Tintic, Uncle Sam Mine
Index For This Page
This page was last updated on March 1, 2026.
Uncle Sam and Humbug Mines
(The focus of this page is the surface workings of the Uncle Sam and Humbug mines, as visible in photographs, as well as a general description of the mine, with minimal coverage of the geology and financial returns. Also to establish a timeline using sources not previously readily available.)
"Jesse Knight bought the Uncle Sam claim from the McChrystal Brothers for $25,000.00 and began a tunnel on the north end of Godiva mountain close to the Humbug property. Before the payments were all due, he discovered another big ore body which produced $700,000.00. He sold the Humbug and the Uncle Sam properties for $750,000.00. Then he began buying properties lower down on the mountain including the Beck Tunnel, the Colorado, Iron Blossom and Dragon Consolidated. None were then considered valuable, and people thought Jesse was crazy in the head, but these mines all became big producers, turning out between four and five millions." (Deseret News, April 22, 1922)
Humbug Mine
July 7, 1894
Jesse Knight filed the Humbug Lode, Lot No. 346, in Tintic, with the U. S. Land Office in Salt Lake City. (Salt Lake Herald, July 7, 1894)
J. William Knight, Jesse's second oldest son, tells the following story in his book "The Jesse Knight Family," published in 1941, about how the Humbug mine got its name.
He was not a geologist, but a prospector; he studied carefully the class of lime rock in which the ores of the other mines in that locality were formed, and used that as his guide in prospecting. One day he discovered what he felt was an excellent piece of mineral ground, and wanted to get it located at once; so he got Mr. Jared Roundy, an expert miner, to help him make the location. He offered Mr. Roundy a chance to be partner in the location. But he declined, saying, "I do not want an interest in a damned old humbug like this." He wrote the location notice for father and asked him what he was going to name the claim. "You called it a 'Humbug' and that is good enough for me," so it was named "Humbug" and the patent was secured under that name. Considerable time elapsed after his first mining claim, the Humbug, was located before he had means sufficient to do development work on this mining property. Jesse Knight tried to interest others with him in his mining ventures, always feeling sure if he could secure some financial help he could soon find ore in the Humbug claim.
(According to Wikipedia, A humbug is a person or object that behaves in a deceptive or dishonest way, often as a hoax or in jest. The term became popular with Charles Dickens' 1843 "A Christmas Carol" story. A search of newspapers of the 1880s and 1890 finds the term quite popular when referring to a hoax or scam.)
February 8, 1895
Jesse Knight was shown as owning the Humbug No. 2 mining claim, in a list of assessment exceptions filed in the Tintic Mining District during the year 1894. (Tintic Miner, February 8, 1895)
May 2, 1896
"From the Eureka Democrat: Jessie Knight arrived here from Provo on Wednesday, and today started for his claims on Godiva mountain with men and supplies to begin the season's campaign. Mr. Knight owns the Humbug and Humbug No. 2, but work will be confined to No. 2 for the present." (Salt Lake Tribune, May 2, 1896)
(The adjacent Uncle Sam mine filed its articles of incorporation on May 2, 1896)
May 16, 1896
"Jesse Knight commenced this week driving a tunnel in the Silas Oliver claim near the Tintic tunnel. Mr. Knight proposes to tap the Humbug claim with the tunnel, and will continue the work this summer." (Salt Lake Tribune, May 16, 1896)
J. William Knight tells the following story about the strike at the Humbug mine in 1896.
Father employed two miners, expert single-jack hammer men. They were known throughout the camp as the best mining men of the country. Their names were Thomas Leatham and Thomas Mansfield.
About July, 1896, we began working in the old Humbug tunnel which was then in probably 150 feet, it having been driven thus far doing the assessment and patent work on the property. We divided the shifts up into three. Father was wheeling the rock from the tunnel in a wheelbarrow, often bumping his knuckles on the sides of the tunnel as he proceeded with his load. We three did the single-jack work about eight hours at a shift. We had continued this work for perhaps two months when one morning about three o'clock Mr. Leatham came down from the mountain-side, having finished his shift, bringing with him samples of lead ore, saying that he had struck the vein. This greatly excited me, and I was up bright and early the next morning rushing to the tunnel to see the new strike.
Father came up the trail later, not feeling very much excited, but simply having the impression that he had always had, that the ore was there. He now felt that the time had come to carry out the purposes of which he had talked to us and others so much. He walked into the tunnel with his wheelbarrow and loaded it with this rich ore. When he came out with a load of ore, he dumped it on a small platform and said, "I have done the last day's work that I ever expect to do where I take another man's job from him. I expect to give employment and make labor from now on for other people." This statement was carried out literally, for thousands were employed after that by him. The strike was made in August, 1896.
August 6, 1896
"Eureka, Utah, Aug. 6. — An important ore strike was made this morning in the Humbug claim, which lies between the Utah and the Godiva, east of Eureka, and is being worked by Jesse Knight and son of Provo. The ore is high-grade silver-lead and carries a considerable value in gold, being almost identical in appearance with the best ore out of the Utah. This discovery means much to this portion of the district, as it proves the continuity of the vein between the Utah and the Godiva and establishes the value of intermediate prospects such as the Mountain View, Yankee, May Day and Uncle Sam. It will doubtless lead to much greater activity in the prospecting of this portion of the district. Mr. Knight will at once commence the construction of a good wagon road to the mine, and stated to the Tribune correspondent that he will soon be sending out shipments of ore." (Salt Lake Tribune, August 6, 1896)
September 27, 1896
Jesse Knight applied to the U. S. Land Office for a survey and patent on the Inez mine and Humbug Lode No. 2. (Salt Lake Herald, September 27, 1896, "During the past week")
(No additional references to the Inez mine in relation to the Humbug mining claim. The Inez name likely came from one of Jesse Knight's daughters, Amanda Inez Knight, born in 1876.)
