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ALER'S HISTORY

OF

MARTINSBURGAND BERKELEY CO,, W.VA.

Court House, Martinsburg, Berkeley County.

ALER'S HISTORY,

OF

MARTINSBURG

AND

BERKELEY CeUNTY,

WEST VIRGINIA.

From the origin of the Indians, embracing their Settlements, Wars and
Depredations, to the first White Settlement of the Valley; also
including the Wars between the Settlers and their mode
and ma7iner of living. Besides a variety of valua-
ble information, consisting of the past and
present History of the County, including
a complete sketch of the late Wars,
Strikes, early Residents, Organi-
sations, etc., accompanied by
personal sketches and in-
teresting facts of
the present
day.

By F. VERjYO.Y .ALER.

Price $2.00 ; Sold Only by Subscription.

PKISTED FOK THE AUTHOR BY

THE MAIL PUBLISHING COMPANY,
HAGERSTOWN, MD.

&0

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1888, by

P. Vernon Aler,
in tlie Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

All Rights Reserved.

PREFACE.

In idle wishes fools supinely stay,
Be there a will, then wisdom finds a way.

— Burns.

^ N i:>resenting tliis work to the public I feel
that a great responsibility has been undertaken.
It may, no doubt, meet with the harsh criticism of
many ; but as a consolation I feel satisfied that
nothing but facts have been stated, and that every reader
interested in the growth, prosperity and history of
Berkeley County will appreciate this honest attempt. I
have ventured this work on the market, feeling confident
that the interested class — the people that have labored
for our City and County — the ones that owe and feel a
debt of gratitude to their forefathers for the present
stage of their existence and welfare of the County — will
sustain me in my efforts.

The present generation, now enjoying the benefits of
this soil, perhaps, have a very small conception as to the
manner in which it was settled, cultivated and reared to
its present state of prosperity. Perhaps many may doubt
the credibility of these chapters, but I would ask a peru-
sal and careful examination of early history, and by in-
formation from our old citizens, you will find my collec-
tions have not fallen far short of facts. Several attempts,,
in various ways, have been made to give a history and
reminiscence of our County ; but as yet none had been
published full and complete, until the introduction of
this work. It will be found to contain from the origin
of the Indian and White Settlers, and their early war-
fares, to the present day, accompanied by a complete
history of both Martinsburg and Berkeley County.

Preface. 11

For days, weeks and months, and at times into the mid-
hour of night, constant and laborious work has been a
theme and pleasure, to dive into the torn and rusty-
pages of an old Court docket— some half-printed histo-
ries, published over half a century ago— or some old
newspapers upon which ink was almost invisible, and
then to scan the hand-writing of years gone by, that one
would hardly recognize as the English language.

To the following gentlemen, Berkeley's most able and
respected citizens, I owe a debt of gratitude for their as-
sistance in the work of publishing this small history :
Senator C. J. Faulkner, C. W. Doll, Esq., James M.
Yanmetre, Esq., Capt. Wm. Hoke, Hon. E. B. Faulk-
ner, J. W. Curtis, Esq., and Stuart W. Walker, Esq.,
who acted at times as my critic and rendered valuable
assistance. Considerable information has been taken
from a small history of the valley published by Samuel
Kercheval in 1833.

I look around me and see the young of both sexes with
hearts bounding high with hope, forms elastic with
health and eyes bright with the enjoyment of life, and
then the thought of the rude settlements, life and civili-
zation of our fore-parents touches the tenderest chord.
To tell them of how they performed the journey of life,
hand in hand, interrupted now and then by the savage
warfare, and after all lived in harmonious companion-
ship, I have published this work. It has been with me
an honest and earnest task, in the object of which I am
sure you will feel interested. I only hope that you will
find little to criticise and nothing to condemn, in the na-
ture and style of the means by which I have sought to
accomplish it. Then I shall feel that my undertaking
has been crowned with success by a non-condemnatory
people in a worthy and honest purpose.
Yours very truly,

F. Veisnon Alek.

CONTENTS,

PAGE.

Introductory 15

CHAPTER I.
Origin of the Indian Settlements. The differeni; Tribes. Their

Wars, Customs, Habits, etc 25

CHAPTER II.
First Settlements of the Valley. Locations, Land Titles, Dwellings,

etc 32

CHAPTER III.
The Indian Warfare. Forts Established, etc. The Wars between
the Settlers and Indians, and the manner in which they carried

on their Barbarism 38

CHAPTER IV.
Houses, Furniture, Diet and Dress of the early Settlers. Interest-
ing and amusing Scenes of centuries back of our Foreparents... . 47
CHAPTER V.
Northern Necli of Virginia. Berlicley County laid off. The Land
Grants, etc., from Lord Fairfax's time to the establisliment of

the County 54

CHAPTER VI.
Martinsburg established. The Lots laid off by the first Commission-
ed Sheriff'. Sale of Lots, with terms to purchasers 61

CHAPTER VII.
Report of Hon. C. J. Faulliner on Adjustment of the Boundary Line

between Virginia and Maryland 67

CHAPTER VIII.
Historical Sketches of the early Inhabitants, etc., by the late Hon.

Charles James Faulkner 87

CHAPTER IX.

Slavery— Mode and Manner of Punishment;— Freedom 200

CHAPTER X.
The late War of tlie Rebellion. The different Companies of Berkeley
County, Federal and Confederate, witli full Names, Happenings,

etc : 209

CHAPTER XI.
Historical Reminiscence of Martinsburg from 1835 until the year

1861, by John W. Curtis 249

Cvnients. 13

CHAPTER xir.

PAGE.

Commencing and ending of Strikes. A full and complete detail of

the Happenings, Incidents, etc 300

CHAPTER XIII.

Life of the late Hon. Charles James Faulkner, by Col. Frank X. Burr. 314

CHAPTER XIV.

The Churches— Organization and present Condition 343

CHAPTER XV.
Berkeley County in 1810. Topographical Description. Natural
Curiosities. Mineralogy and Lithology. Inhabitants, Towns,

Manufactories, etc 368

CHAPTER XVI.
Present situation of the Town and County— Journalism in the
County — County Court and Officials— Martinsburg Schools —

Heme Organizations, Lodges, etc 377

CHAPTER XVII.
Personal Sketches of the Enterprising Public and Professional Men

of the present day - 397

CHAPTER XVIII.
Biography of Martinsburg's Business Men 412

INTRODUCTORY.

HE Indian origin and settlements contained
in the following chapters will be found to em-
brace every particular trait and detail so famil-
iar to the race. Berkeley County, without doubt,
will be found to be among the most historic pages of the
world's history. For centuries its soils were inhabited
by the most barbarous races, whom, it seems, carried out
the habits and customs of ages past to their fullest ex-
tent. From what particular part of the old world the
aboriginals found their way to this continent is a ques-
tion which has given rise to much disquisition among
philosophical and learned historians. However, it ap-
pears to be a settled opinion that America first received
its inhabitants from Asia, and in Mr. Snowden's History
of America many able and ingenious arguments are ad-
vanced in support of this opinion. This is a matter,
however, familiar to our people of the present day, and
to describe the customs of the old world, from whence
they originated, will perhaps, prove of interest to the
reader. Mr. Snowden states :

"The custom of scalping was a barbarism in use with
the Scythians, who carried about thern. at all times this
savage mark of triumph. A little image found among
the Kalmucs, of a Tartarian diety mounted on a horse
and sitting on a human skin, with scalps pendant from
the breast, fully illustrates tlie custom of the ancient
Scythians, as described by the Greek historian. The
ferocity of this race to their prisoners extended to the
remotest part of Asia. The Kamtschatkans, even at the
time of their discovery by the Russians, put their priso-
ners todeath by the most lingering and excruciating tor-

16 Introductory.

menls. A race of the Scythians were named Anthropo-
phagi, from their feeding on human flesh. The people
of Nootka Sound still make a repast on their fellow
creatures. The savages of North America have been
known to throw the mangled limbs of their prisoners
into the horrible caldron and devour them with the same
relish as those of a quadruped."

These usages were continued for centuries, and have
been described by many as of a horrid experience.
Among the aboriginal Americans these practices are said
to be in full force at the i^resent day.

FIRST SETTLEMENT OP VIRGINIA.

After giving the foregoing brief sketch of the proba-
ble origin of the Indians in America, it is deemed an im-
portant part of this work to give a brief history of the
first settlement of Virginia, and the laws then in force,
which will not be unacceptable to the general reader.
The author, having access to the large law libraries of
Faulkner & Walker, has been enabled to gain much val-
uable information, and would refer the reader wishing
to make a deeper research, to Hening's Statutes at Large,
vol. 1, page 57.

Charters to two separate companies called the "Lon-
don and Plymouth Companies," for settling colonies in
Virginia, were granted by James I, King of England, on
the 10th day of April, 1606. On the 20th of December,
1606, Capt. Christopher Newport was sent to Virginia
by the London Company with a colony of one hundred
and five persons, and instructions to settle on the island
of Roanoke, now in North Carolina. However, by stress
of weather, they were driven North of their destination,
and entered Chesapeake Bay. From here they ascended
what they called the James River, and on a beautiful
peninsula commenced the settlement of Jamestown about
May, 1607. This was the first permanent settlement in

Introductory. 17

the country. King James granted several subsequent
charters to the company for the better ordering and gov-
ernment of the colony, "and in the year 1619 the first
legislative council was convened at Jamestovs^n, then
called 'James City.' " The following is the commission
to Sir Francis Wyatt, the first Governor under that ordi-
nance and constitution, to call a meeting of the General!
Assembly :

"y/ie Treasurer and Coinpawifs Commission to Sir -
Francis Wyatt, Governor^ and Council, which said
Council are to assist the Governor in the administration
of justice, to advance Christianity among Indians, to
erect the colony in obedience to his majesty and in main-
taining the people in justice and christian conversation,
and strengthening them against enemies. The said Gov-
ernor, Council and two burgesses out of every town, hun-
dre;d or plantation, to be chosen by the inhabitants, to
make up a General Assembly, who are to decide all mat-
ters by the greater number of voices ; but the Governor
is to have a negative voice, to have power to make orders
and acts necessary wherein they are to initiate the poli-
cy of the form of government, laws, customs, manner of
trial and other administration of justice used in England,
as the company are required by their letters patent. Ko
law to continue or be of force till ratified by a quarter
court to be held in England and returned under seal.
After the colony is well framed and settled, no order of
quarter court in England shall bind till ratified by the
General Assembly."

"Dated 24th July, 1621."

''Instructions to Governor Wyatt.''

"By instructions dated 24th July, 1621 : To keep up
religion of the Church of England as near as may be ; to
be obedient to the King and do justice after the form of
the laws of England, and not to injure the natives ; and
to forget old quarrels now buried.

"To be industrious and suppress drunkenness, gaming

.18 Introductory.

•and excess in deatlis ; not to permit any but the Coun-
■ oil and heads of hundreds to wear gold in their cloaths
' or to wear silk till they make it themselves.

"Not to offend any foreign princes; to punish pira-
cies ; to build fortresses and block-houses at the mouths
of the rivers.

"To use means to convert the heathens, viz., to con
verse with some ; each town to teach some children fit
tor the college intended to be built.

"After Sir George Yeardley has gathered the present
.year's crop, he is to deliver to Sir Francis Wyatt the
hundred tenants belonging to Governor's place ; Yeard-
'ley's government to ex]pire the 18th November next, and
then Wyatt to be published Governor ; to swear the
Council.

"George Saudis appointed treasurer, and he is to put in
execution all orders or court about staple commodities ;
to whom is allotted fifteen hundred acres and fifty ten-
ants ; to the marshall. Sir William JSTewoe, the sanie ; to
the company's deputy the same; to the physician iive
hundred acres and twenty tenants, and the same to the
secretary.

"To review the commissions to Sir George Yeardley,
Governor, and the Council, dated 18th November, 1618,
for dividing the colony into cities, boroughs, &c., and to
observe all former instructions (a copy whereof was sent)
if they did not contradict the present ; and all orders of
court (made in England.)

"To make a catalogue of the people in every planta-
tion, and their conditions ; and of deaths, marriages and
christenings.

"To take care of dead persons' estates for the right
owners ; and keep a list of all cattle, and cause the sec-
retary to return copies of the premises once a year. .

"To take care of every plantation upon the death of
their chief ; not to plant above one hundred pounds of
tobacco per head ; to sow great quantities of corn for

Introductory. 19

their own use, and to support the multitudes to be sent
yearly ; to inclose lands ; to keep cows, swine, poultry,
&c., and particularly kyne, which are not to be killed
yet.

"Next to corn, plant mulberry trees and make silk,
and take care of the Frenchman and others sent about
that work ; to try silk grass ; to plant abundance of
vines and take care of the vignerors sent.

"To put prentices to trades, and not let them forsake
their trades for planting tobacco or any such useless
•commodity.

"To take care of the Batch sent to build saw-mills, and
seat them at the falls that they may bring their timber
by the current of the water.

"To build saw-mills and block-houses in every planta-
tion.

"That all contracts in England or Virginia be per-
formed, and the breaches punished according to justice.

"Tenants not to be enticed away ; to take care of those
sent about an iron work, and especially Mr. John Berke-
ley, that they don't miscarry again, this being the great-
est hope and expectation of the colonies.

"To make salt, pitch, tar, soap, ashes, &c., so often
recommended and for which materials had been sent ; to
make oyl of walnuts and employ apothecaries in distil-
ling lees of beer and searching after minerals, dyes,
gums and drugs, &c., and send small quantities home.

"To make small quantity of tobacco, and that very
good ; that the houses appointed for the reception of
new-comers and public storehouses be built, kept clean,
&c. ; to send the state of affairs quarterly and a duplicate
next shipping.

"To take care of Capt. Wm. Norton and certain Ital-
ians sent to set up a glass house.

"A copy of the^treatise of the plantation business and
■excellent observances made by a gentleman of capacity

20 Introductory.

is sent to lie among the records, and recommended to
tlie councillors to study.

'•Mr William Clayborne, a surveyor, sent to survey the
planters' lands and make a map of the country.

''Chief officers that have tenants reprimanded for
taking fees, but require that the clerks have fees set for
passes, warrants, copies of orders, &c.

"Governor and Council to appoint proper times for
administration of justice, and provide for the entertain-
ment of the Council during their session, to be together
one whole month about state affairs and lawsuits ; to.
record plaints of consequence ; to keep a register of the
acts of quarter sessions and send home copies.

"If a Governor dies, the major part of Council to choose
one of themselves within fourteen days, but if voices be
divided the Lieutenant Govei'n or shall have the place,
and next the marshal], next the treasurer, and one of
the two deputies next.

"Governor and chief officers not to let out their tenants
as usual.

"The Governor only to summon the Council and sign
warrants and execute, or give authority to execute
Council orders, except in cases that do belong to the
marshall, treasurer, deputies, &c.

"The Governor to have absolute authority to deter-
mine and punish all neglects and contempts of authority
except the Council, who are to be tried at the quarter
sessions and censured. Governor to have but the cast-
ing voice in Council or court, but in the Assembly a neg-
ative voice.

"Thatcare be taken that there be no engrossing com-
modity or forestalling the market.

"All servants to fare alike in the colony, and their
punishment^for any offences is to serve the colony in
public works.

"To see that the Earl of Pembroke's thirty thousand
acres be very good.

Introduetory. 21

"To make discoveries along the coast and find a fish-
ery between James River and Cape Cod.

"As to raising staple commodities, the chief officers
ought to set examples and to aim at the establishment
of the colony.

"And lastly, not to let ships stay long, and to freight'
them with walnut and any less valuable commodity.

The Governor administered the following oath to the
Council :

"You shall swear to be a true and faithful servant
' unto the king's majesty, as one of his Council for Vir-
' ginia. You shall in all things to be moved, treated,
' and debated in that Council concerning Virginia or
' any the territoiies of America, between the degrees of
' thirty-four and forty-five from the equinoctial line
' northward, or the trades thereof, faithfully and truly
' declare your mind and opinion, according to your heart
' and conscience ; and shall keep secret all matters com-
■ mitted and revealed to you concerning the same, and
' that shall be treated secretly in that Council, or this
' Council of Virginia, or the more part of them, publi-
' cation shall not be made thereof ; and of all matters of
'great importance, or difficulty, before you resolve
' thereupon, you shall make his majesty's Privy Coun-
' cil acquainted therewith, and follow their direction
' therein. You shall to your uttermost bear faith and
' allegiance to the King's majesty, his heirs, and lawful
' successors, and shall assist and defend all jurisdictions,
' preheminences, and authorities granted unto his ma-
' jesty and annexfc unto the crown against all foreign
' princes, persons, prelates or potentates whatsoever, be
' it by act of jiarliament or otherwise ; and generally,
- in all things, you shall do as a faithful and true ser-
' vant and subject ought to do. So help you God and
' the holy contents of this book."

The foregoing instractions were drawn up by the
Council, and it appears, were intended as the general

22 Introductory.

principles for the government of the colony. They go
far to prove that hopes were entertained that the Indians
were disposed to be at peace, and evidences an amicable
state of feeling towards the natives. Unfortunately
their hopes were blasted, for lo ! in less than one year
after, this state of peace and tranquility was changed
into one of devastation, blood and mourning. On the
22nd of March, 1622, the Indians committed the most
bloody massacre on the colonists recorded in the annals
of our country. This year has been stated by historians
as the American revolution, and was remarkable for
massacres of the colonists by the Indians, which were
executed with the utmost subtility, and without any re-
gard to age, sex or dignity.

In 1623, the following year, the Colonial General As-
sembly, by statute, directed ''that the 22nd day of March
be yearly solemnized as holliday," to commemorate the
escape of the colony from entire extirpation. These
bloody massacres produced, on the part of the whites,
a most deadly and irreconcilable hatred toward the na-
tives, and accordingly, we find that a long continued and
unabating state of hostility was kept up. At the legis-
lative session of 1623, laws were enacted in relation to a
defense against the savages. About one hundred years
later the Indians were driven east of the Blue Ridge
Mountains, and scattered over the surrounding country,
hence, their origin on Berkeley soil.

The foregoing extracts are considered sufficient to
enable the reader to form some opinion of the spirit,
character and customs of the early settlers of our coun-
try ; particularly as it relates to their sufferings and
difficulties with the Indian tribes, and goes far to prove
their origin in our country and the veracity of the con-
tents of this book.

Some may ask, of what interest are the extracts from
Hening's Statutes at Large? In return I would ask, who
would place confidence in my work without it was based

Introductory. 23

on a reliable foundation ? The extracts, after given a
study and careful consideration, will prove of mucli in-
terest and enable the reader to form a quaint idea of the
origin and introduction of our laws, customs, religion,
habits, manufactures, etc., of the present day in our
country and county.

Prior to the Independence of the United States, the
popular branch of Virginia Colonial Legislation was
known as "The House of Burgesses." It enacted its
laws under the provincial charter granted by the English
government, to whom its allegiance was due. The
"House of Burgesses," by its enactments from time to
time laid ofE the territory into counties, as the interests
of its increasing population demanded.

At a session of the legislature, Frederick and Augusta
were laid oflE about the year 1738, and included all the
vast region of country west of the Blue Ridge mountain.
Previous to that time the county of Orange included all
the territory west of the mountains, and was taken from
Spotsylvania in 1734, which had previously crossed the
mountain and took in considerable part of what is now
known as Page County. Spotsylvania was laid off in
1720, and was reduced by the laying off of Frederick
in 1738. The first court of justice was held in this county
in 1743. The county of Hampshire was next taken from
Frederick and Augusta in 1753. The first court held in
this county was in December 1757. Berkeley and Dun-
more were taken from Frederick in 1772, and in 1777 the
name oE Dunmore was altered to Shenandoah.

I deem it a ]particular and interesting part of this work
to give the dates of the establishment of these counties,
as the following chapters in various ways relate
to them. It will be noticed that Berkeley was among
the earliest, and many incidents happened on its soil,
before the laying off of other counties. It- included all
that territory composing Jeffersod County from 1772
until 1801, a period of nearly thirty years. Martinsburg

24 Introductory.

was laid off in the month, of October, 1778, by Adam
Stephen, Esq., and consisted of one hundred and thirty
acres. In October, 1786, Charlestown (then in the county
of Berkeley and now the seat of justice for the county of
Jefferson) was established. It consisted of eighty acres,
and was laid off by Charles Washington, a brother of
the illustrious George Washington. He laid off his own
land into lots and streets, and in honor of his act the
town bears his christian name to the present day. In
the month of October, 1787, Middletown, (now called
Gerardstown,) in the county of Berkeley, was estab-
lished, with one hundred lots laid off by Wm. Gerard.
Darkesville, also in Berkeley County, was laid off in Oc-
tober, 1791. The establishment of these towns are among
the earliest of the vallev.

CHAPTER I.

ORIGIN OF THE INDIAN SETTLEMENTS.
I^kROM ancient history it appears tliat this entire por-
H^ tion of country (Berkeley County) was inhabited by
various tribes of Indians. From the best evidence ob-
tained from deep researches, we find the settlement of
this valley and present county was commenced in the
year 1732. Long and bloody wars were carried on by
contending tribes of Indians known as the Delaware and
Catawba tribes. They were engaged in these wars at the
time the valley was first known by the white people, and
continued for years after the county was numerously
inhabited bj^ white settlers.

The two great branches of the Potomac and Shenan-
doah rivers seem to have been the favorite jjlaces of resi-
dence of the Indians. Along these streams are to be
found numerous signs and relics at the .present day. In
the bank of the river, a short distance below the forks,
human skeletons and articles of curious workmanship
are constantly being unearthed. Indian mounds are
scattered over the entire county, and it is no unusual oc-
currence to hear that Indian pipes, tomahawks, axes,
utensils, etc., are being ynt found. Their cui)S and pots
were made of a mixture of clay and shells, and though
the vrorkmanship was rude, yet they were strong in tex-
ture. There are mauy other places on all our Avater
courses, to wit. Cedar Creek, Stony Creek and Opequon,
as well as the larger Avater courses, that exhibit evidences
of ancient Indian settlements.

This portion of the country was inhabited chiefly by
a tribe known as the Tuscarora Indians, their place of
residence being on Tuscarora Creek, from which the

26 Origin of the Indian Settlements.

creek derived its name. Along this stream are a num-
ber of Indian graves now marked, vrhile many have
been plowed down. Skeletons and bones of unusual size
have been turned up by the plow. It appears to the author
that no reflecting man can view so many burying places
broken up — their bones torn up with the plow— reduced
to dust and scattered to the winds — without feeling some
degree of melancholy regret. It is to be lamented for
another reason. If those mounds and places of burial
had been permitted to remain undisturbed, they would
have stood as lasting monuments in the history of our
country. Many of them were doubtless the work of
ages, and future generations would have contemplated
them with gr^t interest and curiosity. But these mem-
orials are rapidly disappearing, and the time, perhaps,
will come when not a^ trace of them will remain.

It is in no way wonderful that this unfortunate race of
]3eople reluctantly yielded, and with all their force re-
sisted the intrusion made upon their rightful and just
possessions by people who were strangers to them from
a foreign country. But, perhaps, this was the fiat of
Heaven. In the creation of this globe God probably in-
tended it should sustain the greatest possible number of
his creatures. And as the human family, in a state of
civil life, increases with more rapidity than a people in
a state of nature or savage life, the law of force has been
generally resorted to, and the weaker compelled to give
way to the stronger. It is a fact undeniable that the
greater portion of our country has been obtained by th6
law of force. However, as a matter of consoling reflec-
tion, there are some exceptions to this arbitrary rule.
Several respectable individuals of the Quaker society
thought it unjust to take possession of these lands, and
adopted measures to effect sonie way of compensating
the Indians for their just rights. Upon inquiry no par-
ticular tribe could be found that claimed a priority over
the soil. It was considered by the various tribes a com-

Origin of the Indian Settlements. 27

mon hunting ground, and neither claimed authority to sell.

To confirm the authenticity of this statement it is
deemed proper to publish the following letter, written
by Thomas Chaulkley to a monthly meeting that was
held on Opequon on the 21st of May,* 1738, and is a
strong evidence. The following is from the original
copy:

"Virginia, at John Cheagles, 21st May, 1738.
"■To Friends of the Monthly Meeting at Opequon :

Dear friends who inhabit Shenandoah and Opequon .-
Having a concern for your welfare and prosperity, both
now and hereafter, and also the prosperity of your chil-
dren, I had a desire to see you, but being in years and
heavy, and much spent and fatigued with my long jour-
neyings in Virginia and Carolina, makes it seem too hard
for me to perform a visit in person to jovl, wherefore I
take this way of writing to discharge my mind of what
lies weighty thereon ; and

"First. I desire that you be careful (being far and back
inhabitants) to keejj a friendly correspondence with the
native Indians, giving them no occasion of offense, they
being a cruel and merciless enemy, where they think they
are wronged or defrauded of their rights, as woeful ex-
perience hath taught in Carolina, Virginia and Maryland,
and especially in New England, etc.; and

"Second. As nature hath given them and their fore-
fathers the possession of this continent of America (or
this wilderness) they had a material right thereto in jus-
tice and equity ; and no people, according to the law of
nature and justice and our own principle, which is ac-
cording to the glorious gospel of our dear and holy Jesus
Christ, ought to take away or settle on other men's lands
or rights without consent, or purchasing the same by
agreement of parties concerned ; v.rhich I suppose in your
case is not yet done.

"Thirdly. Therefore my counsel and christian advice

*The people of tliat day numbered tlie month.

28 Origin of the Indian Settlements.

to you is, my dear friends, that the most reputable
among you do with speed endeavor to agree with and
purchase your lands of the native Indians or inhabitants.
Take example of our worthy and honorable late proprie-
tor, William Penn, who by his wise and religious care
in that relation hath settled a lasting peace and com-
merce with the natives, and through his prudent man-
agement therein hath been instiumental to plant in peace
one of the most flourishing provinces in the world.

"Fourthly. Who would ran the risk of the lives of
their wives and children for the sparing a little cost and
pains ? I am concerned to lay these things before you,
under an uncommon exercise of mind, that your new and
flourishing little settlement may not be laid waste, and
(if the providence of the Almighty doth not intervene,)
some of the blood of yourselves, wives or children be
shed or spilt on the ground.

' 'Fifthly. Consider you are in the province of Virginia,
holding what rights you have under that government,
and the Virginians have made an agreement with the
natives to go as far as the mountains and no further ;
and you are over and beyond the mountains, therefore
out of that agreement, by which you lie ox^en to the in-
sults and incursions of the Southern Indians, who have
destroyed many of the inhabitants of Carolina and Vir-
ginia, and even now have destroyed more on the like
occasion. The English going beyond the bounds of their
agreement, eleven of tliem were killed by the Indians
while we were traveling in Virginia.

"Sixthly. If you believe yourselves to be within the
bounds of William Penu's patent from King Charles the
Second, which will be hard for you to prove, you being
far southward o£ his line, yet if done that will be no
consideration with the Indians without a purchase from
them, except you will go about to convince them by fire
and sword, contrary to onr principles ; and if that were

*3

Origin of the Indian Settlements. 29

done they would ever be implacable enemies and the
land could never be enjoyed in peace.

"Seventhly. Please to note that in Pennsylvania no
new settlements are made without an agreement with the
natives, as witness Lancaster County, lately settled,
though that is far within the grant of William Penn's
patent from King Charles the Second ; wherefore you
lie open to the insurrections of the Northern as well as
Southern Indians ; and

"Lastly. Thus having shown my good will to you and
to your new settlement, that you might sit every one
under your own shady tree where none might make you
afraid, and that you might prosper naturally and spirit-
ually, you and your children ; and having a little eased
my mind of that weight and concern (in some measure)
that lay upon me, I at present desist and subscribe my-
self, in the love of our Holy Lord Jesus Christ, your real
friend, T. C."

This good man proves, through his most excellent let-
ter, that Quakers were among our earliest settlers, and
that they were early disposed to do justice to the natives
of the country. It is highly probable that the white
people might have obtained possession of the soil grad-
ually without so much loss of blood if they had first
adopted and adhered to this humane and just policy of
purchasing the Indians' lands.

Historians and records give considerable evidence of
proof that repeated purchases were made, covering the
lower portion of the county, while records show that
nearly all of the upper portion was purchased. Tradi-
tion relates that several tracts of land were purchased by
Quakers, near what is now known as Apple-Pie Ridge,
and that the Indians were never known to disturb them
while residing on the land so purchased.

It, however, affords matter of curious speculation and
interesting reflection to the inquiring mind, to notice in
this chapter several of the wars that took place in and

30 Origin of the Indian Settlements.

near this county. That nations are frequently urged to
war and devastation by the restless and turbulent dispo-
sition so common to mankind, particularly among their
leaders, is a question of little doubt. The glory and re-
nown (falsely so termed) of great achievements in war, is
probably one principal cause of the wars frequently car-
ried on by people in a state of nature.

We have already stated the Indians that inhabited this
portion of the country were known as the Dela wares and
Catawba tribe. Tradition relates that these two tribes
of Indians exterminated a tribe called the Senedos that
resided on the Shenandoah River, near this county. An
aged Indian frequently visited the settlers, and on one
occasion informed an old settler, Benjamin Allen, that
these "tribes of Indians had killed his whole nation,
with the exception of himself and one youth ; that this
bloody slaughter took place when he (the Indian) was a
small boy." From the tradition it is probable the affair
took place some time shortly after the middle of the
seventeenth century. Tradition also relates that an old
Indian visited Mayor Andrew Keyser' s grandfather, of
Pennsylvania, and asked for something to eat, appear-
ing to be much agitated. After refreshing himself he
was asked what disturbed him. He replied, "The South-
ern Indians — Delawares and Catawbas — have killed my
whole nation." History states that evident signs of the
truth of this tradition are yet to be. seen — that near the
place of residence of the Senedos, on the north fork of
the Shenandoah River, an Indian mound, when first
seen, was 18 or 20 feet high, but is now ploughed dGwn.

The Delawares were afterward in constant wars with
the Catawbas, and at times inflicted the most cruel pun-
ishments. The former, we are told, was a much larger
and stronger tribe than the latter, and tortured the Ca-
tawbas to death with all the wonted barbarity and
cruelty peculiar to the savage character.

A party of Delaware Indians, as tradition relates

Origin of the Indian Settlevxents. 31

crossed the Potomac near Oldtown, in Maryland, witli a
female Catawba prisoner. A short distance from this
place occurred a very remarkable instance of their sacri-
fices. They cruelly murdered their prisoner and moved
on. The next day several of them returned and cut off
the soles of her feet in order to prevent her from pursu-
ing and haunting them on the march.

This great tribe made the last sacrifice of their Catawba
prisoners, near Pennsylvania. A number of prisoners
were slowly tortured to death, and during their pro-
tracted and cruel sufferings their tormentors used the
most insulting language, tantalizing and threatening them
with the terrible vengeance of their nation as long as they
could speak.

This bloody tragedy soon reached the ears of the Gov-
ernor of Pennsylvania, and he at once commanded and
required all the authorities, both civil and military, to
interpose and prohibit a repetition of such acts of bar-
barity and cruelty.

CHAPTER II.
FIRST SETTLEMENTS OP THE VALLEY.
^N the year 1732, Joist Hite with his family, and his
^ sons-in-law, viz : George Bowman, Jacob Chrisman and
Paul Froman, with their families ; Robert McKay, Robert
Green, William Duff, Peter Stephens, and several others,
making sixteen families in all, removed from Pennsylva-
nia, cutting their road from York and crossing the Co-
hongoruton* about two miles above Harper's Ferry.
Hite settled on the Opequon. Peter Stephens and several
others settled at Stephensburg and founded -the town.
The several families settled in the same neighborhood,
adjoining each other, where they could find wood and
water most convenient. The most authentic information,
handed down from one generation to another, leads us to
believe that Hite and his party of immigrants were the
first settlers west of the Blue Ridge.

John and Isaac Vanmetre next obtained a warrant
from Governor Gooch for locating 40,000 acres of land,
in the year 1730. They sold or transferred part of their
warrant to Joist Hite ; and from this warrant emanated
several of Hite's grants. Of the titles to the lands on
which Hite settled, with several other tracts in the neigh-
borhood of Stephensburg, the originals are founded on
this warrant. In 1734 Richard Morgan obtained a grant
for a tract of land in the immediate neighborhood of.
siiepherdstown. Thefirst settlers on this tract numbered
about twenty-five.

Tradition relates that a man by the name of John How-
ard, and his son, previous to the first settlement of our

*Cohongoruton is the ancient Indian name of the Potomac, from its
junction with the river Shenandoah to the AUeghaney Mountains.

■ First Settlements of the Valley. 33

valley, made explorations and discovered the charming
South Branch Valley. They crossed the Alleghaney
mountains, and on the Ohio killed a very large buffalo,
which they skinned, and stretching his hide over ribs of
wood made a kind of boat. In ihis frail bark they de-
scended the Ohio and Mississippi to New Orleans, where
the French apprehended them as suspicious characters,,
and made them prisoners. However, they were dis-
charged, from whence- they crossed over to England.
Lord Fairfax,* living in England at the time, heard of
Mr. Howard's arrival, and sought an interview with him..
Mr. Howard gave him a description of the fertility and
immense value of the South Branch, which determined
his lordship to secure it at once in manors. Notwith-
standing the selfish monopoly on the part of Lord Fair-
fax, numerous tenants were induced, by the great fertility
and value of the country, to take leases, settle and im-
prove the lands. At an early jjeriod many immigrants
settled on Capon, (anciently called Cacaphon, which is
said to be the Indian name) ; also on Lost river. Along
Back Creek, Cedar Creek, and Opequon, pretty numer-
ous settlements were made. The two great branches of
the upper forks of the Shenandoah were among our ear-
liest settlements. Surveys were made on a warrant along
the Opequon, north of Winchester, to Apple-Pie Eidge,
by an enterprising Quaker, named Ross. Numerous im-
migrants of the Quaker profession removed from Penn-
sylvania, and as early as the year 1738 held regular
monthly meetings on Opequon. The west side of the
Shenandoah below the forks were first settled by over-
seers and slaves. Another survey was granted, which
lies immediately below the above lines, running a con-
siderable distance into the county of Jefferson. The
greater portion of the country between North mountain
and the Shenandoah River, at the first settling of the

*Tlie reader should note Lord Fairfax, as considerable mention is made
in the following chapters.

34 First Bdilevients of the Valley.

valley was one vast prairie, and afforded the finest pos-
sible pasturage for wild animals. The country bounded
in the larger kinds of gam?, such as the buffalo, elk,
deer, bear, panther, wild-cat, wolf, fox, beaver, otter,
and all other kinds of animals, wild fowl, etc., common
to forest countries, were abundant.

The country, now the county of Shenandoah, between
the Fort and North Mountains was also settled very
-early. The settlements through-.i the valley i^rogressed
witliout interruption for about twenty-three years. The
Indians suddenly disappeared in the year 1754, and
■crossed the Alleghaney mountains. Settlers west of the
- Alleghaney moved into their midst and invited them to
^move off. The Indians did not object to the Pennsylva-
inians settling the country, from, the fact of William
!Penn's treatment toward them. They believedall Penn's
raeii to be honest, virtuous, humane and benevolent ; but
fatal exj^erience taught them quite a different lesson, and
they soon found Pennsylvanians were little better than
others. The natives held in utter abhorrence the Vir-
ginians, whom they designated as "Long Knife," and
were literally opposed to their settling in the valley.
Tradition informs us of the fact, that the Indians and
white people resided in the same neighborhood for sev-
eral years after the first settlement, and that the Indians
were friendly and peaceable. During this period many
good, substantial dwelling houses had been erected, and
the settlements were in a flourishing condition.

