36 University Geological Survey of Kansas. 
of gas at 600 feet, and at lower depths found two other flows 
of gas, but only enough for two stoves and the Barnes green- 
houses. The Attna company raised more money and had a 
well drilled on the Captain Mason farm east of town, near 
the Verdigris river, but was not able to find gas, and further 
operations were abandoned for lack of nerve and cash. 
“A Profitable Find. 
“The driller, Mr. Nickerson, was satisfied there was gas in 
this vicinity, and on going back to Miami county interested 
A. P. McBride and C. L. Bloom, both drillers, and in 1893 
they leased lands four miles east, in the Overfield school dis- 
trict, and were so well satisfied that they got a franchise to 
pipe gas into the city and a pledge of a donation of $1000 when 
they delivered gas. During the spring months they drilled 
their first well on the Brewster Park farm and at about the 
nousand-foot level found both gas and oil, but it was not a 
strong well. The gas was piped off about thirty feet and ig- 
nited and the burning was a great event. Other wells and 
better ones were drilled on that farm, and two drills were put 
to work and two wells drilled on the G. W. Waggener farm ad- 
joining, and gas found at about 600 feet. In the meantime, 
McBride, the enthusiast, gave out most hopeful encourage- 
ment, boasted of ample supply, and startled the natives when 
he declared the company would expend $30,000. By July. 
there were six wells, not strong ones, but sufficient, and a pipe- 
line was started to Independence. Mr. Brewster was enthusi- 
astic and one night in July the public was invited to his home 
and great crowds drove out to see the “seven wonders.” 
The gas had been piped off to near the road, and for half a 
mile there was natural gas illumination and from stand-pipes 
sixteen feet high burned flaming torches and all about his 
home there was a fine display. To the majority, who had never 
seen natural gas, it was the sight of a lifetime, and addresses. 
were made by a number and Independence’s future was as- 
sured. 
“Gas in Town. 
“In November the gas was piped to Independence and the 
business houses and some residences plumbed for gas and a 
pipe run to above the flagstaff on the court-house, and during 
the early days of the month the gas was turned on. Independ- 
ence was at its glory and all felt that its industrial future 
was made, and from that time to this, barring a few hours 
of time for breaks at different times, twice in the coldest 
weather, our city has had gas for all purposes. 
“Although gas had been found and was utilized for all 
manufacturing, heating and lighting purposes, the people did 
not realize its vast importance, and for several years the In- 
dependence Gas Company had the field alone. The first wells 
were becoming exhausted and the field was being prospected 
