George Horatio Chick was born April 24, 1834 in Monroe, Waldo County, Maine, and died October 11, 1912 in Oakland, California. At some time he apparently married a woman named Josephine. On October 23, 1867 in Boise, Idaho--apparently without bothering to divorce Josephine--he married Florence Nightingale Hyde (November 19, 1848 Rosendale, Wisconsin - May 5, 1924 Douglas, Arizona), the daughter of David Hyde and Mary Sheldon.
 
In 1900 (see below) Florence described herself as a "widow" when transferring property to her son--who made no secret of his relationship to his father, at the time openly living with a new wife on the other side of San Francisco Bay.
 
Chick's 1912 Oakland death certificate lists him as a retired miner, and the cause of death as lobar pneumonia and chronic interstitial nephritis. It gives his wife's name as Josephine, giving her address as 3060 Union Street in Oakland. It's unknown if the two Josephines are the same person.*
   
Perhaps oddest of all, in 1914--two years after Chick's death--Florence filed for divorce.


    Little is known about George Chick, a miner and sometime real-estate agent who was usually absent when the census takers came around (and in Seattle, where the family lived throughout Guy’s childhood and adolescence, they came around annually). In addition to peregrinating from one mining job to another, George apparently lived in California with another woman, the mother of three children who took his name.
    Florence, who clearly did not relish the situation, brought up her three California-born sons—Guy [1868–1930], Ralph (1872–1928), and Maurice (1878–1934)—in the Seattle household of her parents, David and Mary Hyde. Her marriage to George ended in 1887, and shortly thereafter she took her sons to California, presumably to have them educated.
"Guy Hyde Chick: The Man Behind the House," Daniella Thompson, Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association


Census date: July 12, 1860
Name: Amos Chick
Residence: Rose Bar Township, Yreka County, California
Occupation: Miner
Birth location: Maine
Household members:
Amos Chick, 55
Elisabeth Chick, 40, female, born in Maine
George H. Chick, 24, male, born in Maine
James A. Chick, 17, male, born in Maine
Elisha Arey Chick, 25, male, born in Maine
United States Census


    TESTIMONY COMMISSIONS.--Orders for commissions to issue to take testimony in Nevada Territory, in the cases of A. H. Rhodes et al. vs. Louis McLane et al. and George Chick et al. vs. same, have been granted by the Fourth District Court.
San Francisco Bulletin, November 4, 1862, page 4


    George Chick has on hand a good assortment of parlor stoves. Those in need of anything in his line will do well to call soon.
Idaho Statesman, Boise, December 5, 1865, page 2


    Opposition has awakened George Chick up to a business feeling and he endeavors to lay before the public [in his advertisement] his large and well-selected stock of stoves, hardware and every other article to be found in a first-class wholesale and retail tin store. Knowing that it would require almost a volume to spread out such an assorted collection George has just merely enumerated a few of the most important items. To find out al that he really has in his establishment, you must call and examine. "His policy" (conciliatory) is quick sale and small profits--cash on delivery. See his "relief bill," duly approved and signed, in another column.
Idaho Statesman, Boise, February 6, 1866, page 2


    George H. Chick made his appearance last Saturday among the old friends in Boise City. He spent the winter and spring in California.
"From the Statesman Files of 69 Years Ago" (1866), Idaho Statesman, Boise, June 30, 1935, page 14


Sole agent for Idaho Territory for the celebrated Hansbrow Pump. Having a spacious fireproof Warehouse, I am prepared to take a large quantity of Goods on Storage, at very low rates. Tinners' Stock and Tools for sale in quantities to suit at
Union Vedette, Camp Douglas, Salt Lake City, Utah, August 6, 1866, page 4


    COUNTERFEITERS OF GOLD DUST IN IDAHO.--The Idaho Statesman of November 20th contains the annexed account of the arrest of counterfeiters of gold dust. Captain Thomas G. Murphy, who is referred to, will probably be remembered as a resident of Sacramento for a while and afterwards of Virginia:
    "The public are already aware of the arrest last week at Idaho City of Thomas G. Murphy upon a charge of passing counterfeit gold dust. We learn that he has since been discharged, though whether upon recognizance to appear or upon failure to sustain any charge against him, we have not learned. It has been believed, in fact pretty well known for some time to the officers of the law, that a considerable gang of counterfeiters were operating in our midst. The arrest of Murphy gave a new clue to the prosecution of further inquiries. About four weeks ago George H. Chick was called upon at his tin shop to make a sheet iron furnace, which so much resembled a concern for melting gold, and from other suspicious circumstances, he was led to believe that it was designed to be used for counterfeiting dust. Chick acquainted Sheriff Duval of the facts, and a sharp lookout has been kept for the gentlemen ever since.
Excerpt, Sacramento Daily Union, November 30, 1866, page 2


    HYDRAULIC PIPE.--Observed George Chick making iron pipe yesterday for use in a hydraulic mining claim near Idaho City. It is made of wrought iron riveted together and joined like stove pipe. This piece of work is one thousand feet in length, four inches in diameter, and capable of sustaining a pressure of one hundred and fifty feet. Mr. Chick is an old and experienced hand in the art of fixing up hydraulic works for miners, and can do a job that will work without mistake. Those in need of such work will make a note of it.
Idaho Statesman, Boise, February 7, 1867, page 2


    Trains and passengers are rolling out every day for the new mines at Lemhi. George H. Chick, loaded with tinner's supplies, etc., left for Leesburg, where he is starting a branch.
"From the Statesman Files of 69 Years Ago" (1867), Idaho Statesman, Boise, May 31, 1936, page 14


    PERSONAL.--Mr. Chas. Miller, of the firm of Bloch, Miller & Co. at the Dalles, has been stopping in town a few days, and leaves this morning for Owyhee. His firm are about to establish a branch of their business in this city, and for that purpose Mr. Miller has bought the new brick of George H. Chick, now building next to Blossom's corner. It is his intention to fill up with a new stock as soon as the building is completed.
Idaho Statesman, Boise, July 4, 1867, page 2


    There are additional signs of prosperity in new and substantial improvements along Main Street. . . . G. H. Chick is going to put up a new store adjoining Rossi & Robie's.
Idaho Statesman, Boise, July 25, 1867, page 2


    Messrs. Twichell & Moody, who succeed Geo. H. Chick in the tin and hardware business, take possession today under the contract of sale. We do not like to see George retire from business, but don't know of anyone we would rather see succeed him than Messrs. Twichell & Moody.
Idaho Statesman, Boise, August 20, 1867, page 3


    Twichell & Moody, Successors to George H. Chick, Wholesale and Retail Dealers in Tin & Sheet Iron Ware Stoves and Shelf Hardware . . .
Advertisement, Idaho Statesman, Boise, November 9, 1867, page 4


    A NEW GAS BURNER has recently been introduced here from the Eastern States, known as "Locke's Patent Self-Lighting Gas Burner," and patented in 1867. We understand that the new Mercantile Library building has been furnished with this burner, also several other places in this city. Samples can be seen at Mr. George H. Chick's, 834 Market Street. We hope to give an illustrated description of this burner at an early day.
"Oregon," Mining and Scientific Press, San Francisco, June 6, 1868, page 366


    MR. GEO. H. CHICK is now receiving at his new stove store, 834 Market Street, a large amount of wooden-ware, willow-ware and bird cages. Here also can be found the patent self-lighting gas burner, referred to in our last issue. See advertisement. [on page 387].
Mining and Scientific Press, San Francisco, June 13, 1868, page 383


    CHICK & BROOKS, at No. 834 Market Street, are active dealers in stoves, hardware, lamps, crockery, glass and plated ware, which they offer to sell very reasonably. They keep well up with the times, and will give you the latest improvements in their line of goods at just as low prices as you would pay for an inferior article elsewhere.
"Oregon," Mining and Scientific Press, San Francisco, September 12, 1868, page 167



U.S. District Court.—Hoffman, J.
    In the matter of George H. Chick.—The said Chick appears in this Court by Winans & Hyer, his attorneys, and prays for ten days time in which to present and file his answer to the petition herein, which was thereupon granted.
"Law Intelligence," Daily Alta California. San Francisco, November 18, 1868, page 2


U.S. District Court—Hoffman, J.
    In the matter of Geo. H. Chick, in involuntary bankruptcy, case referred to Asher B. Bates to take testimony.
"Law Intelligence," Daily Alta California, San Francisco, December 22, 1868, page 2


    INSOLVENTS.--The old year swept out of existence not a few of the enterprising business firms of the state, and ruined pecuniarily also many industrious and worthy citizens who, through rascality, inefficiency and inability of others, or the vicissitudes in trade, were compelled to succumb and pass in checks to the benefits of creditors. To the long lists heretofore published in the Alta, we append the following: . . . George H. Chick.
Daily Alta California, San Francisco, January 3, 1869, page 1