Some years previous to the first settlement of the val-
ley, a man by the name of John Vanmetre, from New
York, discovered the fine country onthe Wappatomaka,
{the ancient Indian name of the South Branch of the
Potomac.) He was a kind of wandering Indian trader,
and became well acquainted with the Delawares. A
company was formed among them, and under his com-
mand marched to the South for the purpose of invading
the Catawbas. However, the Catawbas had anticipated

First Settlements of the Valley. , 35

them and encountered and defeated tliem with immense
slaughter. When Mr. Yanmetre returned to New York,
he advised his sons, that if they ever migrated to Vir-
ginia, to secure a part of the South Branch bottom. He
described it as "The Trough," and the finest body of
land he had ever seen. One of his sons, Isaac Vanmetre,
■who was about to migrate, took his father's advice, and
about the year 1736 or 1737, settled in Virginia. Mr.
Vanmetre returned to New Jersey shortly afterward, and
in 1740 came back, only to find other settlers on his place.
He went back to New Jersey again, and in 1744 returned
with his family to make a permanent settlement. In the
meantime a large number had settled in the neighbor-
hood, and already much progress could be noted.

Maj. Isaac Hite once stated, "that numerous parties
of Indians in passing his grandfather' s house on Opequon,
would call, and that but one instance of theft was ever
committed." The Indians charge the white people with
teaching them the knowledge of theft and other vices.
After the chiefs had received information of a theft search
was made until the article found, and the one in posses-
sion of it was punished severely. These facts go far to
show their high sense of honesty and summary justice.
An educated old Cherokee chief in a conversation with
Col. Barrett, one of the commissioners for running the
bouiidary line of Indian lands in 1815-16, remarked :

' ' That before their fathers were acquainted with the
whites, the red people needed but little, and that little
the Great Spirit gave them, the forest supplying them
with food and raiment ; that before their fathers were
acquainted with the white people, they never got drunk,
because they had nothing to make them drunk, and
never committed theft because they had no temptation
to do so. It was true that when parties were out hunt-
ing, and one party was unsuccessful, and found the game
of the more successful party hung up, if they needed
provision they took it ; and this was not stealing — it was

30 First Sdtltments of ike Valley.

the law and custom of the tribes. Red people never
swore, because they had no words to express an oath.
The red people meet once a year, at the feast of new corn,
extinguish all their fires and kindle up a new one, the
smoke of which ascends to the Great Spirit as agreateful
sacrifice. Now what better is your religion than ours*
The white people have taught us to get drunk, steal, lie,
cheat and swear, and with a knowledge of these vices
they uphold them ; therefore, we are injured by acquain-
tance with them."

To say the least of this untutored old man, his opinion,
religion excepted, was well founded and conveys a severe
rebuke upon those who boast of superior advantages of
the lights of education and a knowledge of tke religion
of God. From this digression let us again turn our at-
tention to the early settlers.

In 1763 many of them were giving their time and atten-
tion to rearing large herds of horses, cattle, hogs, etc.
Some of them became expert, hardy and adventurous
liunters, and depended chiefly for support and money-
making on the sale of skins and furs. Considerable
attention was given to the culture of the pea vine, which
grew abundantly fat in the summer season. The Hites,
Frys, Vanmetres and others raised vast stocks of horses^
cattle and hogs in those days, upon v.'hicli Lord Fairfax
highly comm^ented at times.

The majority of our first immigrants were principally
from Pennsylvania, comj)Osed of native Germans or Ger-
man extraction. A number, however, were direct from
Germany, and several from Maryland, New Jersey and
New York. These immigrants brought with them tlie
religion, customs and habits of their ancestors. They
constituted three religious sects, viz: Lutherans, Men-
onists and Calvanists, with a few Tunkers, and were very
strict in their worship.

Land was the object whicli invited the greater number
of these people to cross the mountain ; for as the saying

First Settlements of the Valley. 37

tlien was, "it was to be liad here fur the taking up."
Building a cabin and raising a crop of grain, however
small, of any kind, entitled the occupant to four hundred
acres of land, and a pre-emption right to one thousand
acres more adjoining, to be secured by a land office war-
rant. This right was to take effect i! there happened to
be so much vacant land, or any part thereof, adjoining
the tract secured by the settlement right. There was, at
an early period of our settlements, an inferior kind of
land title, denominated a "tomahawk right," which was
made by deadening a few trees near the head of a spring,
and marking the bark of some one or more of them wdth
the iidtials of the name of the person who made the im-
provement. These rights were often bought and sold.
Those who wished to make settlements on their favorite
tracts of land, bought up the tomahawk improvements,
rather than enter into quarrels with those who made
them. Other improvers of the land with a view to actual
settlement, and who hap[)ened to be stout veteran fel-
lows, took a very different course from that of purchas-
ing these rights. When annoyed by the claimants under
the tomahawk rights, they deliberately cut a feAV good
hickories, and gave them what was called in those days
"a laced jacket," or a sound whipping.

The buildings occupied a low situation, and tbe tops
of the surrounding hills were the boundaries of the tracts
to which the family mansion belonged. Our forefathers
were fond of farms of this description, and believed that
they were attended with the convenience, "that every-
thing comes to the house down hill."

CHAPTER III.

THE INDIAN WARFARE.
^ii^BOUT the year 1756 tMs whole frontier was left ex-
^^ posed to the incursions of the Indians and French,
who had returned to this neighborhood after the defeat of
General Braddock by the French and Indians combined.
In the spring of the year a pavty of fifty or more Indians,
with a French captain at their head, crossed the Allegha-
ny Mountains, committing on the white settlers every
act of barbarous war. Capt. Jeremiah Smith, living in
what is now known as Frederick County, raised a party
of twenty men and marched out to meet the savages. At
the head of Capon River he fell in with them, when a
fierce and bloody battle was fought. Smith killed the
captain with his own hand. After having killed five
other Indians and wounding a' number, the savages gave
way and fled. Only two of Smith' s men w-ere killed. On
searching the body of the Frenchman a commission and
written instructions were found in his possession to meet
another party of about 50 Indians at Fort Frederick*, to
attack the fort, destroy it, and blow up the magazine.
Fortunately, the other party of Indians were encountered
low down on the North Branch of the Capon River by
Capt. Joshua Lewis, with a party of 18 men, when one
Indian was killed and the others broke and ran off.
Previous to the defeat of this party they had committed
considerable destruction of the property of the white
settlers, and took a Mrs. Horner and a girl about 13
years of age prisoners. Mrs. Horner was the mother of
seven or eight children, and never returned to her family.

*Foi-t Frederick is situated about 12 miles from JIartinsl)urg-, in Mary"
laud.

The Indian Warfare. 39

The girl, Sarah Gibbons, was a prisoner 8 or 9 years be-
fore she returned home.

These Indians dispersed into small parties, and carried
the work of death and desolation into several neighbor-
hoods, in the counties now Berkeley, Frederick and
Shenandoah. About 18 or 20 of them crossed the North
Mountain at Mill's Gap, in the coilnty of Berkeley, killed
a man by the name of Kelly, and several of his family.
This massacre occurred about one mile from Gerards-
town. The Indians then passed on to the present site of
Martinsburg. About two miles from the latter place a
stockade was built, and known as the John Evans fort,
in which the neighboring people generally took shelter.
(The land on which this fort stands is now situated south
of onr town, and owned by a Mr. Fryatt.) A small party
of Indians attacked the dwelling house of a Mr. Evans,
a brother to the owner of the fort ; but being beaten off
they went in pursuit of a reinforcement. In their ab-
sence, Mr. Evans and his family made their escape to the
fort. The Indians returned and lired the house, which
was situated three miles south of town, near the Big
Spring. These Indians took a female prisoner on the
same day, at John Strode' s house. A boy by the name
of Hackney, on his way to the fort, met and advised her
not to go to the house, as Strode' s entire family had gone
to the fort, and the Indians had possession of the house.
She disregarded the advice of the boy, went to the house,
was seized by the Indians and made a prisoner. The boy
went back to the I'ort and told what had happened ; but
the men had all turned out to bury Kelly, and went in
pursuit of the Indians, leaving nobody to defend the fort
but the women and children. Mrs. Evans armed herself,
and called on all the women, who had firmness enough to
aim, to join her ; and such as were too timid she ordered
to run bullets. She then made a boy beat "to arms" on
a drum. The Indians became much alarmed at this, and
after firing Strode' s house made a hasty retreat, when

40 The Indian Warfare.

tliey discovered the paity of white men just mentioned
and fired upon them, to no effect. The Latter finding the
Indians too strong for them, retreated to the fort.

After a captivity of three years, the girl spoken of as
being made a prisoner, returned to her home. Mrs.
Evans is the great-grandmother of our worthy and esti-
mable citizen, Mr. James M. Vanmetre, now living a
short distance south of town, and other brothers scattered.
Tillitson Evans, six brothers, and many others of her
great-grand children are living at the present day.

The Indians, from thence, passed on to Opequon, and
the next morning attacked Neally's fort, massacred most
of the people, and took a number of prisoners, among
whom were a Mr. Cohoon and wife, and a family of small
children. Mrs. Cohoon being nnable to travel fast
enough, her husband was forced ahead, in order to mur-
der her. Cohoon, however, heard her screams, and that
night made his escape.

The Indians proceeded as far as the vicinity of Fort
Pleasant* with several prisoners, and then divided them-
selves into two parties, in order to watch the foit. At a
late hour in the night, Mrs. Neff, a prisoner, escaped to
the fort and informed the inmates of the Indians where-
abouts. On the following day another party joined the
fort, and on the next morning sixteen men, well mounted
and armed, left the fort with a view to attack the Indi-
ans, who Avere soon discovered by their camp fires. The
whites separated in two parties, intending to close in
upon the Indians, but however were discovered by the
latter, who were alarmed by the barking of a dog. The
Indians cautiously moved off between the two parties of
white men unobserved, and taking a position between
them and their horses, opened a most destructive fire.
The whites stood their ground with great firmness and

*Fort "Pleasant was a strong stoclvade ivith block houses, erected on the
lands formerly oivnod by Isaac Vanmetre, on the South Branch of the
Potomac.

Tlie Indian IVarfare. 41

bravery, nnd a desperate and bloody conflict ensued.
Seven of the whites -svere killed and four Avounded.
Three Indians fell in this conflict and several were seri-
ously wounded. The men of the fort were compelled to
retreat, and their horses were secured by the victors.
Just before this action commenced, Mr. Vanmetre, an
old man, mounted his horse, rode upon a high lidge. and
witnessed the battle. He returned with all speed to the
fort and gave notice' of the defeat. He was killed by the
Indians in 1757.

Wear about this year a Mr. Williams resided on Pat-
terson's Creek. Hearing of the approach of the Indians
he repaired with his neighbors to Fort Pleasant forsecu-
rity, a distance of nine miles. Alter remaining here a
few days, supposing their houses might be revisited with
safety, Mr. AV., with seven others, crossed the mountain
for that purpose. On reaching tlie creek they separated
and Mr. Williams went to his farm alone. Having tied
his horse to a bush lie commenced salting his cattle,
when seven Indians stepped between him and his horse
and demanded a surrender. His only answer was a ball
from his rifle that laid one of their number low to the
ground. The Indians then retreated to the house, and
barricading the doors began tiring through the windows.
Mr. Williams hid behind a hominy block in a corner,
from which he fired at Lis assailants through the cracks
of the building, as opportunity offered. In this way he
killed five out of tlie s^-ven. The remaining two would
not give up their prey, but resolved to proceed more cau-
tiously, and going to the least exposed side of the house,
pne was }aised upon the shoulders of the other to an
opening in the logs some distance above the level of Mr.
Williams, who consequently did not observe their manoj-
uvre, and in this way the Indian shot him. His body was
instantly taken, cut in quarters and hung to the four
corners of the building. His head was stuck upon a
fence stake in front of ihe door. «

42 The Indian Warfare.

In the year 1757, a numerous body of Indians crossed
the Alleghany, and, as usual, divided themselves into
small parties, hovering about the different forts, and
committing many acts of murder and destruction to
property. iS'ear about the year 1758, a party of about 50
Indians and 4 Frenchmen penetrated into the neighbor-
hood of Mill Creek, now in this county. This was a
pretty thickly settled neighborhood, and among other
houses, George Painter had erected a large log one, with
a commodious cellar. On the alarm being given, the
neighboring people took refuge in this house. Late in
the afternoon they were attacked. Mr. Painter attempted
to fly, but had three balls shot through his body and fell
dead. The others surrendered, and the Indians then
dragged the dead body back to the house, threw it iu)
plundered the house, and set fire to it. While the house
was in flames, consuming the body of Mr. Painter, they
forced from the arms of their mothers four infant chil-
dren, hung them up in trees, shot them in savage sport,
and left them hanging. They then set fire to a stable,
containing a parcel of sheep and calves, thus cruelly and
wantonly torturing to deaili the inoffensive dumb ani-
mals. The Indians then made a hasty retreat, taking
with them about 48 prisoners. After si.K days' travel
they reached their villages west of the Alleghany moun-
tains. A council was held and determined u^Don to sac-
rifice their helpless prisoner, Jacob Fisher, a lad 12 or 13
years old, who was, with his parents and other children,
taken captive:^. They first ordered the boy to collect a
quantity of dry wood. The poor little fellow shuddered,
burst into tears, and told his father they intended to
burn him. "I hope not," said his father, and advised
him to obey. When he had collected a sufficient quan-
tity of wood to answer their purpose, they cleared and
smoothed a ring around a sapling, to which they tied
him by one hand, then formed a trail of wood around the
tree and set it on fire. The poor boy was then compelled

Tlie Indian Waffare. 43

to run around in this ring of fire until his lope wound
Mm up to the sapling, and then back until he came in
contact with the flame, whilst his infernal tormentors
were drinking, singing, and dancing around him with a
horrid joy. This was continued for several hours, during
which time the savages became beastly drunk, and as
they fell prostrate to the ground, the squaws would keep
up the fire. With long, sharp poles, prepared for the
purpose, they would pierce the body of their victim
when he flagged, until the poor, helpless boy, fell and
expired with the most excruciating torments. The family
were compelled to be witnesses of the heart-rending
tragedy.

These outrages of the Indians drove many of the white
settlers below the Blue Ridge, and broke up the settle-
ments through this locality. About the year 1758 there
were two white men who disguised themselves in the
habit of Indians, and appeared in the neighborhood of
the present site of Martinsburg. Supposed to be Indians
they were pursued and killed, and it was no uncommon
thing for scoundrels and rascals to act in this manner.
Their object Avas to frighten people to leave their homes,
that they might rob and plunder them of their valuable
articles. xVt Hedge's fort, on the present road from Mar-
tinsburg to Bath, west of Back Creek, a man was killed
while watching the spring. In the years 1773-74, nu-
merous conflicts and bloody battles occurred between
the Avhites and Indians. About the 1st of May, 1774,
during Gov. Dunmore's reign, tLe whites were growing
in strength, and in large numbers commenced war on the
savages with marked effect.

TUASSACKE AT FOKT KEALLY IN 175G— ROilANTIC STORY
OF ISABELLA STOCKTON, OF BERKELEY COUNTY.

[Extract from an historical address delivered by the
late Hon. Charles J. Faulkner, at the University of West
Virginia, in June, 1875 :]

"There is one incident connected with the early his-

44 Tlte Indian Warfare.

tory of the county in -ttiiicli I reside which mayj^ossibly
prove interesting to the fairer portion of my audience.
It rests upon authentic evidence. I si:)oI-ie of the mas-
sacre of NeaUy Fort, on the Opeqnon Creek, in the
county of Berkeley. It was about daylight, on the 17th
•of September, 1706, that a roving baud of Indians sur-
prised that little fort and murdered and scalped all they
found in it. On their return from this bloody work they
passed the house of Wm. Stocktoa, east of the North
Mountain, who, about one hour before their arrival, un-
conscious of danger, had gone with his wife about two
miles distant to perform the last duties to a dying neigh-
bor, leaving their children at home. The Indians seized
two of these children, George, a boy of fourteen years,
and Isabella, a girl then ten years of age, and carried
them off as captives to the north. George, who was ^
youth of remarkable energy and spirit, after a captivity
•of three years, made his escape and returned to his home
in Berkeley County, with his feelings deeply embittered
against the Indians and their allies, the French. Isa-
bella Stockton, after being with them something up-
wards of a month, was sold by them to a wealthy Cana-
dian trader, who took her to his home near Montreal,
and being touched by the artless manners and prepos-
sessing qualities of the child, bestowed, with his Avife,
every care on her educaiion and training which the con-
dition of the country then permitted. At sixteen years
of age she had developed into a girl of extraordinary
beauty and attractions. At this time there arrived from
France a nephew of the trader of the name of Jean Bap-
tiste Plata, a young man highly educated and of the no-
blest and most chivalric ti aits of character Living in
the same house with Isabella, a mutual attachment soon
sprang up between them, and in about one year he made
known to his uncle his purpose to ask her hand in mar-
riage. The uncle approved his pur])ose, and the young
man opened the subject to Isabella. She told liin'i that

Tlie Indian Warfare. 45

slie could not disguise from him her deep altacliment to
him, but she felt compelled to disclose to him what she
had never before breathed !o tiny human being— some-
thing of her early history. When but ten years of age
she had been torn as a captive from her parents by the
Indians, and had been sold to his uncle. The images of
her dear father and mother had been continually present
to her mind from that day to this. Her dreams had
kept their faces and features as fresh and vivid in her
memory as if she had seen them every day, and she did
not feel that she could, with satisfaction to herself,
change her relations in life until she had once more revis-
ited her home in Virginia, and if her parents were still
alive, to ask their consent to the proposed marriage.
The young Frenchman promptly offered to take her to
her parents, not for a moment doubting that they would
cordially ratify his union with their daughter. He ac-
cordingly procured the necessary horses from his uncle,
and they started on their long and perilous journey.
They arrived safely in the county of Berkeley, and he
delivered her into the embraces of her astonished and
delighted parents. For a few days all was gladness and
joy. But as soon as it was communicated to them that
the young Frenchman was engaged to and desired their
daughter in marriage, then all the animosity of the per-
secuted settler sprang up in their bosoms. A Frenchman
at that day was more hateful to a West Virginia back-
woodsman than even a Shav/nee Indian, for they regarded
them as the instigators and fomenters of all the cold-
blooded murders and barbarities which had drenched
their settlements in blood. His proposal of marriage
was rejected ; he was even ordered to leave the house,
but he lingered long enough in the neighborhood to ma-
ture an arrangement with Isabella by which he might
effect her escape and both return to Canada. Availing
himself of the opportunity when the father and George
were absent on a hunt across the North Mountain, the

46 27^-6 Indian Warfare.

two lovers started upon their journey northward. The
day after their departure the father and son returned,
when the enraged father, discovering the flight, gave his
orders to the fiery and impetuous George to go imme-
diately in pursuit and "to bring Isabella back, dead or
alive, for he would rather see her a corpse than hear of
her marriage with a Frenchman." Meanwhile the fugi-
tives had crossed the Potomac ; they had forded the
Juniata, and they had reached the west bank of the Sus-
quehanna, in the county now called Lycoming, in Penn-
sylvania, where they were detained by a sudden rise in
the waters of that river. Here the furious and maddened
George, whose temper had not been improved by a three
year's servitude among the Indians, overtook the aston-
ished lovers. The scene that followed was as brief as it
was bloody. lie demanded the return of his sister. She
refused to go back. Her lover interposed, and in two
minutes the brave and chivalrous Frenchman lay a bleed-
ing corpse in the arms of the agonized Isabella. B[istory
does not inform us what disposition was made of the
dead body of Jean Baptiste Plata, but the lovely Isabella,
crushed in all her earthly afl'ections, was brought almost
a raving maniac to her father s house. Ten years elapsed
before her mind recovered its accustomed tone and vigor,
when she married a gentleman of the name of Wm.
McC leery, and they removed from Berkeley to Morgan-
town." •"^

Plowever, for quite a lengthy period afterward the In-
dians continued hostile and bitter in their depredations.
Powerful armies of the whites were raised, and have at
last succeeded in almost terminating Indian existence.

CHAPTER IV.

HOUSES, FURNITURE, DIET AND DRESS OP THE
EARLY SETTLERS.
CORRECT and detailed view of the origin and
mode of living, and their progress from one condi-
tion or point of wealth, science and civilization, to
another, is always highly interesting, even when received
through the dusky medium of history. But when this
retrospect of things past and gone is drawn from the rec-
ollections and experiences of old and venerable citizens,
and handed down to the rising generation, the impres-
sions it makes on the heart are of the most vivid, deep
and lasting kind. The municipal, as well as ecclesiasti-
cal institutions of society, whether good or bad, in con-
sequence of their long continued use, give a corresponding
cast to the public character of society, whose conduct
they direct, and the more so because in the lapse of time
the observance of them becomes a matter of conscience.
The settlement of a new country in the immediate neigh-
borhood of an old one," is not attended with much diffi-
culty, because supplies can be readily obtained from the
latter ; but the settlement of a country very remote from
any cultivated region, is a very different thing ; because
at the outset, food, raiment, and the implements of
husbandry, are obtained only in small supplies and with
great difficulty. The task of making new establishments
in a remote wilderness, in time of profound peace, is
sufficiently difficult ; but when, in addition to all the
unavoidable hardships attendant on this business, those
resulting from an extensive and furious Avarfare with
savages are superadded ; toil, privations and sufferings,
are then carried to the full extent of the capacity of men

48 Houses, Furniture, &g., of the Early Settlers.

to endure tliem. Suck v/as the wretched condition of
our forefathers in making their settlements here, and to
all their difliculties and privations, the Indian war was a
weighty addition.

The following histor}' oC the i)0verty, labors, suflfer-
icgs, manners and customs, of our forefather?, will
api.)ear like a collection of "tales of olden times," with-
out any garnish of language to spoil the original portraits,
by giving them shades of coloring which they did not
possess.

A spot was selected on a ])ieceof land for their habita-
tion, and a day appointed for commencing the work of
building their cabin. The fatigue i)arty consisted of
choppers, whose business it was to fell the trees and cut
them off at proper lengths — a man with his team for
hauling them to the iJace and arranging them — and a
carpent'ir, if he might be called such, Avhose business it
was to search the Avoods for a jiroper tree for making
clapboards for the roof. The materials for the cabin
Avere mostly prepared on the first day, and sometimes the
foundation laid in the evening ; the second day was
allotted for the raising. In the morning of the next day
the neighbors collected for the raising. The first thing
to be done was the election of four corner men, whose
business it was to notch and place the logs, the rest of
the comjjany furnishing them with the timbers. In the
meantime the boards and puncheons were collected for
the floor and roof, so that by the time the cabin AA'as a
fev? rounds high, the sleepers and floor began to be laid.
Openings were afterward made for the door, windows
and chimney. The roof was formed by making the end
logs shorter until a single log formed the comb of the
roof. Oq these logs the clapboards were placed and lap-
ped over each considerable distance, which were held in
their proper places by logs being placed upon them.

The Germans were more uniform in the building of
their cabins, and their barn was usually the best build-

Houses, Furniture, &c., of the Early Settlers. 49

ing on the farm. Their dwelling houses were seldom
raised more than a single story, with a large cellar un-
derneath. In the upper floor garners for holding grain
were very common. A piazza was a very common appen-
dage, in which their saddles, bridles and very frequently
the wagon or plow harness were hung up.

In the above has been given a description of the dwel-
lings of the early settlers, and to make mention of the
furniture, diet and dress used in those days may proba-
bly prove of interest. The furniture for the table for
several years after the settlement of this locality consisted
of a few pewter dishes, plates and spoons, but mostly of
wooden bowls, trenchers and noggins. If the latter were
scarce, gourds and hard- shelled squashes made up the
deficiency. The iron pots, knives and forks were brought
from the east side of the moantains, along with the salt
and iron, on pack-horses. The table was generally fixed
in one corner of the stove room, with permanent benches
on one side. Their beds were filled with straw or chaff,
with a fine feather-bed for the covering.

These articles of furniture corresponded very well with
the articles of diet on which they were employed. Hog
and hominy were proverbial for the dish of which they
were the component parts. Johnny cake and pone were,
at the outset of the settlement of the country, the only
forms of bread in use for breakfast and dinner. At sup-
per milk and mush were the standard dish. When milk
was not plenty, which was often the case, owing to the
scarcity of cattle or the want of proper pasture for them,
the substantial dish of hominy had to supply the place
of them. Mush was frequently eaten with sweetened
water, molasses, bear's oil, or the gravy of fried meat.
Every family cultivated an acre or more, which they
called "truck patches," and raised a variety of vegeta-
bles. The natural result of this kind of rural life was to
produce a hardy and vigorous race of people. It was

50 Houses, Furniture, &c., of the Early Settlers.

tills race of i^eople who liad to meet and breast the vari-
ous Indian ivars and the storms of the revolution.

On the frontiers, and particularly amongst those who
were much In the habit of hunting, 'and going on scouts
and campaigns, the dress of the men, resembled partly
that of the Indian and the civilized nations. The hunt-
ing skirt was universally worn. This was a kind of loose
frock, reaching about half way down, with large sleeves
and a belt. This skirt was generally made of llnsey,
sometimes of coarse linen, and a few of dressed deer
skins. A pair of moccasins answered for the feet much
better than shoes, and were made of dressed deer skin.
In the latter years of the Indian war the J'oung men be-
came enamored of the Indian dress, and adopted It almost
entirely.

The reader will, naturally, desire a sketch of the dress
adopted by the women ; and the younger minds will more
especially desire an idea of the weddings of those days.
A description of the ceremony adopted will, doubtless,
prove very interesting, in which will be, described also
the women's dress :

For a long time after the first settlement of this locality,
the inhabitants in general married very young. There
"was no distinction of rank and very little of fortune.
On these accounts the first impressions of love resulted
in marriage, and a family establishment cost nothing
more than a little labor. The practice of celebrating the
marriage at the house of the bride began at an early
period, and it should seem with great propriety. She
was also given the choice to make the selection as to who
should perform the ceremony. In those days a wedding
engaged the attention of a whole neighborhood, and both
old and young engaged in the frolic with eager anticipa-
tion. This is not to be wondered at, when it is told that
a wedding was almost the only gathering which was not
accompanied with the labor of reaping, log-rolling, build-
ing a cabin, or planning some scout or campaign.

Houses, Farniture, &c., of the Early Settlers. 51

On the morning ol the wedding day, the groom and
his attendants assembled at the house of his father, for
the purpose of reaching the mansion of his bride by noon,
which was the usual time for celebrating the nuptials,
and which for certain must take place before dinner. Let
the reader imagine an assemblage of people, without a
store, tailor or mantuamaker, within an hundred miles,
and an assemblage of horses, without a blacksmith or
saddler within an equal distance. The gentlemen dress-
ed in shoepacks, moccasins, leather breeches, legging,
and linsey hunting shirts, all homemade. The ladies
■dressed in linsey petticoats and linsey or linen bed-gowns,
coarse shoes, stockings, handkerchiefs, and buckskin
gloves, if any ; if there were any buckles, rings, buttons
or ruffles, they were relics of old times, family pieces
from parents or grand-parents. The horses were capari-
soned with old saddles, bridles or halters, and pack-
saddles, with a bag or blanket thrown over them— a rope
■or string as often constituted the girth as a piece of leather.

The march, in double file, was often interrupted by the
narrowness and obstructions of the horse paths, as they
were called, for there were no roads. These difficulties
were often increased, sometimes by the good, and some-
, times by the ill will of neighbors ; by felling trees and
tying grape vines across the way. Sometimes an ambus-
cade was formed by the wayside, and an unexpected dis-
charge of several guns took place, so as to cover the
wedding company with smoke. Let the reader imagine
the scene that followed this discharge— the sudden spring
■of the horses, the shrieks of the girls, and the chivalric
bustle of their partners to save them from falling. Some-
times, in spite of all that could be done to prevent it,
some were thrown to the ground ; if a wrist, elbow, or
ankle happened to be sprained, it was tied with a hand-
herchief, and little more was thought or said about it.

Another ceremony commonly took place before the
party reached their destination When the party were

52 Houses, Furniture, &o., of the Early Settlers.

within about a mile of the bride's house, t^yo young men
would single out to run for the bottle ; the worse the
path, the more logs, bush and deep hollows, the better,
as these obstacles afforded an opportunity for the greater
display of intrepidity and horsemanship. The English
fox chase, in point of danger to the riders and their
horses, was nothing to this race for the bottle. The start
was announced by an Indian yell, when logs, bush, mud-
holes, hill and glen, were speedily passed by the rival
ponies. The bottle was always filled for the occasion^
and there was no need of judges. The first that reached
the door was handed the prize, and returned in triumph
announcing his victory over his rival by a shrill whoop.
The bottle was given the groom and his attendants at the
head of the troop, and then to each pair in succession, to
the rear of the line. After giving each a dram, he placed
the bottle in his bosom and took his station in the com-
pany. The' ceremony preceded the dinner, which was
a substantial backwoods feast of beef, pork, fowls and
sometimes venison and bear meat, with plenty of cab-
bage, potatoes and other vegetables.

After dinner dancing commenced with four handed
reels or square sets and jigs, and generally lasted until
the next morning. About 9 or 10 o'clock a deputation
of the young ladies stole off the bride and put her to bed.
This would be unnoticed by the hilarious crowd, and as
soon as discovered a deputation of young men in like
manner would steal off the groom and place him snugly
by the side of his bride. The'dance still continued, and
when seats happened to be scarce, which was often the
case, every young man, when not engaged in the dance,
was obliged to offer his lap as a seat for one of the girls,
which was sure to be accepted. During the hilarity the
newly married couple werenot forgotten. Late in the
night one would remind the company that the new cou-
ple stood in need of refreshments. The bottle was then
called "Black Betty," which was sent up the ladder,.

Houses, Furniture, <£c., of the Early Settlers. 53

generally accompanied by a quantity of beef, bread, iwrk
and cabbage sufficient to afford a good meal for half a
dozen hungry men . During the festivity ' 'Black Betty' '
was called out, and in taking a dram they would say,
"Here's health to the groom, not forgetting myself, and
here's to the bride, thumping luck and big children."

Being in perpetual hostility with the Indians, big chil-
dren were considered of much importance, and this ex-
pression was thought to be of a very proper and friendly
wish. It often happened that some neighbors or rela-
tions, not being asked to the wedding, took offense, and
as a mode of revenge they adopted the plan of cutting off
the manes, f oretops and tails of the horses of the wedding
company. The feasting and dancing often lasted several
days, and on their return the race for "Black Betty"
was the same as before. After these ceremonies several
days rest were required before they could return to their
ordinary labors.

Some of my readers may doubt the veracity of this
statement, but I would state, that in presenting this
book to the public, I have tried to give the facts as cor-
rectly as possible. This extract has been sketched from
an old history published in 1833, and is vouched for by
several very old citizens You may ask why this un-
pleasant portrait of our forefathers has been presented ?
In turn I would ask why are you pleased with the his-
tories of the blood and carnage of battles, and delighted
with the fictions of poetry and the novel romance ? It
is a true state of society and manners which are fast van-
ishing from the memory of man, depicted with a view
to give the young people of to-day a knowledge of the
advantage of civilization.

CHAPTER V.

NORTHERN NECK OF VIRGINIA.

^^pHARLES II, King of England, granted to the ances-
iM tors of the late Lord Fairfax all the lands lying be-
tween the head- waters of the Rappahannock and Potomac
to Chesapeake bay. This immense grant included the
territory now comprising the counties of Lancaster, Nor-
thumberland, Richmond, Westmoreland, Stafford, King
George, Prince William, Fairfax, Loudon, Fauquier,
Culpeper, Madison, Page, Shenandoah, Hardy, Hamp-
shire, Morgan, B,erkeley, Jefferson and Frederick. It is
said that the first grant to the ancestors of Fairfax was
only intended to include the territory in the Northern
Neck, east of the Blue Ridge ; but after Faixfax dis-
covered that the Potomac river headed in the Alleghaney
mountains, he returned to England, and instituted hig
petition in the Court of King's Bench for extending his
grant into the Alleghaney mountains, so as to include
the territory composing the present counties of Page,
Shenandoah, Hardy, Hampshire, Morgan, Berkeley, Jef-
ferson and Frederick. A compromise took place between
Fairfax and the Crown, but previous to the institution
of Fairfax's suit, several individuals had obtained grants
for large bodies of land west of the Blue Ridge, from the
colonial government of Virginia. In the compromise it
was expressly stipulated that the holders of lands, under
what were then called the King's grants, were to be
quieted in their right of possession.

Joist Hite and his partners had obtained grants for a
large body. Fairfax, under the pretext that Hite and
others had not comiDlied with the terms of their grants,
took it upon himself to grant away large quantities of

Nortliern Neck of Yirginia. 55

these lands to other individuals. This high handed pro-
ceeding on the i)art of his Lordship, produced a law suit,
which Hite and his partners instituted in the year 1736,
and in the year 1786 it was decided. The plaintiiTs re-
ceived a large amount of money for the rents and profits,
and a considerable quantity of land.

In the year 1736 Fairfax entered a caveat against Hite
and his partners, alleging that the lands claimed by them
were within the bounds of the Northern Neck, and con-
sequently his property. This was the beginning of the
controversy, and led to the suit instituted by the latter.
However, all the parties died before the suit was decided.
The immense Fairfax estate has passed out of the hands
of Fairfax's heirs. The lands, (as observed in a preced-
ing chapter,) were granted by Fairfax in fee simple to
his tenants, subject to an annual rent of two shillings
sterling per hundred acres, which in the aggregate
amounted to a very large sum. To this Fairfax added
and required the payment of ten shillings sterling on
each fifty acres (what he termed composition money,)
and which was paid on issuing the grant. In the year
1742 he opened his office in the county of Fairfax for
granting out land. A few years after he removed to the
county of Frederick, and settled at what he called
"Greenway-Court," about 12 or 14 miles south-east of
the x^resent Winchester, where he kept his land office
during his life. He died in the autumn of 17S1, very
soon after the surrender of Cornwallis. It is stated that
when he heard of the capture of Cornwallis, he called his
servant to assist him to bed, saying, "It is time for me
to die." He never left his bed again until consigned to
the tomb. He had, prior to his death, made a donation
to the Episcopal society of a lot of land, upon which a
large stone building was erected as a place of public
worship. To the church was attached a large burial
ground, in which his remains were interred.

In the year 1785 the legislature of yirginia passed an

56 Nortliern Neck of Virginia.

act in wMch, among other provisions, (in relation to tlie
Northern Neck,) is the following :

'■^And he it further enacted, That the landholders
within the said district of the Northern Neck shall be
forever hereafter exonerated and discharged from com-
position and quitrents, any law, custom or usage to the
contrary notwithstanding." This action of the State
freed the people from a vexatious and troublesome tax-
ation. Fairfax' s representatives soon sold out their in-
terest in his private estate in this country, and it is be-
lieved there is no part of this vast landed estate remain-
ing in the hands of any branch of the Fairfax family.
Chief Justice Marshall, the late Raleigh Colston, Esq.,
and the late Gen. Henry Lee, purchased the right of
Fairfax's legatees — who were then in England — to what
is called the Manor of Leeds, which cpntained about 15U,-
000 acres ; South Branch Manor, 55,000 acres ; Patter-
son's Creek Manor, 9,000 acres, and various other tracts
of land of immense value, the most of which had been
leased out for long terms of lives.

This profligate manner of granting away lands in im-
mense bodies was unquestionably founded in the most
unwis-e and unjust policy. Such are the blessings of
kingly governments. It tended m.ore to tie and bind
down the speedy settlement and improvement of the
country, instead of advancing its interests for a more
rapid development. But, alas, the disgusting, high-
sounding title of "My Lord" is no longer applied to poor,
frail humanity.

It appears that Lord Fairfax, among others, was an
attentive officer in the time of the Indian wars. He had
more at stake and the command of greater funds than
any other individual of his day, therefore it behooved
him to be active. The Indian hostilities retarded the
settlement of his large domain, and of course lessened his
revenue. It is said that he was remarkable for his eccen-
tricities and singularity of disposition and character, and

Nortliern Eeck of Virgiaia. 57

that lie had an insatiable passion for hoarding up English
gold. He never married, and of course left no child to
inherit his vast estate. All his property, or the greater
portion of it, was devised to his nephew in England, the
Rev. Denny Martin, on condition that he would apply
to the Parliament of Britain for an act to authorize him
to take the name of Lord Fairfax. This was done, and
Denny Lord Fairfax, like his uncle, never marrying, he
devised the estate to Gen. Philip Martin, who, never
marrying and dying without issue, devised the estate to
two old maiden sisters, who sold it to Messrs. Marshall,
Colston and Lee.

