Mineral Wells, Troy Square, 1904

The Mineral Well was driven in 1904 in the old Courthouse yard in the center of the Public Square to supply water for sprinkling the square.  After going a depth of 196 ft. the water was found to be high in iron and a specimen was sent to the government experiment station at Knoxville for analysis.  Iron, carbonates of lime, magnesia, soda and some lithia were found.  Physicians began to prescribe the water for patients with stomach, kidney and bladder troubles.

The man in the back with his hands on his hips may be Sheriff Taylor.

(redacted from a torn and tattered little booklet seemingly published in 1904 by J. W. Brandlty, Sec. Troy Realty and Improvement Co and or Carroll P. Wilson, Chairman of Committee on Publicity.)

That's the corner of the court house, but I don't know which side --- can someone identify the building in the backgournd.  It looks sort of like the hotel, but I can't justify the logistics.

When I was in High School the foundation for the well was still in place and the City had installed a drinking fountain connected to the City water system.  The foundation was in the general area of the southeast corner of the Square which would make the corner of the Court House in the picture the southeast corner with the Hotel in the background at the right.   
David B. Kersey

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