    CARLIN, May 17th.--Following is a list of the passengers passing Carlin today, to arrive in San Francisco May 21st:
    . . . George H. Chick, Oakland, Cal. . . .
"Overland Travel," Daily Alta California, San Francisco, May 21, 1872, page 1


    RICH STRIKE.--Calaveras Citizen, July 12: During the week there has been one of the richest quartz discoveries near San Andreas ever made in this county. Francisco Ochoa, a young man who has been living at West Point, came here last week for the purpose of prospecting for quartz in the vicinity of San Andreas. After several days' work he found a small ledge about one mile from town, from which he has taken rock of astonishing richness. He has done no work on it as yet, but it is calculated that some 10 or 15 pounds rock which he found on the top will yield $800. The ledge is about 1 ft. wide. The proprietors of this treasure are Francis Ochoa, Dr. Oviatt and George H. Chick.
"Oregon," Scientific Press, San Francisco, July 19, 1873, page 37


    WEST POINT.--Foothill Democrat: At West Point, mining affairs are very bright. The leading mines are being vigorously worked while a score or more lesser veins are operated with success. Several rich strikes have been recently made, notably by Briggs & Fisher, on the North Star, Lee Ham & Co., on the old Mitchell lead, Bastian & Bryor, near town, and George Chick & Co., on the North Fork slope. Besides these, numerous soft granite leads are being worked and paying well. The custom mills are kept running night and day upon rock taken from these various veins. The coming spring promises to be a busy season in that district, as capital has taken hold of two of the leading mines while experts have been examining other ledges.
"Calaveras County," Scientific Press, San Francisco, March 6, 1875, pages 148-149


    WEST POINT DISTRICT.--Chick & Co. just cleaned up a large quantity of ore, at the rate of $58. 50 per ton.
"Contra Costa," Scientific Press, San Francisco, May 1, 1875, pages 284


    INCORPORATIONS.--There were filed in the office of the Secretary of State, yesterday, articles of incorporation . . . of the Fort Yuma Quartz Mining Company, to operate in Agra District, El Dorado County. Capital, $5,000,000, in shares of $100 each. Directors--C. H. Gorrill, George H. Chick, James E. Blethen, Curtis P. Williams and George R. Vernon. The principal place of business will be in San Francisco. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, June 12, 1875, page 5


    At the annual meeting of the Brooks Gold and Silver Mining Company, held on the 15th inst., the following named were elected Directors for the ensuing year: Thos. Brooks, Superintendent; T. C. Coxhead (President), George H. Chick (Vice-President), H. H. Bigelow, C. Field. I. T. Millikan was appointed Secretary and Treasurer.
"Brevities," Daily Alta California, San Francisco, June 16, 1875, page 1


    FORT YUBA G.Q.M. CO., JUNE 11.--Location: El Dorado County, Cal. Trustees--C. H. Gorrel, G. H. Chick, J. E. Blethen, C. P. Williams and Geo. E. Vernon. Capital, $5,000,000.
"New Incorporations," Scientific Press, San Francisco, June 19, 1875, pages 404


    Listed as a trustee of the Home Security Building and Loan Association of Alameda County, Oakland, California., incorporated July 21, 1875.
Oakland Daily Transcript, September 30, 1875, page 3; Oakland Tribune, November 5, 1875, page 1


    The Brooks [mine] have elected C. Field (President), C. B. Comstock, J. C. Yale, George H. Chick, and H. H. Bigelow Trustees for the ensuing year.—Eureka Sentinel
"Mining Stocks and Mining," Daily Alta California. San Francisco, December 12, 1875, page 2

    San Rafael, March 20--Wife of George H. Chick, a son.
Sacramento Daily Union, April 1, 1878, page 3


    SAN GIUSEPPE MINE.--Democrat, Nov. 15: The owners of this mine, since the fiasco with the Chick party, made arrangements with a number of miners to work it and entered into a lease. The work is now prosecuted constantly and the miners are perfectly satisfied with their lease. They are sinking and have gone down 60 ft. At the same time, ore is being taken out of a level, which they are milling. The first cleanup was made last week and yielded $40 to the ton. Equally as good rock is now being milled. The parties working are of the opinion that it is a valuable mine; the more it is worked, the better it promises. There is every prospect that with good management, the property will pay handsome returns in the future.
"Tuolumne," Mining and Scientific Press, San Francisco, November 22, 1879, page 325


Census date: June 14, 1880
Name: George Chick
Residence: Hornitas, Mariposa County, California
Occupation: Miner
Birth location: Maine
Married
Household members:
George H. Chick (boarder), 40, male, parents both born in Maine
United States Census


    MINES NEAR OROVILLE.--The Minerva Gold and Silver Mining Company's mine and mill are situated five miles northwest of Oroville, Butte County. The mill consists of four Huntington batteries and three amalgamators. It is about 500 ft. from the mouth of the tunnel of the mine, and the main length of the tunnel is 600 ft. The tunnel has four wings, the longest being about 100 ft. and the shortest 50 ft. The ore is mostly of a sulphuret nature, and pays about $16 per ton. The mill and mine are owned by W. E. Duncan, and are under the supervision of Mr. C. H. Chick. [sic--G. H. Chick?] The Banner mine is situated about one-eighth of a mile above the Minerva, and is one of the best equipped mines in the State, having the latest improved hoisting machinery. The shaft is down about 200 ft. At present the mill is not running.
Mining and Scientific Press, San Francisco, June 24, 1882, page 409


Census date: 1883
Name: G. F. Chick
Residence: Seattle, King County, Washington
Age: 40
Gender: Male
Occupation: Agent
Birth location: Maine
Household members:
G. F. Chick, 40
F. Chick, female, 33, housewife, born in Wisconsin
G. Chick, 14, male, born in California
R. Chick, 11, male, born in California
M. Chick, 5, male, born in California
Washington State and Territorial Census


Territory of Washington,       )
               vs.                              )
G. H. Chick                             )
William Kinney                      )
Samuel Evans                          )
John Doe (John McCoy)       )
Richard Roe (G. L. Upton)    )
    Patrick Mathews makes complaint to T. H. Cann, Justice aforesaid and accuses the above named defendants by this complaint and information of the crime of forcible entry committed as follows:
    For that the said defendants at the County of King in the Territory of Washington, on the 14th day of February, 1883, did then and there violently enter upon and take possession, with menaces and with force and arms, and without the authority of law, a certain close and lands then and there being in possession of E. M. Smithers and C. H. Sutton, which said lands are described as follows, to wit: The west half (½) of Section thirty-four (34), Township twenty-two (22) North of Range seven (7) east in King County, Wash. Terr.
    Patrick Mathews, being duly sworn an oath, saith: that the matter and things set forth and contained in the above and foregoing complaint and information are true as he verily believes.
Territory of Washington,   )
Third Judicial District,       )    ss.
County of King,                  )
In the District Court holding terms at Seattle.
Geo. B. Adair, Plaintiff,
    vs.
Geo. H. Chick, Defendant.
    The plaintiff in the above entitled action, for cause of action against the defendant above named, alleges as follows:
    1. That on the 6th day of October, 1883, the defendant, Geo. H. Chick, for a valuable consideration, made, executed and delivered to plaintiff his promissory note, whereby the said defendant, for a valuable consideration, as aforesaid, promised to pay to the order of G. B. Adair the sum of one hundred and twenty-six and 25/100 dollars, with interest thereon at the rate of one percent, per month from date until paid; said note being due and payable ten days after the date thereof.
    2. That no payments of principal or interest due on said promissory note have been made, except the sum of $26.25.
    3. That plaintiff is now the owner and holder of said promissory note.
    Whereupon plaintiff prays for judgment against said defendant for the sum of one hundred dollars, with interest thereon from the 6th day of October, 1883, until paid, and for costs and plaintiff's disbursements herein.
(signed) C. H. Hanford
               Attorney for Plaintiff
Chick's debt remained unpaid as of November 30, 1885, when a summons for the unpaid balance and court costs was filed with the county clerk. A copy of the original promissory note was also filed, with an unattributed newspaper clipping attached to it, reading: "Mr. George H. Chick, who has been on a business trip to California, returned last evening, having secured an appointment to a position of great responsibility."