It is proper, before the subject of Lord Fairfax's grant
is dismissed, to inform the reader that a few years after
the war of the revolution an attempt was made to confis-
cate all that part of his landed estate devised to his
nephew, Denny Martin, (after Denny Lord Fairfax.)
But Messrs. Marshall, Colston and Lee having purchased
the estate, a compromise took place between them and
the State Government. The sale of the estate of Lord
Fairfax by his legatees in England, and the devise and
sale of the real estate of the late Co). T. B. Martin, is the
last of the history of the Fairfax interest in the Northern
Neck, a territory comprising about one-fourth of the
whole of the present limits of Virginia.

BERKELEY COUKTY LAID OFF.

The twx) counties of Frederick and Augusta were laid off
at the session of the Colonial Legislature in the year
1738, and included all the vast region of country west of
the Blue Ridge. Previous to that time the County of
Orange included all the territory west of the mountains.
Orange was taken from Spotsylvania in the year 1734,
the latter having previously crossed the Blue Ridge and
took in a considerable part of what is now the County of
Page. Previous to laying off the County of Orange the
territory west of the Blue Ridge, except the small part

58 ISoriliern Necli of Virginia.

wMch lay in Spotsylvania, does not appear to have
been included in any county.

Thus it appears that a little moie than one hundred
years ago Spotsylvania was a frontier county, and that
the vast region west of the Blue Ridge, with its millions
of people, has been settled and improved from an entire
wilderness. The country for more than a thousand miles
to the west has been, within this short period, rescued
from a state of natural barbarism, and is now the seat of
the fine arts and sciences, of countless millions of wealth
and the abode of freedom, both religious and politi-
cal. Judging from the past, what an immense prospect
opens itself to our view for the future. Within the last
half century this great portion of country has poured
out thousands of emigrants, who have contributed to-
wards peopling the North, East, South and West, and
immigrations still continue.

It has been already stated that Frederick County was
laid off in the year 1738. Berkeley was taken from
Frederick in the year 1772. The first Sheriff was Adam
Stephen, who was constituted and appointed by a com-
mission from the Governor for Berkeley County on the
18th day of April, 1772. A number of justices were ap-
pointed for the county, and their commission for their
appointment is herewith given, as taken from the origi-
nal copy now on file in the Clerk's Office, which doubtless
will prove of interest to the reader :
''Berkeley County, s. s.

"Be it remembered that at the house of Edward Bee-
son, the Nineteenth Day of May, Anno Domini 1772, a
Commission of the Peace and a Commission of Oyer and
Terminer from his' excellency Lord Dunmore dated the
17th Day of April in the year aforesaid directed to Ralph
Wormley, JacobTIite, Van Swearengen, Thomas Ruther-
ford, Adam Stephen, John Heavill, Thomas Swearengen,
Samuel Washington, James Hourse, William Little,
Robert Stephen, John Briscoe, Hugh Lyle, James

JSortliern Neclc of Virginia. 59

Strode, William Morgan, Robert Stogdon, James Seaton,
Robert Carter Willis, and Thomas Robinson, Gentle-
men and also Dedimus' s for administering Oaths, directed
to the same Persons or any two of them ; where pro-
duced and read, whereupon the said Van Swearengen,
having first taken the usual oaths to his Majesty's Per-
son & Government repeated and subscribed the Test
taken, the Oaths of a Justice of the Peace, of a Justice
of the County Court in Chancery & of a Justice of Oyer
and Terminer, which were administered to him by the
said James House & William Little, he the said Van
Swearengen, then administered the same oaths unto
Thomas Swearengen, Samuel Washington, James Hourse,
William Morgan, William Little, James Strode, Robert
Stephen, Robert Stogdon, Robert Carter Willis, & James
Seaton, who severally took the same & Repeated & Sub-
scribed the Test : Court Proclaimed, at a court held for
Berkeley County the 19th Day of May, 1772. Present :
Van Swearengen, James Strode,

TTios. Sioearengen, Rotert Stephen,

Samuel WasMngton, Robert Stogdon,

Mmes Hourse, Robert C. Willis,

William Morga/n, and.

William Little, James Seaton,

Gent. Justices.
William Drew was the first clerk oE the Court, and
was appointed by a commission from Thomas Nelson,
Esq. James Theith, John Magill, George Brent, George
Johnston, Philip Pendleton and Alexander White were
the first attorneys licensed to practice law in the court
of the colony. Alexander White was appointed the
first deputy attorney for this county under commission
of the Attorney General of the colony. In those days
when courts of law were resorted to as a means of jus-
tice, it was to be had at but little trouble, and the offen-
der was dealt with in the most strict and hurried man-
ner. In looking over the first -court docket of this

60 Northern Neck of Virginia.

county the author could surprise the people of the pres-
ent generation were he to make mention of the most cruel
manner in which punishments were inflicted. Slavery
was then carried out in its true sense, regardless of na-
ture or humanity. Again, it is much of a curiosity to
see the manner in which the proceedings were conducted.

CHAPTER VI.

MARTINSBURG ESTABLISHED.

p g/Mjy-y^tAJ

IpAIlTINSBURG was established in the month of

^^ October, 1778, and was named after Col. T. B.
Martin, of whom mention has been made in the previous
chapter as the last holder of the estate of this j)ortion of
country prior to its being laid off. The following is an
extract from the law at the time our present city was es-
tablished :

"Whereas it hath been represented to this present
General Assembly that Adam Stephen, Esq., hath lately
laid off one hundred and thirty acres of land in the
county of Berkeley, where the Court House now stands,
in lots and streets for a town, etc.; Be it enacted, etc.,
that the said one hundred and thirty acres of land laid
out into lots and streets, agreeable to a plan and survey
thereof made containing the number of two hundred and
sixty-nine lots, as by the said plan and survey, relation
thereunto being had, may more fully appear, be and the
same is hereby vested in James McAlister, Joseph Mitch-
ell, Anthony Noble, James Strode, Robert Carter WilliSy
William Patterson and Philip Pendleton, gentlemen,
trustees, and shall be established a town by the name of
Martinsburg."

Tradition relates an animated contest that took place
between Sheriff Adam Stephen and Jacob Hite, Esq., in
relation to fixing the seat of justice for this county and
by which the latter lost his life. It may probably prove
interesting to the reader :

Hite contended for the location thereof on his own
land at what is now called Leetown, in the county of
Jefferson. Stephen advocated Martinsburg, and pre-

62 Martinshurg Esiahlished.

vailed upon it until Hite became so disgu^3ted. and dis-
satisfied that he sold out his fine estate and removed to
the frontier of South Carolina. His removal proved
fatal, for he had not long settled in that State before the
Indians murdered him and several of his family in the
most shocking and barbarous manner. It is said that
the evening before this bloody massacre took place, an
Indian squaw who was much attached to Mrs. Hite,
called on ber and warned her of the intended plot, and
advised her to remove with her little children to a place
of safety. Mrs. Hite immediately communicated the in-
telligence to her husband. He would not believe the
information, observing "the Indians were too much
attached to him to do him any injury." The next morn
ing, however, when it was fatally too late to escape, a
party of Indians, armed and painted in their usual war
dress, called on Hite and told him they were determined
to kill him. It was in vain that he pleaded his friend-
ship for them and the many services he had rendered
their nation. Their full purpose was fixed and nothing
could appease them but his blood and that of his inno-
cent, unoffending and helpless wife and children. They
commenced their barbarous work by the most cruel tor-
tures, cutting him to pieces, a joint at a time, and while
he was thus in the most violent agonies they barbarously
murdered his wife and several of her little offspring.
After they had dispatched Mr. Hite, his wife and sev-
eral of the children, they took two of his daughters, not
quite grown, and all of his slaves as prisoners. They
also carried off what plunder they choose, and their booty
was considerable. Mr. Hite kept a large store and dealt
largely with the Creek and Cherokee tribes. It was
afterward stated that a man by the name of Parish, who
was an intimate friend of and went to Carolina with
Hite, grew jealous of the latter's popularity with the In-
dians, and instigated the savages to commit the murder.
On the 20th day of August, 1779, on motion of Adam

Martinshurg Estahlislied. 63

Stephen, Sheriff, the plat for Martinsburg was ordered
to be recorded, with terms to purchasers, as follows :
''The purchasers of any of the lots in the above town is
to build on the purchased lot a good dwelling house, to
be at least twenty feet long and sixteen feet wide, with
stone or brick chimney to same, in two years from the
time of purchase, and, on failure, the lot to return to the
proprietor."

The first court was held in the dwelling house of Ed-
ward Beeson, situated on the land now owned by Mr. A..
J. Thomas, at the north end of the city. The building
was a rude log house and consisted of one story and a
half. The lirst Court House erected was bnilt of stone,
{and a very odd looking one at that,) and located where
the present fine structure now stands. The first jail was
a log building, erected in the middle of the Square, with
the Market House attached to the rear end. The first
church built west of the Blue Ridge Mountain is the one
standing at the present day on Tuscarora, about two
miles from the city. The Falling Waters church was
the next. A number of the buildings, solidly constructed
of stone and of early date, are yet standing at an age of
over one hundred and fifty years, and presenting an air
of defiance to the ravages of time. From their present
state there is but little doubt that they will perhaps
stand the trials and tribulations of the world for centu-
ries to come.

Among the early settlers a number of old commissions
were issued by prominent Governors and Lieutenant
Governors of Virginia, appointing sheriffs, justices and
overseers of the poor, dated from the expulsion of
George, Earl of Dunmore, his Majesty's Lieutenant Gov-
ernor of the colony of Virginia, and Vice-Admiral of the
same, in 1772 to the Governorship of Henry A. Wise in
1859. There are two papers signed by Patrick Henry,
the young orater who rebelled against the British Ministry
and stirred within the breast of the American people an

64 Mariinsljurg Established.

independence that led to deeds of valor. These were dated
"Council Chamber, Williamsburg, Dec. 9th, 1776." The
next was signed by Thos. Jefferson, who afterward be-
came President, and as an example lor model simplicity
but few after Presidents have ever attained to. This
paper bears an impression of the first wax seal of the
Virginia Commonwealth. Benjamin Harrison was the
signer of two commissions. Beverly Eandolph (17S8,)
James Wood (1793,) and Robert Brooks (1799,) also sent
commissions. Among the number are the well-known
signatures of Jno. Tyler, who succeeded Harrison as
President, and James Monroe, also afterward President.
Among the signatures of the Governors discernible were
the names of Geo. W. Smith, James Barbour, James P.
Preston, Lieutenant Governor Peter Y. Daniels, Lieu-
tenant Governor Tate, John Randolph, Henry A. Wise,
(Virginia's war Governor,) Tillitson Tozewell and James
McDowell. Among the men were statesmen and patriots
whose noble traits are revered by many of the Virginia
peojDle. Many pages of American history have been
scattered broadcast containing their acts of heroism and
manliness.

Among the early residents were three noted generals
of the revolutionary war — Horatio Gates, Alexander
Stephen and Charles Lee. As an evidence of the Avell-
known eccentricity of the former, is the following ex-
tract from his will, copied from the original, and on file
in the office of the County Clerk :

"I desire, most earnestly, that I may not be buried in
any church or church yard, or within a mile of any
Presbyterian or Anabaptist meeting-house ; fur, since I
have resided in this county, I have kept so much bad
company when living that I do not chuse to continue it
when dead. I recommend my soul to the creator of all
worlds and all creatures, who must, from his visible at-
tributes, be indifferent to their modes of worship or creeds
whether Christians, Mohammedans or Jews; whether

Martrn&bxirg Established. 65

more or less absurd ; as a weak mortal can no more be
answerable for his persuasions, notions or even scepti-
cism in religion, tlian for the color of his skin."

The will was presented to the Berkeley County Court
for record April 15th, 1783, in his own hand- writing.
Another extract is taken from the County Court records
under date of November 20th, 1776 :

"Proclamation being made for the trial of a negro man
belonging to General Horatio Gates, committed to the
goal of this county, and for breaking open the cellar of
the said General Gates and feloniously taking from
thence a cliest of money and clothes ; who being brought
to the bar and it being demanded of him whether he was
guilty of the offense wherewith he stands charged, or
not guilty, he says he is guilty. It is, therefore, the
judgment of the Court that he be remanded back to the
goal from whence he came, and there to continue till
the third Friday in December next ; then from thence to
be taken and hanged by the neck till he is dead. It is
the opinion of the said Court that the said slave is worth
seventy pounds."

MAJOE GENERAL ALEXANDER STEPHEN.

Each one of these noted Generals was cashiered.
Alexander Stephen for becoming drunk and neglecting
to bring his troops forward to the support of the balance
of the army at the battle of Monmouth. His remains
lie buried upon the premises of the late Hon. C. J. Faulk-
ner, on the south edge of town. A monument was com-
menced to his memory, but was advanced no further
than the placing of three broad stones. It was supposed
that the other portion was used to a more appropriate
purpose.

MAJOR GENERAL CHARLES LEE.

Gen. Lee was at one time a rival of Gen. Geo. Wash-
ington, and an aspirant for the position of Commander-
in-Chief of the army, and while the latter modestly urged
upon Congress to relieve him from the responsibility and

66 Martinslurg JEsiablished.

appoint some one ^Ybo^l he imagined could more credi-
tably fill the position, the former, by intrigue and with
importunity, sought and failed to obtain it. This led
Gen. Lee to entertain feelings of envy and hatred toward
Gen. Washington, much to the latter' s regret, who did
his utmost to dispel them. Gen. Lee at this time lived
about ten miles from IMartinsburg, in a long, low house,
the back room of v\iiich was his bed-room, the next the
-dining-room, then the kitchen, in which his slaves and
■dogs remained, and in front was a sort of sitting or re-
ception room. Gen. Washington at one time, wdtli the
intention of trying to regain the good will of Gen. Lee,
wrote to him informing him that, trusting that it would
be agreeable, he would do himself the honor of dining
with him on the following day. Upon his arrival, how-
ever, he found the house closed, and fastened to the front
door was this message : "No bread or bacon cooked to-
day." There wasn't much of the boasted hospitality of
the dominion exhibited by this, but it is excusable from
the fact that General Lee came from England and had
not been a resident of the Commonwealth long enough
to become addicted to the habits of the pyeople.

The three heroes — Gates, Stephen and Lee — were in
the habit of frequently meeting at the residence of the
latter, in the summer and fall of 1782, and crack jokes,
drink wine and compare notes of their army experience.
Upon one occasion, after a lengthy sitting and free in-
dulgence in the spirits, which were ardent, General Lee
obtained the floor and remarked : ' 'The County of Berke-
ley is indeed to be congratulated. She can claim as citi-
zens three noted Major Generals of the revolutionary
war. You, Stephen, distinguished yourself by getting
drunk when you should have remained sober, and was
cashiered for advancing when you should have been re-
treating, while youT humble servant covered himself with
glory and laurels and was cashiered for ]:etreating when
he should have been advancing."

CHAPTER VII.

BEPORT OF HON. C. J. FAULKNER ON AD.JUST-'

MENT OF THE BOUNDARY LINE BETWEEN
VIRGINIA AND MARYLAND.

8?HE State of Maryland, in 1832, set up a claim to a
considerable tract of territory on the north-Avest
border of Virginia, including a part of the Northern
Neck. It was then the late Hon. Charles James Faulk-
ner distinguished himself, and won the respect and es-
teem of his people. Maryland pushed the claim with
much earnestness, and the Executive of the State in
appointing a commission to collect and embody the nec-
essary testimony, on behalf of Virginia, selected Mr.
Faulkner. This gentleman, in taking up this interesting
question, worked with an untiring zeal and energy, and
on the 6th day of November, 1832, made a most able re-
port on " the settlement and adjustment of the western
boundary of Maryland." The author deems it of suffi-
cient interest to every Berkeley citizen, to insert in this
work the report in full. It is as follows, from the origi-
nal copy :
*' Report of Charles James Faulkner relatioe to the

Boundary line between Virginia and Maryland ;

Mabtiwsburg, Nov. 6, 1832.

Sir : — In execution of a commission addressed to me
by your Excellency, and made out in pursuance of a
joint resolution of the General Assembly of this State,
of the 20th of March last, I have directed my attention
to the collection of such testimony as the lapse of time
and the nature of the inquiry have enabled me to procure
touching "the settlement and adjustment of the western
boundary of Maryland." The division line which now

68 Boundary Line.

separates the two States on the west, and which has
heretofore been considered as fixed by positive adjudica-
tion and long acquaintance, commences at a point where
the Fairfax stone is planted, at the head spring of the
Potomac Kiver, and runs thence due north to the Penn-
sylvania line. This is the boundary by which Virginia
has held for near a century ; it is the line by which she
held in 1786, when the compact made by the Virginia and
Maryland Commissioners was solemnly ratified by the
legislative authorities of the two States.

An effort is now made by the General Assembly of
Maryland, to enlarge her territory by the establishment
of a different division line. We have not been informed
which fork of the South Branch she will elect as the new
boundary, but the proposed line is to run from one of the
forks of the South Branch thence due north to the Penn-
sylvania terminus. It is needless to say that the substi-
tution of the latter line, no matter at which fork it may
commence, would cause an important diminution in the
already diminished territorial area of this State. It
would deprive us of large portions of the counties of
Hampshire, Hardy, Pendleton, Randolph and Preston,
amounting in all to almost half a million of acres— a sec
tion of the Commonwealth which, from the quality of its
soil, and the character of its population, might well ex-
cite the cupidity of a government resting her claims upon
a less substantial basis than a stale and groundless pre-
tension of more than a century's antiquity. Although
my instructions have directed my attention more partic-
ularly to the collection and preservation of the evidence
of such living witnesses "as might be able to testify to
any facts or circumstances in relation to the settlement
and adjustment of the western boundary," I have con-
sumed but a very inconsiderable portion of my time in
any labor or inquiry of that sort, for who indeed, now
living, could testify to any "facts or circumstances"
which occurred neMy a century ago \ And if such indi-

Boundary Line. 69

viduals were now living, why waste time in taking depo-
sitions as to tlios« "facts,-' in proof of which the most
ample and authentic testimony was taken in 1736, as the
basis of a royal adjudication \ I have consequently
deemed it of more importance to procure the original
documents where possible; if not, authentic copies of
such papers as would serve to exhibit a connected view
of the origin, progress and termination of that contro-
versy with the Crown, which resulted, after the most
accurate and laborious surveys, in the ascertainment of
those very "facts and circumstances" which are now
sought to be made again the subjects of discussion and
inquiry. In this pursuit I have succeeded far beyond
what I had any ground for anticipation ; and from the
almost forgotten rubbish of joast years, have been ena-
bled to draw forth documents and papers whose interest
may survive the occasion which redeemed them from
destruction.

To enable your Excellency to form a just conception of
the weight and importance of the evidence herewith ac-
companying this report, I beg leave to submit with it a
succinct statement of the question in issue between the
governments of Virginia and Maryland, with some ob-
servations showing the relevancy of the evidence to the
question thus presented.

The territory of Maryland granted by Charles I, to
Lord Baltimore, in June, 1632, was described in the grant
as "that region bounded by a line drawn from Watkins's
point on Chesapeake Bay to the ocean on the east; thence
to that part of the estuary of Delaware on the north
which lieth under the 40th degree, where New England
is terminated ; thence in a right line by the degree afore-
said, to the meridian of the foundation of the Potomac ;
thence following its course by its farther bank to its con-
fluence." {MarsJiaW s Life of Washington, vol. 1, ch.
II, pp. 78 — 81, 1st edition.)

It is plain that the western boundary of this grant was

70 Boundary Line.

tlie meridian of the fountain of the Potomac, from the
point where it cut the 40th degree of north latitude to
the fountain of the river ; and that the extent of the
grant depended upon the question, what stream was the
Potomac? So that the question how in controversy-
grows immediately out of the grant. The territory
granted to Lord Baltimore was undoubtedly within the
chartered limits of Virginia : (See Int Charter of April,
1606, sec. 4, and the 2d Clmrter of May, 1609, sec. 6 ;
1st Hen. Stat, at Large, pp. 58 — 88.) And Marshall says
that the grant "was the first example of the dismember-
ment of a colony, and the creation of a new one within
its limits, by the mere act of the Crown ;" and that the
planters of Virginia presented a petition against it,
"which was heard before the privy council (of England)
in July, 1633, when it was declared that Lord Baltimore
should retain his patent, and the petitioners their remedy
at law. Jo this remedy they never thought proper to
resort."

Whether there be any record of this proceeding ex-
tant, I have never been able to learn. The civil war in
England broke out about ten years after, and perhaps
the journals of the proceedings of the privy council were
destroyed. Subsequently to this, we are informed by
Graham, the planters, " fortified by the opinion of emi-
nent lawyers whom they consulted, and who scrupled
not to assure them that the ancient patents of Virginia
still remained in force, and that the grant of Maryland,
as derogatory to them, loas utterly void, they presented
an application to the Parliament, complaining of the un-
just invasion which their privileges had undergone."
{Graham's History, vol. 2, p. 12.) But as the Parlia-
ments of those days were but the obsequious ministers
of the Crown, that application, it is presumed, likewise
shared the fate of their former petition to the privy
council.

The present claim of Maryland, then, must be founded

Boundary Line. 71

on the supposition that the stream whicli we call the
Potomac was not ; and that the stream now called the
South Branch of the Potomac, was in fact tlie Potomac
intended in the grant to Lord Baltimore. I have never
been informed which fork of the South Branch she claims
as the Potomac (for there is a North and a South fork of
the South Branch) ; neither have I been able to learn
what is the evidence, or the kind of evidence, on which
she relies to ascertain that the stream which is now
called the South Brancli of the Potomac, but which at
the date of the grant to Lord Baltimore was not known
at all, and when known, known for many years only as
the Wappacomo, was tlie Potomac intended by Lord Bal-
timore' s grant. For this important geographical fact I
refer to the numerous early maps of the chartered limits
of Virginia and Maryland, some of which are to' be seen
in the public libraries of "Washington and Richmond.

The question, which stream was the Potomac 1 is sim-
ply a question which of them, if either, bore the name.
The name is matter of general reputation. If there be
anything which depends wholly upoti general accepta-
tion which ought and must be settled by prescription it
is this question which of these rivers was and is the Po-
tomac? The accompanying papers, it is believed, will
ascertain this fact to the satisfaction of every impartial
inquirer.

In the twenty-first year of Charles II. a grant was
made to Lord Hopton and others of what is called the
j^orthern Neck of Virginia, which was sold by the other
patentees ta Lord Culpeper, and confirmed to him by
letters patent in the fourth year of James II. This grant
carried with it nothing but the right of soil and the inci-
dents of ownership, for it was expressly subjected to the
jurisdiction of the government of Virginia. Of this
earlier patent I believe there is no copy in Virginia. The
original charter from James II. to Lord Culpeper ac-
companies this report, marked No. 1. They are both

72 Boundary Line.

recited in tlie colonial statute of 1736, (1 iJew. Code, cJi.
89.) The tract of country thereby granted was "all that
entire tract, territory and parcel of. land lying and being
in America and bounded by and within the heads of the
rivers Tappahannock alias Rappahannock, and Qnir-
iough alias Potomac rivers, the course of the said rivers
as they are commonly called and known by the inhab-
itants and description of their parts and Chesapeake
Bay."

As early as 1729, in consequence of the eagerness with
which lands were sought on the Potomac and its tribu-
tary streams, and from the difficulties growing out of
conflicting grants from Lord Fairfax and the Crown, the
boundaries of the Northern Neck proprietary became a
subject which attracted deep and earnest attention. At
this tinie the Potomac had been but little explored, and
although the stream itself above its confluence with the
Shenandoah was known as the Cohongoroota, or Upper
Potomac, it had never been made the subject of any very
accurate surveys and examinations, nor had it j^et been
settled by any competent authority which of its several
tributaries was entitled to be regarded as the main or
pricipal branch of the river. It became important, there-
fore, to remove all further doubt upon that question.

In June 1729, the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia ad-
dressed a communication to the Lords commissioners of
trade and plantation affairs, in which he solicits their at-
tention to the ambiguity of the Loid proprietor' s char-
ter growing out of the fact that there were several streams
which might be claimed as the head springs of Potomac
River, among Avhich he enumerates the Shenandoah,
and expresses his determination "to refuse the suspen-
sion of granting of patents, until the case should be fair-
ly stated and determined according to the genuine con-
struction of the proprie-tor' s charter." This was fol-
lowed by a petition to the King in council, agreed to
by the house of burgesses of Virginia, in June 1730, in

Boundary Line. 73

whicli it is set forth, among other matters of complaint,
"that the head springs of the Rappahannock and Poto-
mac are not yet known to any of your Majesty's sub-
jects ;" that much inconvenience liad resulted to grantees
therefrom, and praying the adoption of such measures
as might lead to its ascertainment to tlie satisfaction of
all parties interested.

Lord Fairfax, who, by his marriage wi^h the only
daughter of Lord Culpeper, had now succeeded to the
proprietorship of the Northern Neck, feeling it like
wise due to Ms grantees to have the question relieved
from all further difficulty, preferred his petition to the
King in 173:1, praying that his majesty would be pleased
to order a commission to issue, for running out, marking
and ascertaining the bounds of his patent, accordins to
the true intent and meaning of his charter. An order
to this effect was accordingly directed by the King ; and
three commissioners were appointed on behalf of the
Crown, and the same number on behalf of Lord Fairfax.
The duty which devolved upon them was to ascertain
by actual examination and survey, the true fountains of
the Eappahannock and Potomac Rivers. To enable them
more perfectly to discharge the important trust confided
to them, they were authorized to summon persons before
them, to take depositions and affidavits, to search i^apers
and employ surveyors, chain- carriers, m^arkers, and other
necessary attendants. The commissioners convened in
Fredericksburg, on the 26th of September, 1736, and pro-
ceeded to discharge their duties, by taking depositions,
appointing surveyors, and making every needful and
requisite preparation for the survey. Thety commenced
their journey of observation and survey on the 12th day
of October, 1736, and finished it on the 14th of Decem-
ber, of the same year ; on which day they discovered
what they marked and reported to be the first fountain
of the Potomac River. Separate reports were made by
the commissioners, which reports, with all the accom-

74 Boundary Line.

panying documents, papers, surveys, plans, &c., were,
on tlie 21st of December, 1738, referred to tlie council for
plantation affairs. That board, after hearing counsel,
made a report on the 6th day of April, in which they
state, "that having examined into the several reports,
returns, plans and other papers transmitted to them by
the commissioners appointed on behalf of the Crown, as
likewise of Lord Fairfax, and having been attended by
counsel on behalf of your Majesty, as likewise of Lord
Fairfax, and having heard all that they had to offer
thereujDon, and the question being concerning that boun-
dary which ought to be drawn from the first head or
spring of the river Rappahannock to the first head or
spring of the river Potomac, the committee do agree
humbly to report to your Majesty as their opinion, that
within the words and meaning of the letters patent,
granted by King James II, bearing date the 27th day of
September, in the fourth year of his reign, the said boun-
dary ought to begin at the first spring of the South
Branch of the river Rap]3ahannock, and that the said
boundary be from thence drawn in a straight line north-
west to the place in the Alleghany Mountains where that
part of the Potomac River, loliich is now^ called Cohon-
goroota, first rises." The Cohongoroota is known to be
the stream which the Maryland writers term the North
Branch of the Potomac, but which is recognized in
Virginia, and described on all the maps and surveys
which I have ever yet seen, as the Potomac River, from
its first fountain, where the Fairfax stone is located, to
its confluence with the Shenandoah ; there being, prop-
erly speaking, no such stream as the North Branch of
the Potomac. This report of the council for plantation
affairs was submitted to the King in council on the 11th
of April, 1745, and fully confirmed by him, and further
order made, directing the appointment of commissioners
to run and work the dividing line agreeably to his de-
cision thus made. Commissioners were accordingly ap-

Boundary Line. 75

pointed, wbo.having provided themselves with surveyors,
chain- carriers, markers, &c., commenced their journey-
on the 18th of September, 1746. On the 17th of October,
they planted the Fairfax stone at the spot which had
been described and marked by the preceding commis-
sioners as the true head spring of the Potomac River,
and which has continued to be regarded, from that pe-
riod to the present time, as the southern point of the
western boundary between Maryland and Virginia. A
joint report of these proceedings was made by the com-
missioners to the King, accompanied with their field
notes ; which report was received and ordered to be filed
away among the records of his Majesty's privy council.
Thus terminated, after a lapse of sixteen years, a pro-
ceeding which had for its object, among other matters,
the ascertainment of the first fountain of tJie Potomac
River., and which resulted in the establishment of that
"fact" by a tribunal of competent jurisdiction. This
decision has now been acquiesced in for near a century ;
and all the topographical description and sketches of the
country have been made to conform to it. I say acqui-
esced in, for it is impossible to regard the varying, fluc-
tuating legislation of Maryland upon the subject, at one
session of her General Assembly recognizing the line as
now established, {see comjpact of 1785, session Acts of
1803, 1818 and others,) at another authorizing the ap-
pointment ef commissioners to adjust the boundary, as a
grave resistance of its conclusions, or such a continual
claim, as under the usage of international law would bar
an application of the principles of usucaption ^cn^ pres-
cription. {See Vattel, p. 251. Grotius, lib. 2, c«p. 4.
Wolf us. Jus. Nat. par. 3.)

Jurisdiction in all cases relating to boundaries between
provinces, the dominion and proprietary government, is
by the common law of England exclusively vested in the
King and council (1 Ves. sen p. 447.) And notwith-
standing it may be a question of boundary between the

76 Boundary Line.

Crown and a Lord j)roprietor of a province, (such as that
between Lord Fairfax and the Crown,) the King is the
only judge, and is presumed to act with entire im-
partiality and justice in reference to all persons concern-
ed, as well as those who are parties to the proceedingbefore
him, as others not parties who may yet be interested in
the adjustment. {Yesey, ib.) Such is the theory and
practice of the English Constitution ; and although it
may not accord precisely with our improved conceptions
of juridicial practice, it is nevertheless the law which
must now govern and control the legal aspect of the pres-
ent territorial dispute between Virginia and Maryland.
It does not appear by the accompanying papers, that
Charles Lord Baltimore, the then proprietor of Maryland,
deputed an agent to attend upon his part in the exdmi-
nalion and survey of the Potom,ac River. It is possible
he conceived his interests sufficiently protected in the
aspect which the controversy had then assumed between
Lord Fairfax and the Crown. Certain it is. that it no-
where appears that he ever considered himself aggrieved
by the result of that adjustment. That his government
was fully apprised of what was in progress, can scarcely
admit of a rational doubt. For it is impossible to con-
ceive that a controversy so deeply affecting not only the
interests of Lord Baltimore, but all who were concerned
in the purchase of land in that section of the country,
and conducted with so much solemnity and notoriety,
could have extended througli a period of sixteen years,
without attracting the attention of the government of
Maryland — a government ever jealous because ever doubt-
ful of the original tenure by which her charter was held.
But had Lord Baltimore even considered himsplf ag-
grieved by the result of that settlement, it is difficult
now to conceive upon what ground he would have ex-
cepted to its justice or questioned its validity. Could
he have said that the information upon which the de-
cision was founded was imperfect ? Or that the proceed-

Boundary Line. 77

ings of the commissioners were cliaiacterized by liaste,
favoritism or fraud ? This the proceeding of that board
still preserved, would contradict For never was there
an examination conducted with more deliberation, pros-
ecuted with more labor, or scrutinized with a more jeal-
ous and anxious vigilance. Could he have shown that
some other stream ouglit to have been fixed upon as the
true head spring of the Potomac \ This, it is believed,
is impossible, for although it may be true that the south
branch is a longer stream, it nevertheless wants those
more important characteristics which were then consid-
ered by the commissioners and have been subsequently
regarded by esteemed geographers as essential in distin-
guishing a tributary from the main branch of a river.
{See Flint's Geography, vol. 2, p. 8S.) Lastly, would he
have questioned the authority of the Crown to setile the
boundaries of Lord Fairfax' s charter without having pre-
viously made him a party to the proceeding ? I have
before shown the futility of such an idea. Besides, this
would have been at once to question the authority under
which he held his own grant, for Baltimore held by vir-
tue of an arbitrary act of the second Charles. His grant
was manifestly made in violation of the chartered rights
of Virginia, and carried into eifect not only without the
acquiescence, but against the solemn and repeated re-
monstrances of her government. Was Virginia consulted
in the "dismemberment" of her territory? Was she
made a party to that proceeding by which, "for the first
time in colonial history, one new province was created
within the chartered limits of another by the mere act of
the Crown?" But the fact is that Charles Lord Balti-
more, who lived for six years after the adjustment of this
question, never did contest the propriety of the boun-
dary as settled by the commissioners, but from all that
remains of his views and proceedings, fully acquiesced
in its accuracy and justice. {See treaty wiihthe Six Na-
tions of Indians at Lancaster in June, 1744.)

78 Boundary Line.

The first evidence of dissatisfaction witli tlie boundary
as established, which the researches of the Maryland
writers have enabled them to exhibit, are certain instruc-
tions from Frederick Lord of Baltimore, (successor of
Charles) to Governor Sharp, which were presented by the
latter to his council, in August 1753. I have not been
able to procure a copy of those instructions, but a recent
historian of Maryland, and an ingenious advocate of her
present claim, referring to them, says. "His instruc-
tions were predicated upon the supposition that the sur-
vey might iDossibly have been made loitli tlie knowledge
and concurrence of Ms predecessor., and hence he denies
\^x% 'power of the latter to enter into any arrangement as
to the boundaries, which could extend beyond Ms life
estate, or conclude those in remainder." {M^ MaliorC s
History of Maryland, p. 6'i.)

What were the precise limitation of those conveyances
made by the proprietors of Maryland, and under which
Frederick Lord Baltimore denies the power of his prede-
cessor to enter into any arrangement as to the boundaries,
which could extend beyond his life estate, I am not able
to say — my utmost researches having failed to furnish
me with a copy of them — but they were so far satisfac-
tory to his Lordship's legal conceptions, as to induce
him to resist even the execution of a decree pronounced
by Lord Hardwicke, in 1750, (1 Ves. sen. pp. 444 — 46)
upon a written compact as to boundaries, which had
been executed by' his predecessor and the Penns, in 1732.
To enforce submission to that decree, the Penns tiled a
bill of reviver in 1754, and after an ineffectual struggle of
six years. Lord Baltimore was compelled with a bad
grace to submit, and abide by the arrangement as to the
boundaries which had been made by his predecessor.
To this circumstance, in all probability, was Lord Fair-
fax indebted for his exemption from the further demands
of the proprietor of Maryland. For Lord Frederick, no
ways averse to litigation, had by this time doubtless be-

Boundary Line. 79

come satisfied that i\iB poioer of liis predecessor did not
extend beyond his life estate, and might even conclude
those in remaind.er. Be tliat as it may, however, certain
it is that the records of Maryland are silent upon the
subject of this pretension, from September 1753, until
ten years subsequent to the compact between Virginia
and Maryland in 1785.

An opinion prevails among some of our most distin-
guished jurists, resting solely upon traditionary infor-
mation, that about 1761, Frederick Lord Baltimore
presented a i:)etition to the king and council, praying a
revision of the adjustment made in 1745, which petition
was rejected, or after a short time abandoned, as hope-
less. If there ever A\'as such a proceeding, I can find
nothing concerning it in the archives of Virginia.

Be that as it may, it is certain that ever since 1745
Lord Fairfax claimed and held, and the commonwealtli
of Virginia constantly to this day has claimed and held
by the Cohongoroota, that is by the northern branch, as
tJie Potomac ; and whatever Lord Baltimore or his heirs,
and the State of Maryland may have claimed, she has
held by the same boundary. There was no reason why
Lord Fairfax, being in actual possession, should have
controverted the claim of Lord Baltimore, or Maryland.
If Lord Baltimore or Maryland, ever controverted the
boundary, the question must, and either has been deci-
ded against them, or it must have been abandoned as
hopeless. If they never controverted it, the omission" to
do so, can only be accounted for, upon the suppo-
sition that they know it to be hopeless. If Maryland
ever asserted the claim — seriously asserted it, I mean —
it must have been before the revolution, or at least during
it, when we all know, she was jealous enough of the ex-
tended territory of Virginia. T7ie claim must liave had
its origin before the compact between the two states, of
If arch 1785, {See 1 Rev. Code, ch. 18.) We then held
by the same boundary by which we now hold ; we held

80 Boundary Line.

to what loe called and now call the Potomac ; slie then
held to what loe call the Potomac. Is it possible to doubt
that this is the Potomac recognized by the compact ?
That comjjact is now 47 years old.

