“Seizure of Oil Wells for Frauds on the Revenues”

Pithole, Pa., Nov. 17 – Within the past few days government officials have brought to light facts which show extensive frauds against the Internal Revenue department. Yesterday the officers seized wells Nos. 47, 54 and 76, three of the largest on the Thomas Holman farm. The government claims amount to $148,000, of which $88,000 is against the United States Petroleum Company. About $60,000 against a large operator here who is alleged, last night, to have made all his interests over to a second party. Government has notified the owners of the working interests in wells, not to deliver any more oil to the United States company until the claim of the government is paid. There is much excitement over the matter. It is feared that the bottom is not yet reached.

Manufacturers and Farmers Journal, November 20, 1865