    George H. Chick, one of the gentlemen who recently bonded the extensive mining and timber property of the Pacific Hydraulic Mining Co., in Josephine County, was in town last week, and is greatly pleased with Ashland. W. C. Tindall, a correspondent of an eastern journal, accompanied him out from Portland.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, April 4, 1884, page 3


    There is a large amount of tailings at some of our gold quartz mills hitherto of no value whatever. The new reduction works in this city it appears can work these over again to a large profit. Every dollar thus saved is so much more wealth for the state.
"Brief Mention," Morning Oregonian, Portland, July 18, 1884, page 3


    A BIG SHOWING.--Salmon Mills Versus Stamps--Out of 700 lbs. of quartz tailings from five stamp mills, which was worked at Chick's Reduction Works, using Salmon's Pulverizer and Chick's Patent Riffle, a saving of $10.25 per ton is given, showing a loss to the companies of ten tons per day, of $103.50, which is more than one-half what they are realizing on first working, as they claim it pays them but $20 per ton, or $200 per day. Results are stubborn facts. Works located at the corner of Main and Front sts. Office 102 First St., Portland, Or.
Morning Oregonian, Portland, July 23, 1884, page 2


Morning Oregonian, Portland, July 23-August 12, 1884


    Lively times at Yaquina Bay. The lots which Chick & Co., the real estate agents, No. 102 First, are selling at $125 each on easy installments of $25 per month are nearly all sold. They are sure to command a handsome premium when no more can be got. Don't neglect to secure a lot whilst you have the chance, or you will when too late surely regret it. Parties arriving from the country will be located as well as if they had called personally at their office.
Morning Oregonian, Portland, July 25, 1884, page 3


    NEW ORE MILL.--Geo. H. Chick, an expert mining operator, appreciating the necessity of a mining mill for the reduction of ores, has a mill now in operation at Campbell & Co.'s foundry at the corner of First and Main streets. The mill, as well as the rock-breaker, is a Portland invention, and as a representative of this paper was permitted to inspect its working, we can truly say that for its size it surpasses anything of the kind on the coast. Mr. Salmon of the ice works is the inventor of the mill and has spent years of study in bringing it to perfection. Its capacity is ten tons daily, and Mr. Chick informs us that should the demand be larger he will run as many as is needed. Mr. Jones, a partner in the foundry, is the inventor of the rock-breaker, pronounced by experts to be perfection itself. A six-horsepower engine runs both mill and crusher, the steam being furnished by the foundry. Mr. P. Rigney, the silver plater, on Morrison Street, plated the riffles with quicksilver, an idea originating with Mr. Chick. This industry fills a want long needed in Portland, miners heretofore being obliged to send their ores to San Francisco. It is to be hoped that Mr. Chick will be so encouraged as to enter largely into the business. The rock now being reduced came from Southern Oregon, from a mine owned by Mr. Chick and partners.--Portland Standard.
"Oregon," Mining and Scientific Press, San Francisco, August 16, 1884, page 103


    The officers of the Equal Rights Association of King County in the fall of 1884 were Mrs. C. M. Anderson, president; Mrs. E. Mooers, vice president; Mrs. W. D. Wood, secretary; Mrs. Amos Brown, corresponding secretary; Mrs. M. J. Pontius, treasurer; Mrs. George H. Chick, Mrs. Irving Ballard, Mrs. H. E. Taylor, Mrs. M. E. Kenworthy, Mrs. Alfred Snyder, executive committee.
History of Seattle from the Earliest Settlement to the Present Time, Clarence Bagley, 1916


Morning Oregonian, Portland, July 24 through August 13, 1884.  There's no evidence that the reduction works ever went into full production--or was even built.


    MINING DEVELOPMENTS.--Geo. H. Chick, of Portland, who was over at Henley this week, informs us that a corporation is to be formed soon to develop a new phase of mining business in Southern Oregon and Northern California, viz: the working of quartz ledges which have gold in them but which could not be profitably worked heretofore because of the impossibility of saving the gold. Mr. Chick has a new process of working the sulphurets which he is sanguine will enable the company to mine with profit in many places where the quartz has failed to pay. The scheme of the company is not fully perfected, but the above is an outline of its object. Its name is to be the Southern Oregon Development Company, and its incorporation is to be so effected as to allow it to operate in California near the Oregon line.
Ashland Tidings, August 15, 1884, page 3


    Geo. H. Chick, the Portland real estate man, and Capt. Taylor have been over at Henley within the past week, making arrangements for a new mining enterprise.
"Personal," Ashland Tidings, August 15, 1884, page 3


    NOTES.--Jacksonville Times, Sept. 27: John W. Robinson has sold his interest in a mining claim on Evans Creek to J. Tyler. Oliver Nadau of Sardine Creek will put hydraulic pipe in his placer mines this season and proposes operating on a more extensive scale than ever. John Miller is getting his mines on Farmers Flat in readiness for the winter season, intending to operate on an extensive scale, if there is any water. Miners are getting ready for winter. They are not discouraged by their experience during the past few seasons and hope to have plenty water next time. Geo. H. Chick of Portland, who has a a quartz mill of his own invention, has rented Morse & Jacob's quartz mill near Henley, Cal., and will soon commence crushing ore. He claims to be able to work up sulphurets to perfection.
"Oregon," Mining and Scientific Press, San Francisco, October 4, 1884, page 217


    The Southern Oregon Development Company now has 500 tons of low-grade ore ready to ship from Jackson County to East Portland as soon as the reduction works in that city are in operation.
"Brief Mention," Morning Oregonian, Portland, December 15, 1884, page 3


Portland City Directory, 1885. Portland, Oregon: R. L. Polk & Co., 1885.


Morning Oregonian, Portland, January 1, 1885 et seq., page 4




    The firm of George H. Chick & Co., real estate and mining brokers, is this day dissolved by mutual consent, Mr. Chick taking charge of mining business, and Mr. Richards of the real estate business. All parties owing the firm will pay their bills on presentation by George H. Chick, and all parties having bills against the firm will present them to Mr. Chick for payment.


    D. A. Richards and Carl Werngren have entered into partnership in the real estate business. Mr. Richards is of the firm of George H. Chick & Co. and Mr. Werngren has purchased the interest of George H. Chick. The new firm ask a continuance of past favors from the patrons of the old firm, and will promptly and reliably transact all matters entrusted to their care. Give them a call at No. 6 Washington Street, Portland, Or.
Morning Oregonian, Portland, March 20, 1885, page 2


Census date: Apr 1885
Name: Geo H Chick
Residence: Seattle Ward 2, Washington
Birth location: Maine
Marital status: Married
Occupation: Real Estate
Household members:
Geo. H. Chick, 36
F. M. Chick, age 35, housewife, born in Maine
Guy H. Chick, 16, male, born in California
R. A. Chick, 12, male, born in California
M. Chick, 6, male, born in California
Washington State and Territorial Census


    George H. Chick, a Portland real estate agent representing a large amount of capital, was here this week negotiating for the purchase of the Schumpf quartz ledge near Willow Springs, and terms have been agreed upon whereby the former agrees to put up a ten-stamp mill at once to crush the ore now on the dump. The purchasing parties say the regular run of rock assays $22 per ton and they look for big returns.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, April 4, 1885, page 3


    Geo. H. Chick of Portland paid the Schumpf ledge in Willow Springs precinct a visit during the week. He speaks in flattering terms of the future of that mine, and thinks it can be sold for a round sum.
"Oregon," Mining and Scientific Press, San Francisco, April 11, 1885, page 241


    Geo. H. Chick, of Portland, a quartz expert, has been in town on business. He speaks quite favorably of the Schumpf and other ledges.
"Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 17, 1885, page 3


    Geo. H. Chick, of Portland, the well-known mining expert, having leased the Morse & Jacobs quartz mill at Henley, Cal., is now prepared to test gold and silver ores with his process, and guarantees to work any ore in this county to 85 percent of fire assay. Miners should read his advertisement elsewhere.
"Oregon," Mining and Scientific Press, San Francisco, May 30, 1885, page 353


    Geo. H. Chick, who is operating the Jacobs quartz mill, near Henley, under his new process of extracting the gold from stubborn ores, reports the mill running successfully and yielding satisfactory results. He was in town a day or two this week, and informs us that he intends to have one of the mills put up at Jacksonville within 60 days, on land offered for the purpose by J. A. Cardwell.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, June 5, 1885, page 3


    By addressing Geo. H. Chick at Henley, Cal., you can arrange for the crushing of any amount of quartz, thereby giving it a practical test--more than an assay usually amounts to.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, June 6, 1885, page 3


    Geo. H. Chick, who is operating one of his quartz mills near Henley, Cal., reports that he is meeting with considerable success in reducing refractory ores. He talks of putting up one of them in Jacksonville.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 12, 1885, page 3