I have diligently inquired whether, as the Potomac
above the confluence of the Shenandoah was called the
Cohongoroota, the stream now called the south branch
of the Potomac ever had any peculiar name independ-
ently of its relation to the Potomac— I mean, of course,
any peculiar name known to and established among the
English settlers — for it is well known it bore the Indian
name of Wappacomo. L never could learn that it was
known by any other name but that which it yet bears,
the south branch of the Potomac. Now that very name
of itself sufficiently evinces that it was regarded as a
tributary stream of another river, and that river the Po
tomac, and that the river of which the south branch was
the tributary, was regarded as the main stream.

But let us for a moment concede that the decision of
the King in council was not absolutely conclusive of the
present question ; let us concede that the long acqui-
escence of Maryland in that adjustment has not pre-
cluded a further discussion of its merits ; let us even
suppose the compact of 1735 thrown out of view, with
all the subsequent recognitions of the present boundary
by the legislative acts of that State, and the question be-
tween the two streams now for the first time presented
as" an original question of preference ; what are the facts
upon which Maryland would rely to show that any other
stream than the one now bearing the name is entitled to
be regarded as the main branch of the Potomac % It
were idle to say that the south branch is the Potomac
because the south branch is a longer or even larger stream
than the north branch, which Virginia claims to hold
by. According to that sort of reasoning the Missouri,
above its confluence with the Mississippi, is the Missis-
sippi, being beyond comparison the longer and larger

Boundary Line. 81

stream. The claim of the south branch, then, would
rest solely upon its greater length. In opposition to this
it might be said that the Cohongoroota is more frequent-
ly navigable, that it has a larger volume of water— iJiat
tlie valley of the south hrancJi is, in the grand scale of
conformation, secondary to that of the Potomac— thai
the south branch has not the general direction of that
river, which it joins nearly at right angles — that the-
valley of the Potomac is wider than that of the south-,
branch, as is also the river broader than the other. And^'
lastly, that the course of the river and the direction of'
the valley are the same above and below the junction of
the south branch. {See letters accompanying this re-
port. No. 26.) These considerations have been deemed
sufficient to establish the title of "the father of waters"
to the name which he has so long borne. {See History
and Geography of Western States, vol. 2, Missouri.)
And as they exist in an equal extent, so should they
equally confirm the pre- eminence which the Cohongo-
roota has now for near a century so proudly and peace-
fully enjoyed.

The claim of Maryland to the territory in question is
by no means so reasonable as the claim of the great Fred-
erick of Prussia to Silesia, which that prince asserted
and maintained, but which he tells us himself he never
would have thought of asserting if his father had not
left him an overflowing treasury and a powerful army.

With this brief historical retrospect, presented as ex-
planatory of the accompanying testimony, I will now
lay before your excellency, in chronological order, a list
of the documents and papers referred to in my prece-
ding observations.

No. 1. Is the original grant from King James II to
Thomas Lord Culpeper, made on the 27th September, in
the fourth year of his reign.

No. 2. Copy of a letter from Mayor Gooch, Lieuten-

82 Boundary Line.

ant Governor of Virginia, to the lord's commissioners
for trade and plantation's, dated at Williamsburg, June
29th, 1729.

No. 3. Petition to the King in council in relation to
the Northern Neck grants and their boundaries, agreed
to by the house of burgesses June 30th, 1730.

No. 4. The petition of Thomas Lord Fairfax to his
IMajesty in council, preferred in 1733, setting forth his
grants from the crown, and that there had been divers
disputes between the Governor and Council in Virginia
and the petitioner, and his agent, Robert Carter, Esq.,
touching the boundaries of the petitioner's said tract of
land, and praying that his Majesty would be pleased to
order a commission to issue for running out, marking and
ascertaining the bounds of the petitioner's said tract of
land.

No. 5. A copy of an order of his Majesty in his privy
council bearing date 29th of November, 1733, directing
William Gooch, Esq., Lieutenant Governor of Virginia,
to ajppoint three or more commissioners, (not exceeding
five,) who in conjunction with a like number to be named
and deputed by the said Lord Fairfax, are to survey and
settle the marks and boundaries of the said district of
land, agreeably to the terms of the patent under which
the Lord Fairfax claims.

No. 6. Copy of the commission from Lieutenant Gov-
ernor Gooch to William Byrcl, of Westover ; John Roi-
inson, of Piscataway, and John Grymes, of Brandon,
appointing them commissioners on behalf of his Majesty,
with full power, authority, &c. , &c.

[I have not been able to meet with a copy of the com-
mission of Lord Fairfax to his commissioners— they were
William Beverly, William Fairfax and Charles Carter.
It appears by the accompanying report of their proceed-
ings that "his lordship's commissioners delivered to the
King's commissioners an attested copy of their commis-
sion," which having been found upon examination more

Boundary Line. 83

restricted in its authority than that of the commission-
ers of the Crown, gave rise to some little difficulty which
was subsequently adjusted.]

No. 7. Copy of the instructions on behalf of the right
honorable Lord Fairfax to his commissioners.

No. 8. Minutes of the proceedings of the commission-
ers appointed on the part of his Majesty and the right
honorable Thomas Lord Fairfax, from their first meeting
at Fredericksburg, September 25th, 1736.

No. 9. Original correspondence between the commis-
sioners during the years 1736 and 1737, in 'reference
to the examination and survey of the Potomac River.

No. 10. The original field notes of the survey of the
Potomac River, from the mouth of the Shenandoah to
the head sj)ring of said Potomac River, by Mr. Benja-
min Winslow.

No. 1 1. The original plat of the survey of the Potomac
River.

No. 12. Original letter from John Savage, one of the
surveyors, dated January 17, 1737, stating the grounds
upon which the commissioners had decided in favor of
the Cohongoroota over the Wappacomo as the main
branch of the Potomac. The former, he says, is both
wider and deejjer than the latter.

No. 13. Letter from Charles Carter, Esq., dated Jan-
uary 20, 1737, exhibiting the result of a comparative ex-
amination of the north and south branches of the Poto-
mac. The north branch at its mouth, he says, is twenty-
three poles wide, the South branch sixteen, &c.

No. 14. A printed map of the Northern Neck of Vir-
ginia, situate betwixt the rivers Potomac and Rappahan-
nock, drawn in the year 1737, by William Mayo, one of
the King's surveyors, according to his actual survey in
the preceding year.

No. 15. A printed map of the courses of the rivers
Rappahannock and Potomac, in Virginia, as surveyed

84 Boundary Line.

according to order in 1736 and 1737, (supposed to be by-
Lord Fairfax's surveyors.)

Xo. 16. A copy of a separate report of tlie commission-
ers appointed on behalf of the Crown. [I have met with
no copy of the separate report of Lord Fairfax' s commis-
sioners.]

ISTo. 17. Copy of Lord Fairfax's observations upon
and exceptions to the report of the commissioners of the
Crown.

No. 18. Copy of the report and opinion of the right
honorable the lords of the committee of council for plan-
tation ailairs, dated 6th April, 1745.

JSTo. 19. The decision of his Majesty in council, made
on the 11th of April, 1745, confirming the report of the
council for plantation ailairs, ai,id further ordering the
Lieutenant Governor of Virginia to nominate three or more
persons (not exceeding five) who, in conjunction with a
like number to be named and deputed by Lord Fairfax,
are to run and mark out the boundary and dividing line,
according to his decision thus made.

No. 20. The original commission from Thomas Lord
Fairfax to the honorable Wm. Fairfax, Charles Car-
ter and William Beverly, Esqs., dated 11th of June,
1745.

[Col. Joshua Fry, Col. Lunsford Lomax and Maj.
Peter Hedgeman, were appointed commissioners on the
X)art of the Crown.]

No. 21. Original agreement entered into by the com-
missioners preparatory to their examination of the Po-
tomac River.

No. 22. The original journal of the journey of the com-
missioners, surveyors, &c., from the head spring of the
Potomac in 1745. [This is a curious and valuable docu-
ment, and gives the only authentic narrative now extant
of the planting of the Fairfax stone. J

No. 23. The joint report of the commissioners ap-

Boundary Line. 85

pointed as well on the part of the Crown as of Lord Fair-
fas in obedience to his Majesty's order of 11th April,
1745.

No. 24. A manuscript map of the head spring of the
Potomac River, executed by Col. George Mercer of the
regiment commanded in 1756 by Gen. Washington.
• No. 25. Copy of an act of the General Assembly of
Maryland passed February 19th, 1819, authorizing the
appointment of commissioners on the part of that State,
to meet such commissioners as may be appointed for the
same purpose by the Commonwealth of Virginia to set-
tle and adjust, by mutual compact between the two gov-
ernments, the western limits of that State and the Com-
monwealth of Virginia, to commence at the most western
source of the north branch of the Potomac River, and to
run a due north course thence to the Pennsylvania line.

No. 26. Letters from intelligent and well-informed in-
dividuals residing in the country watered by the Poto-
mac and its branches, addressed to the undersigned, sta-
ting important geographical facts bearing upon the pres-
ent controversy.

There are other papers in my possion not listed nor
referable to any particular head, yet growing out of and
illustrating the controversy between Lord Fairfax and
the Crown ; these are also herewith transmitted.

There are other documents again not at all connected
with my present duties, which chance has thrown in my
way, worthy of preservation in the archives of the State.
Such, for example, as the original '■^plan of the line be-
tween Virginia and Nbrt?i Carolina, lohich loas run in
the year 1728, in the spring and fall, from the sea to
Peters' sUreeTc, by the Hon. Wm. Byrd, Wm. Dandridge
and Richard Fitzwilliams, Esqrs., commissioners, and
Mr. AlexW Irwine and Mr. Wm. Mayo, surveyors, and
from Peters' s Creek to Steep Rock Creek, loas continued
in the fall of the year, 1749, by Joshua Fry and Peter
Jeff er son.'''

86 Boundary Line.

Such documents, should it accord with the views of
your excellency, might be deposited with ' ' the Virginia
Historical and Philosophical Society," an institution of
recent origin, yet founded upon the most expanded views
of public utility, and which is seeking by its patriotic
appeals to individual liberality, to wrest from the rava-
ges of time the fast- perishing records and memorials of
our early history and institutions.

With sentiments of regard, I am, very respectfully,
your obedient servant,

Charles. Jas. Faulkner.

To John Floyd, Esq., Governor of Virginia.

The controversy between the two States pended for
some time after Mr. Faulkner's report, and in addition
to Col. John B. D. Smith, of Frederick, and John S.
Gallaher, Esq., of Jefferson, were appointed commission-
ers on the part of Virginia.

CHAPTER VIII.

HISTORICAL PEN SKETCHES OF THE EARLY

RESIDENTS OF BERKELEY COUNTY,

WITH HAPPENINGS, Etc.

BY THE LATE HON. CHAS. JAMES FAULK NEK.

|HESE papers were prepared and written over fifteen
years ago, and like nearly all of Mr. Faulkner's
writings, relate in some manner to Berkeley County.
Among tlie papers, tlie author found one package marked
"Memorabilia" — or ihings to be remembered. Mr.
Faulkner prepared these sketches to accompany the
"Berkeley Centennial Celebration," but the pamphlet
was never published.

HORATIO GATES,

A Major General in the army of the United States.
He was a native of England. He was with Braddock at
the time of his defeat, 1755, and was shot through the
body. He then purchased an estate in Berkeley County,
Virginia, where he resided until the commencement of
the American war in 1775, when he was appointed by
Congress Adjutant General, with the rank of Brigadier
General. The success which attended his arms in the
capture of Burgoyne in October, 1777, filled America
with joy. Congress passed a vote of thanks, and ordered
a medal of gold to be presented to him by the President.
August 16th, 1780, he was defeated by Cornwallis at
Camden. He was superceded by General Greene, but in
1782 restored to his command. After peace, he retired

88 Historical Pen Sketches.

to Ms farm, called "Traveler's Rest," in Berkeley Coun-
ty, where lie remained till 1790, wlien he went to reside
at New York. He died on the 10th of April, 1806, aged
77 years.

ALEXANDER WILSON.

Born in Paisly, Scotland, July 6th, 1766— emigrated
to the United States, July 14th, 1794— settled in the
County of Berkeley, now in "West Virginia, shortly after
his arrival, as a weaver. His residence here was marked
by great poverty, and does not seem to have left very
pleasant impressions on his mind, if we may judge by
the following lines extracted from one of his poems —

Tarewell to Virginia— to Berliieley adieu,
Where, like Jacob, our days have been evil and few.
So few— they seemed really but one lengthened curse,
And so bad that the Devil only could have sent worse.

He was a man of unconquerable resolution and energy,
and of enthusiastic devotion to natural science. He had
completed the seventh volume of his great work on orni-
tholigy before he died, and was engaged, when seized
with his last illness, in collecting the materials for the
eighth volume. Of the many active men whose biogra-
phies are before the public, there is not iDerhaps one
whose life presents such heroic resolution in the pursuit
of science. He died August 23, 1813, and was buried in
Philadelphia.

DR. RICHARD McSHERRY

Was born in the County of Berkeley, upon the farm
known as "Retirement," near Leetown, on the 28th of
May, 1792, and was the eldest son of Richard and Anas-
tatia McSherry, who both lived and died on the estate.
He was educated at an academy at Fredericktown, Mary-
land, then at Hagerstown, and lastly at Georgetown Col-
lege, D. C, where he went through a full course of
instruction. He commenced the study of medicine under

Historical Pen SketcJies. 89

Dr. Sanniel J. Creamer, a graduate of Edinburg, and a
very accomplislied physician, residing at CliarlestoAvn.
From thence he went to Philadelphia, and entered the
ofiice of Prof. Nathaniel Chapman, of the University of
Pennsylvania, at which University he graduated in med-
icine in 1816. Meantime, while attending the lectures,
the war of 1812 broke out, and he joined a company from
his native county, and marched to encounter our British
invaders ; and upon the death of the medical officer at-
tached to the command, he was commissioned in his
place, and served as a surgeon in the army /until the end
of the war. In 1816, he commenced the piactice of his
profession in Martinsburg, and enjoyed an extensive and
lucrative practice until 1871, when he withdrew from the
practice. He was married in January, 1817, to Miss Ann
C. King, daughter of Mr. Greorge King, Georgetown,
whose family were of the early Maryland colonists. He
died in Baltimore, at the residence of his son, on the 20th
of December, 1873, and his remains were interred in the
Catholic cemetery of Martinsburg.

No man enjoyed a more enviable reputation than Dr.
McSherry. Asa physician he stood in the first rank of
his profession and by constant study, kept progress with
the advance of medical science. His mild and amiable
temper, bland and courageous deportment to all, made
him a general favorite. His reading extended beyond
the scope of his professional studies, and his familiarity
with history and general literature, made him at all
times an agreeable companion. He was kind and charit-
able, and bore throughout life a reputation of unsullied
integrity.

JOHN MYERS.

Born in the County of Berkeley, about the year 1765,
and lived all his life in the mountainous districts of the
county. He was a man of striding appearance, about
six feet, four inches in height, with no superfluous flesh,
and with a countenance indicating great natural intelli-

90 Historical Pen Sketclies.

gence and intrejiid daring. His whole life was spent in
hunting bears, deer and other game of the forest. He
was universally known by the name of "Hunter John
Myers." The chase was his pastime and his means of
support. His rifle was unerring in its aim, and rarely
did a wolf, bear or deer escape him. There was a savage
wilderness in his features, which indicated very clearly
how little he had mingled in the haunts of civilized life.
If he was not the original from which the novelist' Cooper
painted his celebrated character of Natty Bumppo, or
Leather-Stocking, he has by the force of imagination
delineated with extraordinary accuracy the hunter of
Berkeley. Myers, like Leather-Stocking, stands hall way
between savage and civilized life ; a man with all the
freshness of nature about him, and whose like is only
to be seen at this day, amidst the wild and unbroken
forests of the west. He died about the year 183.'i.
CHARLES D. STEWART.

For nearly half a century this gentleman held the office
of deputy Sheriff of this county. Each successive senior
magistrate as he attained the Sheriffalty, was pleased, as
the law then stood, to farm out for a fixed compensation
the discharge of its duties to one so distinguished for his
honesty and humanity as Charles D. Stewart. Few men
ever passed through so protracted an official service with
so little complaint of his conduct. He was prompt in
the execution of process, tender, yet firm and decided,
and he administered his charities so quietly and silently
that his left hand scarcely knew what his right had be-
stowed. He died of the choTbra in 1854.
RAWLEIGH COLSTON

Was born in England ; married Elizabeth Marshall,
sister of Chief Justice John Marshall ; purchased a large
estate upon the Potomac River in the County of Berke-
ley, upon which he erected a handsome mansion. He,
in conjunction with his brother-in-laws, John and James
JMarshall, purchased from the devisees of Thomas Lord

liisiorical Pen SketcJies. » 91

Fairfax, all their proprietary fights in the Northern
Neck of Virginia. Lord Fairfax being an alien at the
period of our revolution, and the State of Virginia treat-
ing him as such, and alien creditors and landlords having
acquired rights under the treaty of peace of 1783, and
Jay's treaty of 1764, much perplexity and diflBculty ex-
isted in this and other counties embraced in the North-
ern Neck as to their land titles. These difficulties were
adjuted by a compromise between those purchasers and
the Commonwealth of Virginia, made on the 10th of
December, 1796, by which the State confirmed the title
of all persons claiming under Fairfax to the lands which
had been specifically appropriated or reserved by Lord
Fairfax or his ancestors for his or their use ; the pur-
chasers relinquishing their title to all the waste and un-
appropriated lands in the Northern Neck. Under this
compromise, patents were issued without controversy for
all lands not then covered by patents from Lord Fairfax.

Mr. Colston was a man of literary tastes, and of large
commercial information, and took an active interest in
the cause of religion. On the 13th of June, 1814, he was
elected president of a Bible Society then organized in the
County of Berkeley, and his address to the public in
support of that cause, published in the Martinsburg
Gazette, of that period, is a document marked by literary
ability and deep Christian feeling. He died in 1823, and
was buried at Honeywood, his county seat, in this
county.

He left a large family of sons and daughters, among
whom were Edward Colston, a representative in Congress
from this district ; Mary, a lady of extraordinary beauty
and accomplishments, married to John Hanson Thomas,
of Maryland, a lawyer of great genius and promise, who
died in early life, and Susan, married to Benjamin Wat-
kins Leigh, one of Virginia's distinguished sons.

LIEUTENANT DAVID HUNTER,

Son of Col. Moses Hunter, was born in Berkeley county.

92 Historical Fen Skeiclies.

When quite a young man lie was appointed an officer in
thft United States army, and was assigned to duty on the
northern frontier. He was killed on the 11th of Novem-
ber, 1813, near Williamsburg, on the shores of the St.
Lawrence, Canada. He was advancing with great intre-
pidity upon a formidable column of one of the best ap-
pointed detachments of the British Army, under a show-
er of musketry and grape shot scarcely ever equaled,
and was exhorting his men to behave in a cool and de-
termined manner, when he was struck by a canister shot,
which in a few minutes terminated his existence.
DANIEL BEDINGER

Was born in Berekley County. When in his sixteenth
year he ran away from home and joined a company of
volunteers and served throughout the revolutionary war.
He was captured at the battle of Brandywine on the 11th
of September, 1777, and was detained as a prisoner of
war until the British army evacuated Philadelphia in the
summer of 1778. After his exchange as a prisoner of
war, although he had suffered incredible hardships du-
ring his captivity, he promptly returned to the army. —
He bore the rank of ensign during the Avar, and was ap-
pointed Kavy Agent at Gasport, Virginia, by President
Jefferson, and remained in office during his administra-
tion. When the old frigate Constitution was dismantled
he purchased the masts, which were used in the portico
of the house which he built near Shepherdstown, and
which house, then the property of Edmund I. Lee, who
had married his daughter, was, by order of General
Hunter, burned during the late civil war. He was a man
of vigorous and original mind, with a decided talent for
poetical satire, and lines from some of his i)oems are,
after a lapse of nearly half a century, in the memory of
many persons. He died at his residence near Shepherds-
town in March, 1818, aged 54 years.

ABRAHAM SHEPHERD,

A captain in the revolutionary war. He volunteered as

Historical Fen SketcJies. 93

a private in June, 1775, in the Berkeley County company,
commanded by Hugli Stephenson. He was elected a
lieutenant of that company in the place of Lieut. Thomas
Hite, who declined the commission, and marched with
the company to Boston in July, 1775. At the expiration
of its term of service, which was one year, he was com-
missioned the senior captain in a rifle regiment comman-
ded by Col. Hugh Stephenson. He was very energetic
in filling his company, having enlisted out of the old
company twenty men to serve for three years, and return-
ing to Berkeley in a short time enlisted seventy- one and
marched them to the field of operations in the north.
On the 4th of October, 1776, he arrived with his company
at Bergen Point, opposite Jlew York, where he found
Col. Kawlings in command of the regiment, Stephenson
having in the meantime died. On the 12th of Novenber
he was engaged for three successive days in severe skir-
mishing at King's bridge. On the 16th he was engaged
in a severe action with the enemy, in which Col. Raw-
lings and MaJ. Williams were severely wounded and
taken from the field, and the command of the regiment
devolved upon him. Finding himself overpowered by
superior numbers he returned slowly to Fort Washing-
ton, about half a mile distant from the scene of action.
The fort was captured and all in it made prisoners of war.
Cap. Shepherd remained a prisoner until May, 1778. He
then returned to Berkeley County and remained there
until 1779. In the meantime the fifteen Virginia regi-
ments were, by a resolve of Congress, reduced to eleven,
and many olthe officers became supernumerary. Capt.
Shepherd called upon Gen. Washington and claimed his
right to be in active service as a senior captain in the
Virginia line. Gen. Washington regretted the necessity
that compelled so many valuable officers to retire as su-
pernumeraries, and added that if the country should
hereafter want their services they would be notified to
Join the army. Capt. Shepherd consequently retired

94 Historical Pen SJietc7tes.

from active service as a supernumerary for the remain-
der of the war. He received a letter from Gen. Wash-
ington butt^vo months before the General's death, speak-
ing of him as a "valuable oflicer in the revolutionary
war." He never filled any public civil employment, but
Avas an active supporter and liberal contributor to local
improvements. He died on the 7th of September, 1822,
in the 69th year of his age.

PHILIP NADENBOUSCH,
Born in Bedford, Pa., on the 20lh of October, 1773,
emigrated to 13erkeley County on the 4th day of July,
1799. He was commissioned a magistrate in 1807, and
was twice commissioned sheriff of Berkeley County. He
was the presiding justice of the county court for more

than twenty years. He died on the Tth day of 1863.

He bore the reputation of an intelligent magistrate and
of an upright man.

LEVI HENSHAW,

Born in Berkeley County on the 22d day of July, 1769.
He was for many years an active magistrate and member
of the County Court of Berkeley, and in 1821, 1822, 1830
and 1831, was elected a member of the House of Dele-
gates of Virginia. He ^as highly respected and esteem-
ed, and died at his residence on Mill Creek in the County
of Berkeley on the 9th of September, 1743.
JOEL WARD

Was born in the County of Berkeley on the 4th of May,
1781. He was for many years one of the most influen-
tial citizens and magistrates in the county. The grasp
and power of the intellect vvere admitted by all who come
into contact with him. He was in 1819, 1820 and 1828
elected to the legislature from this county, and always
discharged his public duties with singular fidelity and
conscientiousness. He resided near Bunker Hill, on Mill
Creek, where he died on the 17th of February, 1837.
REV. BERNARD C. WOLFF, D. D.

Was born in Martinsburg, Berkeley County about

Historical Pen Sketches. 95

the year 1795. He was the son of George Wolff, Esq.,
one of our most conscientious and respectable magistra-
tes. When the writer of this sketch first became ac-
quainted with the son in 1822, he was working at his
trade of saddler in Martinsburg, then in the 28th year of
his age. His intelligence, extensive reading and liter-
ary attainments, were the subject of general remark ;
while his frank and fascinating manners, social tempera-
ment public and unaffected piety, made him a universal
favorite. Every enterprise looking to the educational
moral and religious interests of this community found
in him an ardent advocate and energetic supporter. It
was therefore not a matter of surprise when it became
known, that he, then in the 36th year of his age, decided
to devote himself to the office of the holy ministry. —
After several years of preparatory study in the theolo-
gical seminary of the German Reformed Church at York,
Pa., he received a call to the reformed Church at Easton,
in that State. In this field he labored for nine years,
and in the spring of 1845 was called to take charge of the
Third Reformed Church in Baltimore. A vacancy occur-
ring in the theological seminary at Mercersburg, he was
elected to fill the vacant position, and in 1854 entered
upon his duties as professor of dogmatic and pastoral
theology. Owing to declining health, he resigned his
professorship in 1864, and removed to Lancaster city.—
Here he devoted much attentionto the interests of Frank-
lin and Marshall College. Aboiit two years before he
died, he was attacked with paralysis and his active labor
on earth ceased. Gradually failing in his physical
strength, but with his mental powers still active, he
calmly and peacefully departed this life on the 31st day
of October, 1870, while the last rays of an autumn sun
was illuminating the western sky with a flood of
glory.

Bernardo. Wolff was no ordinary man. He was the
model of a christian gentleman, always kind and cour-

06 Historical Pen Sltetclies.

teous, yet tirai and decided in liis principles, and untir-
ing in his work. His views of the ministry were of the
most exalted character, and his conduct and conversa-
tions in the life fully corresponded with his concep-
tions of its divine missioa on earth.

COL. DAVID HUNTER

Was born in York, Pennsylvania, on the 3rd of May,
1761. Sometime during his early boyhood his parents
came to Virginia and settled near the site of Martins-
burg, on what is still known as the "Ked House Farm."
The i)recise date of his coming is unknown, but there is
reason for believing that the settlement was made du-
ring the Governorship of Lord Dnnmore, and before the
establishment of Berkeley County in 1772.

David, the youngest son of the family, acquired the
rudiments of his education, in a log school house loca-
ted near the present crossing of Queen and Burke streets,
walking the whole way from his father' s house (about
two miles to the northward) through unbroken forests.
Of his earlier life the traditions are few and vague and
scarcely worth reading. He was for sometime employed
as deputy assistant in the Clerk's office of Berkely
County, held by his brother, Moses Hunter, between the
years 1735 and 1748. About the year 1787 or '88 he went
to England on some business connected with the inter-
ests of his family, and after his return about 1792, he
married Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Philip Pendleton,
and sister of the late Philip C. Pendleton. The county
Clerkship becoming vacant bj' the death of his eldest
brother, David Hunter, competed for the place with
Major Henry Bedinger. Bedinger was elected by the
vote of the magistrate, but it being apparant that some of
the electors had been controlled by improper influences,
the election was contested by Col. Hunter in the courts.
After several years of litigation his case was sustained,
and he was put in possession of the office in 1803, and
held it until his death. About the year 1811 while walk"

Historical Pen Sketches. 97

ing out witli some friends on the Walnnt Flats, near
Stephen's Dam, he attempted to leap a narrow gulley,
fell and broke his leg, from the effects of which he was
lame for life. Hence the cane and limp which are re-
membered by all who knew him in his latter days.

As the flower of his life passed during the interval be-
tween the Revolution and the War of 1812, Colonel Hunter
was never in the military service and his title was proba-
bly derived from a commission in the militia, and while
he was one of most generally esteemed and influential
men in the district, the possession of the responsible and
(then) lucrative Clerkship, effectually debarred him from
seeking political distinction, then, as now, more honora-
ble than profitable. He was nevertheless, like most of
the gentlemen of his circle at that day, a strong Federal-
ist, and when that party rejoiced in the downfall of
Napoleon Bonaparte in 1813, he was chosen to preside at
a barbecue dinner given in honor of the event by the
Federalists of Berkeley and adjacent Counties of Virgin-
ia and Maryland. This celebration took place on the
l'6th of September, 181S, at Swearengen's Spring on the
Potomac River above Shepherdstown, and was cleverly
caricatured as "the Cossack Celebration" in some satiri-
cal verse written by a gentleman of the opposite party,
and well remembered to this day. The motives and jus-
tification of the assembly are set forth however, in a
document, still extant, bearing evidences of the sincerity
and ability of its framers, and well worth perusal at this

day.
Colonel Hunter died on the 22nd of March, leaving a

large family of sons and daughters, only one of whom it
is believed, is still living.

From the traditions of his earlier life, we learn that
Colonel Hunter was a person handsome, athletic and
graceful, courteous and dignified in manner ; in conver-
sation full of humorous and entertaining anecdotes, the
result of travel and observation, rather than reading and

98 Historical Pen Sketclies.

books. He was especially remarkable for tis strong
practical sense and keen insight into character, rarely
erring in his Judgment of men with whom he came in
contact ; yet kindly and generous withal— leaving the
impression both in physique and character, of one of the
finest tyiDes among our early settlers.

MAJOR GENERAL THOMAS SIDNEY JESSUP
"Was born in the County of Berkeley, in 1788 and en-
tered the army in 1808 as a second lieutenant of the sev-
enth infantry. So rapid was his promotion, that in 1812
he was brigade major, and acting adjutant general to
Brigadier General Hull. In 1813 he was major of the
19th infantry ; transferred in 1814 to the 25th infantry
as brevet lieutenant colonel, for distinguished and
meritorious bravery in the battle of Chippewa, of the
5tli of July, 1814. In November of the same year, he
was breveted colonel for gallant conduct and distin-
guished skill in the battle of Niagara, of the 25th of July,
1814, in which he was severely wounded. On the reduc-
tion of the army in 1815, we was retained in the first
infantry, and in 1817 was lieutenant colonel of the third
infantry. In 1818 he was appointed adjutant general
with the rank of colonel ; and the same year, Quarter-
master General, with the rank of Brigadier General ; and
was breveted Major General in May, 1828, for ten years
meritorious service. He was assigned to the command
of the army in the Creek nation, Alabama, in 1836, and
succeeded Gen. Call in Florada on the 8th of December,
1836 ; was wounded in action with the Seminole Indians
near Jupiter Inlet on the 24th of January, 18.38 ; and was
succeeded by Col. Z. Taylor on the 15th of May 1838 ;
whereupon he returned to the duties of his department,
which he managed with distinguished ability.

He continued at the head of the Quartermaster' s de-
partment of the United States, until the period of his
death, which occurred on the 10th day of June, 1860. —
The writer of this sketch, who was himself at one time

Historical Pen Sketches. 99

Chairttian of the committee on military affairs of the
House of Eepresentatives, knew Gen. Jessup well, and
had an opportunity of estimating his valuable services to
the country. To his fine military capacity in the field,
he added great administrative ability. In the manage-
ment of the vast concerns of the Quartermaster's depart-
ment, he evinced great foresight, but the labor developed
upon him by the Mexican war, in managing the details
of the campaign in a far distant country, can only be
properly appreciated by those who shared in its diflicul-
ties and responsibilities. A grateful country must ever
bear in honorable remembrance the services of the vet-
eran soldier and gentleman whose name and fame will
go down to posterity as a portion of the brightest mili-
tary records.

ROBERT COCKBURN, JR.,

The son of Robert Cockburn, of Cockburn Hill, east of
Martinsburg, was born in 1775. When I first knew the
father he was, at least 80 years of age. His long, flowing
white hair, covering his shoulders and reaching far down
his back, and his snowy beard sweeping to his waist,
gave a striking and picturesque appearance to the old
man. It was said, that he had been college-bred ; that
he had been educated in the best schools in Scotland and
that he had amassed a rich fund of classical lore and his-
torical knowledge.

"Cockburn Hill," as it was then called, with its exten-
sive orchard of cherries was well known to every boy in
Martinsburg ; and often has many an idle and truant
urchin roused the excitable temper of the old hermit by
pillaging his fruit before it was quite ripe. When ma-
tured and proper to be eaten, no one could be more
generous and liberal than he was in the license granted
to gather it.

He had two sons, Adam and Robert. Adam was a
dull and stupid boy ; Robert the genius of the family,
and upon him did the hopes of the old man repose. He

100 Historical Pen Sketches.

was smart, loquacious, disputatious, and brimful of
egotism, pertness and conceit. He had an extravagant
idea of his scholarship and of his poetical talents. He
selected the vocation of a schoolmaster. The birch and
the ferule were no idle implements in his hands. He
was self indulgent to his own vices, but inexoiably severe
on the peccadilloes of his pupils. He had all the learn-
ing at that period of our educational history, deemed
necessary to an instructor of youth.

'Twas certain he could write and cypher, too,
Lands he could measure, terms and tides presage

And e'en, the story ran, that he could guago.
In arguing, too, the parson owned his slvill.
For e'en tho' vanquished he could argue still.

But it was not in his character of a schoolmaster that
he became entitled to be noticed in these humble
sketches. His gay, frolicsome and social temper — his
familiarity with all games and pastimes at rural enter-
taiments, his capacity for extemporaneous rhyming —
made him the hero of all apple-butter boilings, quilting
parties, cotillion assemblies and corn-husking festivities,
for miles around. No party was deemed complete unless
graced by the presence of ''Bob Cockburn." He sang,
played on the fiddle, told funny stories and extemporized
verses for the relief of those who were amerced in poetical
forfeits. But such a round of dissipation in those days
of apple-jack and whisky — when no temperance lecturer
had ever been heard of in the land — in the course of a
few years began to tell on the habits of the frolicsome
pedagogue — his nose began to blush — his eyes became
weary and inflamed — and he soon fell under the domin-
ion of that tyrant who has never been known to show
mercy or compassion to his helpless victims.

Bob was a patriot as well as a poet ; at least I am jus-
tified in thinking so from a poem of his which I have
seen in an old number of the Martinsburg Gazette and
what is the only specimen of his poetical genius which

Historical Pen Sketclies. 101

has survived " tlie wreck of the matter and the crash of
worlds." I can only take a short extract from it.

It was written in June, 1818, one of the gloomiest pe-
riods of our last war with Great Britian. Norfolk, Ports-
mouth and all the towns and cities on the Chesapeake
Bay and James River were threatened by a powerful
navy and military force of the enemy. Two of the finest
companies from "old Berkeley " were then at the scene
of battle, encountering tlie pestilential air of the swamps
of Norfolk, and the fire of the enemy, in protecting the
sacred soil of Virginia from invasion, pillage and mur-
der.

The poem commences by representing a Berkeley
youth deeply enamored of a charming girl dwelling on
the crystal waters of the Tuscarora. He vows his love
in most passionate terms ; declares that for years her en-
chanting image has wholly absorbed his heart, and asks
in a delirium of despair, toJiat he shall do to assure him
of the reward of his long and devoted affection for her.
The Tuscarora maiden, in the spirit of Boadicea, thus re-
plies to him :

If }'0U sincerely wish my favor

Then you possess a patriot mind ;
Your country droops, advance to save her,

Nor sighing, linger liere behind.
Hear the inspiring shouts of praise —

On to glory ! — loud they call you !
See youthful heroes crowned with bays
Their envied lot may yet befall you.

Robert Cockburn diedonCockburn Hill in 1834, in the
49th year of his age..