October 24, 1896
"Jesse Knight reports everything moving as usual at the Humbug. The output is kept up to one carload per day, notwithstanding their small force, and the ore is increasing in value. Mr. Knight states that he expects to do considerable drifting along the vein from the upper tunnel in which the ore was struck, and will thoroughly prospect the property on that level. Work on the lower tunnel will also be continued and will be into the vein by early spring, when extensive development will be the order." (Salt Lake Herald, October 24, 1896)
January 2, 1897
"The Mountain View is one of the most promising properties in the district and would prove a first-class investment for capital. Situated next to the Humbug, the prospects are very favorable for the claim to become as famous as its neighbor. The Humbug dump is located on this claim." (Salt Lake Herald, January 2, 1897)
February 4, 1897
"For 1896 the big discovery was the Humbug bonanza, owned by Jesse Knight and sons of Provo. Last May a half interest went begging for a meager $1,000, which was to be spent in exploration, while today every claim hereabouts is in demand at rapidly advancing figures. The ore is silver, with some galena worth from $80 to $140 a ton. Since shipments began In October, the net profits exceed $100,000." (Salt Lake Tribune, February 4, 1897)
April 26, 1897
"Jesse Knight advises us of a new strike of ore made Monday [April 26] in the upper level of the Humbug mine. This new discovery is about 200 feet from the old rich ore body which made the Humbug famous, but we are unable at this time to state its extent. Work on the wagon road to the new lower tunnel on the Humbug is being pushed and will be completed by the time that the tunnel is in to the vein." (Salt Lake Herald, May 1, 1897)
Uncle Sam Mine
November 8, 1891
"Just before her departure for the coast, Mrs. John McChrystal sold her half interest in the Uncle Sam for a good round sum." (Salt Lake Herald, November 8, 1891)
(This sale may not have actually taken place. It was likely an option that was not exercised.)
November 30, 1895
"Mrs. John McChrystal will soon have men at work on the Uncle Sam mill site doing assessment." (Salt Lake Tribune, November 30, 1895)
April 12, 1896
"The Uncle Sam, lying to the south and adjoining the Godiva, will shortly be incorporated. The owners are Fred Auerbach of this city, Mr. John McChrystal of Eureka and others. Since the ground was patented three years ago, no work has been done on the Uncle Sam, but the intention now is to begin its systematic development." (Salt Lake Tribune, April 12, 1896)
April 26, 1896
"Word was received from Eureka yesterday that a company was being formed for the development and manipulation of the Uncle Sam lode, a patented claim that adjoins the rich Godiva mine, on Godiva hill. The articles of incorporation will probably be filed Tuesday or Wednesday of this week, in which the officers and directors of the company are named as follows: F. H. Auerbach, president; S. H. Auerbach, vice president; H. J. Wallace, secretary and treasurer; George Rhode and John McChrystal, directors. It is the intention to begin the development of this valuable property at once." (Salt Lake Herald, April 26, 1896)
May 2, 1896
"The Uncle Sam Mining company filed articles of incorporation yesterday [May 2]. The incorporators are Frederick H. Auerbach, Samuel M. Auerbach, George Rhode, H. J. Wallace, all of Salt Lake; Mrs. Sarah A. McChrystal, John McChrystal, both of Eureka, Utah. The capital stock is $200,000, in $1 shares. The officers and directors are: Frederick M. Auerbach, president; Samuel M. Auerbach, vice-president; H. J. Wallace, secretary and treasurer; George Rhode, John McChrystal, directors. The company owns and will operate the Uncle Sam and Uncle Sam Millsite claims in the Tintic district." (Salt Lake Tribune, May 3, 1896)
Uncle Sam Mine Sold to Jesse Knight (1896)
December 31 1896
"The sale of the Uncle Sam mine at Tintic has been consummated, and the mine is now the property of Jesse Knight, under whose direction the Humbug has developed such prominence as a producer. The price paid by him was $25,000, the greater portion of this going to Mrs. McChrystal and the Auerbach estate. The Uncle Sam has long been recognized as one of the most favorable locations in the great district, and since the Humbug, near which it is situated, began its sensational career, has been in constant demand. There has been only a limited amount of development upon it, but the belief is that it will be made as productive as any claim upon the zone. It is Mr. Knight's intention to commence active work at once and sink as rapidly as money and muscle will enable him." (Salt Lake Tribune, December 31, 1896)
J. William Knight tells the following story about his father's purchase of the Uncle Sam mine, after the success of the Humbug mine.
He purchased from the McChrystals of Eureka, who were mining people, the Uncle Sam claim, which adjoined their Godiva property, for the sum of $25,000, payable in installments. Upon taking possession he started another tunnel for the purpose of developing the Uncle Sam claim. After this tunnel had been projected into the mountain a distance of 300 feet under contract, an additional 50 ft, was let. He went into the tunnel one day and said to Mr. John Roundy, who was the superintendent, that he thought he ought to turn the tunnel to the right. Mr. Roundy could see no particular reason why he should turn the tunnel to the right, but in compliance with Father's wishes, made the turn. He had only driven the drift a short distance to the right when he encountered a rich body of lead ore, and this property soon became one of the big producers. The ore taken from this strike soon paid for the mine.
(Jesse Knight purchased the Uncle Sam claim from Sarah McChrystal, following the death of her husband, John McChrystal, on July 14, 1896.)