    The Enterprise Mining Co. of this place this week sent a quantity of rock from their mine to Henley, Cal., where George H. Chick will give it a mill test. The owners of this time still have faith in its paying qualities, and the present mode of procedure will show what there is in the rock.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, October 10, 1885, page 3


    The project of putting up a quartz mill at Medford has been abandoned, and Mr. Chick proposes putting it up in this vicinity, if he can get enough inducements. A mill would be of vast benefit to Jacksonville in more ways than one.
    What this section needs more than anything else is a first-class quartz mill to work the ores of the ledges already discovered, many of which will pay well. Everything possible should be done to get one, for there is no calculating the benefit it will be. There is no doubt but what we have good quartz in Jackson and Josephine counties, but we must prove it before we can expect any amount of foreign capital to be invested here.
"Mining News," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 16, 1885, page 3


    Geo. H. Chick now proposes to put a quartz mill at Medford, it is reported.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, October 16, 1885, page 3


    Geo. H. Chick and his engineer are in the valley, and submitted a scheme to the citizens of Medford to put up a quartz mill, which is now in Siskiyou County, at that place, providing they would furnish him the necessary land and also purchase the five-eighths interest in said mill owned in California. A public meeting was held Tuesday evening to consider the matter, and Mr. C. informs us that his proposition was accepted. The mill will be brought over at once.
"Oregon," Mining and Scientific Press, San Francisco, October 17, 1885, page 265


    It seems as if the people of Medford have accepted Geo. H. Chick's proposition to bring his quartz mill to this county, and a committee has gone to Siskiyou to inspect the situation and probably bring the machinery over.
    Somebody seems to be throwing cold water on the different projects which have been conceived to bring a quartz mill to Jacksonville. We are very sorry to see this, as there is no calculating the benefit such an enterprise would be.
"Mining News," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 23, 1885, page 3


    J. W. Baker has purchased Robt. H. Dean's interest in the Willow Springs mines. A quantity of ore has been sent to Chick & Co.'s mill in Siskiyou County, Cal., for testing.… A meeting was held at the town hall this week to consider Geo. H. Chick's proposition to put his mill here. No definite arrangements were made, but maybe hereafter.… The project of putting up a quartz mill at Medford has been abandoned, and Mr. Chick proposes putting it up in this vicinity, if he can get enough inducements. A mill would be of vast benefit to Jacksonville in more ways than one.… What this section needs more than anything else is a first-class quartz mill to work the ores of the ledges already discovered, many of which will pay well. Everything possible should be done to get one, for there is no calculating the benefit it will be. There is no doubt but what we have good quartz in Jackson and Josephine counties, but we must prove it before we can expect any amount of foreign capital to be invested here.
"Oregon," Mining and Scientific Press, San Francisco, October 24, 1885, page 281


    Geo. H. Chick is preparing to put up a quartz-crushing machine in Medford, the object being to attract thither for test the quartz from various ledges in the county now being prospected. The site chosen for the mill is near the railroad track a short distance south of the depot. A number of citizens of Medford "put up" for the enterprise.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, October 30, 1885, page 3


    A correspondent of the Tuolumne Independent says: The great unknown quantity in gold quartz mines is the value of the sulphurets, and the number of companies who have been ruined by them is very large. They are often fair to look upon, but as often prove deceptive--
"Like Dead Sea fruits that tempt the eye,
But turn to ashes on the lips."
    They are of many kinds and colors. Some are docile, some are rebellious. The sulphurets found in gold quartz mines are chemical compounds of sulphur with iron, lead, zinc, copper, arsenic and antimony. The common pyrites, or sulphurets, are composed of iron and sulphur. Galena is composed of lead and sulphur. Zinc blende, or blackjack, is zinc and sulphur, with a little iron and lead, generally. The brassy-looking pyrites, which are technically called chalcopyrite, are composed of iron, copper and sulphur; and, other kinds of sulphurets are composed of one or more of the metals mentioned above and sulphur.
    When much lead, zinc, arsenic and antimony are present, the sulphurets are called base or refractory, and are very troublesome, requiring roasting as a preliminary step and the use of chemicals in the subsequent grinding processes. The gold which occurs in sulphurets is held there mechanically, and is not chemically combined, like the other elements, and is held just the same as the gold in the quartz, with the exception that the sulphuret gold is smaller and lighter. It can be set free from the pyritic matter containing it either by dissolving the pyrites with acids, or, in the chlorination process, by chlorine gas, which dissolves the gold, or by roasting or burning them, thus driving off all the sulphur, arsenic, antimony or zinc that may be present, and brightening the gold and leaving it in good condition to amalgamate in pans or arrastras; or, lastly, by grinding the sulphurets raw, in pans or arrastras, with quicksilver. Which one of these processes any mine needs has to be determined by the value per ton of the sulphurets, and by the docility of their rebelliousness.
    Some mines produce sulphurets which yield their gold when worked raw, by a grinding process; others hold the gold closer and require chemicals, or else roasting. The problem is how to get the most profit out of them; for, while the chemical processes yield a better percentage of the assay value per ton, they are so expensive that they will not pay as much profit as the cheaper processes, which do not yield as high a percentage of the assay value, and the tendency of the times is now toward the cheaper, or grinding process. In cases where they are base, a preliminary roasting is necessary.
    Pyrites, or sulphurets, are spotted, just as quartz is. Some are rich, some are poor, in the same ore, and no one can tell rich from poor; and anyone who pretends to do so either deceives himself or is a humbug. "A man may smile and smile, and yet be a villain"; and so can the bright shining sulphurets be of no value, or the dark, gloomy ores be rich. The only way to test them is by fire assay, or by roasting them and panning out; and here is where many people are deceived, for they are inclined to think their sulphurets all alike, and if one chute or chimney of ore contains rich sulphurets all their other chutes are likewise rich, which may or may not be the case, and it can be laid down as a rule, the sulphurets want as careful prospecting as the quartz before any correct value can be found.
    About as uncertain as the sulphurets themselves, and often as stubborn and rebellious, is the sulphuret sharp--the man who has a process or processes to get more gold out of sulphurets than is in them. He is a man with a hobby, and often with a crank, as well, and is always finding some wonderful process which turns out to be found, proved, tried everything but true or useful. Processes which look well on paper, or work well on a small scale, fail when tried commercially or practically. They are sound in theory, but ruinous when used practically. Every few years a new sharp finds the true process, and the mining world goes wild over the man who has found the great secret, but somehow or other he fizzles out, and we all go back to first principles, until another new sulphuret meteor flashes across our horizon, and then we all are agog with renewed excitement until he flashes out of sight again.
    Simplicity and cheap handling of sulphurets is what we are tending to, and the simple processes, which do not yield as high a percentage of the sulphurets, yield a better net profit to the miners than the costlier processes, which have a larger percentage of gold. The sooner the whole matter is robbed of the air of mystery that surrounds it the better. To hear one of these deeply, darkly mysterious sulphuret men talk reminds one of the days of alchemy, and carries us back down the centuries to the age of superstition--to the time of magic elixirs of life, and the philosopher's stone, and the humbuggery of the ancient magicians. Let us look at mining in the full daylight of modern science and practical business, and have no more humbug mystery, worthy only the dark ages and the childhood of mining. Let us return to the blanket sluice for a concentrator, and work the blanket tailings in a pan or arrastra, raw, if they are docile, or roast them, as a preliminary, if they are base, and be content with the result; for by striving to get the last cent out of the sulphurets we lose rather than gain. The great army of concentrator and sulphuret sharps, who have afflicted this coast, have caused the loss of millions of dollars with their newfangled plans and experiments, and want to be sent to pot to await the coming of their brothers--the mischievous, gay, deceiving patent quartz mill men--who are now reaping the harvest of the mining greenhorns, which the concentrator and sulphuret men used to look on as theirs. Ruin follows in the wake of all these mining humbugs, and almost every quartz mill, from San Diego to Alaska, shows some of the marks of these new processes and machines which generally get more gold out of the miner's pocket than out of the sulphurets--S.F. Mining and Scientific Press.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, November 7, 1885, page 2.  The Sentinel apparently chose to reprint this article as a warning about Chick.