JOHN R. COOKE

Was born in 1788, in Bermuda, the son of Dr. Stephen
Cooke and Catharine Esten. He came, with his parents,
to Alexandria, thence to the vicinity of Leesburg, where
his father had a place called the '-Forest." He never
went to college, as his eyes suddenly failed him whilst

102 Historical Pen Sketches.

preparing for it. He settled in Martinsburg about 1810,
where he commenced the practice of law. In 1814 he
was elected to the House of Delegates from the county.
He married in Martinsburg a daughter of Col. Philip
Pendleton, and continued his residence there for a period
of nearly twenty years. He subsequently removed from
this county to Winchester, thence to Baltimore and
thence to Richmond. Enjoying a high degree of popu-
larity, political position might with him have been a mat-
ter of easy attainment, but, earnestly devoted to his pro-
fession, he resisted the appeals of that character whi ch were
frequently made to him. He was, with great unanimity,
elected a member of the Constitutional Convention of
Virginia of 1830, and there exhibited the nerve and abil-
ity to grapple with such intellectual giants as Leigh,
Upshur, Randolph and Tazewell in the discussion of the
great question of extended suffrage and equal represen-
tation before that body. His professional abilities were
of the highest order and universally recognized. In the
celebrated Randolph will case, argued in 1836, his great
and peculiar powers of argumentation were strikingly
exhibited. E. V. Sparhawk, the reporter of that trial,
a very competent judge, and who heard- all the argu-
ments in the case, thus speaks of Mr. Cooke's effort:
"It was a masterly production. He classifies and ex-
pounds his facts with great strength and clearness, and
arranges his authorities and arguments in the most for-
cible manner. His method of arguing is superior to any
man at the bar. Instead of dividing his strength upon
the separate points, his whole speech was but one point,
for the support of which all the other various facts and
considerations of the case were brought together in pyra-
midal strength and harmony."

Mr. Cooke was a bold, trenchant and vigorous writer.
His able and elaborate pamphlets published in 1825 en-
titled "The Constitution of 1776," followed by "The
Convention Question," in 1827, and then again by "An

Historical Pen Sketches. 103

Earnest Appeal to the Friends of Reform" in 1828, at-
tracted the attention of the whole State to him and
largely contributed to the passage of the law organizing
the Constitutional Convention of 1829 and 1830, of which
he himself was an active and conspicuous member. Mr.
Cooke opened the " great debate" in that body by an
unsparing attack upon the then existing constitution of
Virginia, and asserted for himself, beyond all question,
the position of leader of the friends of reform in a body
composed of the ablest men from Western Virginia.

In 1835 he yielded to the importunity of his friends
and very reluctantly accepted the Whig nomination for
Congress in this District. Once accepted, however, he
entered into the canvass with his usual and characteristic
energy and pluck. His address to the people in the sev-
eral Court Houses of the district were models of lucid
statement, pungent, invective and eloquent demonstra-
tion. The writer of this heard his address in Martins-
burg. The court-room was crowded to excess. Not a
man stirred or left the hall during the two hours that he
was speaking. It was one of the most logical, perspicu-
ous and powerful arguments that he ever hurled from
the hustings.

E"o one was better qualified to judge of his intellectual
merits than the late James Marshall, of Winchester. In
1866 he thus spoke of Mr. Cooke to a friend :

" The finest faculty of his mind was his power of rea-
soning — his clearness of Judgment. His narrative in a
case was the best I ever knew. It might be said of him
as Webster said of Hoffman, that his case " once stated,
was already argued." He was very rash inhis charities,
unbounded I may say in liberality. His power of labor
was very uncommon. I never saw such great labor. He
had the clearest mind I ever savsr. If a witness or any
one in a case was acting dishonestly, he attacked him
without mercy. He was remarkable in philippie. He
had a very keen appreciation of equity, morals and man-

104 Historical Pen Sketdies.

ners, and if they were wanting on such occasions he con-
ceived a great contempt for the individual and denounced
him bitterly and powerfully. He had a great practice."

David Holmes Conrad, in a letter, refers to him as
"the model of lofty courtesy, chivalry and generosity."
Another said that when he died ' ' he did not leave an
enemy on the bosom of the spacious earth."

This apparent hyperbole is undoubtedly near the truth.
He was a man of extraordinary suavity and amenity — of
unvarying sweetness of temper. In social life he rarely
exhibited any feelings of anger, and was characterized
by a remarkable patience and benevolence. His gener-
osity knew no bounds. He seemed to place no value
upon money. He gave it away to everybody and to
every object.

He died in the city of Richmond in December, 1854,
in the 67th year of his age.

MAGNUS TATE

Was born in Berkeley County in 1760. He was a man
of superior intelligence and a farmer by occupation. He
was twice elected from the county to the House of Dele-
gates of Virginia, in 1797 and 1798. He was commis-
sioned a magistrate in 1799, and twice commissioned
Sheriff of the county in 1819 and 1820, and elected to the
House of Delegates in 1803, 1809 and 1810. He had much
of the old Virginia character about him in his tastes and
habits. He was fond of dogs and horses, and in his
younger days a keen fox hunter. His house was the
abode of a generous hospitality, and the lovers of whist,
music and the dance could always find an opportunity
there to gratify their appetites for pleasures.

In January, 1815, he announced himself a candidate
for Congress for the district composed of the counties of
Berkeley, Jefferson, Hardy and Hampshire, and he was
triumphantly elected. His address to the freeholders of
the district prior to the election is all that now remains
of this gentleman to show the temper of the man and

Historical Pen Sketches. 105

the character of his intellect, and certainly his descend-
ants have no reason to be ashamed of it, either upon the
score of its sentiments or of its ability. We give it
entire :

" To the freeholders of the district composed of the coun-
ties of Berkeley, Hampshire, Hardy and Jefferson :
Fellow Citizens : — I offer myself to your considera-
tion as a candidate to represent you in the next Con-
gress of the United States. It is possible the curious
may be disposed to inquire why I have become a candi-
date without the sanction of a committee. To this in-
terrogatory I answer that the recent method of nomina-
ting candidates by committee, however highly I may in-
cline to appreciate the practice, is, nevertheless, as it
seems to me, no way preferable to the ancient custom
which everyone understands. Again, I have been in-
duced to declare myself at this time and in this way by
the request of my friends, who think with me it is the
wish of a majority of the freeholders of the district. If,
however, we should be mistaken in this particular,-what-
ever the result may be, I will cheerfully submit to when
fairly ascertained on the day of election. All I desire is
to give the people an opportunity of making a selection,
and all I ask is an unbiased expression of public opin-
ion. This manner of proceeding appears perfectly con-
genial with the first principles of our government, with
all our political institutions, and consequently can be
liable to no rational objection. Here, perhaps, it may
not be improper to premise that I trust my deportment
on this occasion will be found fair and manly, and that
if I should meet with an opponent he shall receive from
me all the politeness and decorum due from one gentle-
man to another.

To those gentlemen in the upper parts of the district
with whom I have not the pleasure of a personal ac-
quaintance, I am pursuaded I shall be exonerated from
the charge of egotism and of complimenting myself when

106 Historical Pen SJcetcJies.

they are informed that I am a farmer, in the middle
walks of life, and that if honored with their suffrages
my circumstances are such that I will neither be driven
from the path leading to the prosperity of oar country
by want or poverty, nor allured from it by avarice or am-
bition.

Citizens of the district, if an ardent attachment to my
native soil ; if many friends and relatives whom I esteem
and venerate ; if a numerous progeny intertwined with
every moral perception of my heart ; if either or all these
considerations firmly combined can rivet a man to his
country and to liberty — these motives, these induce-
ments, which, in my estimation, are the most powerful
that can operate on the human mind, shall be left by
me, as pledges."

He was associated in his legislative labors with such
men as Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, John C. Calhoun,
William Lowndes, John Randolph, William Gaston,
Philip P. Barbour, Henry St. George Tucker and a host of
others, all members of that House almost equally distin-
guished by their geniuses and reputations. In those
days the committees of the House were few and small,
and the active business of the body was left in the hands
of its leading statesmen. Not as now, when every man
in Congress, no matter how inferior, must have his hour,
and grind out that hour in a written speech, whether lis-
tened to or not, or whether written by himself or by a
clerk in the departments. The rule now is to put every
member on some committee. The rule then was to put
on committe duty only the most competent and distin-
guished.

Mr. Tate lived almost two and a half miles southwest
from Martinsburg, on a farm since purchased by Wm.
Walker. He left a large family of sons and daughters.

He died on the 30th of March, 1823.
JOHN BOYD,

Father of Gen. Elisha Boyd and a native of England,

Historical Pen Slietches. 107

"Was one of the earliest settlers in the County of Berke-
ley. He acquired his land in this county by original
grant from Lord Fairfax, the patents of which are still
preserved by his descendants. He resided near the North
Mountain, about five miles v^est of Martinsburg. He v^^as
a man of herculean frame of body, and some anecdotes
are related of his hand to hand conflicts with the Indians,
which demanded all his activity and strength, but in
which he was generally victor.

He was married about the year 1754, to Sarah Gryfyth,
a native of Wales, and died in the year 1800, leaving
eight children, born in the following order, to wit :
Charles, Margaret, Fulton, John, William, Rachel, Bay-
ley, Elijah, Mary, Munford and Elisha ; the first born on
the 13th of April, 1756, and the last on the 6th of Octo-
ber, 1769.

His widow, Sarah Boyd, survived him some years, dy-
ing in 1S06. With the exception of Elisha, the children
were among the earliest emigrants to Kentucky. It is
said that Hon. LennBoyd, of Kentucky, for several years
Speaker of the Hoiise of Representatives, was one of
that stock, and his striking resemblance to Gen. Boyd
in stature, feature and general appearance would seem
to confirm that remark.

WILLIAM SMITH,

most generally known as "Burgess Billy Smith," was
born in Sleepy Creek about the year 1747, in that por-
tion of the colony of Virginia which was subsequently
embraced in the County of Berkeley. He had an insa-
tiable ambition to become a member of the legislature.
Shortly after the creation of the County of Berkeley in
1772 he became a candidate for the House Burgess, and
continued his candidacy, without success, for several
years, from which he acquired the soubriquet of " Bur-
gess Billy." After the revolutionary war was ended and
the State constitution of 1776 was adopted, dividing the
legislative department into a Senate and House of Dele-

108 Historical Pen Sketches.

gates, he pressed his claims for election to the House of
Delegates from year to year, but still without success.
When Morgan was formed into a separate county in 1820
he regularly entered the field every year for a seat in the
legislature. At the April election in 1830 the aspirations
and struggles of a long life were gratified by an election,
but the adoption of the new constitution in the follow-
ing August set aside the election and dashed and disap-
pointed the hopes of his life. He never afterward had
the heart to aspire to the place, and died a few years
afterward, deeply impressed with the incapacity of the
people to select competent and proper agents to serve
them. He was a man of remarkable astuteness and cun-
ning, and although unable to read or write, no one was
ever found smart enough to take advantage of those de-
ficiencies. He was said to have been the first child born
in the Sleepy Creek Valley.

HENRY CLAY.
When this illustrious statesman was Secretary of State
under the younger Adam-S, and when, like the an tiered
monarch of the forest, he was almost driven to bay by
the fierce blood-hounds of party under the foul and loath-
some cry of "bargain and corruption," he sought, in
July, 1827, a temporary refuge from this pitiless storm
of calumny in a visit to some of his cherished friends in
Berkeley County. He spent some days in Martinsburg,
and it is needless to say that he was received here with
all the enthusiasm due to his exalted genius and i^atriot-
ism. He decided to pay a brief visit to the Berkeley
Springs, and a gentleman now residing in our county,
accompanied him in a carriage. When, about 2 o'clock
in the day, they reached what was called the Halfway
House, a sort of tavern kept by Dick Sheckles, a man of
enormous proportions, fat and unwieldy, and weighing
near four hundred pounds, they found the old landlord
sitting in the shade before his house, indalging in Ms
usual habit in the hot days of summer, of keeping him-

Historical Pen SJcetches. 109

self cool by burying bis feet in tbe earth and piling it
up around bis legs nearly as bigb as bis knees. Tbe
arrival of tbe carriage did not in tbe least disturb tbe
placidity of tbe unwieldy landlord. Wben Mr. Clay ap-
proached tbe bouse bis traveling companion presented
bim to Mr. Sbeckles, saying : " Permit me to introduce
to you tbe present Secretary of State, Henry Clay, of
Kentucky." Witb tbat tbe old gentleman gazed for a
moment at tbe tall, spare and erect figure before bim,
and rising to bis feet said : ' ' Did you say tbis was Henry
Clay, of Kentucky ? Wby, I tbougbt be was a great big
man like a king ! " "No, Mr. Sbeckles," said Mr. Clay,
' ' you are more kingly in your proportions tban I am.
Yoii see in me nothing but a broken down public ser-
vant, worn almost to a skeleton by State and tbe calum-
nies of my enemies."

In May, 1844, Mr. Clay was invited by a public mass-
meeting of bis friends in tbis county to visit Martins-
burg and to partake of tbe hospitalities of the county.
We take an extract from the letter of invitation, as it
contains some facts worthy of remembrance :

Maktinsbueg, Va., March 14tb, 1844.
To the Hon. Henry Clay :

SiE — Tbe County of Berkeley boasts of some historical
recollections connected with your fame, which she is not
disposed shall at the present period be lost sight of or
forgotten. She looks with a becoming pride to tbat sa-
gacity which prompted her sons some twenty years ago
to seek to give in your person that direction to public
sentiment which it is now receiving from the patriotism
and sagacity of tbe whole Union. It was here, in this
very county — by action of the people in primary assem-
bly, on the 14tb of June, 1824, tbat your name was first
presented to the people of Virginia, as a candidate for
tbat exalted station, for which you now stand nominated
in tbe hearts of near two millions of your admiring coun-
trymen. It was here — in this county— that tbe electoral

110 Historical Fen Slietcltes.

ticket was framed and announced, whicli presents your
claim to the suffrages of your native State. The short
period which elapsed after the annunciation of that
ticket, connected with the circumstance, that your claims
were brought in competition with an elder of the Repub-
lican party, holding the same general principles of policy
with yourself, and also a native of this State, prevented
your receiving that support in this commonwealth, which
none at that time denied to be due to your patriotism,
exalted character and eminent public services. Still
Berkeley by her recorded vote, preferred you then, as
she has ever preferred you since and as she prefers you
now, to all living statesmen, as the representative of her
principles in the administration of the national govern-
ment. She gave you her confidence without reserve in
1824, and she has continued that confidence without
change or shadow to the present hour. She has with an
abiding' faith sustained you amidst all the fierce and
bitter conflicts of party, confidently looking forward to
the day now reaching its meridian splendor — when your
name would kindle its just enthusiasm in every patriotic
bosom, and all sections of this vast country hail you as
the hope of this great Republic.

The invitation was declined for the reason set forth in
his reply :

Washingtojs-, D. C, May 1st, 1844.
Gentlemen :

I feel greatly flattered, honored, and obliged by the
invitation which you have transmitted to me to visit
Berkeley County and, partake of its hospitality, and by
the friendly sentiments which accompany it. I feel,
with gratitude, and acknowledge with pleasure, my great
obligations to Berkeley, for its uniform and ardent at-
tachment and confidence for me ; and I should be most
happy, under other circumstances, to meet and exchange
friendly salutations with my fellow citizens of that coun-
ty ; but considerations, both of a public and private

Historical Pen Sketches. Ill

nature, in my judgment, require oi me hereafter to avoid
attendance upon large assemblages of my fellow citizens
and I hope that the determination, to which I have come,
on that subject, will command the approbation of you,
gentlemen, and of those whom you represent. So numer-
ous and constant are my occupations and so frequent
have been the invitations which I have received, and am
still receiving to public assemblages, that I am compelled
to be much briefer, in my replies, than I would wish
to be.

I pray you gentlemen to accept yourselves and tender
to those whom you represent my respectful and grateful
acknowledgments. I am with great respect,

Your friend and obedient servant,

H. Clay.

Mr. Clay's second visit to the County of Berkeley was
in January, 1848. He was then going to Washington to
argue a case before the Supreme Court of the United
States. Having some days to spare, he determined to
spend a short time in this county, with a friend. The
presidential question wa's then agitating the public mind,
and it had not been determined whether the nominee of
the Whig party would be General Taylor or himself.
The private mansion at which he stopped was freely
opened to all his friends and there are many now living
amongst us who "will remember with delight, the wonder-
ful power and fascination of his conversation, when in
unrestrained intercourse with his friends.

He spoke with his characteristic frankness and free-
dom of the pending Presidential canvass ; made no secret
either of his work or of his expectation of receiving the
nomination of the approaching Whig convention ; read
a correspondence between himself and Gen. Z. Taylor,
embracing several letters in which the old hero of Buena
Vista whilst freely conceding the superior .party claims
of Mr. Clay to the nomination, and expressing his indi-
vidual wishes that he might receive it, declares that he

112 Historical Pen Sketclies.

had no agency whatever in having his name presented in
competition vyith Mr. Clay's, yet with modest firmness
stated, that it was not his business to interfere with the
progress of public sentiment, and the convention must
be left free to make its selection in the best interests of
the party and country.

The writer of this has never known Mr. Clay to be
more joyous and cheerful than upon the occasion of this
last visit to the County of Berkeley. He felt indeed
that he was in the house of his friends. He seemed
eager to promote universal enjoyment around him. He
encouraged the dance, music — caressed the children, told
amusing anecdotes to the ladies ; and when in his graver
moments, he retired to the library, and there, surrounded
by many of our citizens, portrayed the characters of our
leading public men and expatiated upon what he deemed
the true policy of the Government, all felt that they were
in the presence of a patriot, orator and statesman, of
whom the country might indeed be justly proud.

I have pondered over the inquiry, How was it that this
bold and unequalled leader of a great party, this noblest
type of American manhood, this most prominent orator,
patriot and statesman of his day, could never reach the
goal of his lofty andhonorable ambition — the Presidency?
Was he too bold, too independent, too little of the poli-
tician to suit the then cravings of party cupidity ? Is it
a position only suited to men of inferior and moderate
abilities % Are all of our really great men to be hereafter
excluded from the enjoyment of its honors % Was it
attributable to the secret influences of rival candidates,
that Mr. Clay lost his nomination % Was it to be ascribed
to that natural jealousy which great, brilliant and com-
manding minds attract % Was it to the office seeking
demagogues who fill our conventions, and who are ever
on the alert to find out whom they think the most
"available" candidate, without regard to merit? Or
was it to that caprice and ingratitude which so often

Historical Pen Sketches. 113

darkens the liistory of Republics, and wMcli causes them
to banish from their confidence, a citizen because they
are tired of hearing everybody styling him "Aristides
the Just V These are questions which it may be well at
some future day to consider, and to find their solution if
possible.

MARTIN VAN BUREN,

Eighth President of the United States, made a visit to
Martinsburg ia 1830, whilst Secretary of State under
General Andrew Jackson. He stopped at the Globe
Hotel, then kept by William Kroesen. The writer of
this sketch made a respectful call upon him, and spent
a pleasant evening in his company. His trip was one
simply of recreation. He spoke of the pleasure which
he derived from his excursion, and was emphatic in his
praise of the soil and scenery of this Valley, He was
not at that time much of a favorite with our people, of
either party, and but little enthusiasm was manifested
at his presence.

FISHER AMES.

This distinguished orator and statesman, at the close
of the session of Congress of 1796, being then in feeble
health, paid a visit to the warm springs in the County of
Berkeley, in the hopes of obtaining some relief from his
increasing debility. He thought he derived much benefit
from drinking the water ; also from our pure and fresh
mountain air, and relaxation from the unremitting cares
of public life. In this visit he was the object of the most
friendly and respectful attention, individual and public.
Contrary to his expectations, he found many friends of
the Washington administration during this visit, not.
withstanding the lead taken by the Representatives of
Virginia in opposition to that policy. In one of his let-
ters from Berkeley he observes "Virginia has been mis-
represented to us, as much as the measures of govern-

114 Historical Pen Slielclies.

ment have been to them ; and many good men -are here
to be found friendly to the federal cause."

From his visit toBerlceley in 1796 his health continued
to decline, with partial and iiattering intermissions until
death. He was a striking example of magnanimity and
patience under suffering. Retaining always the vigor
and serenity of his mind, he appeared to make those re-
flections which became his situation. When speaking
of Ms illness, he observed, "I trust I realize the value
of tliose habits of thinking which I have cherished for
some time. Sickness is not wholly useless to me. It
has increased the warmth of my affection for my friends.
It has taught me to make haste in forming the plan of
my life, if it should be spared, more for private duties
and social enjoyments, and less for the splendid empti-
ness of public station, than yet I have done."

After an extreme debility of two years, the frame
which had so long tottered was about to fall. With
composure and dignity he met the approach of his disso-
lution.

Fisher Ames will ever rank among the great statesmen
of this country. Excepting Daniel Webster, I know of
no public man of the North whose fame rests upon a
more indisputable basis of genius and merit. His speech
in the House of Representatives on the British Treaty of
1790 has been regarded as one of the finest specimens of
Congressional eloquence ever uttered in that body — and
many passages of it of surpassing brilliancy are remem-
bered and quoted to this day, although near a century
has elapsed since they were delivered.

WM. H. CRAWFORD,

In his visit to the Berkeley Springs, spent several days
in Martinsburg, going and returning in the summer of
1824. He was in the early part of that year, beyond all
question, the most formidable candidate for the Presi-
dency. He had withdrawn from the canvass in favor of

Historical Pen SketcJies. 115

Mr. Monroe and was considered in some sense his des-
tined successor. He was nominated as such, by a Con-
gressional caucus on the 14th of February, 1824— that
being the mode which up to that day had been adopted
by the Democratic party to indicate its choice for the
Presidency. But the powerful opposition of four Demo-
cratic competitors — Calhoun, Jackson, Adams and Clay
— followed by a severe attack of paralysis, blasted his
prospect of election, he receiving but the solid votes of
Virginia and Georgia and portions of the votes of Ifew
York, Maryland and Delaware.

It was to get relief from this crushing affliction that he
visited the Berkeley Springs in the summer of 1824. But
the healing waters of those celebrated springs were im-
poetnt to give the desired relief. During his passing
visits to Martinsburg he received the warmest sympathies
of its citizens, who vied with each other in showing him
every attention and tespect.

THOMAS DAVIS, M. D.,

Was born in Kentucky, and was a favorite protege of
the distinguised Dr. Lewis Marshall of that State. He
became a resident and citizen of this county about the
year 1820. He practiced his profession as a physician
for about ten years in Martinsburg, but his excessive
devotion to literature and history caused him to become
indifferent to the practice of his profession, and after his
marriage to the daughter of a very wealthy farmer of the
county, he abandoned it altogether and retired to the
country. He was a man of acute and powerful intellect,
of extensive reading and a vigorous and forcible writer.
In literary attainments and in profound historical re-
search, he was almost without an equal. He left here
for Natchez in 1843, vs^ith a view there of resuming the
practice of his profession. Within a month after his
arrival there, the yellow fever broke out with fearful
mortality, and he fell a victim himself to the fearless

116 Historical Pen Sketches.

discliarge of his professional duties. The writer of this
paid a visit to his grave in January, 1845, and dropped a
tear to the momory of one of the noblest and truest of
men. He founded the Martinsburg Library, which for
so many years was supported and cherished in this place ;
and in the important session of 1831 represented this
county, with signal ability, in the House of Delegates of
Virginia.

■^s'

JOHN S. GALLAHER

Was born in Martinsburg, Berkeley County, Va., De-
cember 1st, 1796. His only school education was ob-
tained between the ages of five and twelve, in the old
stone school house in the north-eastern portion of the
town, under thetiiition of "an excellent Irish gentleman
of the olden time," Capt. Jas. Maxwell, long the County
Surveyor. On the fourth day of April, 1809, he entered
the printing office of Mr. John Alburtis, editor of the
Berkeley and Jefferson Intelligencer., afterwards the
Martinsburg Gazette.

After an apprenticeship of five years, Mr. G. worked a
few weeks in Baltimore, principally upon Nile' s Regis-
ter. In August, 1814, being in Charlestown, in charge of
the Farmef s Hepository, while its editor, Capt. Kich-
ard Williams, was in the military service at Norfolk,
Mr. G. joined the volunteer rifle company of Capt.
George W. Humphrey's, and served a month. In the
course of this service the company had part in the sharp
conflict at the White House Bluff, on the Potomac, in
which Com. Porter undertook, with a few small field
pieces and some riflemen, to stop the British vessels then
descending the river, ladened with flour and other stores
captured at Alexandria. On the conclusion of his mili-
tary service, Mr. G. worked about a year in the office of
the National Intelligencer, the model newspaper con-
ducted by those well known gentlemen, Messrs. Gales
and Seaton.

Historical Pen Sketches. Ill

In May, 1821, Mr. Gallaher, with, his younger brother,
Eobert, (who died in August following, after only four
days' sickness, of a malignant fever then prevailing,)
commenced the i^ublication of the Harper' s Ferry Free
Press, now tlie Virginia Free Press — a paper whicli ac-
quired great popularity. Mr. G. also published for four
years, a literary paper called The Ladies' Garland.

In 1827 he purchased the Farmef s Repository, at'
Charlestown, and merged it with the Free Press, now
published by his brother, H. N. Grallaher, and his nephew,
W. W. B. Gallaher.

lu the spring of 1830, Mr. Gallaher was elected a mem-
ber of the Virginia House of Delegates, with the veteran
Daniel Morgan as his colleague. The amended Consti-
tution of 1829 being adopted, this election of delegates
was set aside, and in October, 1830, John S. Gallaher and
Edward Lucas were chosen. In this first session under
the new Constitution, much of the legal talent of the Old
Commonwealth was in requisition, and it was deemed no
light honor to be a colleague of such men as Benjamin
Watkins Leigh, Richard Morris, Thomas Marshall, Jas.
M. Mason, James McDowell, etc.

Mr. Gallaher was re-elected for fonr successive terms,
with slight opposition, except in 1833, when, having
given a "State's Right's Vote" (in the nullification era),
which displeased some of his ultra Whig supporters, a
spirited canvass ensued, but he was re-elected by an
increased majority. In the spring of 1835 he declined
further legislative service, and removed to Richmond to
take chief management of the Richmond Compiler,
which he held for nineteen months.

At the close of his term, the elder Governor Floyd, in
1832, appointed Charles James Faulkner, of Berkeley,
John S. Gallaher, of Jefferson, and John B. D. Smith, of
Frederick, Commissioners to settle, in conjunction with a
like number from Maryland, the boundary line between
the two States, but Maryland did not appoint Commis-

118 Historical Pen STcetclies.

sioners, and nothing was done. Mr. Faulkner has since
had the matter in charge under a new appointment, and
has made much progress in the collection of interesting
data.

In January, 1837, Mr. Gallaher purchased a third in-
terest in the Richmond Whig, and for three years was
associated with those eminent journalists, John Hamp-
den Pleasants and Alexander Moseley. In 1840 he sold
his interest in the Whig to his partners, and published
for nine months a popular campaign paper — the Toeman,
in support of Harrison and Tyler. In the contest of
that year the Whigs came within 1,400 votes of carrying
the State.

In the autumn of 1841 Mr. Gallaher returned to Jeffer-
son, in connection with his favorite Free Press, and in
the spring of 1842 was again elected to the House of
Delegates, and served two sessions. In 1844 he was
nominated for the Senate by a Whig convention, and was
elected in the then Democratic district of Jefferson, Fred-
erick and Clarke, by a majority of 62 votes, in opposi-
tion to John Bruce, a gentleman of ability and scholarly
attainments — his predecessor, Robert Y. Conrad, an
eminent lawyer, having declined a re-election. This dis-
trict, the same year, gave Mr. Polk a majority of one in
the Presidential election.

In connection with Mr. Gallaher' s career as a State
Senator, it may not be out of place to mention, that near
the close of President Tyler's term, in a conversation on
the subject of the annexation of Texas, so confident was
the President of the success of that measure, and of the
consequent war with Mexico, that he offered Mr. G. a
command in the army. This compliment was respect-
fully declined, for two reasons ; first, that his term of
civil service had not expired, and secondly, that his
military aspirations had been satisfied with the command
of a well- drilled company of riflemen at Harper' s FCTry.

In 1848 Mr. Gallaher was again nominated for the Sen-

Historical Pen Sketches. 119

ate, and after an active canvass, was defeated by a
majority of 22 votes, tlie principal opposition to liim
being on account of a school bill for the County of Jef-
ferson, matured by Mm and carried tlirougb both Houses.
Jefferson County having an area about 25 miles square,
is particularly well adapted to an experiment with free
schools ; and the system, by the aid of the remakable
John Yates, a wealthy land holder, and the largest tax
payer in the county, was successfully put into active
operation, and resisted several attempts to repeal the
act. Mr. Gallaher, in his retirement, had the proud sat-
isfaction of seeing 27 schools, free for the poor, firmly
established and successful until broken up by the disas-
trous four years' war, which also destroyed the labors of
forty years of his life.

On the 22nd of October 1849, Mr. Gallaher was ap-
pointed by President Taylor to succeed that eminent ac-
countant Peter Hagner, as Third Auditor of the Treasury,
who had held the position from its creation in 1817, a
period of 32 years. Declining health was the cause of
Mr. Hagner' s retirement.

Mr. Gallaher served as Auditor through President
Taylor and Fillmore' s terms, and was removed in April
1858, by President Pierce, to make room for Francis
Burt, of South Carolina, a personal friend of Jefferson
Davis, then Secretary of War. This change was made
in opposition to the wishes of many prominent Demo-
cratic members of Congress, who were satisfied with the
incumbent, and strongly protested against his removal.

Being prevented by the exigencies of the war from re-
turning to Virginia, as he desired to do, Mr. Gallaher,
accepted a position in the office of the Qoartermaster
General, at Washington, which position he continued to
hold until a few months before his death, when age and
disease rendered him unable to discharge its duties.

He died at his residence in the city o£ Washington on
the 4th of February 1877, and his remains were conveyed

120 Historical Pen SJceiches.

to tlie Presbyterian church in. Charlestown and interred
in Edge Hill cemetery, in sight of his beloved hills, and
beneath the soil of his native State.

No one took a livelier interest in the ''Berkeley Cen-
tennial Celebration" than Mr. Gallaher. It seemed to
touch the innermost chords of his heart, and to "vvake up,
in vivid coloring, all the reminiscences of his early life.
He anxiously desired to be present at the ceremonies of
the day, but circumstances put it out of his power. For
a few weeks preceeding the celebration scarcely a day
passed that the Chairman of the Committee on Corres-
pondence did not receive some communication from him
— referring in that kind and genial spirit, so character-
istic of the man— to those old citizens of the county,
whom he had known, loved and respected in his younger
days. It is due to him and cannot fail to interest our
readers to make some extracts from this correspondence.

Washington, D. C, June 13, 1872.
Hon. C. J. Faulkner, Chairman, Mariiasburg, W. Va.:

Dear Sir ; I am proud of my native county and have
had frequent occasions to refer to her honored history.

It would be egotistical in me to recount the ordinary
events of my school-boy days during my attendance un-
der twelve years of age in Capt. James Maxwell's old
school house, in the northeastern portion of Martinsburg,
over the site of which the locomotive now plies its busy
wheels. The teacher being an adept in mathematics, and
County Surveyor, had a number of grown up young men
as students. I recollect TiUitson Fryatt, Robert V.
Snodgrass, Jacob Myers, Dennis McSherry and Lawrence
Wilmer among these. Three of them I met, after a lapse
of twenty years, in the legislature of Virginia.

Among my earliest recollections of eminent public
men I may cite a discussion at the old Court House in
Martinsburg between Alfred H. Powell, Federalist, and
Henry St. George Tucker, Republican, for the position
of State Senator. It was a rich, intellectual treat to me.

Historical Pen Sketches. 121

a discussion between two courteous and polislied gentle-
men, strongly impressed on my youthful memory as a
model of forensic eloquence. Both these gentlemen were
afterward eminent members of the national Ilouse of
Representatives.

My memory naturally carries me back to the era in
which prominent men of Berkeley were in the vigor of
life and usefulness, such as Col. Elisha Boyd, Judge
Philip C. Pendleton, Col. William Gregory, Maj. An-
drew Waggoner, Maj. Jas. Faulkner, Capt. Rob't Wil-
son, Capt. James Mason and others, who were in mili-
tary service in the war of 1812.

Among the regular army officers of 1812 who went to
the northern frqntier from Berkeley, I remember Capt.
Lewis B. Willis, Capt. Hiram Henshaw, Lieuts. John
Strother and David Hunter, the latter of whom was
killed in Canada.

I cannot omit a reference to an early friend who kindly
stimulated my ambition when struggling with adverse
fortune— I mean the late JohnR. Cooke, eminent at the
bar, and in the Constitutional Convention of Virginia —
a gentleman in every sense of the term, "with a heart
open to melting charity." Nor do I forget my appren-
tice days on the old Martinsburg Gazette, published by
John Alburtis, one of the most even-tempered gentlemen
I ever knew, and who, like my old teacher, Capt. Max-
well, seemed ever gratified at my success.

Well do I remember the venerable Edward Beeson —
Beeson's mill, Beeson' s orchard, (from which urchins
like myself, of tender years, often were supplied with
fruit) and Beeson's meadow, on Tuscarora Creek, upon
which an Indian tribe of that name had frequent san-
guinary battles with other tribes. The tradition on this
subject is sustained by the frequent finding of arrow
heads and various imjjlements of Indian warfare. Other
objects of interest abound. This recital may not be
worth the time to read it, but the very suggestion of

122 Historical Pen Sketclies.

one's birtli-place awakens memories of hills and valleys,
teeming fields and gushing fountains, such as old Berke-
ley is blessed with most abundantly.

It would be interesting to ascertain how many now
survive who trod those hills and valleys and laved in
those waters,

Just one hundred years ago !

Yours truly,

John S. Gallaiiek.

In another letter of the following day he mentions :
"Ephraim Gaither, the dignified and gentlemanly pro-
prietor of the Globe Hotel ; Philip ISTadenbousch, long a
magistrate, whose sons v*rorthily represent the name ; Col.
George Porterfield, also a popular magistrate and
the Chesterfield of the County Court; Charles D.
Stewart, for over fifty years the faithful deputy
sheriff of the county ; Rev. William Riddle, the
preacher and teacher ; Michael McKewan, Luke
Pentiney, Alexander Cooper, Thomas C. Smith, Dr.
Erasmus Stribling, Dr. J. S.- Harrison, Jacob Hamme,'
Geo. Doll, Geo. Wolff, Adam Young, Wm. Somerville,
the well remembered postmaster ; Conrad Roush, An-
thony S. Chambers, James P. Erskine, Jacob Poisal,
John H. Blondell, W. Long, Ezekiel Showers, John
Stewart, Conrad Hogmire, Daniel Burkhart, John Mat-
thews— bat my pen must stop; columns would not suf-
fice to make up the record of my old friends and ac-
quaintances."

John S. Gallaher was a man of strong and vigorous in-
tellect, discixjlined and improved to the highest point of
which it was susceptible. His judgment was sound,
practical and discriminating ; his temper mild, just and
generous ; his habits those of constant and assiduous
labor. Free from his business emx)loyments he delighted
in history and Belles Letters, and his taste in literature
was refined and chaste. He was patriotic and public
spirited, and liberal in all his views of national and State

Historical Pen SlieicJies. 123

policy. He was a careful and correct, but not dashing
and flowing writer. He had none of the qualities of a
public speaker, yet he always had at command such a
fund of practical good sense, and was so familiar with
the recognized maxims of hnman life that a few short,
pithy sentences from him from the stump reached their
mark more effectually than more accomplished oratory,
and his sayings were remembered and treasured up by
his audience. He was kind, grateful, charitable and
whole-souled, and was universally esteemed for his in-
tegrity and for his merits and attainments as a self-made
man.

FELIX GRUNDY

Was born on Back Creek, in the County of Berkeley,
on the 11th of September, 1777. His father was a native
of England, who settled in early life in the valley of Vir-
ginia. In 1780 he removed to Kentucky. The early
childhood of Mr. Gfrundy was passed amid the perils and
sufferings of Indian warfare. A striking picture is given
in his own eloquent language in a speech delivered by .
him in the Senate of the United States in February, 1820,
from which, however, we can only take a very short ex-
tract :

" Mr. President, I was too young to participate in these
dangers and difficulties, but I can remember when death
was in almost every bush, and every thicket concealed
an ambuscade. If I am asked to trace my memory back
and name the first indescribable imjoression it received it
would be the sight of my eldest brother, bleeding and
dying under the wounds inflicted by the tomahawk and
scalping knife. Another and another went in the same
way. I have seen a widowed mother plundered of her
whole property in one single night, and from affluence
and ease reduced to poverty in a moment, and thereby
compelled to labor with her own hands to educate her
last and favorite son, Avho now addresses you."