Later story tellers told of John H. McChyrstal selling the Uncle Sam mine to Jesse Knight for $20,000. After the sale was made McCrystal is said to have remarked: "That's the time I've sold Jesse a lemon; if he makes anything out of that he'll have to sow it in alfalfa." The mine turned out to be one of the richest producers in the district, and was later sold for many times the original purchase price. (Springville Herald, August 11, 1932)
January 2, 1897
"It is reported that Jesse Knight of the Humbug has purchased the Uncle Sam, adjoining the Godiva. This is a valuable property which was owned jointly by Mrs. McChrystal and the F. H. Auerbach estate. It is understood that the consideration was $25,000 in cash. Active work of developing the claim will begin at once, and the indications are that the Uncle Sam will prove to be another Humbug." (Salt Lake Herald, January 2, 1897)
January 12, 1897
"Sinking on the Uncle Sam at Tintic, which was recently purchased by Jesse Knight of the Humbug at a cost of $25,000, will now be prosecuted day and night." (Salt Lake Tribune, January 12, 1897)
January 17, 1897
"The new tunnel on the Uncle Sam has been driven in over 60 feet during the past week, and the 100-foot contract will be completed next week, when the owner, Jesse Knight, will let the contract for another 100 feet." (Salt Lake Tribune, January 17, 1897)
January 31, 1897
"At the Uncle Sam the tunnel is being driven ahead rapidly. Jesse Knight has let another contract for 200 feet, which will be completed before spring." (Salt Lake Herald, January 31, 1897)
Uncle Sam and Humbug Connected (1897)
February 6, 1897
"B. H. Hunt has sold the Cora Fraction situated just above the Uncle Sam, to Jesse Knight. This claim forms the connecting link between the Humbug and Uncle Sam, and both properties can now be operated through one tunnel." (Salt Lake Tribune, February 6, 1897)
March 20, 1897
"Jesse Knight has returned from his California jaunt and at once let a contract to run the Uncle Sam tunnel 50 feet farther, making in all 450 feet. It is the intention, if no ore is encountered before the contract is completed, to sink a shaft at a point below the Godiva road and begin a systematic development of the property. A hoisting plant will be put in of sufficient capacity to permit the thorough exploration of the ground." (Salt Lake Herald, March 20, 1897)
April 14, 1897
"The Uncle Sam, which, in the past, has never been more than a prospect, was purchased about two months ago by Jesse Knight of Provo, the owner of the Humbug mine, also located on Godiva mountain, which, in its short history, has made a wonderful record. On the Uncle Sam work in the extension of the upper tunnel has been going on under contract, and on Monday at 1 p. m. the contractors broke into ore with only two feet of their 50-foot contract remaining unfinished. The Uncle Sam was offered to the Godiva Mining company a short time ago, and it would have been money in its pocket if it had taken up the offer." (Salt Lake Herald, April 14, 1897)
April 24, 1897
"Hauling ore from the Uncle Sam was commenced last Saturday [April 24] and will be steadily continued. It is as yet impossible to state the extent of the ore body in the Uncle Sam, but it is certainly a big thing. This ore so far averages 45 per cent lead and 30 ounces silver." (Salt Lake Herald, May 1, 1897)
August 7, 1897
"The lower tunnel on the Uncle Sam is expected to tap the new shaft inside of the next two or three days, and then prospecting along the vein will commence. The shaft will, however, be continued downward. Inside of another week the wealth of the Uncle Sam ought to begin to flow through the new tunnel, where the facilities for handling the ore are much superior to those of the present arrangement." (Salt Lake Herald, August 7, 1897)
September 7, 1897
From the Deseret News, September 7, 1897.
Jesse Knight advises us that he will not put a steam hoist on the Uncle Sam, as at first intended, but will wait for the completion of the Provo Power plant, when he will use electricity. He also says that the completion of the line for transmission of power into Tintic is promised by next May. In the meantime the development of the property by the tunnel will continue, and Mr. Knight experts to be able to take out sufficient ore to continue regular shipments from both the Uncle Sam and the Humbug.
Eureka Democrat: Jesse Knight has struck a large flow of water on the Maggie S. and is arranging to put up a tank at some convenient point into which the water can be pumped to supply both the Humbug and Uncle Sum mines. It is probable that the tank will be located on May Day ground.
October 7, 1897
"At present Silver Bros. of this city are putting up a hoister for the Uncle Sam, the workings on which have reached a depth of 360 feet, and until it is on the ground only such ore as is necessary for expenses will be taken out." (Salt Lake Tribune, October 7, 1897)
January 27, 1898
"At the present time the output of shipping mineral from the Humbug is in the neighborhood of 150 tons a week, while the Uncle Sam is sending out 100, which is an excellent showing for ground which, a few years ago, was considered as being worthless, and is another proof that ore is where you find it, and also a testimonial to the sagacity and perseverance of the owner of this splendid property. A drift has been started in the Uncle Sam, from the 300-foot level, with the intention of connecting the workings of this mine with that of the Humbug. This level is being run on the strike of the vein, and as it will require 2,000 feet of drifting to make the desired connection, the intervening ground being virgin territory, it is expected and believed that before the work is completed splendid bodies of mineral will be disclosed and added to the value of the two properties." (Salt Lake Herald, January 27, 1898)
February 5, 1898
"Uncle Jesse Knight distributed checks to the boys at the Humbug and Uncle Sam mines on Monday and Tuesday, according to his usual custom. About 100 men are employed at the two mines. Very little ore is being shipped from the Humbug, but some splendid bodies are being blocked out. The work of sinking the double compartment shaft from the 300 level in the Uncle Sam is being pushed and an average of 200 tons of high grade ore are hoisted and shipped each week. - Tintic Miner." (Deseret News, February 5, 1898)
February 28, 1900
"Word comes from Knightsville, Tintic, that a strike of high grade horn silver ore has been made in the Humbug mine, the find being made not far from the end-line of the Yankee Consolidated ground on what is believed to be an extension of the May Day vein." (Salt Lake Mining Review, February 28, 1900)
December 30, 1900
"While the Humbug has greatly curtailed its product during the year it has marketed not a small amount that earned the owner over $5,000 per carload, and has exposed at this time a most excellent reserve. The same may be said of the Uncle Sam, and both are ready to proceed with an increased output as soon as the market for silver and lead ores is such that Mr. Knight feels himself justified in [illegible] upon the reserves." (Salt Lake Tribune, December 30, 1900)
Uncle Sam and Humbug Sold (1901)
April 1, 1901
With so-called "Franklin syndicate" in control, the Yankee Consolidated company purchased the north half of the Humbug lode and and north half of the Humbug No. 2 lode from Jesse Knight, for a reported $250,000. (Salt Lake Tribune, April 25, 1901)
(The $250,000 paid by the Yankee Consolidated company for the Knight properties was raised by the sale of 250,000 shares of company stock, at a stated value of $1 per share. The 250,000 shares were in-turn issued to John E. DuBois of DuBois, Pennsylvania (2/3) and E. W. Genter of Salt Lake City (1/3). This transaction gave DuBois and Genter control of the Yankee Consolidated company, owning half of the outstanding shares. -- Salt Lake Herald, March 2, 1902)
(The actual purchase agreement was dated April 26, 1901. -- Deseret News, August 14, 1901)
April 28, 1901
Jesse Knight announced to the people of Knightsville on Sunday April 28, 1901, that he had given an option on all his holdings at Knightsville. The option was given in favor of David Evans of Salt Lake City. "The deal includes the Uncle Sam, the portion of the Humbug and Humbug No, 2 not sold to the Franklin Syndicate, with the Cyrus Oliver, Salvador, Denver and Inez claims. The deal also takes in the Richmomd-Anaconda, which is just now opening up so nicely. The exact price is not stated, but it is said on very good authority, to be close to $400,000. The date of the expiration of the option was not learned, but a prominent mining man who claims to know all the particulars, says that there is a strong probability of the whole group passing to wealthy eastern capitalists in the near future." (Deseret News, May 3, 1901)
April 30, 1901
"The Mining Review is informed by Jesse Knight of Provo, the original discoverer of the Humbug and Uncle Sam bonanzas near Eureka, Tintic, that he has sold the north half of the Humbug No. 1 and a portion of the Humbug No. 2 claims to Dr. P. A. H. Franklin for the Yankee Consolidated company. Knight preferred not to make public the purchase price, leaving this for the purchasing party. The Humbug and Uncle Sam mines have made phenomenal records during their brief existence as paying mines, and have made Mr. Knight independently rich, much to the gratification and pleasure of his many friends. It is stated that John E. DuBois, who is associated with Dr. Franklin in his various mining enterprises, has paid the purchase price for the ground, and that after ore sales have repaid him that the property will he turned over to the Yankee Consolidated Mining company, thus greatly increasing the value of this promising consolidation." (Salt Lake Mining Review, April 30, 1901)
May 13, 1901
From the Salt Lake Tribune, May 13, 1901.