    Geo. H. Chick writes to Jas. A. Wilson of this place that he has arrived at Medford from Siskiyou County, Cal., with the quartz mill he disposed of to the citizens of that place, and that it will be in operation in a few days.
"Mining News," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 13, 1885, page 3


    The Chick quartz mill at Medford is ready for business.
    Walsh & Bragdon will send some of the quartz from their Wagner Creek mines to Medford for trial
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, November 13, 1885, page 3


    The Medford Reduction Works are now in running order and are testing ore from different mines.
    Considerable prospecting is still being done in different portions of Jackson and Josephine counties. When the quartz mills at Jacksonville and Medford are in operations, there will be much more inducement to prospect for quartz.
    Our citizens are subscribing liberally toward the $2,000 bonus that is required to induce Brown & Co. to bring a quartz mill here. In case that sum is raised, first-class machinery of the most improved kind, and valued at $8,000, will be put up at this place or in the immediate vicinity. It is to be hoped that we will not allow another golden opportunity to slip by.
"Mining News," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 20, 1885, page 3


    The quartz mill began operations yesterday. Quite a large amount of ore has already been shipped for crushing.
"Medford Brevities," Ashland Tidings, November 20, 1885, page 3


    The Chick quartz mill at Medford is about ready to commence crushing rock.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, November 21, 1885, page 3




    The Medford reduction works are in operation.
"Southern Oregon Mines," Morning Oregonian, Portland, December 3, 1885, page 3


    Geo. H. Chick of the Medford Reduction Works was in town Saturday. He informs us that he made assays of ore from the Wagner Creek and other quartz mines, which resulted quite favorably.
    Since it has become a settled fact that a fine quartz mill will be put up in this place, a great deal more prospecting is being done. Work has been commenced on a number of ledges which have been lying dormant for many years.
    Attention is called to the advertisement of the Medford Reduction Works, which are now prepared to test all kinds of ores and make assays promptly; also to reduce any quantity of them and save a considerable percentage of the valuable minerals they contain. Mr. Chick, the superintendent, guarantees satisfaction.
"Mining News," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 4, 1885, page 3


Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 4, 1885 et seq., page 3




    The new quartz mill at Medford is now in working order and has commenced crushing rock. Geo. H. Chick is in charge.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, December 5, 1885, page 3


    The capacity of the Medford quartz reduction works is to be increased to ten tons per day.
    A large quantity of quartz rock from the Walsh & Bragdon mines on Wagner Creek was shipped to the Medford reduction works this week.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, December 18, 1885, page 3


    A special train bearing Receiver Koehler, Superintendent Brandt and Vice-President W. W. Bretherton arrived in Medford Tuesday morning for the purpose of visiting the Medford Reduction Works, under the management of Mr. George H. Chick. The object of the visit was to learn the capacity of the mill and to offer encouragement to the stockholders and miners in the way of switches at different points on the road, and reduced freight rates on the ore.
    Mr. Chick has practically demonstrated to the stockholders that he can reduce rebellious ores and extract the precious metals, if any, from them. Sufficient paying ore to run a ten-stamp mill is ready. Let us have the stamps. We hope the citizens of Medford who have means will not allow this opportunity to slip by. It is an industry of all others that needs encouragement and support, at least until it is placed upon a paying basis.
Morning Oregonian, Portland, December 20, 1885, page 7


    Ten tons of ore from the Wagner Creek quartz mines were shipped to Medford yesterday for reduction.
    Money has been raised to purchase stamps for the Medford Reduction Works, and it is expected to have a capacity of ten tons every 24 hours.
    Fourteen hundred pounds of ore from the Wagner Creek quartz mines were tested at the Medford Reduction Works last week and a gold brick worth over $60 was the result, we are informed. Considerable excitement exists in that section in consequence.
"Mining News," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 27, 1885, page 3


    Prospecting is being actively prosecuted in the Wagner Creek district, and it is claimed that a ledge has been traced from the Walsh & Bragdon mines for a number of miles toward the backbone of the Siskiyous. The flattering returns from the rock shipped by Walsh & Bragdon to the Medford Reduction Works started a number of Medford people out to secure locations, and a large number of claims have been made.
    Walsh & Bragdon have shipped twenty-six tons of tailings from the old stamp mill to Medford. Operations upon the prospect shaft of their Pilgrim mine also continue, under the direction of Mr. Parsons.
    The new machinery which will increase the capacity of the Medford Reduction Works to ten tons per day was shipped from San Francisco on the 26th ult., and is expected to arrive at Medford next week.
    In the Blackwell district in Willow Springs precinct, seven or eight claims have been "located" within a short time by the Medford men. A switch is to be laid by the railroad company at the most convenient point, and rock will be shipped to Medford in considerable quantities from mines in which work is already under way. McAndrews & Slagle are taking out 100 tons for this purpose, and Ragsdale & Co. are also preparing to ship a large quantity.
"Mining News," Ashland Tidings, January 1, 1886, page 3


Chick Geo H, assayer
Medford Reduction Works Co, Geo H Chick, H E Baker, L Seeley, C S Jenkins proprs
McKenney's Pacific Coast Directory 1886-1887, page 1023


    Medford has turned out "locators" enough to plaster mining claims all over the Wagner Creek hills.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, January 2, 1886, page 3


    Prospecting is being actively prosecuted in the Wagner Creek district, and it is claimed that a ledge has been traced from the Walsh & Bragdon mines for a number of miles toward the backbone of the Siskiyous. The flattering returns from the rock shipped by Walsh & Bragdon to the Medford reduction works started a number of Medford people out to secure locations, and a large number of claims have been made.
    Walsh & Bragdon have shipped twenty-six tons of tailings from the old stamp mill to Medford. Operations upon the prospect shaft of their Pilgrim mine also continue, under the direction of Mr. Parsons.
    The new machinery, which will increase the capacity of the Medford reduction works to ten tons per day, was shipped from San Francisco on the 26th ult., and is expected to arrive at Medford next week.
    In the Blackwell district in Willow Springs precinct, seven or eight claims have been "located" within a short time by the Medford men. A switch is to be laid by the railroad company at the most convenient point, and rock will be shipped to Medford in considerable quantities from mines in which work is already under way. McAndrews & Slagle are taking out 100 tons for this purpose, and Ragsdale & Co. are also preparing to ship a large quantity.
    M. E. Beatty, a "mining expert" recently from Colorado, and G. W. Howard, of Medford, have located a claim on an extension of the ledge upon which the Cunninghams and Barkdull have recently made such a strike in the Gold Hill district.
"Mining News," Ashland Tidings, January 2, 1886, page 3


    Money has been raised to purchase stamps for the Medford reduction works, and it is expected to have a capacity of ten tons every 24 hours.
"Oregon," Mining and Scientific Press, San Francisco, January 2, 1886, page 13


FRI. 8.         Weather, Slight frost
    Teams hauling Hay to Mill and lumber away, also hauling quartz to Talent to ship to Medford to be reduced to bullion and thence to coin, but I have not seen any of the Coin as yet.
Diary of Welborn Beeson, January 8, 1886


    There are about four tons daily of gold quartz being delivered at Talent station for shipment to the Medford Reduction Works.
"Talent Items," Ashland Tidings, January 8, 1886, page 3


    The Medford quartz mill is to be enlarged.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 9, 1886, page 3


    The Medford Reduction Works started their stamps Friday. These works can treat ten tons per day, and have had an offer to contract one year's work ahead from one mine, but refuse to contract, as it would go against the development of other mines.
Excerpt, "Southern Oregon Mines," Morning Oregonian, Portland, January 14, 1886, page 5


    Tom Reynolds informs us that he brought up in Wells, Fargo & Co.'s express car on yesterday's train the concentrator for the Medford quartz mill. It was a healthy express package, weighing over 1800 lbs.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, January 15, 1886, page 3


    The improved machinery for the quartz mill at this place arrived on last week's freight and work was resumed the first of this week.
    There is a great excitement here over the quartz discoveries at Gold Hill. Some very rich ledges have already been found. M. E. Beatty located a ledge recently that assays over $900 to the ton. Ragsdale & Co. are engaged in opening the "consolidated mine," which promises to be a very rich ledge, and that section has begun to assume the appearance of "the days of '49."   
"Medford Brevities," Ashland Tidings, January 15, 1886, page 3


    Walsh & Bragdon have had 26 tons of tailings from their claim on Wagner Creek shipped to Medford for reduction.… It is said that the machinery necessary to make the Medford quartz mill a ten-stamp one has been shipped from San Francisco, and will soon arrive. 
"Oregon," Mining and Scientific Press, San Francisco, January 16, 1886, page 45


    The stamps for the new reduction works at Medford have arrived and are being put in place.
"News of the Northwest," Morning Oregonian, Portland, January 17, 1886, page 8


    There are about four tons daily of gold quartz being delivered at Talent station for shipment to the Medford Reduction Works.
"Talent Items," Ashland Tidings, January 18, 1886, page 3



    The reduction works at Medford have been started up again, after a suspension of some time to permit the putting in of five stamps, a new concentrator and other machinery. Supt. Chick assures us that the best of work will be done henceforth.
"Mining News," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 22, 1886, page 2