He was educated at Bardstown Academy, studied law^

124 Historical Pen SketcJies.

and soon became distiuguislied at the bar. He com-
menced his public career at the age of twenty-two, as a
member of the convention for the revising of the consti-
tution of Kentucky ; was afterward, for six or seven
years, a member of the legislature of that State. In 1805
he was elected one of the judges of the Supreme Court
of Kentucky, and was soon after made Chief Justice. In
1807 he removed to Nashville, Tenn., and became emi-
nent as a lawyer. From 1811 to 1814 he was a represent-
ative in Congress from Tennessee, and during that period
gave to the war measures of President Madison against
Great Britain such ardent support that he was familiarly
know as the " war hawk" of democracy. From 1829 to
1838 he was United States Senator, and in the latter year
was appointed by President Van Buren Attorney Gen-
eral of the United States ; in 1840 he resigned this posi-
tion and was again elected Senator. He died at Nash-
ville, Tenn , Dec. 19th, 1840. Whilst a member of the
Senate he made a visit to Berkeley County to examine
the spot where he had passed his early boyhood. But
he found nothing but a dilapidated stone chimney to
mark the i)lace where had stood the cabin with its clap-
board roof which had shielded his childhood from the
storms of winter.

MICHAEL ROONEY
Was born in Ireland. His enemies contended that he
had been a Corsair in early life, but this was believed to
be an idle slander. Certain it is that he spent some years
amidst the perils of the sea, in the British service, and
he there acquired the reputation of an expert sailor and
skilful navigator. He was familiar with the dead lan-
guages and thoroughly versed in some of the higher
branches of mathematics. He emigrated to the County
of Berkeley about forty years previous to his death, and
purchased a large body of land on Cherry Run in that
county, his dwelling-house having been built on the
western side of that small stream. He was one of the

Historical Pen SJceiclies. 125

most zealous and indefatigable magistrates of the Coun-
ty, and took special and peculiar pride in the discharge
of all the duties of that position. When the County of
Morgan was formed in 1820, and Cherry Run made the
dividing line between it and Berkeley, thus throwing
him into the County of Morgan, he promptly abandoned
his substantial residence in that county and erected a
new dwelling house on the Berkeley side of that run, a
few yards distant from his former residence, that he
might preserve his domicil in Berkeley and continue his
magisterial functions. His strange and peculiar features
and appearance, and his indomitable will and imperious
temper; the ardor with which he entered into the exam-
ination of every case before him, and the sharpness and
point with which he commented upon the law and facts
as they arose in the progress of the trial, made his court
at the old Robert Snodgrass tavern, on Back Creek, a
place of great attraction and resort for the neigborhood
for many miles around. He was elected high Sheriff of
the county, and died in 18 — , leaving a will emancipating
his slaves, providing for their transportation to the colo-
ny of Liberia, and appointing Chas. James Faulkner his
agent, with full power to carry his benovelent views into
effect. But a testator often intends what he cannot ac-
complish. He could emancipate, but he could not trans-
port without the consent of his freedmen. They received
their emancipation papers with becoming gratitude, but
they declined his generous offer to transport them across
the ocean to that fiery continent from which their ances-
tors had been probably torn more than a century before.
They concluded that this country was quite good enough
for any white or black man to live in.

GEORGE PORTERFIELD

Was born in Berkeley County in the year 1740 ; in
early life he was once or twice exposed to the imminent
risk of losing his life from the Indians then inhabitating
or making incursions into this county. His brother

126 Historical Pen SketcTief,

Charles, then a youth about twenty years of age, was
killed not far from his father's house by a body of In-
dians who had the previous day attacked ISTealy's fort,
near the Opequon, massacred the inmates and took off
several prisoners on their retreat. Mr. Porterfield ^vas
among the most popular magistrates of the county, and
when acting as senior justice of the county court, pre-
sided with unusual dignity. He was SherifE of the county,
and in 1808 and 1810 one of its representatives in the
legislature. In 1814 he was elected chairman of the
meeting for the organization of the Berkeley County
Bible Society. He was remarkable for the equanimity
of his temper and for his invariable courtesy, pleasant
address and politeness. He died in 1824.

MARIA COOPER.

Born in Berkeley County ; a lady of great intelligence,
brilliant conversational powers, and of great religious
fervor and piety. No person was ever more universally
loved and esteemed in this community ; and of the hun-
dred and eleven estimable persons who fell victims to
the cholera pestilence in the fall of 1754, there was not
one whose death was so universally lamented. She left
a will, bequeathing a large portion of her estate to chari-
table purposes. Among seven other bequests contained
in her will was one for the founding of an academy in
Martinsburg ; but this, with all the other bequests in
her will for charitable purposes, was declared by the Su-
preme Court of Appeals of West Virginia, to be invalid
and thus, an institution which in anticipation of this
fund, and to do honor to her memory, was incorporated
as the Martinsburg Cooper Academy, perished under the
illiberal policy and stern decree of the court. She pub-
lished some time before her death a small work compos-
ed of original and selected matter, that gave evidence of
high literary taste, and which proved that she was as
graceful in composition as she was brilliant in conver-

Historical Pen Sketches. 127

sation. She died in October, 1854, of an attack of the
cholera.

JAMES STEPHENSON

Was born on March 20, 1764. He commanded a com-
pany in the disastrous defeat of General Arthiir St. Clair
in 1791, when thirty-eight officers and five hundred and
ninety- three men were slaughtered by the Miami In-
dians, and twenty- one officers and two hundred and forty-
three men were badly wounded. He was present at the
quelling of the whiskey insurrection in Pennsylvania,
and was promoted to the office of Brigade Inspector. He
served in 1800, 1801 and 1802 as a delegate from Berke,-
ley County to the Virginia Assembly, and was a repre-
sentative in Congress from this district from 1803 to 1805,
from 1809 to 1811, and again from 1822 to 1825. He
raised a large and interesting family of children, boys
and girls, and lived in the house now owned and occu-
pied by D. H. Conrad. He died in August, 1833. An
anecdote is told of an arranged duel between Major
Stephenson and General Darke, both men of tried and
approved courage. They were to fight with swords.
Stepenson, who was a small man, came to the ground
armed with a rapier. Darke, a man of gigantic propor-
tions, brought with him a broad sword, as large as an
ordinary mowing scythe. When the seconds were about
to place them in position for the combat the disparity
of size of both the men and of their weapons was so irre-
sistably ludicrous that the seconds burst into an uncon-
trolable fit of laughter, which soon communicated its
effect to the principals ; the duel was averted, all points
of honor settled and the two brave old soldiers shook
hands and continued warm friends the rest of their lives.

JOHN MILLER

Was born on the Tuscorora Creek in Berkeley county.
He was distinguished for his courage as an officer in the
last war with Great Britain ; soon after the struggle he
was appointed Register of the Land Office, in Missouri ;

128 Historical Pen SketcJies.

subsequently elected Governor of the State, and was a
Kepresentative in Congress from 1837 to 1843. Died near
Florissant, Missouri, March. 13, 1846.

WILLIAM CREIGHTON,

Born in Berkeley county, Virginia, October 29, 1778 ;
graduated at Dickenson College when quite young ;
studied law and was admitted to the bar at the age of
twenty ; in 1798 he settled in Chillicothe, Ohio, devoted
himself to his profession, and holding many positions of
public trust. He was the first Secretary of State, for
Ohio ; and was a Delegate in Congress from 1813 to 1817,
and again from 1827 to 1833. Died at C hillicothe, October
8, 1851, having for many years previously declined all
public office.

JOHN KERNEY

Was born in Berkeley county. The following extract
is taken from an original certificate executed on the 17th
of June, 1791, by William Darke, late Lieutenant Colonel
commanding in Virginia Line, now in the possession of
the writer of this sketch :

"I was, and am well acquainted with Captain John
Kerney, of the county of Berkeley, Virginia ; he en-
gaged in the American service as first Sergeant to a com-
pany in July, 1775, in Col. Hugh Stevenson's regiment of
infantry ; he was taken prisoner at Fort Washington,
suffered a long and painful imprisonment after which he
continued in the American army and behaved as a brave
and distinguished soldier, 'til he was appointed a lieu-
tenant in a State Reginlent, commanded by Col. Joseph
Crockett, after which he succeeded to the command of a
company in said regiment, and served until it was dis-
banded, which was not until the end of the war. During
his whole service, he merited the esteem of his superior
officers, and of his country."

Subsequent to the war, he retufned to the county of
Berkeley, held the position of a justice of the peace and

Historical Pen Sketclies. 129

member of the County Court, until about tlie year 1805
lie emigrated to Kentucky, wliere lie died.

NATHANIEL WILLIS

Was born in Boston, June 1780. When twenty-one
years of age lie established the first newspaper in Mar-
tinsburg, which was called the BerTceley Intelligencer.
He continued to edit that paper until 1S03, when he sold
out to John Alburtis, left Martinsburg, removed to Port-
land, Maine, where he established the Eastern Argus.
He was an active Journalist for many years. He finally
moved to Boston and died there May ^6, 1870, nearly
ninety years of age. It has been supposed by some that
his distinguished son, N". P. Willis, the j)oet and jour-
nalist, was born whilst his father resided in Martinsburg,
but this is an error. N. P. Willis was born in Portland,
Maine, Jan. 20, 1806.

WILLIAM ALBURTIS

Was born in Martinsburg, and commissioned 2nd
Lieutenant of infantry in the regular army of the United
States on the 8th of March, 1827 ; promoted to the rank
of first Lieutenant in July 1839 ; commanded in sortie
from Fort Brooks, Orange Creek, March 2nd, 1841,
against the Seminoles ; was breveted as captain in
August 1842, "for gallantry and good conduct in war
against the Florida Indians ;" was killed 11th of March,
1847, by a cannon shot at the siege of Vera Cruz.

JAMES R. STEPHENSON,

Son of Major James Stephenson, born in Martinsburg;
entered the military academy at West Point in 1818 ;
graduated with great distinction, and commissioned sec-
ond Lieutenant of infantry in July 1822 ; promated to a
first lieutenancy October 1825 ; commissioned a captain,
December 1834. Died 26th of November, 1841, at Pilat-
lea, Florada.

MAJOR ANDREW WAGPONER, JR.,

Son of Major Andrew Waggoner, of Revolutionary

130 Historical Pen SketcJies.

memory, was born near Bunker Hill, in the County of
Berkeley, on the 24th of October, 1779. I have no infor-
mation of his occupations and employments in early life.
He was elected a member of the Honse of Delegates from
this county, 1811. When war was declared in June 1812,
hj the United States against Great Britain, all the heroic
-g^ualities of his nature, and which he had so largely in-
herited from his gallant father, promptly developed them-
; selves. He first volunteered as a private, soon was pro-
. moted to a captaincy, and then commissioned as a major
■ of infantry. He was on Craney Island, in command of a
i battalion of the 4th Reg. of Va. Infantry, when the at-
vtack upon that Island was made by a combined military
-and naval British force, on the 22nd of June 1813, and
Jllthoiigh from the successful operations of the Artillery
in repelling the attack, both by land and Aviter, the in-
fantry was not called into action, yet, all were impress-
ed with the daring courage, and animated by the noble
patriotism which he displayed on that occasion. He had
to an extraordinary degree, the confidence of those under
his command. Popular in his manners— frank and man-
ly in his bearing — decisive in his movemens — with a face
beaming with intrepidity and devotion to his country,
he w^as the idol of the soldiery. N"o one doubted, had
the enemy reached the Island, how gallantly he would
have borne himself amidst the storm of battle.

After the war he removed from the County of Berke-
ley, to the vicinity of Point Pleasant, in Mason County,
Virginia, to take possession of some valuable land on the
Ohio River, in that county, which had been granted to
his father in consideration of his Revolutionary service.

He was elected a member of the House of Delegates of
Virginia, from the County of Mason in 1886. He soon
became as great a favorite among the members of the
Legislature, as he had been among the soldiers. All
local measures for the benefit of his constituents Avere
carried without opposition and almost by acclamation.

Historical Pen Sketclies. 131

It being understood that lie was on Craney Island, during
that battle, a resolution was introduced into the body,
without his knowledge, to vote him some signal honor
for his assumed services in that conflict. But he prompt-
ly put a stop to the intended complimentby saying : "It
is true I was on that Island during the attack ; but my
command was not called into action. The artillery did
the work, and I cannot be the instrument of robbing
Major Faulkner who had supreme command of the ar-
tillery, of the honor and merit which belong to him."
After this frank and manly declaration, all further pro-
ceedings in his honor, were dropped.

His estate was contiguous to Point Pleasant, the county
seat of Mason, and he was almost a daily visitor of that
interesting and old fashioned Virginia town. No man
in the county was more generally loved and respected,
and none whose sudden death was more universally la-
mented. He was killed on the 30th of March 1863, by a
fire from a detachment of Federal soldiers, stationed in
that neighborhood, as he was passing from the town to
his farm. His son, Charles B. Waggoner, was a member
of the recent Constitutional Convention of this State,
and now holds an important office in the county.

CHARLES ROBERTS

Was chiefly remarkable for his longevity. He was a
native of Oxfordshire, in England, but had resided in
this county about eighty years. He died in Berkeley
County, Feb. 17th, 1796, aged 116. During his life, he
never knew sickness.

CAPT. NAPOLEON B. HARRISON, U. S. N.,

Youngest son of Dr. John S. Harrison and Holland
Williams Stull, was born in Martinsbnrg, Va., February
19th, 1823. Entering the naval service of the United
States as Midshipman February 28th, 1838, he acquired
experience in his profession under various commanders
in the West Indies, Brazil, the Coast of Africa and the
Pacific Squadron. In 1844 he was promoted to the rank

132 Historical Pen SketcJies.

of Passed Midshipman, and under Commodore Stockton,
during the Mexican war, he was distinguished among
the younger officers for courage and ability. He here
took part in the land expedition which rescued General
Kearney's command from a desperate position and on
another occasion, having volunteered to carry an impor-
tant message to a distant command in an open boat, he
was carried out to sea and unable to make land for five
or six days. The violence and persistence of the storm
was matched by thefirmness and skill of the young sailor,
who finally brought back his boat and crew unharmed.
In 1850 he was on duty at then Washington Observa-
tory and in the year 1853 promoted to a lieutenancy and
served as naval store keeper in the East Indies, Japan
and on the coast of Africa.

In 1862 Lieut. Harrison was fjlaced in command of the
gun boat "Cayuga," attached to the Mississippi Squad-
ron under Com. Farragut. In his dispositions for for-
cing the passage of the river, the Commodore arranged
his fleet in three divisions, and in this programme, the
Cayuga being a light armed vessel of only seven guns,
stood last in the first division.

This undistinguished position was a source of great
mortification to her gallant commander, who, neverthe-
less prepared to do his duty with patriotic resignation.
In the meantime Capt. S. P. Lee, who had volunteered
to lead the attack, objected to Capt. Bailey making the
"Oneida' his flagship, fearing that the presence of the
Division Commander would obscure his own position.

Baily promptly ordered the Oneida to the rear of his
division, and proposed to Lieutenant Harrison, to make
the "Cayuga" his flagship.

This unexpected transfer to the van of battle and post
of danger was hailed with great delight. Just before day-
break on the 28d of April, 1862, Lieut. Harrison led the
advance of the national fleet. Passing Forts Jackson
and St. Philip, with their hundred blazing guns, the

Historical P&n SketcJies. 133

"Cayuga" ruslied into the midst of the enemy's fleet of
iron-clads, rams and fire ships above the forts, and there
sustained herself for half an hour unsupported.

During this brief and unequal fight, she repelled all
attacks and destroyed three vessels of the adverse flotil-
la, and when relieved by the advance of the national ves-
sels, she passed up the river with forty shot holes in her
hull and rigging, and only six men wounded. She next
covered the encampment of the Chalmette Regiment
with her guns, and forced it sTirrender, with six thous-
and men. Next day, alone, she attacked the Chalmette
Batteries, and persisted until the Hartford came up and
the Batteries surrendered.

Captain Bailey, in his ofiicial report says: "From
first to last, Lieutanant Commander Harrison showed a
masterly ability in steering his vessel past the Forts
under a hurricane of shot and shell, and, afterwards, in
maneuvering and fighting her among the gun-boats, I
cannot say too much of him."

The chivalric courage and intelligent coolness exhibi-
ted by Commander Harrison in this tremendous engage-
ment, impressed all who were near him, and won for
Mm the respect and admii-ation of the whole service.
The following characteristic anecdote is currrent among
his brother officers : During the hottest fire he found a
gunner skulking ; seizing the recreant by the collar, and
dragging Mm before Captain Bailey, he said, "Captain,
here' s a fellow skulking ; shall I shoot him or boot him?"
The commander recommended the lighter punishment
and the man was expedited back to his post with a vig-
orous kick. The remedy was efficacious and the man
stuck to his gun afterward doing good service.

In recognition of his conduct in this engagement, Lieu-
tenant Harrison was advanced to the rank of Commander,
his commission bearing date July 15th, 1862.

He was soon after ordered to the "Mahaska," of the

134 Historical Pen SketcJies.

James River fleet, and rendered efficient service during
McClellan's operations at Harrison' s Landing.

Late in the same year, in command of the flagship
"Minnesota, he was with the North Atlantic Squadron,
and took an active part in the naval operations on the
coast of South Carolina, terminating in the evacuation
of Charleston.

After the peace Commander Harrison had charge of
the navy yard at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where
he remained until 1868. On the 28th of April, this year^
he was commissioned Captain, and soon after ordered to
duty at the Annapolis Navy School as Commandant of
Midshipmen. From here, one year later, he was order-
ed to the command of the "Congress," flagship of the
North Atlantic Squadron. While at Key West the
"Congress" encountered a terrible norther, and in his
solicitude for the safety of the vessel. Captain Harrison
so exposed himself to the storm that he died two days
after.

His remains are buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, George-
town, D. C, and he leaves behind him the reputation of
a gallant, able and faithful officer and an honorable,
amiable and agreeable gentleman.

LEWIS P. W. BALCH,

The first Judge appointed for the Berkeley circuit after
the close of our late civil war. He was far advanced in
life when elevated to the bench, but jpreserved much of
the vigor and eccentricity of his mind. He was eminent-
ly fitted to perform the duties expected of him at that
sad period of our history. He was a slave to popular
prejudice, intolerent in his opinions and overbearing in
his conduct. He was inordinately vain of his judicial
position, and brought his authority to bear on the unfor-
tunate rebels, if not with the bloodthirstiness, certainly
with all the buffoonery and vindictiveness of a Jeffrey.
The character of his judicial administration may be in-
ferred from the following extract from one of his opin-

Historical Pen SketcJies. 135

ions : ' 'Common fame is prima facie ground for putting
a person on trial for an offense. It is the duty of a mag-
istrate to arrest on sucli evidence, and the onus protan-
di of innocence is on the accused." There was much
freshness and originality in the character of his mind,
while his heavy and grotesque figure, his bombastic and
theatrical airs upon the bench, with the quaint and char-
acteristic opinions to which he gave utterance, offorded
a rich fund of entertainment to the usually crowded
court room. 'A keen sense of the ludicrous was irresista-
bly inspired by his appearance. He presided on this
circuit from March 1865 to March 1866 ; but even his
own party could tolerate him no longer. An accurate
sketch of his personal appearance, has been preserved
by one of our best native artists, and as we have rarely
had such a specimen of judicial eccentricity, if not
monstrosity, in this section of the country, he may be
regarded as the natural outgrowth of the diseased and
disjointed period in which he officially flourished ; it is
hoped, that the picture may be engraved and perpetua-
ted, as a reminiscence of times never to be seen again.

He died at his residence near Leetown, in the County
of Jefferson, in 1868.

REV. WM. HILL, D. D.
Was born in Virginia on the 3rd of March, 1769. In
1785, he entered Hampden Sidney College. He gradua-
ted at that college in 1788, and was licensed to preach
the gospel by the Presbytery of Hanover, July 10th, 1790.
Immediately after his license, he settled in Berkeley
County. His stated field of labor was missionary ground,
and though "his labors here were prosecuted through
many discouragements, they were marked by great vigor
and boldness, and were followed by highly important
results. He had already acquired a high reputation as a
commanding and effective pulpit orator. In January
1800 he left his residence in Berkeley County, and took
charge of the Presbyterian Church in Winchester. In

136 Historical Pen STcetcJies.

1816 the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon
him by Dartmouth University. He died on the ICth of
November 1852, in Winchester, in the 84th year of his
age. His funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. A. H.
H. Boyd, D. D.

His power as an extemporaneous preacher was very re-
markable. He had not the learning and the close logical
reasoning of Kice, nor the chaste and flowing style of
Speece, nor the splendid imagination of Kirkpatrick ;
but there was a combination of excellencies in his preach-
ing which made him a great favorite. His commanding
person, his clear and powerful voice, the vividness of his
conceptions, the distinctness and pungency of his ap-
peals, and the deep earnestness visible in his counte-
nance and manner of delivery, imi^ressed his audience
with the conviction that what he said was truth, and
such truth as involved their most vital interest.

THOMAS WORTHINGTON

Was born in the County of Berkeley in 1796 ; emigra-
ted to Ohio, and settled in Ross County in 1798. In 1803
he was a member of the State Constitutional Convention.
He was a Senator in Congress, from Ohio, from 1803 to
1807, and again from 1810 to 1814, when he resigned ; and
from 1814 to 1817 he was Governor of Ohio. After his
retirement from that office, he was appointed a member
of the iirst Board of Canal Commissioners in which
capacity he served until his death, which occurred 1827.

THOMAS VAN SWEARINGEN

Was born in Berkeley County, Virginia, and elected
a representative in Congress from 1819 to 1821. He died
in 1823 from a fatal bilious fever, which carried off the
most prominent citizens of Shepherdstown.

WILLIAM MACKEY

Was born near Belfast in the north of Ireland in 1738.
He emigrated to this country about 1762, landing at

Historical Pen SkeicJies. 137

Philadelphia, and thence removing to the CnmberJand
Valley, Pa He volunteered in the Revolutionary army
in the beginning of the war, was promptly commissioned
as captain, and continued in service until its close. At
the battle of Brandywine, he fell, severely wounded,
charging, at the head of his company.

The battle of Brandywine (so called from the small
creek near which it occurred) was fought on the 11th of
September, 1777, and was one of the most interesting of
the early conflicts of the Revolution. It grew out of the
determination of General Washington to save, if possi-
ble, from capture, the city of Philadelphia, then the
capital of the States, and the seat of the Continental
Congress. If the magnitude of the prize at stake, the
number of the troops engaged and the character of the
military leaders on both sides, could give dignity to any
battle, this possessed those elements in an eminent de-
gree. General Sir Wm. Howe, aided by Lord Cornwallis
and Gen. Knyphausen, had landed from the British fleet
a well disciplined and admirably equipped army of 18,000
men — looking to the capture of Philadelphia. General
Washington, assisted in his command by Gens. Green,
Wayne, Muhlenburg, Sullivan. Stephens and Maxwell,
with an inferior force of 13,000 poorly equipped men,
was equally determined to save the city. The hostile
armies met near the Brandywine Creek. The battle was
fierce and bloody. On our side there was a loss of 1,000
killed and wounded. On the side of the British but
546 killed and wounded, this disparity of loss resulting
from the superior arms and equipments of the enemy.
Among the wounded was the Marquis de Lafayette.
Our army was defeated, Philadelphia fell into the hands
of the enemy. Washington made a masterly retreat and
few prisoners were taken— none but those who were left
severely wounded on the field of battle. Among those
was Capt. Wm. Mackey. After several months impris-
onment, he was exchanged, when he joined his regiment.

138 Historical Pen Sketches.

still suffering from his wounds, and continued in service
until hostilities ceased.

Shortly after the close of the war he removed to Mar-
tinsburg, where he continued to reside until his death.
He had two children, William Mackey, and Sarah, mar-
ried to James Faulkner. His residence was in the house
directly ojpposite the Episcopal Church in Martinsburg.

After the termination of the Revolutionary war, being
entitled by his service and position to be a member of
the Society of the Cincinatti, composed exclusively of the
ofScers of that army, who had served until the end of
the war, he received his diploma as such, which bears
the honored signatures of Greorge Washington, as
President and General Henry Knox, as Secretary and
which may be seen gracing the walls of Chas. James
Faulkner, his grandson, at Boydville.

As there may not be any future occasion to refer to
this Society of the Cincinnatti, an institution which has
excited so much attention and even hostile discussion in
this country, a brief reference to it may not be uninter-
esting.

It was an association founded by the officers of the
American Revolutionary Army, after the peace of 1783.
Its object was to commemorate the success of the Revo-
lution and to perpetuate sentiments of patriotism, be-
nevolence and brotherly love, and the memory of hard-
ships experienced in common. The original draft of the
Constitution was made by General Knox and it is still
extant. At the second general meeting of the Society in
1787, Washington was elected President General, and
was re-elected trienially during his life. He was suc-
ceeded by Hamilton and the Pinckneys, and the Society
was in all its vigor during the last visit of Gen. Lefayette
to the United States, in 1824-5, who was then its only
surviving Major General. It has branches in several of
the States, but the general Society meets trienially in
iSTew York, of which Hamilton Fish is at this time the

Historical Pen S7ieic7ies. 139

President. It admits of honorary membership, among
whom are to be found the names of Benj. Franklin,
Andrew Jackson, Winiield Scott, Z. Taylor, U. S. Grant,
etc. The oldest male decendant of any ofTicer of the
Revolution is entitled to regular membership.

William Mackey died in Martinsburg in 1812, and was
buried with military honors. His wife preceded him to
the grave a few years, she having died on the 23 of Oct.
1810. His will bears date the 28th of April, 1812, and is.
recorded in the Clerk's office of the County Court of
Berkeley. By it, he devises his property generally to
his grandson, J. H. Mackey, and his military lands in
Ohio, to which he became entitled by virtue of his Revo-
lutionary services,- to his grandson, Charles James
Faulkner.

The Martinsburg Gazette, of Friday, the 23rd of Oc-
tober, 1812, contains the following notice of his death :

"The deceased was born in Ireland, though no native
son of America was ever more attached to the institutions
of this country. He was one of the few surviving heroes
of the Revolution that gave independence to the coun-
try. He entered the contest soon after the commence-
ment of hostilities, and continued his useful services in
the arduous struggle until our liberty was established.
No one of equal grade rendered greater service to the
country, and but few suffered as much. Blest with a
strong constitution and filled with that ardor and enthu-
siasm, so natural to his countrymen, his zeal was uncon-
querable. At the memorable battle of Brandywine he
had the command on a company, posted in one of the
most important and dangerous situations ; this post was
supported by Capt. Mackey and his brave company, un-
til every individual in it, except himself and one of his
subordinates were killed. In this dreadful conflict Capt.
Mackey was shot through the breast and made a prisoner.
He %vas soon after exchanged, but a considerable time
elapsed before the severity of his wound enabled him

140 Historical Pen Sketches.

again lo join the army. He was engaged in many other
severe trials in which he was always distinguished for
his determined courage and usefulness."
COL. WILLIAM CRAWFORD

Vfas born in Berkeley County. During the French
war he distinguished himself by his bravery and good
conduct, and was much noticed by Gen. Washington,
who obtained for him an ensign' s commission. He was
a captain in Porbs' exjiedition in 1758. He was half
brother to Col. Hugh Stephenson, of Berkeley county,
who commanded a rifle regiment in 1776. At tlie com-
mencement of the revolution, he raised a regiment by his
own exertions, and held the commission of Colonel in
the Continental Army. He was one of the bravest men
on the frontier, and often took the lead in parties against
the Indians, across the Ohio. In 1782, he accepted the
command of an expedition to ravage the Wyandott and
Moravian Indian towns on the Muskingum. On this ex-
pedition he was taken prisoner and put to death by the
most excruciating tortures.

Dr. McKnight, a fellow jjrisoner, who subsequently
made his escape, and who was an eye witness of the
scene, thus describes the death of the brave Col. Craw-
ford : "He was stripped naked, severely beaten with
clubs and sticks, and made to sit down near a post which
had been planted for the x:)urpose, and around which a
lire of poles was burning briskly. His hands were then
pinnioned behind him, and a rope attached to the band
around his wrist and fastened to the foot of a post about
lifteen feet high, allowing him liberty only to sit down
or walk once or twice around it, and return the same
way. His ears were (hen cut off, and while the men
would apply the burning ends of the jioles to his flesh,
the squaws threw coals and hot embers upon him. For
three hours he endured these excruciating agonies with
the utmost fortitude. "When faint and exhausted, he
commended his soul to God, and laid down on his face.

Historical Pen Sketclies. 141

He was tlien scalped and burning coals being laid on Ms
head and back by one of tlie squaws, lie again rose and
attempted to walk, but strength failed him, and he sank
into the welcome arms of death. His body was thrown
into the fire and consumed into ashes."

COL. HUGH STEPHENSON,

Of the Eevolutionary Army, born in Berkeley county.
In June 1775, under a resolution of Congress, li^ raised
a company of volunteers in Berkeley county to serve one
year in the Continental Army. William Henshaw, Geo.
Scott and Thomas Hite were elected Lieutenants of this
company. Among the privates were Robert White, after-
wards Judge of the General Court of Virginia ; Joseph
Swearingen, Gen. Samuel Findlay, Maj. Henry Bedinger,
Maj. Michael Bedinger, Abraham Shepherd and Nathan-
iel Pendleton, Esq., of New York. A few days previous
to the departure of this company for Boston, Lieut. Hite
resigned his commission and Abraham Shepherd was
elected Lieutenant in his place, by the unanimous vote
of the company. The company marched to Boston in
July, 1775. Before the expiration of its term of service
General Washington recommended to Congress the rais-
ing of a rifle regiment, which was accordingly organized
by the appointment of Hugh Stephenson as colonel,
Rawlings as lieutenant colonel. Otho H. Williams was
the senior captain of the regiment. In August, 1776,
Col. Stephenson died and was succeeded in the command
of the regiment by Col. Rawlings. Stephenson's will,
now on record in the County Court of Berkeley, bears
date the 20th of July, 1775, to which there is a codicil
annexed, bearing date the 3rd of March, 1776, and ex-
ecuted at "Roxbury Camp, New England." The will
was presented for probate on the 20th of November, 1776.
Among the executors appointed by the will is the name
of his half brother. Col. Wm. Crawford— the bravest of
Indian fighters, whose sad and excruciating death is men-
tioned in another part of these sketches.

142 Historical Pen SketcJies.

REV. MOSES HOGE, D. D.
Born in Virginia, February 15, 1752 ; in 1787 moved to
the county of Berkeley. He resided in this county for
upwards of thirteen years, and acquired great popularity
as a minister throughout this section of the State. In
1801, in consequence of the failing health of Mrs.
Hoge, he left the county of Berkeley for a more southern
climate. In 1807, he was appointed President of Hamp-
den Sidney College. In 1810, as a testimonial of his
great learning and eminence as a minister, the degree of
Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him by the col-
lege of New Jersey. He possessed a mind of uncom-
mon Tigor, capable at once of accurate discrimination
and profound research, and richly stored with scientific
knowledge. He died on the 5th of July, 1820, in the
69th year of his age.

JOHN MORE

Was born in Berkeley county in 17SS. He was a Rep-
resentative in Congress from the State of Louisiana from
1841. to 1843, and again from 1851 to 185.3. Died in
June, 1861.

JOHN FRYATT SNODGRASS.
Born in Berkeley county, Virginia, March 2, 1804 ; was
a lawyer by profession, and practiced in Parkersburg,
Virginia. He was a member of the Virginia Constitu-
tional Convention, assembled at Eichmond in 1850, and
was a representative in Congress from 1853 until his death,
which occurred while trying a case in Court in Parkers-
burg, June 5th, 1854. A sketch of his private, professional
and political character may be seen in the Congressional
Glole of the 9th of June, 1854, made by Hon. C. J. Faulk-
ner, then a member of the House of Representatives in
announcing his death to that body.

ALMON SORTWELL,
For many years principal of the Martinsburg Academy.
He was a native of one of the ISiew England States, but

Historical Pen 81cetc7ies. 143

possessed but few of the cliaracteristics of tliat steady
and cool headed people. Striking and intellectual in his
physiognomy, he labored under the same deformity in
one of his feet that tortured the soul of Lord Byron dur-
ing his life. In many respects the temper and character
of the two men were not unlike. Fiery and intractable
in his temper, constantly laboring under the suspicion
that his club foot was an object of observation, his ex-
treme sensitiveness especially in society, generated the
most painful feelings in those around him. And yet,
when he could forget his deformity, he was replete with
wit, vivacity and good humor. He was a profound
scholar, and did ample justice to the youths whose edu-
cation was entrusted to him. He died in 1834.

JOHN STROTHER,

A son of Benjamin Strother, was born at Park Forest,
in Berkeley coimty, November the 18th, 1792. At thir-
teen years of age he was placed in the county clerk's
office at Martinsburg, and became an inmate of the family
of David Hunter, then clerk of Berkeley county. When
war was declared against Great Britain, in 1812, he vol-
unteered for the defence of Norfolk, as second lieuten-
ant in Capt. Faulkner' s artillery company, but having in
the meantime applied for a commission in the regular
army, he received a notification of his appointment to a
lieutenancy in the 12th infantry, in camp near Fredericks-
burg. He thereupon resigned his commission in the
State company, was succeeded by Edward Colston, join-
ed his regiment on the Canada frontier, was engaged
under Wilkinson in the unsuccessful enterprise against
Montreal ; participated in the famous passage of the Long
saut of the St. Lawrence, and was in the command of his
company at the battle of Crisler's Field, where out of
twenty-four men present for duty, the company lost eight
killed and wounded. For good conduct in the battle, he
was promoted, and afterwards appointed adjutant of the
regiment. After the war, he returned to Martinsburg,

144 Historical Pen Sketches

and on the Sth of September, 1S15, was married to Eliza-
beth Pendleton, eldest daughter of David Pendleton. In
1829 he was elected clerk of the County Court of Berke-
ley made vacant by the death of David Hunter, and held
that office until 183:^, when a change in the constitution
of Virginia making a new election necessary, he was
superseded by Harrison Waite, Esq. In 1832 he was ap-
pointed by Judge Richard Pafker to the Clerkship of the
Supreme Court of law and chancery for the county of
Berkeley, and continued in that office until by another
change in the Constitution it became elective by the peo-
ple, when he declined competing for the office, and re-
tired from its duties after having been connected with
the Berkeley clerkship for forty-five years. Constrained
by the limited income of his office, and by ill-health,
brought on by the close confinement to his clerical duties,
he had some years previously, in 1833, opened a board-
ing house at Berkeley Springs, and latterly, between
1845 aud 1848, erected a large hotel at that place. The
remainder of his business life was devoted to that enter-
prise. In the recent troubles which agitated the country,
he was a firm and intrepid champion of the rights of the
Union, and asserted his opinion with a courage that com-
manded the respect of both friends and enemies. He
died at the Berkeley Springs on the 16th of January,
1862, in the midst of his family, his last words express-
ing solicitude for his beloved country, and his absent son,
then serving in the Federal army. His remains were
carried to Martinsburg, where they were interred with
masonic and military honors.

JOHN S. HARRISON

Was one of the most highly educated and accomplish-
ed physicians that up to that day had sought a home in
Berkeley county. Descended from one of the most re-
spected of the old families of Maryland, he was born on
West river, Anne Arundel county in 1790. At the age of
thirteen, he was sent to St. John's College, in Annapolis,

Historical Pen Sketches. 145

and there spent six years in completing Ms elementary,
classical and scientific studies. At the age of twenty he
was sent to Europe, where he spent four years in the
medical and surgical instructions of France and England,
preparing himself for the practice of his profession. In
1805 he was married to Holland Williams Stull, the niece
of that distinguished patriot and hero of the Revolution,
General Otho Holland Williams, after whom she waa
named. In 1S06 he removed with his young bride to-
Martinsburg, which he sought as a permanent home, pur-
chasing as a residence the property at the northwest cor-
ner of King and German streets, which he occupied dur-
ing his life.

His pleasant and social manners, frank and manly de-
portment, with the general recognition of his high
attainments in his profession soon introduced him to a
profitable practice ; and as there were no physicians at
that time in the county, beyond the limits of Martins-
burg, his practice was soon co- extensive with the county.
His patients had unbounded confidence in his skill and
judgment and his opinion upon all medical c^uestions
soon came to be regarded as oracular.