Discussing the Uncle Sam, Mr. Evans says the ore has never been sorted closely and that on its dump are now values enough to pay one-half the sum involved in the purchase, while from its opening the owner has netted no less than $25,000.
The richest part of the territory, however is in the southern part of the Humbug, where ore has been continuously mined since 1895 and marketed in lots from which the owner derived from $1,000 to $15,000 per carload. Yet the surface only has been touched. No shaft has ever been sunk within its lines, the use of power drills is unknown there, nor has so much as a "donkey" been employed in the raising of material. Indeed all the development work done has been by hand and windlass and yet this great mineral-bearing belt has been explored upon its upper levels for more than 3,500 feet. The enormous chutes that have been not infrequently characterized by the uninitiated present greater possibilities today than at any period since they were opened up.
Indeed, since the option was acquired Mr. Knight has made an offer of $50,000 spot cash for its cancellation, which was refused. The outlook for the Uncle Sam-Humbug company as it will be christened by the purchasers and exploited as a company, is indeed assuring as from grass roots they have been productive thus far of a sum in excess of any individual proposition in the district.
June 20, 1901
"Significant of the interests that will enter into the incorporation that David Evans is forming upon the Humbug, Uncle Sam and other properties in Tintic, which he holds under a $500,000 bond from Jesse Knight till Aug. 1, was the party he had inspecting those mines yesterday. There were noticeable in the crowd: Manager Simon Bamberger of the Lower Mammoth; John A. Kirby, superintendent of the Daly-West; James Chipman of the Lower Mammoth directorate; and Superintendent Ball of same property, together with William Mclntyre and others, while John Dern, vice president of the Consolidated Mercur was scheduled to join the crowd last evening. Several different parties have been conducted through the properties named during the past few days and the fact goes to show that Mr. Evans is determined that every man who enters his combination shall do so with a full knowledge of the possibilities of the undertaking. The party conducted through yesterday were afterwards interested visitors at the May Day mine and mill." (Salt Lake Herald, June 20, 1901)
June 22, 1901
"After several days spent at the Uncle Sam-Humbug ground, that he holds under a $500,000 bond from Jesse Knight, David Evans returned to the city yesterday. During the week several big mining operators, with their experts, have been inspecting the properties named with a view of joining Mr. Evans in the company that he is forming to take up the bond and operate the property. Asked if Jesse Knight would be one of the combination he is forming to take over the properties, Mr. Evans replied that he would not. The mines are already equipped and opened in ore on a dividend-paying basis now." (Salt Lake Herald, June 22, 1901)
June 25, 1901
From the Salt Lake Herald, June 25, 1901.
At noon yesterday Uncle Jesse Knight of Provo was handed $250,000 by David Evans, and immediately afterward he telephoned to Superintendent Roundy at the Uncle Sam mine to cease extracting ore and hold the property subject to orders from Mr. Evans. Today the balance of the purchase price of $500,000, approximately, will be paid and Mr. Evans and those who have joined him in the undertaking will be in absolute possession and ownership of probably the richest and most prolific producing portion, acre for acre, of the Tintic district. The deal is one of the most important of the year, and the second one of note to have been rounded out by Mr. Evans within the past ninety days, the other one being the sale of one-half of the Humbug and a portion, of the Humbug No. 2 claims to the Franklin syndicate, headed by John E. Dubois, for $250,000 spot cash, Jesse Knight also being the owner of the property turned over at that time.
Properties Transferred. - The property secured yesterday under the bond held by Mr. Evans, which had till Aug. 1 to run, consisted of the Uncle Sam, Corey Fraction, Inez, a part of the Humbug No. 2 and the south half of the Humbug mining claims, together with a portion of the Cyrus Oliver and 400,000 of the 500,000 shares in the Richmond-Anaconda company, which owns the Little Lyon, Anaconda and Mountain claims in the same vicinity.
These properties are all magnificently equipped and well opened by tunnel and otherwise, and though the ore bodies have been barely scratched, Uncle Jesse Knight has taken out a splendid fortune from them, a fortune that is variously estimated at $500,000 to $1,500,000, and in the closing of this and the Franklin-Dubois deal the gentleman cleans up about $750,000 more.
Will Form Company. - Speaking of his purchase during the afternoon, Mr. Evans said a number of well-known mining operators had joined him in the purchase, and today a company will be formed to take over the property and divide the 400,000 shares of Richmond-Anaconda stock. No one but men who were miners and mine operators, with a thorough knowledge of what they were doing had been asked to join him, and most of those who had gone in did so unsolicited.
Chief among the shareholders are David Evans, John Dern, Mrs. Jesse Knight, C. E. Loose, E. L. Sheets, William McIntyre, George Havercamp, Senator Thomas Kearns, Congressman George Sutherland, Sam N. King. J. L. Heywood, C. D. Kennedy, James Chipman, R. N. Morrison, R. G. Wilson, John Roundy, superintendent at the Uncle Sam, Charles Reese and several others.
That the new company will be launched on a basis that will result in dividends being forthcoming at an early date, may be understood when it is known that the mines have been steadily sending to market anywhere from thirty to fifty carloads of very high-grade ore for a long time, with the assurance of all who have had the privilege of examining the properties that the performance will be repeated for an indefinite number of years to come.
Uncle Jesse Knight takes no stock in the new company, but Mrs. Knight could not resist the temptation to stay with the mines that had so materially contributed to the Knight fortunes.
