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Show Famous Lode Not TJassied for Finder The Comstock lode at Virginia City was named for Henry Comstock, Com-stock, a man who did not discover discov-er it, and who would have been too lazy to work it if he had! In June, 1859, Peter O'Riley and Patrick McLaughlin discovered a rich lode, though neither one realized real-ized how valuable it was at the time. Old Henry Comstock was prowling around as usual, watching watch-ing others work, and immediately laid claim to the spot himself, insisting that he had already taken tak-en up claims there. The two Irishmen, however, were unimpressed. Comstock went away to find help and returned re-turned the next day with Manny Penrod, who cheerfully backed up Comstock's story. Pete and Pat probably knew the two claimants were liars, but the site was lonely and they didn't want to go to court. They agreed to give Comstock Com-stock and Penrod equal shares in the discovery. But there was plenty of silver and gold for all of them! |