Hill, Thomas W. "Tom"

one of the veteran mine operators of the old field, and well known in the Tri-State district, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. W. Sherman Smith, near Diamond Missouri, yesterday afternoon. Tom Hill, as he was familiarly known, was for many years one of the leading mine operations around the Webb City Missouri field. He was also one of the pioneer operators around the Webb City field. He was also one of the pioneer operators in the Neck City district. One of his first successful mines was the Mount Arrarat Mine, located near Prosperity Missouri. The mine received its name from being located on a mound of considerable size that arose from a level prairie. When Hill began to hunt for ore around the mound he confined his drilling to the land around the foot of the mound, without any successful results. He had about exhausted his meager supply of cash, but had enough left to drill one more hole. Like many prospectors, he believed he might as well be completely broke, as to only have a mere few dollars left, and he took the last chance and drilled a hole on top of the mound; not really expecting to find ore. But this was where Dame Fortune played her fickle game. The last hole, taking the last of the prospector's cash, was the one that discovered the mine which for a long time was one of the most famous producers of the Prosperity camp. Mr. Hill was one of the company that discovered the Quick Seven Mine at Neck City Missouri, which was a great producer. He made considerable money in the mining business, but like a great many mining men, "put it all back in the ground" hunting for more mines. When the Oklahoma field opened up he followed the crowd and engaged in drilling in this field, but never succeeded in getting back into the operating game. He was 74 years old when he passed away. He was a striking figure and would attract attention anywhere by his great virile strength. Standing more than six feet in height, slender of build, he was straight as an arrow, and notwithstanding his advanced years, would make a greyhound step along to keep pace with him.