Uncle Sam Consolidated Mining Company (1901)
June 26, 1901
"The directors of the Uncle Sam Consolidated met yesterday morning and organized by electing John Dern president; William McIntyre, vice president; James Chipman, Treasurer; and David Evans, manager. C. P. Evans was chosen to serve the company as secretary, and, with the filing of articles of incorporation that will occur before the end of the week, the new bonanza company will be ready to get down to business. No change in the working force at the mine is contemplated, and Manager Evans stated that Mr. Roundy, who has so efficiently Uncle Jesse Knight in the past, will be retained as superintendent. Yesterday nearly all the subscribers called at Treasurer Chipman's desk and paid in the balance due on their holdings, and if all the abstracts have been passed on today, the purchase of the property will be completed." (Salt Lake Herald, June 27, 1901)
June 29, 1901
Uncle Sam Consolidated Mining Company was organized. (Copper Handbook, Volume VIII, 1908, page 1349; and later issues, some showing year in error, as 1900)
July 2, 1901
From the Salt Lake Tribune, July 2, 1901.
Uncle Jesse Knight, to whom the entire state is indebted for the present popularity of Godiva mountain and the employment its bonanzas are affording an army of men, added $250,000 to his purse yesterday afternoon, this the final payment on the domain which has just been conveyed to the Uncle Sam Consolidated Mining company for a total of $500,000. Added to $250,000 which was received from the Franklin syndicate for the north half of the Humbug and to $1,250,000 that has been derived from the sale of ore that has been mined from the region, the story of how a good man and an ideal citizen became a millionaire is told. Mr. Knight, who was up from his home in Provo yesterday, said he would now give his attention to the development of other interests in the locality, and to the Black Jack, owned by himself and Mr. Evans.
The abstracts of title having been approved and the deeds executed, the articles of incorporation of the Uncle Sam Consolidated Mining company were placed on file during the day. The capital stock consists of 500,000 shares of the par value of $1 each, and is distributed as follows: David Evans, 113,500 shares; John Dern, 75,000; Amanda Knight, C. E. Loose, E. L. Sheets, Thomas Kearns, William McIntyre, J. L. Heywood, 25,000 shares each; James Chipman, 30,000; S. A. King, 20,000; [long list of persons with 15,000 or less]. John Dern is president of the company, William McIntyre, vice president and James Chipman treasurer, who with David Evans and E. L. Sheets, form the directorate. C. P. Evans is secretary of the company.
July 18, 1901
"While the management of the Uncle Sam Consolidated of Tintic is not exploiting the value of a car of ore from Humbug ground, which is now at the sampler, it is known to contain much horn silver and some very cheering returns are expected. The lot was broken down, said Manager Evans yesterday, as it was reached by Superintendent Roundy, and without effort to sort or to resort to anything on the order of the sensational. The same class of ore taken from Humbug ground by Uncle Jesse Knight in the same way yielded him from $5000 to $16,000 per car. In addition, to this are six cars of ore that will show better than 50 per cent 1ead, with about 30 ounces silver and some gold from Uncle Sam ground proper. Another lot is being loaded and will follow before the close of the week." (Salt Lake Tribune, July 18, 1901)
July 29, 1901
From the Salt Lake Herald, July 29, 1901.
With a record of nearly $1,000,000 in dividends during five years to its credit, the Uncle Sam mine has entered a new era of prosperity in the hands of aggressive men who will develop the wonderfully rich territory comprised within its boundaries. Since the option was given to Mr. Evans by Jesse Knight, an entirely new and separate vein has been opened up on the 200-font level which shows a continuity for a distance of several hundred feet, running toward the shaft. In one place the ore body is 100 feet wide, and in another a sheer face of clean galena twenty-five feet across greets the eye. The ore in this part of the mine is all high grade silver-lead, and Superintendent Roundy says he could easily work fifty men in the stopes that are opened. Everything above and below the 200 level in this part of the mine is virgin ground, and the future of the mine looks promising indeed. The management is also driving through a dike on the east for the May Day vein, which it is believed will be cut within 200 feet.
Half a mile away, in the south part of the company's domain, in the Humbug, a force is also at work on some splendid ore bodies, and unless conservatism holds it back, the dividends which are promised to begin in September should be of generous proportions.
September 6, 1901
Uncle Sam Consolidated Mining company issued its first dividend under David Evans' ownership. "After taking possession of the property about the last week in June, several days were spent in straightening out tunnels and drifts, so that not over sixty days' production has contributed to the company's treasury, and with heavy expenditures for supplies, tools, etc., the amount still on hand shows that the company is earning good money." (Salt Lake Herald, September 6, 1901)
October 5, 1901
"A deal was closed today by which Clarence E. Allen and James Chipman secured the holdings of David Evans in the Uncle Sam Consolidated Mining company. The purchase price was not stated. When approached on the matter Mr. Chipman confirmed the report of the sale but declined to state the number of shares which changed hands. Mr. Evans has also resigned his position as director and it is probable that Mr. Allen will take his place." (Deseret News, October 5, 1901)
May 4, 1903
"James Chípman, manager of the Uncle Sam and Lower Mammoth Mining companies, says that the properties of these companies are looking better. The Uncle Sam has two cars of ore now on the market that runs $5 in gold, 114 ounces silver and 8.3 per cent lead; the Lower Mammoth has one carload that goes $2 gold and 99 ounces silver." (Salt Lake Telegram, May 4, 1903)
July 22, 1903
From the Deseret News, July 22, 1903.
Uncle Sam Is To Have A Mill -- After a wait covering a period of weeks the directors of the Uncle Sam Con. Mining company have entered into a contract with the Bullion-Beck and Champion Mining company for a supply of water sufficient to operate a 50-ton concentrator. An understanding was reached yesterday and the directors of the Uncle Sam promptly held a meeting at which it was decided to proceed at once with the construction of the proposed plant.
The plans were completed some time ago, but nothing further was done, everything depending on the pleasure of the Bullion-Beck company as regards to the furnishing of water.
It is probable that a consultation will be had between Constructing Engineer J. M. Callow and Supt. Legg, after which definite action will be taken in the way of calling for bids for the construction of the building and supplying the machinery.
The plant will be thoroughly modern in every respect and will be the means of making marketable a product which cannot be made to pay if sent to the smelters in the crude. The mill will be erected at a convenient point near the mine.