He was a man of ardent temperament and gave expres-
sion to his views on all subjects with frankness and de-
cision. He was a Jeffersonian Democrat, and regarded
as one of the acknowledged leaders and representatives
of that minority party in this county.

At that day what were called the "Federalists" had
complete control of the county. Most of its then leading
and influential families adhered zealously to the princi-
ples of that party, such as the Pendletons, Hunters,
Colstons, Waggoners, Porterfields, Orricks, Newkirks,
Shearers, Snodgrasses, Campbells, Vanmetres, Gorrells,
Burns, Boyds, Tabbs, Stephensons, Wevers, Tates, &c.
There was much exclusiveness in the distribution of pat-
ronage, and it rarely happened that one of the opposite

146 Historical Pen Sketclies.

party vi'as Lonored by any ofS<;ial or political preferment.

The Federalists wrecked their party by violent oppo-
sition to the war of 1812-13 with Great Britain. The
military and naval victories of that war and its glorious
and triumphant results utterly annihilated all opposition
to the conquering Democracy. From that time a more
conciliatory spirit was manifested by the ruling party,
and among the first evidences of that change of policy
was the recommendation in 1818, of Dr. Harrison for a
seat as a justice of the peace, upon the bench of the
County Court of Berkeley. He accepted the position
and for near ten years discharged its duties with intelli-
gence and promptness.

Upon the death of Maj. Faulkner in 1817, he qualified
under his will, as one of his executors, and by his kind,
generous and parental attention to the writer of this
sketch, justified the confidence reposed in him.

For some j'ears before his death he was confined to the
house by a severe attack of gout, under which he suffer-
ed until he expired in October, 1838.

He left a large and interesting family of children, some
of whom and the descendants of others are still in this
community.

REV. ANDREW H. H. BOYD, D. D.,

Second son of Gen. Elisha Boyd, was born at Martins-
burg, in the year 1814. He received his academic edu-
cation at Martinsburg and Middleburg ; when fourteen
years old, he entered the junior class of Jefferson College,
and graduated with distinction in 1830. Shortly after
entering college he joined the Presbyterian Church and
resolved to preach the gospel. After graduation in Jef-
ferson College, he spent two years at New Haven, to
perfect himself in particular studies ; completed a regular
course of theological education thereafter at Princeton ;
and subsequently visited Europe and attended lectures
delivered by the celebrated Dr. Chalmers and Sir Wil-
liam Hamilton in Edinburg, Scotland. He was licensed

Historical Pen Slcetches. 147

to preach tlie gospel by the Presbytery of Wincliester in
1837 ; entered upon his first charge over the churches of
Leesburg and Middleburg in 1838 ; accepted a call to
Harrisonburg in 1840 ; and to Winchester in 1842. He
was called, during all parts of his ministry to a number
of distinguished churches in the great cities, but being
wholly independent in his pecuniary circumstances, pre-
ferred to remain in Winchester, to the people of which
city, and the County of Frederick, he exhibited a strong
attachment. His prominence as a citizen during the late
civil war, residing within the Confederate limits, caused
him to be seized as a hostage, and held in retalliation for
the arrest of other citizens attached to the cause of the
Union. He bore the illegal and unjustifiable imprison-
ment consequent upon this seizure with all the patience
and fortitude of a Christian minister, but a fatal blow
was given to his health by the rigors of his long impris-
onment. He never' enjoyed a day of perfect health after
his restoration to liberty. His valuable ministry of three
and twenty years at Winchester was terminated after a
mournful and protracted illness on the 16th of December,
1865. A funeral address was pronounced over his re-
mains by Eev. Joseph C. Stiles, of Georgia, which was
published in pamphlet form and is worthy of extensive
perusal.

Dr. Boyd was a man of fine intellect. He was endowed
with quick and clear perception, a sound, discriminating
and comprehensive judgment, and especially with strong
and active reasoning faculties. He loved study and ever
felt both its necessity and obligation. He was a man of
extensive and useful information. On almost every
topic of literature and science he discoursed like one who
had given exclusive attention to those subjects, while in
his proper department of didactic and polemic theology,
ecclesiastical history and biblical criticism, few men in
the country had made such eminent attainments.

During his illness the presbytery met in Winchester

148 Historical Pen Sketches.

and appointed a committee to convey to Dr. Boyd their
christian salutations and to assure him of their sincere
condolence in the painful and protracted trial which he
was then enduring. He received the distinguished atten-
tion with such humble and touching gratitude to his
brethren, and in such calm and assured submission to the
will of Grod, that on the return of the committee the
chairman reported to presbytery that "he had seen Bun-
yan's Pilgrim on the banks of the river, joyfully await-
ing his transportation to the opposite shore."
THOMAS MASLIN,
Son of Wm. and Ann M. Maslin, was born in Gerards-
town, Berkeley County, on the 28th day of October, 1808.
At the early age of fifteen years and with but a very lim-
ited education, he was placed in a store at Harper's Fer-
ry and continued there and in similar situations until in
1830, when he removed to Moorfield. In 1831 he com-
menced the mercantile business in that place without
capital and relying exclusively upon his own energy, in-
tegrity and capacity for business. In this pursuit he
continued actively and successfully for a period of thirty
years. In 1837 he was commissioned a magistrate of
Hardy County, and continued to hold that office until the
magistry became elective under the constitution of 1850.
Under that new system he was elected to the same office,
and was made presiding Justice of the County Court until
the County of Hardy was embraced in the newly created
State of West Virginia. When the Bank of the Yalley
established a branch at Moorefield, in 1853, he was elect-
ed a director and made President, and re-elected every
year until the bank was closed by the war. In 1861 he
was elected by an almost unanimous vote of the people
to represent the County of Hardy in the Virginia State
Convention, called together by the exigencies of the
opening civil war. In 1871 he was elected by a large
majority to represent the counties of Hardy and Grant in
the .Constitutional Convention of West Virginia. He

Historical Pen SJceiches. ' 149

also filled various other ofiices in tliat county — was trea-
surer of one turnpike company and President of another.
He died at Moorfield on the 21st of September, 1878,
after a protracted illness of more than a year.

JOHNSTON MAGOWN,

For m.any years one of the most efficient and active
magistrates in the County of Berkeley. He resided in
Martinsburg, and kept his office in the frame building
attached to the Stewart Hotel. He was a man of strong
mind, with clever common sense views of the law. Few,
if any, appeals were ever taken from his decision, for all
had abounded confidence in his integrity and sense of
justice. He possessed much quaint and original humor.
His memory was stored with anecdotes, and being a bach-
elor, with none of the cares of a family about him, his
office, in which he also slept, was the regular resort of a
coterie of visitors during the long evenings in winter.
He died after a short illness, in 1886, to the regret of all
who knew him.

MAJOR GEN, ADAM STEPHEN.

There is now upon the lands of Charles J. Faulkner
and within the recently enlarged limits of Martinsburg,
the remains of a monument, under which repose the ashes
of this distinguished soldier and patriot. By whom this
structure was erected — Avhether by the executors and
legatees of the deceased, or by the grateful contributions
of his countrymen, is not known. There is nothing in
the will nor in the detailed account of the executors to
throw any light on the subject. The design of the mon-
ument is obviously a rectangular pyramid, with abase of
twenty feet square. Its supposed altitude from the ver-
tex to the plane of the base may have been from six to
nine feet. It has now an elevation of a little more than
four feet. The large stones used in its construction —
some of them twelve feet in length, are hard silicious
mountain stones, and must have been transported, at
great expense, from a distance, as they are not natives

150 Historical Pen SlcetcJies.

of this valley. I think a careful examination of the re-
mains will lead to the conclusion (contrary to the present
popular belief) that the monument was once finished ac-
cording to its original design, but being much exposed
and unprotected — a play spot for the boys — the apex was
first thrown off , and stone after stone injured and re-
moved, leaving only what remains of the original struc-
ture. It is at present within the limits of our city, and
since it has been in the possession of its present proprie-
tor since 1339, (now thirty -three years ago) has been pro-
tected from further injury.

General Stephen's life and fortunes are intimately iden-
tified with the County of Berkeley. He was one of the
earliest immigrants to this locality — he became the own-
er of large tracts of land in this neighborhood; he was
one of the most active agents in having the County of
Berkeley established, and one of the 'most prominent
actors in its early civil and judicial history. It was upon
Ms land that the city of Martinsburg was Ipcated ; here
he lived a long and prosperous life, and in her soil have
his remains been interred. The people of Berkeley, there-
fore, should feel an interest in learning something of his
history, and a pleasure in seeing his memory vindicated
from any unjust and unmerited reproach cast upon it.

General Stephen was born about the year 1718, and is
believed to have been a native ,"of Pennsylvania. He em-
igrated to this portion of Virginia about 1738, a few years
after the first settlements were made in this valley. He
must have derived the most of his land by direct grant
from Lord Fairfax.

Miliiary History.

The earliest notice we have of the military movements
of Adam Stephen, is in immediate connection with Wash-
ington. Information reached the colonial authorities at
Williamsburg, that the French and Indians had taken
possession of the northwestern portion of Virginia, on
the Monongahela, murdering and driving away the set-

Historical Pen Sketches. 151

tiers of that section. The General Assembly autliorizecl
the raising of six companies for the recovery of that ter-
ritory. The command of this force was tendered to
Washington, but because of his youth he declined it in
favor of Col. Joshua Fry, an experienced English officer,
and Washington became Lieutenant Colonel. Stephen
had raised a company from the settlers hereabouts, and
by Washington' s order, met him with his company at
Winchester on the 20th of March, 1754. This assembled
force started for the frontiers, but Col. Fry having died,
the command necessarily devolved upon Washington,
and Stephen, in June, 1854, was appointed Major. On
August the 14th, same year, the regiment was re-organ-
ized with Washington as Colonel, Stephens as Lieut.
Colonel and Andrew Lewis as Major. They pursued
their difficult and wearisome march through the wilder-
ness until they reached the Great Meadows, and there
unexpectedly encountered a hostile force, greatly supe-
rior to their own, and were defeated in battle. They
took shelter in Fort Necessity, but they were, after a
gallant resistance, compelled to surrender, but upon
terms which allowed them to march out with flying col-
ors and with all the honors of war. Col. Stephen was
then placed in command of Fort Cumberland, the frontier
out post of that period. In 1755 he was in the memora-
ble battle of the Monongahela, usually called Braddock's
defeat, and was wounded, though notseriously. In 1756
he resumed his command of Fort Cumberland. • In 1757
he accompanied Washington in his expedition to Fort
Du Quesne, where they recovered possession of that ter-
ritory, and captured Fort DuQuesne, which they subse-
quently named Fort Pitt, the site of the present city of
Pittsburg. In the same year he proceeded, by order of
Congress, to the South, to quell the hostilities of the
Creek Indians in that section. In August, 1763, the col-
onial government ordered out a force of 1,000 men— 500
of whom were to be raised from this section of the colony

152 Historical Fen Sketches.

and were placed under tlie command of Steplien, for ser-
vice on the Nortli-western frontier ; and 500 to be raised
in Greenbrier and tlie adjoining counties, and placed
under the command of Col. Andrew Lewis, to protect
the South-western portion of our territory. The object
of these exioeditions was to repel an attack upon our
people, by a formidable alliance of Shawnees, Delawares,
Wynadotts and other Indian tribes, acting in alliance
with Pontiac.

Sir Jeffery Amherst, then in command of all the British
forces in America, thus notices these exijeditions in a
letter of the 27th of August, 1763, addressed to Sir Wil-
liam Johnson, Superintendent of Indian affairs :

''An effectual stop will be put to these outrages ; par
ticularly as Col. Stephen with a body of 500 men of the
Virginia militia, is advanced as far as Fort Cumberland
and Bedford, with a view not only of covering the fron-
tiers, but of acting offensively against the savages. That
public- spirited colony has also sent a large body of the
like number of men under the command of Col. Lewis
for the defence and protection of the South-west fron-
tiers. AVhat a contrast this makes between the Penn-
sylvanians and Virginians, highly to the honor of the
latter ; but places the former in the most despicable light
imaginable."

Again, in a letter of September the 14th, 1763, to the
same person, he says :

''The attemjDts against the Shawnees are certainly very
necessary, and I heartily wish Col. Stephen success in
his expedition. His chief danger will be his retreat ujj
the river."

Mr. Bancroft thus describes the sad condition of our
frontier in June, 1763, which it was the object of the
expedition under General Stephen to avenge and re-
dress :

"Nor was its garrisoned stockades only that eucoun-
the fury of the savages. They roamed the wilderness.

HLstorieal Pen SJietches. 153

massacring all whom they met. They struck down more
than a hundred traders in the woods, scalping every one
of them ; quailing their gushing life blood, mutilating
their bodies. They prowled around the cabins of the
husbandman on the frontier, and their tomahawks struck
alike the laborer in the field or the child in the cradle.
They passed the mountains and spread death even to
Bedford. The unhappy emigrant knew not if to brave
danger or to leave his home and his planted fields for
wretchedness and poverty. Nearly five hundred families
from the frontiers of Virginia fled to Winchester, unable
to find so much as a hovel to shelter them from the
weather, bare of every comfort, and forced to lie scat-
tered in the woods." {nol. 5t7i, page 124.)

After aiding to quell these hostile Indian movements.
Col. Stephen returned to the east and was placed in com-
mand of Fort Loudon at Winchester, charged with the
protection of our entire Northwestern frontier.

All further dangers being removed from the frontiers,
our troops were disbanded and Col. Stephen, now a'Brig-
adier General in the State Militia, returned in 1768 to his
home in Berkeley County — after fourteen years of al-
most continuous service in defense of the people and ter-
ritory of Virginia.

That General Stephen at that period enjoyed in a high
degree the confidence of Washington is not only obvious
from the preceding narrative, but is further shoAvn by
the fact that when, in 1756, he was required to visit Bos-
ton on important public business, he left Col. Stephen
in command of all the troops in the per vice of Virginia.

In continuation of the history of his military service
we pass for the present over the intervening period of
time.

At the commencement of the revolutionary war he was,
in December, 1775, commissioned by Virginia Colonel of
one of the regiments raised by that State. Isaac Reed
was at the same time chosen Lieut. Colonel, and Robt-

154 Historical Pen STcetclies,

Lawson Major of this regiment. On tlie IStli of Febru-
ary, 1776, he was transferred, wLtli Ms regiment, to the
Continental line. On the 4th of September, 1776, he
was appointed by Congress a Brigadier General of the
Continental troops, and on the 9th of February, 1777,
promoted to the rank of Major General. Gen. Stephen
was with Washington in 1776, at the battles of Trenton
and Princeton — in his celebrated retreat of ninety miles
through the Jerseys — the most critical and disastrous
campaign of the war, but which was marked by brilliant
stratagems and daring exploits. He continued with him
in 1777, and at the battle of Brandy wine was in ' com-
mand of a division as Major General, giving entire satis-
faction by his bravery and good conduct.

We now approach the most painful period of the mili-
tary history of General Stephen. On November the 4th,
1777, was fought the battle of Germantown. Washing-
ton was defeated. The enemy triumphed. Gen. Ste-
phen was charged with " unofScer-like conduct,"' and
the specification was that he was "intoxicated" on that
day. He was found guilty and dismissed from the army.

The friends of General Stephen, whilst not questioning
a fact ascertained by a court of competent jurisdiction,
have neverthless complained of the harshness and un-
kind ness of the sentence of dismissal. They thought in
view of his long and valuable military services and in
view of the further fact, that his intoxication in no wise
contributed to the disasterous befeat of that day, it
should have been overlooked, or a milder penalty inflic-
ted. They say, further, that as strict a deciplinarian as
Washington v/as, he was more than usually severe and'
exacting in this case, with a view of creating a vacancy
in that high grade of the army, for his friend and favor-
ite, the Marquis de Lafayette. On the 26th of November,
1777, he wrote to the President of Congress, urging for
military and political considerations, the appointment of
Gen. Lafayette to a division of the army. This authority

Historical Pen Slcetches. 1 55

was given to liiin by Congress on the 1st of December,
and in three days afterwardsit was proclaimed in general
orders that he was to take command of the division re-
cently under General Stephen, who had been dismissed
from the army.

I have read with great interest, the account of the
battle of Germantown, as given by our best historians to
see if our defeat was in any way attributable to the mis-
conduct of General Stephen, or of the division of which
he had commanded, and I cannot find a single imputa-
tion upon his conduct, personally, during the battle-
none upon his division excei)t what is satisfactorily ex-
plained.

Washington Irving in his ''Life of Washington," re-
ferring to the delay of General Knox, in this battle, says:

"This half hour's delay of nearly one half of the army,
disconcerted the action. The divisions and brigades
thus separated from each other, by the skirmishing upon
Chew's house, could not be reunited. The fog and smoke
rendered all objects indistinct at thirty yards distance ;
the different parts of the army knew nothing of the posi-
tion or movements of each other, and the commander-in-
chief could take no view nor gain any information of the
situation of the whole.

"Green and Stephen, with their divisions, having had
to make a circuit, were late in coming into action, and
became separated from each other, part of Stephen's
division being arrested by a heavy fire from Chew's house
and pausing to return it.

"At this moment a singular panic seized our army.
Wayne's division, which had pushed the enemy nearly
three miles, was alarmed by the approach of a large body
of American troops on its left flank, which it mistook for
foes, and fell back in defiance of every efl'ort of its officers
to rally it. In its retreat it came upon Stephen's divi-
sion, and threw it into a panic, being in its turn mistaken

156 Historical Pen Sketches.

for tlie enemy ; thus all fell into confusion and our army
fled from its own victory."

Mr. Bancroft, who may be regarded as one of the most
impartial and perhaps one of the most censorious of our
historical critics, in describing that battle, utters not a
word in disparagement of Gen. Stephen.

" His (Washington's) plan was to direct the chief at-
tack on the enemy's right, to which the approach was
easy ; and for ihat purpose, to Greene, in whom of al-l
his generals he most confided, he gave the command of
his left wing, composed of Greene and of Stephen, and
flanked by Macdougall's brigade."

Again, " Greene should by this time have engaged the
British right, but nothing was heard from any part of
his wing." Again, "and where was Greene? From
some cause, which he never explained, he reached the
British outpost three quarters of an hour later than the
troops of Washington ; then at a very great distance from
the force, which he was to have attacked, he formed his
■whole wing, and thus in line of battle, attempted to ad-
vance two miles or more through marshes, thickets and
strong and numerous post and rail fences. Irretrievable
disorder was the consequence ; the divisions became
mixed and the line was broken."

Again, " Greene on that day, ' fell under the frown' of
the Commander-in-Chief. Had the forces entrusted to
him acted as efficiently as the troops with Washington,
the day might have been fatal to Howe's army."

Thus Greene and Woodford are censured by the histo-
rian, for their conduct in this battle ; not a word of
censure is cast upon Gen. Stephen. From all which I
infer, that whilst he may have been proved to have been
intoxicated on the day of battle, there is nothing in these
accounts to shov>' that his into.x:ication disqualified him
for command, or that the country sustained any injury
from his improper indulgence in the use of liquor.

Thus ended the military career of this distinguished

Historical Fen Sketclies. 157

soldier, after a service of 14 years in fighting the French
and Indians, and two in figliting the enemies of our lib ■
erty and independence. I liave seen no evidence in his
previous career, and none in his subsequent life, that he
vras habitually addicted to the use in excess of ardent
spirits. For this one violation of military discipline he
seems to have been treated with unusual harshness.
Civil History.

After the return of Gen. Stephen from military servi-
ces, in 1768, he gave his attention to his private affairs,
and was chiefly instrumental in having the county of
Berkeley created, by an act of the General Assembly.
Its limits were so arranged as to make the present site of
Martinsburg about the centre of the county. So perfectly
was this understood that the justices appointed by Lord
Dunmore assembled at that point on the 19 th of May,
1772, and formed the first court of the county. General
Stephen was one of the justices so appointed and also at
the same time commissioned first High Sheriff of the
county. Prompt arrangements were made for the erec-
tion of all the necessary county buildings, and there
being no town then established, it was only known as the
Berkeley Court House. Gen. Stephen being withdrawn
from the county, by his services in the Revolutionary
army, no steps were taken for the establishment of a
town, until his return in 1777. In 1778 Martinsburg was
by an act of General Assembly laid out on 130 acres of
land, granted for that purpose by Gen. Stephen.

Mr. Bancroft, incorporated into his great historical
work, a letter of Gen. Stephen, written in advance of
the war, vindicating the position then being taken by
the colonies, that would have done honor to the patriot-
ism and public spirit of a Henry or a Jefferson.

In 1788 Gen. Stephen and Gen. Darke. were elected by
the voters of Berkeley county to the convention which
assembled in Richmond on the 2nd of June of that year
to determine whether Virginia would give her consent to

158 Historical Pen SketcJi.es.

tlie adoption of our present Federal Constitution. It is
-difficult to imagine a higher and more important trust
that could have been confided to two of her citizens.
The convention was nearly equally divided on the ques-
tion of the ratification or rejection of that Constitution.
In favor of its adoption were such men as Jas. Madison,
John Marshall, Edmund Pendleton and Geo. Wythe ;
for its rejection were such men as James Monroe, Patrick
Henry, George Mason and Theodore Bland. The vote
stood 89 for adoption, 79 against it. It is almost un-
necessary to say that the delegation from Berkeley stood
by the Constitution in all their votes from the beginning
to the end of the session. For this alone, if for nothing
•else, we owe them a debt of gratitude.

The speech delivered by Gen. Stephen in favor of the
adoption of the Constitution may be seen on pages 642,
643 and 644 of Elliot's debates of that convention, and
does great credit to his ability, eloquence and patroit-
ism. The speech is so honorable to him that it should
■be incorporated into this sketch but it is too long for
present publication.

Gen. Stephen, died in Martinsburg in 1791, possessed
of a large real and personal estate. His will, bearing
■date the 5th of June, 1791, was admitted to record in the
Winchester District Court, at the September term, 1791.
He has left many descendants in the States of Virginia
and West Virginia, and many collateral relatives, the
grand children of his brother Kobert.

Gen. Stephen, at his death, must have left many valua-
ble papers in the hands of his executors, and especially
his military correspondence. But after inquiry I learn
that not a single paper has been preserved to throw light
upon his long and eventful career. A sketch of his life
•can only be gleaned from the general histories and pub-
lic records of the country.

MOSES T. HUNTER,

Born in 1790, was the son of Moses Hunter, one of the

Historical Pen Sketches. 159

early clerks of Berkeley, County, and one of the Presi-
dential electors wlio cast the vote of Virginia for George
Washington. He was educated at Princeton, New Jer-
sey, and after completing his collegiate course com-
menced the study of law in Winchester, under Henry St.
George Tucker, his brother in-law, at that time one of
the most eminent and successful practitioners in Vir-
ginia. When admitted to the bar he took up his resi-
dence for a brief period in Martinsburg, but his tastes at
that time being more to literary than to legal pur-
suits, he removed to his fine estate called the "Red
House" farm, inherited from his father, about one mile
north of the town.

The "Red House" was a well-known spot in the
annals of Berkeley County. It was, as stated, the prop-
erty of his father, Moses Hunter, and it was here that
the court held its session from May 19, 1772, until by
virtue of a writ obtained by Gen. Stephen from the Sec-
retary' s office its sessions were removed to Morgan's
Spring, near the present site of Martinsburg.

The jail, a temporary wooden structure, was located in
the public square, where the old market house subse-
quently stood, near the property of Admiral Boarman.
The Clerk's office was at the corner of Queen and John
streets. Where the stocks or whipping post and pillory,
(An essential inheritance from our English ancestors)
were placed, I have no means of ascertaining. I can well
remember its dark and menancing outline when I was a
boy. It stood directly opposite the Court House door—
about thirty feet from the present curbstone, and more
than once have I witnessed the writhings and contortions
of human flesh, both of whites and blacks, under the lash
of the jailor, as I passed to and from old James Ander-
son's school house. The pillory as a punishment, was
established in England as early as the reign of Henry
III, and only abolished during the reign of the present

160 Historicil Pen SketcTies.

Queen, Victoria, in June, 1837, a few years subsequent
to its abolition in this State.

The residence of Mr. Hunter in the country was in no
wise profitable to him. He had no taste for agriculture ;
he lived extravagantlj^, spent his money wastefully; and
his house and furniture having been consumed by fire,
he determined to return to Martinsburg and enter earn-
estly upon the practice of his profession. His circuit
embraced the counties of Berkeley, Jefferson, Morgan
and Frederick ; especially the District Court of Chan-
cery, held at Winchester, which had jurisdiction over
some fifteen or twenty counties. It was in Jefferson that
he seemed to make his deepest impression upon the pop-
ular mind, and there, that he attained his largest and
most lucrative practice.

When I first recollect Mr. Hunter, which was in 1825,
he was of medium height and strongly tending to corpu-
lency, but for a person of his bulk, active and alert on
his feet. His countenance, when in one of his gay and
pleasant humors, beamed with a benevolent expression ;
his eye sparkled with wit and intelligence, and his
demeanor was marked by courtesy and affability, but in
his crabbed and disagreeable moods — and they were by
no means uncommon — his face became as dark as a thun-
der cloud, his tongue was tipped with venom and sar-
casm, and his manners were repellant, morose and offen-
sive. He had some of the finest qualities of an orator —
a rich and poetic fancy, a brilliant imagination, wit, hu-
mor — a taste enriched by classical reading and high
powers of logical analysis. His voice was the most agree-
able that I have ever heard at the bar — musical from its
lowest to its highest tones — and was admirably adopted
to give effect and emphasis to whatever he said, whether
in the department of wit, humor, sarcasm, pathos or de-
nunciation. His powers of vocal mimicry were extraor-
dinary, and if there was anything peculiar, quaint or lu-
dicrous in the voice or deportment of the witnesses, he

Historical Pen Sketclies. 161

could reproduce them afc llie bar in a manner to covulse
tlie court room with laughter. He vras the only lawyer
lever saw who could literally "laugh a case" out of
court. His keen sense of the ridiculous was such that
he would seize upon every incident in the prgress of a
trial that was capable of being perverted into a source of
humor and fun, and drive the jjoor plaintiff or defendant
out of court amidst the laughter of bench, bar, jury andi
bystanders. His style of writing was rich, classical,,
perspicuous and condensed, the best specimens of which
that I have seen were his 4th of July oration delivered ia
1825 and printed in the Martinsburg Gazette of that pe-
riod, and his Masonic oration, delivered in 1826 in the
old Presbyterian church on King street, now a ruin. I
heard them both, and was delighted with their delivery,
and have often since read them with much pleasure.

When a youth, just from college, the writer of this
sketch would often saunter to the Court House to hear
the able lawyers then practising at this bar. The cases
which now dwell most especially in his memory were
those of James Parsons vs. James Gibson, and William
Vance vs. James Parsons, all leading and influential men.
They were both celebrated causes and removed from
Hampshire to this county, and both cowhiding assaults
and batteries, growing out of the same ugly feud.
Among the counsel engaged were Alfred H. Powell, John
E. Cooke, Moses Hunter, Wm. Nayler and Elisha Boyd.
They gave rise to much eloquent speaking, but were
finally compromised to the satisfaction of all parties.

The case of Alexander Stephens and Isaac S. Lauck vs.
Matthew Ransone, was also among the causes celebres in
its day. Both plaintiffs and defendants were owners of
large merchant mills near Martinsburg, and all were men
of large influence and great wealth. Ransone was
charged with deliberately diverting the Tuscarora stream
so as to deprive the lower rival mill of its proper supply
of water. The case was fought with determined zeal and

162 Historical Ten Bkeiclies.

obstinacy on both sides. Cooke's opening was in Ms
finest style of perspicuous narrative. Powell and Boyd
put forth their strongest powers in the defense. Hunter
.commenced his closing argument with the quotation :

"When Greek meets Greek,

Then comes the tug of war,"

alluding to the wealth, energy and influence of the con-
testants, and followed it with one of the most striking
and masterly arguments that I ever heard at our bar.
The jury brought in a small verdict for the pjlaintiffs —
'but it Avas accepted without costs — a sort of drawn battle.

The first civil case in which I ever appeared at the bar
"was an action of ejectment, brought by my client, Jonas
Hedges, vs. the well known Hunter John Myers, to re-
cover a tract of land on the Meadow Branch, west of the
North Mountain. Both had patents for the same land,
but Hedges held the elder patent. The case was in the
county court. Hunter was my opponent. He vehemently
assailed the validity of the Hedges' patent for vagueness
in its entry and irregularity in its issue. He dwelt with
power and effect upon the ungenerous conduct of Hedges
in securing his patent in the manner he did, and upon
the noble and primitive virtues of the great Natty Bump-
po, of Berkeley. It was in vain that I presented the
clear and indisputable law bearing on the subject — he
carried court and jury by storm. The law was submerged
under the flood of his eloquence. My client was turned
out of court. But his triumph was only short lived. I
removed the case by writ of supersedeas to the Superior
Court, where the ruling of the county court, admitting
impropei? evidence and giving wrong instructions, were
reversed, the verdict set aside and the case sent back
with such instructions as precluded all further contro-
versy. Hedges recovered his land, with costs in both
courts.

Some idea may be formed of the high powers of Mr.
Hunter, as an advocate and jurist, when we find the fol-

Historical Pen SJceiclies. 163

lowing notice of his first effort at the bar, in a written
opinion, delivered by Chancellor Carr in the District
Court of Chancery, held at Winchester :

" These points were maintained with great ability, and
I must be .permitted to say that I have seldom heard so
powerful an argument as that delivered by the opening
counsel. It gives me pleasure, in passing, to pay this
just tribute to the first essay in our court of a young
practitioner."

A high compliment to be embraced in a judicial opin-
ion from the peij of Dabney Carr.

Mr. Hunter was a Democrat, and as such, had given
his ardent support to Mr. Clay in 1824. His speech in
support of the Kentucky statesman, in the Berkeley
Court House, w&s much admired at the time, and pre-
sented some of the most captivating views of Mr. Clay's
noble and lofty character. But he had an unextinguish-
able hatred to the Adams family, and when Mr. Clay by
his vote and influence made John Quincy Adams Presi-
dent in 1825, Mr. Hunter gave him up and joined the cry
of that opposition, which in the language of Richard M.
Johnson, had combined to crush' the administration for
the "original sin of its election, even tho' its acts should
prove it as pure as the angels of heaven."

Although the storm of political excitement was raging
wildly in the Spring of 1827, in Tennessee, Kentucky and
some of the Northern States, its influence was not felt in
the county of Berkeley. We had then no railroads, tel-
egraphs, or telephones — few newspapers were taken
beyond the county, and outside intelligence reached us
slowly through the weekly or semi-weekly lumbering
stage coach. An evidence of the total absence of party
feeling is found in the fact that in April, 1827, Edward
Colston, Federalist, and a Clay man, and Moses T. Hunt-
er, Democrat, and a Jackson man, were both elected to
the House of Delegates without opposition, and with the
•concurrence of all the voters of the county.

164 Historical Pen SJcetcJies.

Mr. Hunter' s career in the Legislature opened brilliant-
ly, but terminated painfully. lie made some speeches
whicli gave him high repiitation — whilst his attic wit,
his captivating conversational powers, his wealth of an-
ecdote and his pungent satire, made him a great favorite
in the social circle. But Richmond was not at that time
a safe place for one having the tastes and propensities of
Mr. Hunter. He relapsed into habits of dissipation,
under which his system became disordered, and he was
attacked with a serious, and which proved fatal malady.

He returned to Martinsburg in bad health and died,
after a long and painful illness, on the 4th of June, 1829,
at the residence of his brother-in law. Chancellor Tucker,
in Winchester, in the 39th year of his age.

There are some now living in this county, who can re-
call with pleasure the many occasions when they have
hung with rapture upon the glowing eloquence, powerful
argument, brilliant and irresistable flashes of wit and
humor that marked his professional efforts.

EDWARD COLSTON

Was born at Honeywood in the County of Berkeley,
in 1788. He graduated with distinction at Princeton
College, New Jersey, in 1806. He passed through a reg-
ular course of legal studies, municipal and international,
with no view to the practice of the profession, but to
qualify himself for the intelligent discharge of any pub-
lic duty which in a RepiTblic like this, the people might
devolve upon him. He was an ardent Federalist, in
perfect accord with the predominant sentiment of this
county, and as a young man of talent and high promise,
was cordially welcomed as an important accession to the
party. At twenty -five years of age he was elected a
member of the House of Delegates ; and when but twenty
nine years old, elected a member of the United States
Congress from the district composed of the counties of
Berkeley, Jefferson, Hampshire and Hardy.

In June, 1814, he was married to'Jane Marshall, daugh-

Historical Pen Sketches. 165

ter of Charles Marshall, of Fauquier County. She died
on the 5th of March, 1815, in giving birth to a child, ten
months after marriage, and in the 21st year of her age.
The papers of that day are full of tributes to her many
virtues and entrancing loveliness. The child was buried
in the same grave with the mother.

When Mr. Colston took his seat in the 15th Congress
(1st Monday of December, 1817), he found himself asso-
ciated in his legislative labors with many distinguished
men, among whom were Henry Clay, General Harrison,
subsequently President ; Henry Baldwin, John Sergeant,
Philip P. Barbour, John Floyd, K. M. Johnson, subse-
quently Vice-President ; Henry St. George Tucker,
Charles Fenton Mercer, etc. Although but a young man
and a young member, he took an active and prominent
part in the proceedings of that body. His speeches on
the "Commutation of soldiers' pay," for relief to the
" Surviving Revolutionary soldiers," in favor of "the
Internal Improvement powers of Congress," upon "the
Migration of Slaves," upon " the Reduction of the Staff
of the Army," and especially his elaborate speech on the
resolution of the Military Committee condemning the
conduct of General Jackson, for the execution of Arbut-
not and Ambrester in the Seminole war, show not only
his ability and self reliance, but the extent of his infor-
mation, and his capacity to take a leading part in any
deliberative assembly. He seems to have participated in
all the discussions of that body ; to have grappled in
debate with the foremost intellects, and to have main-
tained his opinions with firmness and ability.

Alter the close of his most creditable service in Con-
gress, Mr. Colston found it necessary, in consequence of
the increasing age and infirmities of his father, to give
his attention to the Honeywood estate in this county and
also to the extensive landed possessions of his father, in
Virginia and Kentucky.

Mr. Colston was elected to the House of Delegates from

166 Historical Pen SJcetcJies.

this county in 1S23 and 1824, and was again a candidate
for Congress in 1825. In this contest he was defeated by
Wm. Armstrong of Hampshire. The Martinsburg Ga-
zette of the 28th of April, 1825, in referring to the defeat
of Mr. Colston :

"We were present on Monday last and heard Mr.
Colstoa address the voters. He exposed in a concise,
eloquent and convincing manner the glaring calumnies
that had been industriously circulated against him, and
left a deep impression on the minds of the people of the
gross injustice which had been done him by those slan-
ders and which had resulted in his defeat."

No doubt Mr. Colston was grossly caluminated in that
canvass, but the real cause of his defeat was the disor-
ganization and disruption of the party of which he had
been so conspicuous a member. The Federalists ceased
to exist as a National party after the close of the war
with Great Britain, and whilst that may not have been
the direct issue involved, yet he had been too distin-
guished in its history, not to be made to share the conse-
quences of its fall. Some amend, however, was made to
his disappointed ambition by his unanimous election to
the House of Delegates, in 1826, by the voters of Berke-
ley. He was again re-elected in 1827, 1833 and 1834.

Whilst in Richmond he formed the acquaintance of
Miss Sarah Jane Brockenbrough, the intelligent and ac-
complished daughter of Judge William Brockenbrough,
to whom he was married — from which marriage has re-
sulted a highly educated and interesting family of sous
and daughters.

Mr. Colston was commissioned a magistrate of the
County Court in 1818, and no one could have taken a
more lively interest in Ihe performance of its important
and responsible duties than he did. His intelligence,
his knowledge of law, his integrity, his high sense of
justice, gave to all his decisions, whether on the Bench
or in 2:)ais, a weight and authority accorded to but few

Hisiorical Pen Sketches. 167

of liis bretlaren. He was also commissioned High. Sheriff
of BeT-keley County and acted as such, in 1844 and 1845.

