Oil and Gas

From "Lexington" by Mary Wilson and Sharon Y. Asher, published sometime after 1975.

DRILLING FOR OIL AND GAS

In the year 1820 a well was bored near Lexington by John Popkins with the expectation of finding oil. The well which was eight feet in diameter was dug to a depth of 125 feet. The well was abandoned at this point, having filled with very salty water.

Very recently, M. V. Getty of Lexington, hoping to find natural gas, reopened the well and discovered in it a 125 foot ladder well preserved and used 69 years ago.

A gas line was discovered in the rock bed of Town Creek below the Lexington community. Citizens hoped to use natural gas in their homes. It was, therefore, a great disappointment when the line was found to be too small. This line still exists to this day and will burn from two to three days if ignited.

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