December 21, 1906
From the Eureka Reporter, December 21, 1906.
The electric hoist is now in place at the Humbug and while there is a little more work necessary to put everything in proper order Superintendent Griggs expects to be able to commence sinking by next Monday. The electrical connections for the hoist will be ready by tomorrow when the machinery will be tried out. The Humbug ground was never explored much below the tunnel level and the sinking of this shaft will be watched with considerable interest. Some time ago a shaft was put down a distance of about 90 feet below the tunnel and it was for the purpose of sinking this shaft 200 or possibly 300 feet farther that the electric hoist was purchased. The hoist arrived from Denver one week ago and no time was lost in installing it.
An electric hoist will prove a success at the Humbug. The workings are up high upon the side of the mountain where it is a hard matter to secure coal or water, both of which will be unnecessary where electricity is in use. This is the first electric hoist to be installed in the Tintic district.
Uncle Sam Sells Claims to May Day (1907)
May 15, 1907
"Plans have been practically completed for the consolidation of the Uncle Sam and May Day mines at Eureka, Utah. A new company is to be formed, the stock of which is to be equally divided between the Uncle Sam and May Day shareholders." (Salt Lake Mining Review, May 15, 1907)
June 15, 1907
"The May Day Mining company, and the Uncle Sam, operating at Eureka, Utah, have consolidated their interests, the former absorbing the holdings of the latter. The directors of the May Day are John Dern, James Chipman, B. F. Saunders, George Havercamp, and Joseph Morgan." (Salt Lake Mining Review, June 15, 1907)
August 15, 1907
"Hon. John Dern, of Salt Lake, manager of the Uncle Sam Consolidated, the Lower Mammoth and the May Day mines in Tintic district, Utah, has returned from a visit to these splendid properties, which are all in the dividend-paying class." (Salt Lake Mining Review, August 15, 1907)
(The so-called consolidation was in fact, the May Day company buying the Uncle Sam claim and other fractional claims from the Uncle Sam company. Both companies remained in business and separate. John Dern was president of both companies, and he and his associates held majority stock and control of both companies.)
(Read more about the May Day mine after the 1907 sale)
(Recall that in 1901, the Uncle Sam Consolidated had been incorporated, and included the Uncle Sam claim, the portion of the Humbug and Humbug No. 2 claims not sold to the Franklin Syndicate, with the Cyrus Oliver, Salvador, Denver and Inez claims. The deal in 1901 also included 80 percent of the stock of the Richmomd-Anaconda mine.)
(Reports varied as to the May Day buying all, or most of the mining claims of the Uncle Sam company, or just certain claims. More research is needed, but is pointless since both companies were owned by the same group of majority owners. They appear to be swapping mining claims and portions of mining claims to consolidate adjoing parcels of mineral-bearing land.)
(The Uncle Sam company was not active after November 1907. The May Day company expanded its operations into the Uncle Sam property, providing a royalty to the Uncle Sam company for ore extracted. But the royalty came only after expenses, which were always comparatively high. Recall that the same persons were majority stockholders in both companies. Only the small minority stockholders differed.)
November 15, 1907
From the Salt Lake Herald, June 2, 1908.
The Uncle Sam mine was active from July 1 to November 15, 1907, shipping 42,670 tons during that period. Production was discontinued in November on account of the closing down of the United States smelter. Development work continued both before and after the period of production. The main shaft of the Humbug claim was sunk 200 feet deeper, taking it down to 946 feet.
The Uncle Sam, free from debt, is ready to resume production as soon as the United States smelter is prepared to receive its ore, which it is presumed will be in July, and it is in position to maintain a better production than it has ever before made. As the company owns one-half of the capital stock of the May Day company, which is about ready to resume pay its dividends, it will be seen that for Uncle Sam the future is not at all dismal.
Directors elected at yesterday's meeting are: John Dern, James Chipman, Joseph Nelson, George Havercamp and M. P. Braffet.
December 19, 1908
From the Deseret News, December 19, 1908.
Notwithstanding that the operations of the Uncle Sam Consolidated Mining company were very seriously interrupted during the year, dividends to the amount of $100,000 were disbursed, making the grand total to date, of $300,000. With the exception of a few men kept engaged in doing development work, the mine was shut down from Nov. 15, 1907, to June 1 of this year, owing to the idleness during that period of the smelter to which Uncle Sam ores had been contracted. But it was only one of the several mines affected by the litigation resulting adversely to the smelting plants located at Bingham Junction after a hard fight with the rural interests which claimed damage from fumes.
The Uncle Sam Consolidated Mining company was organized July 1, 1901, when it took over the Uncle Sam, Humbug, Cora, Inez, Humbug No. 2, Cyrus Oliver Fraction, and 400,000 shares, or four-fifths of the capitalization of the Richmond-Anaconda Mining company, the property of the latter consisting of three claims lying just west of and adjacent to the Humbug. In June, 1907, the shareholders of the Uncle Sam Consolidated consummated a deal whereby the Cora, Inez and Humbug No. 2 were sold, together with the Uncle Sam mill, to the May Day Mining company, the Uncle Sam company receiving in consideration 400,000 shares, or one-half of the capital stock of the last named corporation. The Uncle Sam company, however, retained the Humbug and Cyrus Oliver claims and the Richmond-Anaconda stock.
The Uncle Sam company has been devoting its energy more recently towards the exploration and development of the Humbug mine, formerly owned by Jesse Knight and from which the latter frequently shipped ore running as high as $10,000 to the car and the ore body on which the company has been drawing its late shipments is believed to be a continuation at greater depth of the great shoot worked by Mr. Knight. A block of ore is now opened over 100 feet deep, 150 feet long, while the thickness varies from a few feet to 20 feet, all of which is shipping ore and averages about $25 a ton.
The management of the Uncle Sam Consolidated is in splendid hands; directing its affairs being men who have had many years experience in the mining field and who stand high in business and financial circles. The president is John Dern; vice president and treasurer, James Chipman; who, with Joseph Nelson; M. P. Braffet, of Salt Lake and George Havercamp of Provo are directors. Fred Dern, of the brokerage firm of Dern & Thomas, is secretary.