    The Medford Reduction Works received ten carloads of wood from Grants Pass last week.
    The quartz mill is now running on full time and is crushing ten tons of ore per day.
Ashland Tidings, January 22, 1886, page 3


    The quartz mill is now running on full time and is crushing ten tons of ore per day.
"Medford Brevities," Ashland Tidings, January 22, 1886, page 3


    D. P. Thompson and other Portland capitalists are about starting reduction works at the metropolis on a large scale. Messrs. Koehler and Brandt of the O.&C.R.R., who paid this section a visit recently, seem to be satisfied that Southern Oregon will prove one of its very best customers. [Apparently Chick wasn't associated with the Portland venture.]
"Mining News," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 22, 1886, page 2




    The quartz mill is working well and is crushing a considerable quantity of ore.
    The last freight train brought 75 cords of wood for the reduction works here from Grants Pass, and still there is an abundance of excellent wood within a few miles of this place.
"Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 29, 1886, page 3


    Fred Grob of this place will send a ton of quartz from his mine to Medford next week to give it a mill test. He has a large lot of rock on the dump, all of which prospects well.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 30, 1886, page 3


    The reduction works at Medford have been started up again, after a suspension of some time to permit the putting in of five stamps, a new concentrator and other machinery. Supt. Chick assures us that the best of work will be done henceforth. 
"Oregon," Mining and Scientific Press, San Francisco, January 30, 1886, page 86


    The Medford quartz mill is now running on full time and is crushing ten tons of ore per day.
"Southern Oregon Mines," Morning Oregonian, Portland, February 3, 1886, page 4


    Geo. H. Chick had the misfortune to cut his wrist quite severely with a chisel one day last week. It is a painful, though not serious, wound.
"Medford Brevities," Ashland Tidings, February 5, 1886, page 3


    The Medford Reduction Works has been using wood shipped on the railroad from Grants Pass.
    The quartz mill belonging to Morris & Jacobs, put up by Geo. H. Chick at Vacent's [Vincent's?], near mouth of Indian Creek, Siskiyou County, has been taken down and will be moved to Humbug, to be used at some good-paying ledges lately discovered at that place.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, February 5, 1886, page 3


    A new engine will be added to the quartz mill in a few days, and it will then be able to crush more ore than it has heretofore.
    Geo. H. Chick had the misfortune to cut his wrist quite severely with a chisel one day last week. It is a painful, though not serious, wound.
"Medford Brevities," Ashland Tidings, February 5, 1886, page 3


    Thirty tons of tailings from Wagner Creek mines were worked on at the Medford mill last week and $1,200 taken.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 6, 1886, page 3


    The report in the Medford Monitor that thirty tons of the tailings from the old quartz mill on Wagner Creek had yielded $1200 at the Medford Reduction Works was entirely erroneous.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, February 12, 1886, page 3


    Geo. H. Chick, of the Medford quartz mill, was in town Tuesday, and displayed some very rich rock from the strike in the Gold Hill district, reported some time ago.
"Personal," Ashland Tidings, February 19, 1886, page 3


    A short time ago Ragsdale & Co., who own quartz mining property in Willow Springs precinct, published a card in the Jacksonville paper stating that they had selected a sackful of average ore from one of their mines and had it tested at the Medford Reduction Works. The returns given them by Mr. Chick indicated a yield of $53.18 per ton in gold and silver. They they sent tons of rock from the same mine to the reduction works, and received from Chick only $3 per ton, from which experience they deduced and announced the opinion that either Chick had given a false report at first, or else he cannot extract gold from sulphurets, as he claims to, or he pocketed part of the proceeds of the rock. Chick last week began a damage suit for libel against Ragsdale & Co., claiming the modest little sum of $20,000 for the injury to his valuable reputation.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, April 2, 1886, page 3


    Geo. Chick, Sup't. of the Medford Reduction Works, brought suit today against C. C. and J. F. Ragsdale for the sum of $20,000. This is a small sum, considering the offense, even if Mr. Chick succeeds in compelling Messrs. Ragsdale to pay the full amount.--Monitor.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, April 3, 1886, page 3


    George Chick, superintendent of the Medford Reduction Works, has brought suit against C. C. and J. F. Ragsdale for the sum of $20,000. The suit is for damages, claimed from the latter for the publication of an article accusing the Medford Reduction Works of embezzling a portion of the gold ore brought there for reduction.
"News of the Northwest," Morning Oregonian, Portland, April 4, 1886, page 6


    Some quartz is being hauled to Medford from George Schumpf's mine to give it a further test.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, April 10, 1886, page 3


Grants Pass Courier, April 9 through May 28, 1886, page 2


    The following proceedings have taken place in this court since the last issue of the Sentinel:
    Geo. H. Chick vs. C. C. and J. F. Ragsdale; action for damages. On trial.
Excerpt, "Circuit Court Proceedings," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 15, 1886, page 2


    The Medford Reduction Works are making a run on ore from the New Discovery mine, which promises well.
"Oregon," Mining and Scientific Press, San Francisco, June 5, 1886, page 373


    The reduction works at Medford are working ores from different sections of the state. These works, under the management of Geo. H. Chick, are proving very successful.
"Jackson County News," Grants Pass Courier, June 18, 1886, page 3


    J. W. Walsh has leased the Medford quartz mill and moved it to the Hope ledge on Wagner Creek, owned by himself, H. T. Bragdon and others, and will have it running upon rock from that ledge within a few days. It is understood that Mr. Walsh will buy the mill if it is found to answer his purpose.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, July 23, 1886, page 3


    The Chick quartz mill, which was moved over to Wagner Creek from Medford, began running Wednesday morning on rock from the Hope ledge.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, August 6, 1886, page 3


    Geo. H. Chick, formerly of the Medford quartz mill, is now operating in Siskiyou County.
"Here and There," Ashland Tidings, September 17, 1886, page 3


    G. H. Chick vs. C. C. and J. F. Ragsdale, action for damages. H. K. Hanna allowed to withdraw as attorney for plaintiff.
"Circuit Court Proceedings," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 8, 1886, page 2


    Geo. H. Chick vs. C. C. and J. F. Ragsdale; action for damages. Continued for term.
"Circuit Court Proceedings," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, October 16, 1886, page 3


    In 1885 a Mr. Chick built a small but very complete test mill at Medford, a station on the Oregon & California Railroad, favorably located for access to the quartz claims of Jackson County. Its operations were probably not very successful. The mill was propelled by steam, and the machinery consisted of a five-stamp battery with 500-pound stamps, a concentrating device, tanks and two amalgamating pans of small capacity. Operations ceasing at the mill, the little battery has been removed to the Pilgrim Ledge, on Wagner Creek, where it is in active use.
Excerpt, "Our Mines," Morning Oregonian, Portland, November 11, 1886, page 3


Ashland Tidings, December 3, 1886, page 1   The article ran in the Journal's November 24 issue. I found no further mention of Chick in the Journal before or after December 3.


    George H. Chick, a mining expert, formerly a resident of this city, now of Yreka, Cala., has invented a silver plate for apron to battery of quartz mill, with metallic chambers that causes the plate to attract gold and silver as a magnet will attract iron. Sulphurets and iron will pass over the plate without adhering to it. The metallic chambers can be attached to old plates with the same result, and cause no loss to those having them. Below this plate are a set of silver-plated pocket riffles, with pockets for quicksilver and amalgam, which is kept in active motion by water passing through perforated pipes. Quicksilver or amalgam cannot pass the riffles, no matter how great the pressure of water. This invention is also valuable for placer mining as well as quartz mining. The Yreka Journal speaks highly of the new invention.
Morning Oregonian, Portland, December 11, 1886, page 2


    The mining property of J. W. Walsh and wife, situated on Wagner Creek, has been attached by G. H. Baker of Medford, who sold them the quartz mill formerly used by the Medford reduction works.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 24, 1886, page 3


    Geo. H. Chick is down at Redding proposing to put up one of his patent furnaces for the working of rebellious ores, the Press says. He doesn't seem to plant his works very firmly in any one locality.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, December 24, 1886, page 3


    The mining property of J. W. Walsh and wife, on Wagner Creek, has been attached by G. H. Baker of Medford, who sold them the quartz mill formerly used by the Medford Reduction Works.
"Here and There," Ashland Tidings, December 31, 1886, page 3




