144 ANNUAL REPORT 
wells are all small, though one on the Spurrier farm, along Wolf creek, is 
reported to have started at from 50 to 60 barrels. The largest well along 
Oliver run had an initial production of 12 barrels, while the average for 
that locality is about 5 barrels. The total production for the Buck run 
field does not exceed 100 barrels per day. Since the wells are shallow they 
are quite profitable, though small. | 
The oil compares favorably with that found in the First Cow Run sand 
elsewhere. It has a low specific gravity, and a market value equal to the 
Pennsylvania oil. The field does not promise to become one of future 
importance, though it will doubtless be a small producer for many vears. 
Wells in Union Township.—In the vicinity of Ringold, Union Town- 
ship, an effort has been made to locate a pool. About 1896 a well was 
drilled on the Withee farm, in section 16. It produced a little oil, and since 
1899 six additional wells have been put down on the same tract, all but 
one of which yielded a small amount of oil. The wells have a depth rang- 
ing from 80 to 204 feet, depending on the surface altitude. The sand, 
which is the First Cow Run, varies from Io to 37 feet in depth. 
On the Williams farm, in the southern part of the same section, four 
wells have been drilled, with results even less encouraging than those 
mentioned in the last paragraph. On the old Parsons land, in section 15, 
four wells were drilled about two years ago. All were producers, but were 
so small that they scarcely warranted pumping. In fact, at the time when 
they were visited by the writer they had not been in operation for two 
months. Wells have been drilled at a number of places between Buck 
run and Ringgold without success, and it seems safe to say that no im- 
portant pool lies in that vicinity. 
THE McCONNELLSVILLE GAS FIELD. 
Location and Area.—This is a narrow strip extending a little east 
of north or west of south. It lies partly within the corporation of McCon- 
nellsville, and crosses the river near the lower part of the town. | 
Development.—In the spring of 1889 a well was drilled on the east 
bank of the river about one-half mile northeast of the city. The Berea 
sand was found at a depth of 1,195 feet, but the gas liberated was so small 
that the well was abandoned. About the same time a well was drilled 
three-fourths of a mile north of the city. It supplied enough gas for one 
residence. 
These wells were failures, but the people were not satisfied. Some 
believed that gas would be found if only the drill were forced deep 
enough, and accordingly it was decided to attempt to reach the Clinton or 
Lancaster gas rock. However, no company was found that was willing 
to back so expensive and hazardous an enterprise, but the city, through its 
council, provided $5,000 to explore further the territory. The well was 
located on the McConnellsville fair grounds, and work was begun Septem- 