December 30, 1908
"The May Day and Uncle Sam have both benefited by the union they affected during 1907. During 1908 there have already been paid out, by these companies near $150,000 in dividends." (Salt Lake Mining Review, December 30, 1908)
January 10, 1909
"The Uncle Sam company has laid off some of its miners, and shipments are about to be stopped pending the completion of another ore contract to take the place of the one which expires on the 22nd of this month. It is supposed that development work will be continued by the company. The May Day company, as far as was learned, will continue shipments as usual." (Salt Lake Tribune, January 10, 1909)
May 30, 1909
"Eureka Reporter: Superintendent C. C. Griggs states that the Uncle Sam mine is showing up splendidly and within the next few weeks, or as soon as a smelter contract is accepted, the shipment of ore will be resumed." (Salt Lake Mining Review, May 30, 1909)
July 30, 1909
The Uncle Sam and May Day companies held their monthly meetings together. In the Uncle Sam mine, "Mr. Griggs states that the mine is now producing about one car of ore each day with sufficient ore in sight to insure this tonnage for a long time to come. This ore gives the company a net profit of about $29 per ton." (Salt Lake Mining Review, July 30, 1909)
June 9, 1910
"At the regular directors' meeting of the Uncle Sam Consolidated company, held yesterday afternoon a dividend of 2 cents a share, or $10,000, was declared, payable on June 20, the books closing on June 13. At the same meeting it was decided to declare a stock dividend of 400,000 shares of the May Day, which has been held in the treasury of the Uncle Sam company for several years past. The Uncle Sam stockholders therefore, will get May Day stock on the basis of 8 shares for 10 of the Uncle Sam. This action is due to the necessity at the present time of assessing the May Day stock, which takes from the Uncle Sam treasury a fat sum whenever the call is made for money. This stock dividend is payable on the same dates as the cash." (Salt Lake Tribune, June 9, 1910)
(The May Day company was planning to go to a deeper depth for more ore, and to do so, an assessment of two cents per share would be levied from stockholders, including the Uncle Sam company. The assessment would raise $8,000 from the 400,000 May Day shares held by the Uncle Sam company, an amount that would drain the Uncle Sam company of its surplus, taking away its ability to pay a dividend. This change would allow the individual Uncle Sam stockholders, now May Day stockholders, to pay their own assessments without affecting the Uncle Sam company.)
(This stock trade confused the Uncle Sam stockholders, with them receiving 8 shares of May Day stock for every 10 shares of Uncle Sam stock that they owned. Some Uncle Sam stockholders were thinking they were exchanging a dividend-paying stock, the Uncle Sam, for a stock was was levying assessments, the May Day. The management of the Uncle Sam company assured the Uncle Sam stockholders that the May Day stock would not affect their ownership of Uncle Sam stock. The May Day stock would not cost them anything, and they would be free to keep it or sell it, "just as they please." -- Salt Lake Tribune, June 25, 1910)
June 10, 1910
"The May Day company has been handicapped of late, owing to the fact that 400,000 shares of its stock have been held by the Uncle Sam Consolidated company, and the officials of both organizations being practically the same, it was felt that too great a hardship would be worked against the Uncle Sam company should it be compelled to meet the assessments that are practically certain from now on until the May Day reaches new ore. To get around this difficulty the Uncle Sam directors on Wednesday last decided to hand its stockholders the 400,000 shares of May Day as a stock dividend." (Salt Lake Tribune, June 10, 1910)
July 1910
From 1907 to 1910, the Uncle Sam Consolidated Mining company
owned a 50 percent stock interest of the May Day Mining & Milling Co. In July 1910 the May Day stock was distributed to Uncle Sam company stockholders, John Dern and his associates. (Copper Handbook, Volume X, 1911, page 1715)
(Research suggests that, although the company and its mining claims remained in existence well into the 1920s, the mine as it existed after 1907 was minimal, at best. But because of minority stockholders, it was unable to be consolidated with its much richer neighbor, the May Day company.)
(Research suggests that the Uncle Sam company was not active after November 1907. The May Day company was allowed to expand its operations into the Uncle Sam property, providing a royalty to the Uncle Sam company for ore extracted. But the royalty came only after expenses, which were always comparatively high. Recall that the same persons were majority stockholders in both companies. Only the small minority stockholders differed.)
1911
From the Copper Handbook, Volume X, 1911, page 1478.
Richmond & Anaconda Consolidated Mining Co. Utah.
Officers: John Dern, president and general manager; James Chipman, vice-president and treasurer; F. C. Dern, secretary; C. C. Griggs, superintendent.
Organized 1892, under laws of Utah. Is controlled by Uncle Sam Consolidated Mining Co., through ownership of $400,000 stock.
Two claims, patented, area about 40 acres, lying just west of the Humbug mine of the Uncle Sam. The property carries auriferous and argentiferous lead ore, and recent developments in the Uncle Sam mine, adjoining, are encouraging. Idle several years.
(Richmond & Anaconda Consolidated Mining Co. Property passed to Uncle Sam Consolidated Mining Co. in 1912. -- Copper Handbook, Volume XI, 1914, page 760)
May 6, 1911
"For the month of April the Uncle Sam sent out better than one car of ore for each working day, a total of 28 cars being placed upon the market for the month." The ore was coming out by way of the Beck Tunnel company's workings on the Uncle Sam property. (Deseret News, May 6, 1911)
June 1911
The Uncle Sam shipped 25 carloads of ore during June 1911. (Eureka Reporter, July 7, 1911)
July 1911
The output of the Uncle Sam mine during July 1911 was 22 railroad carloads. (Salt Lake Herald, August 6, 1911)
October 28, 1911
From the Salt Lake Telegram, October 28, 1911.
Arrangements have been completed whereby the Richmond-Anaconda ground will be worked through the Uncle Sam mine. Superintendent Griggs stated that drifting had commenced towards the south, but that it would take at least ninety days before the Richmond-Anaconda territory would be reached, says the Eureka Reporter.
After November 1 the Uncle Sam ore will be shipped under a new contract to the International Smelting and Refining company's reduction works at Tooele. In order to do this the ore from the mine will be sent through the Beck Tunnel company's tunnel from the 400 level of the Uncle Sam. It will then be taken on the Eureka Hill railroad to the sampler in Silver City, and from there shipped to Tooele over the San Pedro road. Heretofore the ore was hauled by team from the mine and loaded on the Denver & Rio Grande cars at the summit. This has always proved very annoying during at least two months of the winter, as owing to the excerable condition of the wagon road from the mine to the railroad shipments were generally discontinued for the period mentioned.