    For the purpose of inaugurating the industry of the treatment of ores in this city, a number of our wealthy men incorporated, August 17, 1886, the Portland Reduction Works, for the sampling, assaying, smelting and refining of gold, silver and lead ores. The officers are: W. S. Ladd, president; W. A. Jones, vice president; James Steel, treasurer; J. M. Arthur, secretary. The company has erected a smelter in East Portland, with a capacity of twelve hundred tons per month. New stacks will be erected as rapidly as the supply of ore procurable will justify. A refinery will be constructed during the present year. All the works are substantially constructed, and all the appointments are such as to insure the best possible results in the treatment of ores. For smelting, the company guarantees ninety percent of lead contents and ninety-five percent of silver. In order to promote the development of ore supplies, the company will make no charge for sampling and assaying lots of not less than one hundred pounds, the freight upon which has been prepaid. Smelting charges will be moderate, and returns made promptly, based upon current New York prices. Ore will be sampled and assayed in lots of from three to ten tons, at $2.50 per ton; from one to three tons, at $4.00 per ton; lots of less than one ton, $6.00. Each lot of ore is run through an automatic sampling machine, which insures an average assay of the whole.
    The problem of smelting is a complicated one, owing to the wide divergence in the character of the ores to be smelted. In ores from different ledges, the number and proportionate quantity of baser metals present vary so widely that the services of an expert chemist and metallurgist are constantly required. It was a want of appreciation of this fact, which, in the early days of quartz mining, caused so many disastrous failures, and for a long time caused quartz mining to be looked upon with disfavor. So many were these failures that the effort to develop a quartz lode was considered a gambling enterprise, where success meant riches and failure ruin. The truth of the matter is that quartz mining and reduction of ores is a question of science and not of luck. Ignorance has sunk millions of dollars in this business, and intelligent skill has taken millions more out of it. The great element of uncertainty in mining is the original prospecting of a ledge to ascertain the nature, extent and permanence of its ore. Science may be able to offer a good opinion of the value of a quartz ledge by an examination of the outcroppings; but this opinion is by no means infallible, and nothing but the actual sinking of a shaft and the running of tunnels on the ledge can definitely settle the question. Since this fact has been learned, there have been fewer failures in quartz mining, since the erection of mills to treat the ores of a particular ledge is now delayed until the exact nature and extent of those ores is ascertained. In other words, mining is now conducted on as conservative and careful business principles as any other industry.
    The process of smelting is required for the reduction of base ores, those containing an admixture of a number of the minor metals. For this reason, as the necessary facilities for such a treatment of ores can not be had in the mining districts as cheaply as in such a commercial center as Portland, the operation of smelters here, where various grades of ore, from widely separated districts, may be brought together for treatment, can be made a very profitable business. Smelting involves the fusing of the ores into a molten mass, composed of the melted metal on the one hand, and a fusible slag on the other. The former is drawn off and cast into bullion bars, while the latter is waste, and is used for filling in low lands in the vicinity of the works. The process depends upon the formation of the slag from the base material associated with the metals. When ores do not themselves possess the necessary constituents, these ingredients, such as limestone, iron, etc., must be added, as a flux, to produce the desired result. For this purpose, the company can draw upon the limestone quarries of Southern Oregon and Puget Sound, and can procure the iron ores required at Oswego, but a few miles from the works. Enormous quantities of fuel, such as coke and charcoal, are required. The former is brought from Cardiff, Wales, and from Puget Sound. Charcoal, which the company will use for the present, can be burned at many points along the lines of railway convenient for shipment to the works. In the matter of fuel of this character, a smelter here has a great advantage over one located in a region not possessing such a wealth of timber as covers our hills and mountains.
Excerpt, The West Shore, January 1887, page 63.  Chick was apparently not associated with this incarnation of the Portland Reduction Works.






    At a meeting of the stockholders of the Redding Reduction Works held at their office last Thursday evening, the following officers were elected for the present year: President, S. P. Fillman; vice-president, J. H. Miller; treasurer, R. M. Saeltzer; secretary, W. R. Conant. At a meeting of the directors held the same evening, Geo. H. Chick was appointed superintendent and general manager for the year 1887. This company has a capital stock of one million dollars, divided in one hundred thousand shares, par value ten dollars per share, all of which is paid up. The object of the company is to buy sulphuret ore, and to build plants upon all mines working under the Chick patent rights for the State of California.--California Exchange.
"Mining News," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 18, 1887, page 2


    Superintendent Chick of the new reduction works reports that, in consequence of the great demand to have ore worked, he has been compelled to increase the plant to double its former capacity, and for the present to restrict shipments. Another furnace is being erected, and the railroad company have promised to put in a sidetrack for the works.
"Mining Notes," Republican Free Press, Redding, California, February 19, 1887, page 3


    Geo. H. Chick, formerly of Medford, but now superintendent of the Redding Reduction Works, will shortly launch a new mining journal, which is to be devoted to the interests of northern California. There is room for such a paper if Mr. Chick makes it a reliable authority on mines. Ten thousand copies will be issued monthly for free distribution.
"Mining News," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 11, 1887, page 2


    George H. Chick's new mining journal was issued yesterday. It is devoted entirely to our mining resources, and is a creditable sheet. The large number of 10,000 copies will advertise this county considerably.
Republican Free Press, Redding, California, March 12, 1887, page 2


    Geo. H. Chick went to San Francisco last Sunday to superintend the shipping of the new machinery required for increasing the capacity of the new reduction works, the last piece of which is now on the way. He returned on Thursday.
"Mining Notes," Republican Free Press, Redding, California, March 12, 1887, page 3


    NEW PAPER.--The Redding Mining Journal is the name of a monthly publication, the first issue of which has just appeared, and which paper is to be devoted to the mining interests of Northern California and Southern Oregon. Its owner and publisher is George H. Chick, and its editor J. W. Malone. The paper has four pages of five columns each, and the initial number presents a healthful and promising appearance.
Sacramento Daily Union, March 15, 1887, page 2


    We have received the first number of the Redding Mining Journal, issued by Geo. H. Chick, formerly of this county, which announces that it will be devoted to the mining interests of northern California and southern Oregon. It claims a circulation of 10,000 and is well filled with news.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 18, 1887, page 3


    The libel suit brought by G. H. Chick against J. F. Ragsdale for $20,000 was dismissed on Wednesday last, with costs on plaintiff.
    The suit of Chick vs. Ragsdale, instituted for damages done by the latter to the reputation of the former, has been dismissed at the plaintiff's cost. That Mr. Chick had a reputation here no one will for a moment deny, but just how that reputation could be injured by Mr. Ragsdale or anyone else we cannot conceive. Perhaps Mr. Chick desired money with which to gain a new and better one. We hope so at least.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, March 19, 1887, page 3


    The Redding Reduction Works have been running night and day upon ore from various mines. One lot from Litten & Bennett's mine, Igo, yielded splendid results. Ore has also been worked from Butterfield & Griffith's ledge on Olney Creek; fifty tons from the Texas and Georgia, Old Diggings; ore from Scroggins' mine, Round Mountain; and ore furnished by Jos. Gage from Salt Creek. The process seems to be the correct one for all kinds of ore, and the cheapness of working is really remarkable.
"Mining Notes," Republican Free Press, Redding, California, March 19, 1887, page 3


    The case of Chick vs. Ragsdale was dismissed in the circuit court last week at plaintiff's cost. Mr. Ragsdale criticized Chick's management of the Medford Reduction Works in caustic but correct terms, in an article in the Times [now lost] during the forepart of 1886, and the latter--more for effect than for anything else--instituted a libel suit against them. After due meditation Chick probably came to the conclusion that there was more truth than poetry in what his accusers said, and wisely allowed his case to drop. Messrs. Ragsdale are among our best citizens and are always ready to maintain what they say.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 25, 1887, page 3


    The new furnace at the Redding Reduction Works is working like a charm, and is kept at work night and day. Between three and four o'clock Friday morning, directly after the fire at the sawmill, John Cymbell, who was on the night shift, observed several men prowling around the works in a very suspicious manner and warned them off. Are fire fiends abroad? The mill will start up next Monday, and not stop night or day unless for repairs. Everything is now fixed in good working order, and the finishing and touches are being put on today.
"Mining Notes," Republican Free Press, Redding, California, March 26, 1887, page 3


    At the Redding Reduction Works a very busy scene is presented. They are engaging in working ores from different points, and teams are hauling from the Texas and George mine in Old Diggings. The chief advantage of Mr. Chick's patent process seems to be speed and economy. The first enables him to reduce ores at a small price per ton and the latter enables him to save every particle of gold. The system seems to be perfect, and we are satisfied that these works are already a success.
"Mining Notes," Republican Free Press, Redding, California, April 2, 1887, page 3


    The Redding Reduction Works, says the Journal, are now running day and night under the management of our old friend, Geo. H. Chick, who assays ores at eastern prices, and also buys ores and sulphurets. With a branch railroad to town, and special rates charged for shipping quartz, sulphurets and tailings, it would no doubt pay well to send them to Redding. The railroad route is from 8 to 12 or 15 miles from any of our quartz ledges except those at Henley and vicinity.
"Mining Notes," Republican Free Press, Redding, California, April 9, 1887, page 3   I was unable to find any further mention of Chick or the Redding works in the Free Press.


