150-ton mill located on site was in running order, "but will not be used, inasmuch as the ore can be profitably shipped without treatment."

A new modern compressor was installed in June 1929, along with new modern electrical transformers and switch gear. Also in that month, 70 men were employed, and during the first week alone a total of ten carloads of ore was shipped to the smelter. By September the mine was shipping 15 cars per week. Production began on May 1st, and by the end of 1929, the mine had shipped a reported 11,000 tons of ore, or about 220 carloads for the eight months of production, or about 8-10 cars per week, with railroad service being on a weekly basis. Thirteen cars were shipped in mid-February 1930. The total for March 1930 was 49 carloads of ore, and a total or 370 cars for the entire first year of production, ending in April 1930.

Production during 1931 was only for gold ore from the same vein as the adjacent Frisco Lulu mine of another company, with only the highest value lead-silver ore being shipped. Production stopped in September 1931 due to unstable metals prices. By late 1932 the Tintic Lead company was concentrating its activity at the company's Buckhorn mine several miles west Frisco, which mine was producing ore of a higher value than that of the Horn Silver mine.

The Horn Silver Mine was reorganized as the Horn Silver Mine Company on May 24, 1932. The new company, as a subsidiary of the parent Tintic Lead Company, would allow funding to be raised for the needed additional development work. (Eureka Reporter, May 26, 1932)

This company is now defunct and obsolete, having gone out of business in the early 1930s. There is a modern company organized in 1971 that controls the mining claims of the old company, but there is no activity other than promotional activity, limited exploration, and planned development.

(Visit the website of the modern Horn Silver Mines, Inc.; organized in 1971)

Sources

More Information

Newhouse Mines & Smelters Company -- Information about the Newhouse copper mine (Includes information about the Newhouse Extension railroad line between Frisco and Newhouse.)

Western Utah Copper District -- Information about the development, after the railroad, of the copper resources near the former Newhouse copper mine.

West of Milford -- Information about the railroads and mines west of Milford, Utah; includes information about the abandonment of railroad service to both Frisco and Newhouse.

UP-LA&SL Frisco Branch -- Information about the railroad spur that served the Frisco mine; retired and removed in 1943, having been out of service since 1931.

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