Summary of 1908-1922, from the Copper Handbook and Mines Handbook.
After 1922
(John Dern passed away on January 3, 1922, at age 71)
June 23, 1922
From the Eureka Reporter, June 23, 1922.
Uncle Sam Mine
The report says no annual meeting has been held for several years for want of a quorum. Production consisted of 15 lots of silver-lead gold ore shipped by lessees, on which the company netted $3,584.42. Last shipment was made July, 1919. Lessees did some further work after that date and in some cases the company contributed part of the prospecting expense. Considerable prospecting of mineralized fissures was done without finding pay ore bodies. In January, 1921, the mine was shut down in preference to assessing the stock. Desultory leasing attempts have been made since then without production. The company still has promising territory worthy of prospecting but high grade ore exposures are not sufficient to encourage leasers.
Salaries were discontinued when the mine was shut down, present expenses are nominal, consisting mainly of taxes and $25 a month for office rent and secretarial services.
Lease on dumps and stope fillings and low grade mill ore in mine that was granted Griggs-Huish Leasing company was abandoned after a mill had been fitted up by the leasers which did not prove profitable. The report states that there is considerable tonnage of low grade ore in old stopes which it is believed can now be shipped at a profit, although some dead work will have to be done so as to mine economically. The directors are considering reopening the mine to ship this ore and to carry on contemporaneous prospecting for high grade ore.
July 29, 1922
At the annual stockholders meeting the officers of the Uncle Sam Consolidated Mining company reported that the company had, during the fiscal year that ended June 1st, received $20,775.02 as income, and had spent $20,580.72 as expenses, leaving $194.30 in the company accounts. Ore sales of $10,423.35 had come from shipping 672 tons of ore. A one cent assessment was levied, due on July 14th, with the sale of delinquent stock set for August 7th. George H. Dern was vice president, and gave the report. The office of president was vacant due to the death of John Dern. (Goodwin's Weekly, July 29, 1922)
(The income received was in the form of royalties paid by leasers for ore removed under their leases. 672 tons for the whole year of July 1921 to July 1922 equals about one and a half railroad carloads per month. Not very much compared to the other successful Tintic mines.)
August 11, 1922
Uncle Sam ore vein. -- "Regarding the Iron Blossom mine itself, it looks better today than at any time during the past three or four years. The Iron Blossom company has paid better than three and a third millions in dividends in the past few years. Most of the dividends so far paid have been from a body of ore originally found in the Uncle Sam mine, it crossed the Beck Tunnel, the Colorado, the Sioux and was developed the entire length of the Iron Blossom property." (Eureka Reporter, August 11, 1922)
Mountain View Mining Co. (1924)
(After 1924, while both mines were owned and operated by the same single company, there continued to be references to the "Uncle Sam mine" and the "May Day mine." Two separate mining claims, worked from their own shafts and tunnels, with underground crossovers in several locations.)
(J. C. Dick, John Dern's son-in-law, was general manager of the new Mountain View Mining company. J. C. Dick was one of the mining men of Utah. He was a mining engineer who worked with the mines of the Tintic and Bingham mining districts.)
July 19, 1924
From the Salt Lake Tribune, July 19, 1924.
Consolidation of the Uncle Sam Consolidated Mining company and the May Day Mining & Milling company, ratified by the stockholders of the two companies about a month ago at a special meeting, went into effect yesterday [July 18th] with the meeting of the new board and filing of the certificate of consolidation.
(The special stockholders meetings were held on June 24th.)
The board of directors representing the stockholders of the two old companies voted to call the new company the Mountain View Mining company. J. C. Dick, president of the company, was elected general manager, and Fred C. Dern, secretary and treasurer, to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of George F. Wasson.
In a few days Secretary Dern will send out a letter requesting stockholders of the two companies to send in their stock certificates in order that stock in the new company may be issued on the basis of one share of old stock for one share of the new.
The estates of the May Day and the Uncle Sam, situated in the Tintic District, have produced considerable ore in the past. Officials of the company believe that careful prospecting of the territory will show that the resources of the two estates have not been fully exploited, particularly in the light of recent discoveries in adjoining properties.
(Read more about the Mountain View Mining company of 1924)
1927
International Smelting company, a subsidiary of Anaconda Copper, purchased control of the Mountain View Mining company, which was an earlier consolidation of the May Day and Uncle Sam properties. (USGS Professional Paper 1024, page 155)
January 28, 1927
From the Deseret News, January 28, 1927.
The International Smelting company, a subsidiary of the Anaconda Copper company, Friday [January 28] bought control of the Yankee Consolidated Mining company from the Mountain View Mining company, it was learned. The deal was completed at a meeting of directors and stockholders of the Yankee and Mountain View mining companies this morning.
At the same time the International acquired all treasury stock of the Mountain View Mining company at 20 cents per share.
The action today completes a deal which was started a little more than a year ago, when the Yankee and old Uncle Sam properties were consolidated into the Mountain View. At that time the International acquired a lease and option on the properties and inaugurated an extensive development campaign which they have continued up to the present time.
Recent reports from Eureka state that important showings which should have considerable bearing on the future development have been opened up in the Yankee.
At conclusion of today's deal, J. O. Elton, manager of the International Smelting company, was elected president of the Yankee and J. C. Dick, vice president. A. E. Hunter, was elected secretary, A. B. Hartwick, secretary and B. H. Howell, director.
November 17, 1932
"The Uncle Sam mine was doing a 'come back' stunt. This old producer was shipping considerable zinc and had a number of men working on development and taking out ore." (Eureka Reporter, November 17, 1932)
August 31, 1933
"A number of leasers were busy at the Uncle Sam mine. The best lease was that of Joseph Gagon, this block of ground was on the Uncle Sam-Beck Tunnel line, and was a high grade lead-silver product. The royalities from this lease were divided between the two companies." (Eureka Reporter, August 31, 1933)
(During the Great Depression, many large mining companies in Eureka could not afford to operate at full capacity due to low metal prices. To keep the mines open and the town employed, they used a leasing system. The leasers were independent miners either in small groups or as individuals would "lease" a specific "block" of ground within a larger mine. The leasers paid for their own supplies and labor, then gave a percentage of their earningsas royalties to the company that owned the mining claim. If a leaser worked a block of mineral ground that sat on the boundary line between two properties (like the Uncle Sam and Beck Tunnel companies, above, the royalties were split between both companies.)
###