When Coal Was Discovered In Watsontown

1874 Map showing the location of the Dearmond property, on which veins of coal were discovered in 1908.

CANNEL, COAL

The Watsontown Record and Star says: A well on the old Thomas Dearmond farm, northwest of Warrior Run church, now owned by ex-Councilman R. DeArmond, of this place recently went dry, for the first time in the memory of the owner of the farm, and Horace Aunkst, of Milton,  was summoned to sink it deeper. 

After passing through about thirty feet of earth the drill struck a vein which on investigation proved to be cannel coal. On Monday the drill had' passed through over thirty feet of the coal and  the end had not yet been reached. The drilling was resumed on Wednesday, hut we have not learned whether the extent of the vein had been determined. 

The coal has been tested by  experienced coal men and pronounced the very best grade of cannel coal. It burns freely and is clean and solid.

This is a most valuable find, and arrangements  will at once be made to uncover the vein and determine its extent. If it proves up to present indications it means it big boom in real estate in that section, as the vein no doubt extends into other lands adjoining. "

The Mount Carmel Item December 1908

Note: Horace Aunkst was one of the men who survived the Collins Expedition to build a railroad in Brazil in 1878.  https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/08/the-collins-expedition-when-local-men.html

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For More Stories & History Of Watsontown

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The Mount Carmel Item December 1908