    The first session of the Women's Christian Temperance Union of Western Washington met in the Congregational Church, June 21, 1887, and was called to order by Mrs. A. M. Weed, president of the local union. Prominent in the exercises were the following ladies of Seattle: Mrs. A. M. Weed, Mrs. Hanson, Mrs. Peterson, Mrs. Olander, Mrs. Parkhurst, Miss Bertha D. Piper, Mrs. Greene, Mrs. Chick, Mrs. Guye, Mrs. Hill and Mrs. Reeves.
History of Seattle from the Earliest Settlement to the Present Time, Clarence Bagley, 1916


    Mr. Chick, of the Redding Reduction Works, is making quite an extended trip to San Francisco.
"Mining Stocks," Daily Alta California. San Francisco, July 2, 1887, page 2


    Geo. H. Chick, who has bilked nearly everybody having anything to do with him, is making himself quite scarce around Redding, the scene of his last magnificent (?) mining scheme. He left this county mourned by many confiding creditors, which seemed to be the case everywhere. Chick knows nothing about mining and is a fraud of the first water. We warn the public against him.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 26, 1887, page 3


    In the District Court of the Third Judicial District of Washington Territory; holding terms at Seattle, in the County of King, in and for the counties of King and Kitsap.
Florence Hyde Chick, Plaintiff,
    vs.
George H. Chick, Defendant.
    To the Honorable Richard A. Jones, Judge of said Court:
        The plaintiff, Florence Hyde Chick, avers:

    From the National City Record:  Ever since the establishment of the National City Sampling Works Superintendent George H. Chick is having a busy time of it. Consignments of ore arrive daily and the furnaces are kept going steadily.
    The richest rock handled so far came from San Bernardino county and panned out $720 to the ton. Among the other samples of worked ore, one lot from J. E. Thomas, San Diego county, gold and silver. $63.50 per ton; one lot from Mr. Jones, San Bernardino county, gold and silver, $72.90 per ton ; one lot from Mr. Ashenfelter, San Bernardino county, gold, $110 per ton, and two lots from B. Lake, Daggett, Cal., silver, $83.90, and gold, $78.50 per ton.
    The workmen engaged on the excavation for the foundation of the Reduction Works struck a narrow vein of black sand bearing gold last week. Superintendent Chick made an assay of some of it and found that it contained gold amounting to twenty-five dollars per ton. When the news spread that a gold mine had been discovered right inside the city limits, many hastened to the spot to secure claims, but after a flour sack full of sand had been gathered, the pocket proved to be exhausted and the whole find netted the discoverer only about six dollars.
Daily Alta California. San Francisco, September 24, 1888, page 2


    In answer to a question by Prof. Coffey, Mr. Kimball stated that the reduction works at National City would have a sufficient capacity to handle the ore and metal brought up from Mexico by the steamer. Mr. Chick was suggested as the most suitable person to send to the west coast of Mexico in the interest of the reduction works.
"Mexican Commerce," San Diego Union, September 30, 1888, page 1


    Superintendent Chick of the reduction works says that his sampling establishment is largely patronized by miners from San Bernardino County or from Lower California. On Saturday night he was visited at 10 o'clock by parties who desired some ore tested, and he now has more on hand than he can attend to with his present facilities. The machinery for the 20-ton establishment is expected in about two weeks, and the work on the large works is steadily progressing. Colonel Lucas, an Arizona man, largely interested in the establishment in this city, is expected to arrive here today.
"National City," San Diego Union, October 1, 1888, page 5


    REDUCTION WORKS.--National City Herald, Sept 27: The reduction works are forging right ahead, and are beginning to attract much attention throughout the country. Communications are being received by Superintendent Chick from all sections concerning ore shipments and when the works will be ready to make contracts. Large quantities of ore are being brought to the city from the mines for mill tests, which are being made daily. We are glad these works are going up, and wish they were twice the size they are, for there is more work in San Diego County than they can do.
"San Diego," Mining and Scientific Press, San Francisco, October 6, 1888, page 228


    Superintendent Chick of the reduction works has received word from San Francisco that the machinery for the 50-ton establishment will be shipped on the City of Puebla, which sails October 10. Mr. Chick states that the works will be in operation five days after the arrival of the machinery.
"National City," San Diego Union, October 7, 1888, page 3


    TEST OF ORE.--National City Register, Oct. 16: Superintendent Chick of the reduction works has been very busy during the past week making mill tests of ores sent from Arizona and the country immediately surrounding us. A surprising result was obtained from a piece of rock about a foot square, taken from a ledge not 30 miles from National. A trifle over $100 in gold was taken from it. Three tests were made from Arizona ore the other day that caused Supt. Chick to open his eyes in great surprise. The first lot milled $80, the second, $180, and the third brought forth the astounding lump of $9500 to the ton. This ore will be sent here as soon as the works are ready for business. Mr. Chick shows the bullion, but refuses to state to whom it belongs.
"San Diego," Mining and Scientific Press, San Francisco, October 27, 1888, page 280




    When S. S. Nowlin, B. F. Beall and R. B. Taylor returned from the Inyo County mines, they brought with them a quantity of ore from a new mine that they discovered while away, in San Bernardino County. The ore was left at the Colton reduction works, and Saturday afternoon Mr. Nowlin received from the gold works a brick 4½ inches long, 2¼ inches wide and 1⅛ inches thick, and weighing 3½ pounds. The brick contains with the gold some copper and silver, but Mr. Chick of the reduction works offered them $800 for it. They are very enthusiastic over the find, and this morning S. S. Nowlin, Dr. Nichols and A. B. Cox left by train for the mine, and Elmer Smith, C. E. Watson and another gentleman left for there overland, taking a good supply of provisions.
Riverside Daily Press and Tribune, June 10, 1889, page 3


    G. H. Chick, manager of the Colton Reduction Works, brought to this city today a gold brick which weighed ten pounds and deposited [it] with their treasurer, the Riverside Banking Company. It is the result of a recent reduction of ore.
"Local News," Riverside Daily Press and Tribune, June 14, 1889, page 3


    Yesterday, S. S. Nowlin of this city was appointed manager of the Colton Reduction Works, in place of G. H. Chick, resigned. This morning he had not decided as to whether he would accept the position or not.
"Local News," Riverside Daily Press and Tribune, June 20, 1889, page 3


    The Courier says: "It is rumored that the Colton Reduction Works are about to quit business. Chick, the former superintendent and manager, has left the country, having sold a bar of so-called silver or gold to the Riverside Banking Company which had his stamp on it, valued at $800. He secured $300 on the bar, stating that he would procure the balance when he returned. He then skipped out to San Francisco or elsewhere. The bank sent the bar away and found it to be worth about $50, having been made of various kinds of metal. The mining men of this county have been on to Chick for some time and never placed any faith in the works while he was at the head of it. The company now has no manager or superintendent."
"Local News," Riverside Daily Press and Tribune, June 27, 1889, page 3






    The charters for two new corporations were recently filed with the Secretary of State, the combined capital stock of which was placed at $15,500,000. The place of business is Kansas City, Kan., and the object is to smelt ores by a short method process recently discovered by George H. Chick, of California. The directors for each company are: David J. Brewer, Thomas R. Starns and Nelson F. Acers, of Leavenworth; George H. Chick, of San Francisco; John H. Krull, William H. Whiteside and Marvin R. King, of Kansas City, Mo.
The Kinsley Graphic, Kinsley, Kansas, October 4, 1889, page 2


    A revolution in the smelting process is promised by Mr. George S. [sic] Chick, of San Francisco, who says that he has got the biggest thing in the world of its kind. He hasn't yet revealed the secret of his process, but an experiment has worked so successfully that he has organized a company that will erect a $250,000 plant in Kansas City for the treatment of ores. Mr. Chick says that his process will work all refractory gold and silver ores without flux at a cost of three dollars per ton. If this is true we can at once discontinue the interesting discussion of the tariff on Mexican lead ores, for we can get along without them.--Las Vegas Optic.
Tombstone Epitaph, Tombstone, Arizona, October 8, 1889, page 3

To all whom it may concern:
   Be it known that I, George Horatio Chick, of Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Muffle-Furnaces for Desulphurizing Ores, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part hereof.
Excerpt, U.S. Patent Office. Application filed December 27, 1889