264 ANNUAL REPORT 
of these wells when 4 years old was producing 500,000 cubic feet per day. 
and the second largest when three years old was producing the same 
amount. These wells produce considerable oil and by some are rated as 
oil wells. 
Outside of these two places an occasional strip is found that produces 
gas in paying quantities. Thus about one mile northeast of Corning two 
wells were drilled, which combined produced 500,000 cubic feet per day. | 
They produced three years and were then abandoned. About two miles 
north of Corning a good well was drilled on the Newberry farm. It start- 
ed at 1,500,000 cubic feet per day, had an initial rock pressure of 400 
pounds and lasted three years. 
Another productive tract lies about 6 miles northeast of Corning 
on the Finley, Devore and Stoneburner farms. Three wells were drilled 
on the Finley farm, and started one at 1,500,000 and two at 250,000 cubic 
feet, with an initial rock pressure of 400 pounds. These wells lasted three 
years. 
The operators of the wells have been much troubled with salt-water 
in the Muddy Fork field and with oil in the Oakfield territory. Salt-water 
is removed by “blowing” the wells. For this operation the wells are closed 
for a short period, usually about 30 minutes, allowing the gas pressure to 
increase ; when this has become sufficiently strong the well is opened at the 
top and the gas then blows the water from the well. When the well has 
been cleansed in this manner it is closed and the gas turned back into the 
mains. Sometimes, however, the weight of the water is so great that the 
gas cannot drive it from the well in the manner just stated; especially is 
this true with wells that have been in use for a considerable period. 
Then an iron rod attached to a long pole is let down through the water, is 
raised and lowered, and the gas following the pole in its ascent finally 
drives the water from the well. This method of cleaning is known as 
“agitating.” Finally the pressure of the gas becomes so small that it 
cannot lift the water with the help of “agitating,” and then the well is 
dead. In winter time each well is cleaned every other day, and in the 
summer twice a week. 
The gas wells in the Corning field were owned and operated by the 
Corning Natural Gas Company, but recently they became the property of 
the Ohio Fuel Supply Company. It supplies Jacksonville, Trimble, Glous- 
ter, Murray City, New Straitsville, Shawnee, Hemlock, Corning, Rend- 
ville, Moxahala, New Lexington, Nelsonville and several interior hamlets. 
Almost the sole use of the fuel is for heat and light for domestic purposes. 
The company made a rate of 20 cents per thousand feet by meter.' 
Where the meter was not used, the prices in winter were $2.00 per month 
for the first fire; $1.50 for the second; $1.00 for the third; 75 cents for 
the fourth, and all additional fires at the latter figure. In the summer a 
1The meter system seems to have been optional until October 1, 1901. 