Although a Federalist and concurring with his party
in opposition to the declaration of war against Gfreat
Britain, yet when war was declared by the constituted
authorities, he volunteered as a member of CaptainFaulk-
ner's Artillery Company, soon reached the rank of Lieu-
tenant and was present, near Norfolk, when the combined
military and naval attack was made by the British upon
the defences of that important city. He bore the repu-
tation of a brave and conscientious soldier.

Mr. Colston was a member of the Episcopal church — a
sincere and practical Christian and an ardent promoter
of all institutions and enterprises looking to the advance-
ment of religion, and to the spread of the life saving-
doctrines of the Redeemer of the world.

Mr. Colston died suddenly — unexpectedly, in the
twinkling of an eye — from some affection of the heart,
on the 23d of April, 1851. He left a will, devising his
whole property, subject to the payment of his debts, to
his estimable widow, Sarah Jane Colston, and appointing
her, Chas. J. Faulkner and his brother-in-law, Willough-
by Newton, of Westmoreland County, Va., executors of
his will.

An intelligent gentleman from Eastern Virginia, who
had just come from spending two weeks at Honeywood,
thus speaks to the w^riter of this sketch, of Mr. Colston,
in 1838 :

"I consider Edward Colston, the finest specimen of a
country gentleman whom I have yet met in Virginia.
His manners are courteous, polite and dignified ; his con-
versation highly instructive and interesting, and his hos-
pitality free, and cordial, without being oppressive. He
is fond of agriculture, history and general literature. He
has a noble inheritance and a magnificent library. He is
loved by all his neighbors, for Ms kindness and charities
and they look up to him as a friend, adviser and coun-

168 Jffistorical Pen Sketches.

sellor. He has a cliarming family and a deliglitful resi-
dence. What more need any man want to ensure his
happiness in this world ?"

It is deeply to be regretted that Mr. Colston did not
himself cherish the views expressed by this intelligent
visitor. He was unhappily not content with the rich
blessings which then surrounded him. The activity of
his mind led him to engage in milling enterprises and
speculations. He became, in the honesty and unsuspect-
ing integrity of his heart, the sport of fortune, and the
victim of accomplished villains, and that " noble inheri-
tance" has thus passed from his widow and children, to
discharge forged obligations and unfortunate specula-
tions in trade.

JAMES FAULKNER,

Son of George and Rebecca Faulkner, was born on the
2nd of April, 1776, in the county of Armagh, Ireland, a
few miles from Newry. The family, as the name itself
sufficiently indicates, was of English origin, their ances-
tor having emigrated to Ireland in the reign of William
and Mary. Having been left an orphan by the death of
both his parents, at the early age of ten years, he accep-
ted the kind offer of Richard McSherry, a friend of the
family, to accompany him upon his return to America.
They arrived in the port of Baltimore in the latter part
of 1786.

Richard McSherry had some years before emigrated
from that part of Ireland, and had gone to the Island of
Jamaica to improve his fortunes. He was a man of ener-
gy and enterprise, and soon got occupation as the manager
of a large sugar plantation. He remained there for sever-
al years, until he succeeded in accumulating quite a res-
pectable fortune. He then visited the United States, and
purchased a tine farm in the then County of Berkeley,
near to the present village of Leetown. Not being able
to get immediate possession of his purchase, he availed
himsels of the interval to pay a visit to his old home in

Historical Fen Slieiclies. 169

Ireland. It was upon his return from this visit, that the
boy Faulkner accompanied him to America. It is said
that Eichard McSherry was the first person who intro
duced from Jamaica into this country, the tomato and
okra, as esculents for the table.

Young Faulkner was brought to Martinsbmg- and
placed under the charge of Michael McKewan, an Irish-
man, who then kept a retail store in that town. He re-
mained in his service until he was of age, in 1797, when
he purchased the property at the southeastern corner of
Burke and Queen streets, and commenced business on his
own account.

On the 15th of December, 1803, he was married to
Sarah Mackey, only daughter of William Mackey, of
Martinsburg.

He was not particularly fond of the mercantile busi-
ness, and from 1804 until 1808, he spent much of his time
in correspondence with Hon. James Stephens, and Hon.
John Morrow, the representatives in Congress from this
district ; with Henry Dearborn, the Secretary of War,
and President Jefferson, in endeavoring to gratify his
military tastes by procuring a commission in the regular
army of the United States. But our arm.y was then small
— there were few vacancies or promotions, and his efforts
in that direction were unsuccessful.

Towards the close of Mr. Jefferson's administration in
1809, the relations between this countrj^ and Great Bri-
tain had become very critical. The affair of the Chesa-
peake had occurred ; the sensibilities of the nation were
deeply aroused by the habitual impressment of our sea-
man ; by the contemptuous deportment of England to
our representatives, and by the destruction of our com-
merce, and an intense war spirit prevaded the land,
which was alone held in check by the extraordinary in-
fluence of Mr. Jefferson, and by his determined peace
policy. It nevertheless became apparent to all men, that
unless Great Britain altered her conduct to this county.

170 Historical Pen SkeicJies.

wliich was hardly anticipated, war would be inevitable
in a year or two. It was under these circumstances that
Mr. Faulkner, unable to procure a position in the regular
army, determined to organize a volunteer artillery com-
pany in Berkeley County, to meet any of the probable
demands of war. This was promptly accomplished.
James Faulkner was elected Captain,* Robert Wilson 1st
Lieutenant and William Long 2nd Lieutenant. Among
the names familiar to our people who thus volunteered
as privates, were John E.. Cooke, Edward Colston, John
Alburtis, Alexander Stephen, William Campbell, James
Newkirk, Tillotson Fryatt, Adam Young, Jacob Snyder,
John Mathews, Jacob Poisal, Chas. Pendleton, James
Shearer, Nicholas Orrick, and some fifty others. It will
be conceded that no other vounteer company in the State
was better drilled ; was comijosed of more reliable ma-
terial, or could boast of men more determined to stand
by their country in any hour of difBculty or trial.

On the ISth of June 1812, war was declared by the
United States against Great Britain. During that year
and the earlier part of 1S13, the fighting was mainly con-
fined to the Canada frontier, where notwitstanding some
brilliant victories upon our part, the British, aided by
the Northwestern Indians under Tecumseh, inflicted
some severe defeats upon our armies.

In the Martinsburg Gazette of the 7th of February,
1S12, is found the following extract from an address to
the artillery company :

"You have upon two former occasions, volunteered
your services to the government, the commander hopes
your patriotic and military pride will not be damped by
the circumstance that you' have not been ordered into
actual service. He flatters himself that as there is now
every probability of a war that you will authorize him to
offer your services to march wherever you may be require
ed. He returns his thanks to those patriotic young men
not belonging to the company, who enrolled themselves

Historical Pen Sketclies. 171

to march witli Mm on a former occasion, and flatters him-
self that they, and others who feel a desire to serve their
country in the ranks of its defenders, will come forward
and join the parade on Saturday, the 22nd inst., the an-
niversary of the birth of the immortal Washington.

James Faulknek,

Fel). Ith, 1812 Captain 1st M. Artillery.

As early as March, 1812, there were satisfactory rea-
sons to believe that a formidable military and naval dem-
onstration of the enemy would, in the course of th&
summer, if not earlier, be made upon Norfolk and Ports-
mouth, in Virginia. Accordingly general orders were
issued on the 24th of March, for the assembling of a con-
siderable portion of the State militia at those points.
Among the companies so ordered into service was Captain
Wilson's Berkeley Artillery, for such it then was. Cap-
tain Faulkner had been, early in March, promoted to the
rank of Major of Artillery, was thus separated from his
company ; and was ordered by Governor Barbour to re-
port to him at Richmond, and to take command of all
the artillery companies then assembled at the capital.
He reported to the Governor on the 10th of April, and
taking command of these companies he proceeded with
them to the seat of war.

Early in June Admiral Warren with a large naval and
military force arrived in the Chesapeake Bay ; the land
force being under the command of Gen. Sir Sidney Beck-
with. The appearance of this formidable force in the
Chesapeake Bay created much uneasiness in the more
considerable cities situated upon its waters. Baltimore,
Annapolis and Norfolk were threatened. But the fleet
directed its course toward Hampton Roads, and it was
evident that the cities of Virginia were to receive the
blow.

About four miles west of Norfolk and commanding
the approach to that city, lay Craney Island. This was
the exposed outpost of our military line— the nearest in

172 Historical Pen SJcetclies.

contact with the enemy— a position of great importance
as the liey to the harbor, and which it was indispensa-
ble that the enemy should possess before they could reach
the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth.

Among the general orders issued by Major General
Taylor, Commander-in-Chief, on the 13th of June, are
the following :

"Major Faulkner of the regiment of Artillery will to-
morrow take the command of all the artillery and fortifi-
cations of Craney Island.

The commander of artillery will direct Capt. Wilson's
company of artillery to some place near the entrench-
ments in the rear of Fort Norfolk."

On the 22nd of June occurred the battle of Craney
Island. I am not disjjosed to repeat the details of that
battle. They can be seen in the various histories of the
late war with Great Britain, and in the recently illustra-
ted history of that war by Benson J. Lossing, which con-
tains a portrait and autograph signature of Major Faulk-
ner.

It can also be seen in the elaborate report of a Com-
mittee of the House of Delegates of Virginia, who Avere
appointed to take testimoney, and to make a thorough
examination into the details of that battle, and which re-
port, with the resolutions and evidences accompanying
it, unanimously concurred in by the House, is the proud-
est monument that could be erected to the memory of
Major Faulkner.

It is sufficient to say the battle of Craney Island was
won ; that it was won exclusively by the artillery enga-
ged in its defence ; that a force of near 3,000 British
soldiers were signally repulsed ; that the cities of Nor-
folk and Portsmouth were saved and that the results of
that battle were hailed throughout the country as a
National balm for our defeats on the northwestern

ft

frontier.

On the 5th of July Major Faulkner was placed in com-

Historical Pen Sketches. 173

mand of Forts Barbour and Tar and a mile of breastwork
extending between tlie two forts, with his headquarters
at Norfolk.

Major Faulkner was not a man of robxist constitution,
but rather of delicate physical organization, and the effect
of that low-land summer climate, with the fatigues and
exposures of the service, gave a shock to his system from
which he never recovered. Pie was an invalid from the
close of the war until his death, which occurred on the
11th of April, 1817, in the 41st year of his age. He was
buried with military and masonic honors in the Norborne
cemetery, where a granite monument now stands erected
to his memory.

Postcript. — When the facts connected with the battle
of Craney Island were under examination by the Legisla-
ture of Virginia, Major Faulkner' s official report of that
battle was not before the committee. Indeed, it was not
knowh that any copy of it had been preserved or was in
existence, as the substance of it had been incorporated
into the account of the battle as given by Major General
Robt. B. Taylor, then Commander- in Chief. Since that
that time a copy of it has been found, in the hand-writ-
ing of the author, inclosed in a letter to Col. Elisha Boyd
under date of the 6th of July, 1813. It is deemed un-
necessary to iDublish it in full, as in all its prominent
facts it is in harmony with the received histories of that
battle and in accord with the conclusions of the legisla-
ture. Had it been before the committee it would have
removed all doubt upon one point upon which the com-
mittee expressly refrained from announcing any opinion ;
that was to whom the credit was due for the successful
shot which sunk Admiral Warren's barge.

The committee say :

" Scarcely had the enemy been driven, by our well di-
rected fire, from' their assailing position on the land, when
fifty of their largest barges, filled with men from the
ships supposed to contain about 1,500 sailors and ma-

174 Historical Pen Sketclies.

rines, begun to approacli withm the I'aDge of our artil-
lery. Tliey were advancing towards the island, in col-
umn order, in two distinct divisions, one following the
channel between the island and the main land, led on by
Admiral Warren's barge, the Centipede, a boat ujDwards
of fifty feet in length, rowing twenty-four oars, with a
brass three pounder in her bow, under the command of
Capt. Hanchett, of his Majesty's ship Diadem ; the other
directing its course to some point on the north of the
island. Whilst the barges were approaching. Captain
Emerson observed to Major Faulkner 'Are they near
enough to fire?' 'No, sir,' replied the commander of
artillery, 'let them approach a little nearer.' In a few
moments afterwards the word ' fire ' was given, when our
whole battery, except the disabled pieces, opened upon
the nearest division of boats a brisk and heavy discharge
■of grape and canister. The barges, however, continued
to advance in the face of this destructive fire until they
could no longer maintain themselves under it, when the
Centipede and the boats immediately following her were
observed to change their direction toward the division of
barges aiming at the north of the island, at which mo-
ment the Centipede was sunk by a shot from one of the
guns passing through the boat, in the wake of the after-
thwart, wounding several, and among them Capt. Han-
chett, the commanding officer of the division, severely in
the thigh. At this time, so quick and galling was our
fire, that the enemy were thrown into the greatest con-
fusion, and the order was soon after given for a hasty re-
treat to the ships."

Again the committee say :

' ' Much of the eclat which attached to the guns under
the immediate command of Lieut. Weale, resulted from
the general impression and belief that it was a shot from
the 18-pounder which passed through and sunk the Cen-
tipede. Whether that result was produced by a shot
from the eighteen, or one of the six-pounders, this com-

IlistoriGCcl Pen Sketches. 175

mittee will not undertake to determine. There are strong
and confident statements and opinions sustaining either
view, which will be found in the appendix accompany-
ing this report."

Had this report been before that body there could have
been no doubt announced on this point, for Major Faulk-
ner expressly states in his report: "Captain Emerson
and Lieutenant Neale informed me that their guns were
pointed and in readiness to bear upon the leading boat,
which proved to be the Admiral's barge. I immediately
ordered them to fire, when the second fire of Lieut. Neale
had the desired effect and sunk the barge."

He concludes Ms report as follows :

"The of&cers principally enged in the action were
Captain Rook, of the ship Manhattan ; Lieut. Neale, of
the frigate Constitution ; Capt. Emerson, Lieuts. Howie
and Godwin and Sergeants Young and Butt, of the Ports-
mouth Artillery, who, for their skill and bravery in re-
pelling so large a force of the enemy, deserve the thanks
of the country. Lieuts. Shubrick, Saunders and Breck-
enridge, of the Constellation, with their crews, as brave
and determined a set of men as I ever saw, gave substan-
tial aid and assistance in the defense."

MAJOR HENRY BEDINGER,

Was born at Little York, Pennsylvania, October 16th,
1753. His father emigrated to Berkeley County in 1758.
In June, 1775, he volunteered in a company raised in the
County of Berkeley, under the command of Capt. Hugh
Stephenson, which marched in July of that year to the
siege of Boston. At the expiration of one year, their
term of service having expired, this company was dis-
banded. Immediately thereafter a rifle regiment was or-
ganized, of which Hugh Stephenson was appointed Col-
onel and Abraham Shepherd commissioned as senior Cap-
tain of one of the companies. Young Bedinger was
commissioned as Third Lieutenant in this company, and
his original commission as such signed by John Hancock,

176 Historical Pen Sketches

President of Congress, may be seen, framed and hanging
in the house of his grandson, H. B. Davenport, Esq., near
Charlestown. After three days' severe fighting at King's
Bridge, this regiment, then commanded by Colonel Raw-
lings, was forced to capitulate, and surrendered them-
selves as prisoners of war in the capture of Fort Wash-
ington. This occurred on the 16th of November, 1777,
and Lieut. Bedinger was confined as a prisoner on Long
Island until the summer of 1781. After having thus en-
dured the rigor of imprisonment for four years, \q was
exchanged, and, returning to the army, he was commis-
sioned a Captain in the 4th Virginia Regiment and or-
dered to Yorktown, but before he reached that point the
surrender of Lord Cornwallis and his army had taken
place. At the close of the revolutionary war he returned
to Shepherdstown, then in the County of Berkeley, and
there entered into the mercantile business. Upon the
death of Moses Hunter he was, in August, 1798, elected
Clerk of the County Court of Berkeley, when he removed
to Martinsburg, its county seat. Prior to this time he
had been elected and served one year as a member of the
House Delegates of Virginia. The validity of his elec-
tion as Clerk of the County Court was vigorously con-
tested by Col. David Hunter, his competitor for that
office. This led to protracted litigation, in which the
ablest counsel in the United States wexe employed — John
Marshall, Luther Martin and Walter Jones being of the
number, and party spirit then running very high, Bedin-
ger being a Jeffersonian Republican, and Hunter an ar-
dent and prominent Federalist, the contest excited deep
interest throughout the cotintry. The venue of the trial
of the case was changed by the General Court of Virginia
at its November term, 1799, from the Winchester District
Court to Staunton, but subsequently sent back to Win-
chester. The suit resulted in a judgment, rendered De-
cember, 180B, setting aside the election of Major Bedin-
ger and the transfer of the office to his opponent, Col.

Historical Pen Sketches. 177

Hunter, Some of tlie remains of that litigation are to be
seen upon tlie records of our courts as late as 1830. He
was a member of the Society of the Cincinnatti, and his
diploma as such, handsomely framed, still adorns the
parlor of one of his decendants. After his amotion from
the office of Clerk, he removed to his fine estate "Pro-
tumna," five miles south of Martinsburg. He was a
careful farmer and an enthusiastic cultivator of fine fruits.
He possessed an extraordinary memory and delighted in
his hospitable mansion to dwell upon the incidents o|
our revolutionary war. He could remember, with great
distinctness, even in very advanced life, the company,
regiment, rank and service of almost any officer in the
Virginia line, and it was through his retentive' memory
that many received that justice from their country which
otherwise, from lost and mutilated records, they could
never have obtained. He bore the reputation of a pa-
triot and good citizen up to the period of his death, which
occurred on the 14th of May, 1843, then nearly ninety
years of age.

ALEXANDER WHITE

Was among the earliest of those who presented their
licenses and qualified as practitioners of law in this coun-
ty. This was on the first day that the first court was
held in Berkeley county. May 19th, 1772. The proper
oath of an attorney-at-law was duly administered to him,
PhUip Pendleton and four others. On the same day, as
the record reads.

"Alexander White having produced a commission from
the Attorney General of this county, appointing him
deputy attorney for this county, the same being read, he
having taken the usual oath, and sworn Deputy King's
attorney for this county."

Mr. White was elected the first member of Congress
from this District, under the present Constitution of the
United States. He was a man of marked punctuality
and system, and a slight evidence of this may be seen in

12

178 Historical Fen SlcetcTtes.

the fact, that he was the only member of Congress from
Virginia who was present on the first day of its session.
The Annals of Congress are meager in the debates of that
period, although accurate so far as they give the sub-
stance of the remarks made — a practice that shouldnever
have been departed from. Mr. White took a prominent
part in all the debates of that term of Congress, and as
our enlightened statesmen were then laying the founda-
tion of our legislative system, the subjects before them
were necessarily numerous, important and interesting.
He bore the reputation of a man of learning, of great
ability and of ardent patriotism.

Mr. White was re-elected to the 2nd Congress in 1791,
over his two competitors. Generals William Darke and
James Wood.

In 1798 he was commissioned as magistrate of Berke-
ley county.

Mr. White was dragged from his retirement to repre-
sent the county of Berkeley in the House of Delegates
of Virginia, during the important sessions of 1799 and
1800, when the celebrated report and resolutions of Mr.
Madison were the subject of such earnest debate, and
which gave such an impulse to the Revolution which
brought Mr. Jefferson into power.

As has been already stated Alexander White was the
first representative in Congress from this District under
the present Constitution of the United States. That
election occurred on the 2nd of February, 1789. At that
time no census had been taken of the population of the
States, and the Constitution provided "until such enum-
eration was made," Virginia should be entitled to ten
members in the House of Representatives. The General
Assembly therefore laid off the State into ten districts,
making the counties of Berkeley, Hampshire, Shenan-
doah, Hardy, Monongalia, Ohio, Randolph and Fred-
erick the first district. It was from this district that Mr.
White was elected in 1789^ and re-elected in February,

Historical Pen STcetclies. 179

1791. After the census of 1790 was completed and Con-
gress liad fixed the ratio of reprsentation, Virginia be-
came entitled to 19 representatives and the legislature
then divided the State into 19 districts making "Berke-
ley and Frederick" the first District, which so continued
until after the census of 1800. The first election under
this apportionment was on the third Monday in March,
1793, when Robert Rutherford was returned. He was
re-elected in 1795, General Daniel Morgan in 1797 ; and
David Holmes, subsequently Governor of Mississippi
and U. S. Senator from that State, was then elected and
continued in Congress until the District was changed
under the apportionment of the census of 1800.

HON. ROBERT RUTHERFORD,

Of Berkeley was elected to the 3rd Congress in 1793,
from the District composed of the counties of Berkeley
and Frederick. He was re-elected to the 4th Congress
in 1795, thus serving four years as a representative in
<^0Dgress from this District. He was a candidate for re-
flection to the 5th Congress but was defeated by General
Daniel Morgan. He contested Morgan's election before
the House, but the decision was in favor of the right of
Morgan to the seat.

Mr. Rutherford does not seem to have participated
very actively in the general debates of the House, and
yet, in January, 1794, he delivered quite an elaborate
speech on "The Commerce of the United States," and in
March, 1776, participated in the great debate of that
period upon the "Constitutional PoAvers of Congress,"
in reference to treaties and in April, 1696, gave his vievv^s
at large in opposition to the provision for carrying the
British treaty into effect. All his views would seem to
class him with the Democratic rather than the Federal
side of the House.

It might afford some interest to take a few extracts
from these speeches (especially as the reporter declares
them to be authentic, they "having passed the revision

180 Historical Pen Slcetclies.

of the Speakei") as illustrative of Mr. R's. views and
opinions, but they must be passed by for the present.

Feeling that he w.as, in his public course, acting in op-
position to the recommendations of Washington, he thus
refers to their personal relations :

"Much stress has been laid on the patriotism of the
President, which makes it necessary for me to reply, lest
I may be taken for one uninformed. I have had the
honor of tlie President' s acquaintance well nigh, or quite,
forty years, and lie has supported every character with
merit, dignity and unswerving attention. I have acted
with, him on trying occasions, sometimes equal, often-
times in a subordinate sphere, and tho' senior in point of
years, yet, I uniformly looked up to him as a parent —
my kead and my guide ; yet I am independent of the
President — an unchangeable friendship excepted."

Judging of Mr. Rutherford by the impression made
upon me by his speeches in Congress I would say that he
was a man of strong and original mind — konest and sin-
cere in all his convictions — upright and independent in
kis bearing, but not of muck mental cultivation, nor
deeply imbued witk tke facts of history, nor the lessons
of statesmanship.

I have heard traditionally and seen in print many an-
ecdotes of Mr. Rutkerford illustrative of kis komely
manners, tke simplicity of kis dress, tke frugality of kis
mode of living, and of kis awkwardness in society, but
tkese stories may or may not be true — and as tkey touck
none of tke substantial merits of a man — are not worthy
of being remembered or repeated.

GENERAL DANIEL MORGAN

Represented this county and district in the 5tk Con-
gress of tke United States — tkat is from 1797 to 1799.
Tke military kistory of tkis distinguisked soldier, kas
been so frequently written and is so familiar to tke pub-
lic mind, tkat it need only kere be briefly glanced at.

Historical Pen Sketdies. 181

He is mentioned in these sketches only because of his
connection with the County of Berkeley.

He was bom in Kew Jersey in the year 1737. At the
age of eighteen, he emigrated to Virginia and obtained
employment from farmer Roberts, of Berkeley County.
He delighted in the management and use of his team,
and acquired throughout life, the subriquet of the " old
wagoner." He shared in the perils of Braddock's de-
feat, probably as a wagoner, and was wounded by a bul-
let through his neck and cheek. The profit of his busi-
ness as a wagoner enabled him to purchase a tract of land
in Frederick County, where he lived at the commence-
ment of the Eevolutionary War. In June, 1775, he was
appointed a captain by Congress. He was in the expedi-
tion against Quebec, and contributed to the capture of
Burgoyne. He defeated Tarlton in January, 1781, in the
battle of Cowpens, taking upwards of 500 prisoners. For
this action Congress voted him a gold medal. Soon af-
terwards he retired from the army and returned to his
farm.

The excise, or as it is most usually called ''The whis-
key Insurrection," is an interesting episode in our early
history. It was the first open, defiant and formidable
opposition of the Federal government, after the adoption
of our present constitution. It grew out of an act of
Congress imposing an internal revenue duty on distilled
spirits. Much dissatisfaction existed throughout the
United States at the imposition of this excise duty. But
itwasiu Western Pennsylvania, and especially in the four
counties of Alleghany, Washington, Green and West-
moreland, that this dissatisfaction broke out in open re-
bellion. The revenue ofiicers were seized, tarred and
feathered. The houses and barns of those supposed to
be friendly to the Government were burnt. Many acts of
extreme violence were perpetrated. No civil process
could be executed. LaAvlessness universally prevailed.
Armed bands of forty and fifty, and even as high as five

182 Historical Fen Sketc7ies.

hundred, were organized to resist the government. It
was boldly asserted that the insurgents could bring into
the field seven thousand well armed troops. It could not
be supposed that such men as President \Yashington
and Secretary Hamilton would tamely submit to see the
new Government thus paralyzed and defied in the per-
formance of one of its most important and vital functions.
A proclamation was issued by President Washington,
calling upon the insurgents to disperse. This not being
obeyed, a requisition was made upon the States of Penn-
s.ylvania, New Jersey and Virginia for 15,000 troops to
crush the insurrection. The requisition was promptly
complied Avith. General Henry Lee, of Virginia, was
placed in command of the army. Gen. Morgan was as-
signed to the command of the Virginia troops. Hamilton
left the Treasury Department and remained during the
expedition at the headquarters of the commanding gen-
eral. Washington proceeded toward the scene of strife
as far as York, and designed taking command in person,
but public business (Congress then being in session) called
him to Philadelphia. The appearance of this formidable
army in the disaffected district under such able, popular
and experienced commanders soon brought the insurgents
to their senses. They rapidly disbanded and dispersed.
Some of the leaders were indicted for treason, but no con-
victions followed, and Gen. Morgan, with a body of Vir-
ginia militia, was left for some time in the disaffected
district to see that no further violence was attempted.

In 1797 Gen. Morgan was elected from the district com-
posed of the counties of Berkeley and Frederick, as a
member of the 5th Congress. His opponent was Robt.
Rutherford, whom he defeated. The election was con-
tested before the House, but the committee reported in
favor of Morgan, and as Rutherford did not appear to
contest the conclusions of the report, it was unanimously
concurred in by the House.

General Morgan submitted no motion and made no

Historical Pen Skeiclies. 183

speech during his term of service. He was a rough, un-
educated man, and while he felt perfectly at home on
the field of battle, he, with sensible modesty, knew his
deficiencies in civil life, and felt like a child in the pres-
ence of the enlightened statesmen then around him. But
if he did not know how to speak, he knew how to vote
with his party, and if the records of Congress be searched
there will be found no name that adhered so loyally to
its allegiance to the Federal organization as Daniel Mor-
gan. He had able and accomplished leaders in the per-
sons of Harrison, Gray, Otis and Robert Goodloe Har-
per, to point out to him the path of party duty, and he
followed them with the same unfaltering fidelity with
which he had followed Washington in the field of battle.
He voted for the bill to j)unish "usurpation of Executive
authority," and against the repeal of the alien and sedi-
tion laws, and at the close of his term published an ad-
dress to his constituents vindicating the administration
of the elder Adams. JSTo one doubts that he was an hon-
est and conscientious politician, however much they may
differ in opinion from him.

When, in view of a war with France, a provisional
army was organized in 1798, President Adams favored
the appointment of General Morgan to its command, sub-
ject, of course, to the supreme command conferred upon
Washington. But General Washington insisted upon
that position being given to Hamilton, which was ac-
ceded to with a bad grace by Adams, as he hated Hamil-
ton most cordially.

Morgan died in Winchester on the 6th of July, 1802,
aged 65 years.

DAVID HOLMES,

Born in Winchester, was the son of Col. Joseph
Holmes, of Frederick County. Va., and a brother of
Major Andrew Hunter Holmes, so distinguished during
the recent war with Great Britain for his talents and
high military qualities. He was killed in the battle of

184 Historical Pen SJietclies.

Mackinaw, on tlie nortliern frontiers, on the 4tlL of Au-
gust, 1814, and a sword voted to Ms heirs by the General
Assembly of Virginia, in consideration of his gallantry
and good conduct. Also brother to Judge Holmes, who
occasionally presided in this judicial circuit, and brother
to Ann Holmes, married to Gen. Elisha Boyd, of this
county. He was a member of the 5th, 6th, 7th, Sth, 9th
and 10th Congresses.

At the close of his service in Congress he was, in 1809,
appointed by President Madison Governor of the terri-
tory of Mississippi, and when admitted into the Union
as a State he was elected Governor by the people. He
was subsequently, in 1820, elected a Senator in Congress
for six years, from the same State, but resigned before
the end of his term of service. He died in Winchester
on the 20th of August, 1832.

Although twelve consecutive years a member of the
House of Representatives, and six in the Senate, the
records of Congress show nothing but his votes. It does
not appear that he ever submitted a motion or made a
remark in either body. And yet there must have been
something very remarkable in the intellect and bearing
of a man who could, with a different constituency, thus
pass so triumphantly through all the stages of political
life, without any of the advantitious aids of public
speaking. When elected to the Sth Congress he was a
resident of Shenandoah. Gen. Morgan then represented
Berkeley and Frederick in that Congress. In 1799 (6th
Congress) Holmes having removed back to Winchester,
was elected from the district of Berkeley and Frederick ;
so in the 7th Congress he represented this district.
When the district was re-arranged after the census of
1803, he represented Frederick and Shenandoah from
1803 to 1809, thus consecutively representing three dis-
tinct districts of the State within the twelve years of his
service in the House.

Gov. Holmes was a man of modest and retiring habits.

Historical Pen Sketches. 185

..but of captivating manners, and bore the reputation of
marked ability and of great integrity of character. He
was the uncle of David Holmes Conrad, now residing in
this county, after whom he was named.

GENERAL ELISHA BOYD

Was born in the County of Berkeley, at the eastern
base of the North Mountain, on the 6th of October, 1769.
Up to the age of 14 he enjoyed only the limited means
of education which the common country schools of that
period afforded. During that time he attended a small
school not far from the present site of Martinsburg. Our
thriving town was then a forest, and whilst its eligible
locality, its gushing springs and valuable water power
invited to such a destiny, few, if any at that time, con-
templated it as a seat of population, manufactures and
trade.

In 1785 he was entered as a student of Liberty Hall
Academy, (so baptised amidst the revolutionary fires of
1776,) in Rockbridge County, Va., a most excellent and
patriotic institution then under the rectorate of the Rev.
William Graham, largely patronized throughout the
south, and yielding a rich harvest of patriots and states-
men. Although bearing the modest title of an academy,
it had all the attributes of a college, with power to hold
land, confer degrees, etc. Like the great Virginia State
University, springing from the germ of '"Albemarle
Academy," it grew into "Central College," and then
reached its present grand proportions ; so did this spir-
ited academy, expanding in dignity, reputation and im-
portance, first develop into "Washington College," and
recently— in 1871— into "Washington and Lee Universi-
ty." Amongst those well known in our State who were
associated with young Boyd as schoolmates, were Dr.
Archibald Alexander, of Princeton, Hon. John Baker, of
Jefferson County ; Chancellor John Brown, Judge John
Coalter, Col. James McDowell and many others distin-
guished for their worth, learning and ability.

186 Historical Pen Sketclies.

He studied law in the office oE Col. Philip Pendleton,,
one of the garliest as well as one of the ablest lawyers
that ever qualified for practice in onr courts. Mr. Boyd
was elected to the House of Delegates in 1797, with Rich-
ard Baylor as his colleague, and also in 1796, with Wil-
liam Lamon as his colleague. In 1798 he was chosen by
the County Court of Berkeley as its attorney for the
State, which office he continued to fill for forty years.
He was married in 1795 to Mary, the daughter of Major
Andrew Waggoner of revolutionary memory, by whom
he had one child, a daughter, Sarah Ann Boyd, who was
married to Philip C. Pendleton on the 25th of November,
1813. For forty years he gave his almost undivided time
to the practice of his profession and to attention to his
several farms in this county, varied at occasional inter-
vals by military service, a seat in the House of Delegates
and Senate of the State, and in the Constitutional Con-
vention. During all this time he had probably the
largest and most lucrative practice of any lawyer in this
section of Virginia.

Some years after the death of his first wife he was, in
1806, married to Ann Holmes, daughter of Col. Joseph
Holmes and sister of Gov. Holmes and Major Andrew
Hunter Holnies. By her he had four children — Ann Re-
becca Holmes, married to Humphrey B. Powell, of Lou-
don County ; John E. Boyd, Rev. Andrew H. H. Boyd
and Mary, married to Charles J. Faulkner.

Mrs. Ann Boyd died on the 20th of July, 1819. An
eloquent and impressive funeral sermon was preached
over her remains by the Rev. J. B. Hoge, which was
printed in pamphlet form, and copies of it are carefully
preserved by the family.

He had command of the 4th Regiment of Virginia mil-
itia in 1814 during the war with Great Britain, when the
cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth were threatened by a
second attack oi the British land and naval forces. The
Norfolk Herald, 1814, contains an interesting correspond-

Historical Pen Sketches. 187

ence between the ofBcers of that regiment and Col. Boyd
when the term of service of that regiment was about to
expire. It bears date the 1st of August, at Camp Peach
Orchard. The officers say that they cannot permit the
occasion to pass by "without paying to Col. Boyd the
tribute of their highest respect and esteem." "They
have at all times felt confident that when the hour of
danger arrived that on his patriotism and courage they
could, with the utmost confidence, rely to lead them on
in defense of the country." They also take pride in de-
claring that whatever military knowledge they have ac-
quired is due to that strictness of military discipline
which has uniformly characterized the 4th Regiment
since he had the command of it. "And if they ever
should again be called into the service of their country,
it is their wish that they should be placed under his com-
mand." To this complimentary letter Col. Boyd re-
plied, which is also published in the same paper. He
was subsequently elected a brigadier general by the Gen-
eral Assembly of Virginia. He was a member of the
convention of 1829-30, which framed the first amended
Constitution of Virginia, serving in that body with Mad-
ison, Monroe, Marshall, Giles, Tazwell, Leigh, Barbour,
Johnson and many other of the most distinguished men
of Virginia.

In the election which occurred after the adoption of
the "Amended Constitution" in 1830, he was chosen
without opposition, and by the unanimous vote of the
counties of Berkeley, Morgan and Hampshire, to a seat
in the Senate of Virginia.

He was commissioned a magistrate of the County of
Berkeley, in 183S, upon the resignation of his office of
State's attorney.

He was an earnest and sincere advocate for a reform of
the "Old Constitution" of Virginia, and for placing its
government upon a mo/e liberal and republican basis.
He was generally selected as Chairman of the county

188 Historical Pen SJcetclies.

meeting held here, and a delegate to the State Reform
Convention.

He took an active interest in the educational institu-
tions of the county ; and had the principal agency in es-
tablishing the Martinsburg Academy, not far from his
residence.

He was a third time married and then to Elizabeth
Byrd, of the Westover family, who died on the 16th of
November, 1839, leaving no issue.

Gen. Boyd departed this life on the 21st day of Octo-
ber, 1841, and was buried in the family graveyard ad-
joining Norborne Cemetery.

He was a man of vigorous mind, and of indomitable
energy and perserverance. His power at the bar consis-
ted in his unflaging attention to business, his thorough
capacity to master details, and in his earnest, direct and
manly appeals to the common sense and intelligence of
courts and juries. He was a man of perfect system and
of extraordinary capacity for labor ; and he commanded
universal conlidence by his stern and unbending integri-
ty of character.

HON. JOHN BAKER

Was born in Berkeley County, '.Virginia, about the
year 1769. He was entered as a student of Liberty Hall
Academy, Rockbridge County, Va., between the years
1783 and 1789, and among his fellow students of that
period, were Dr. Alexander, of Princeton, and General
Boyd of this county. He took up his residence itf Shep-
herdstown, on the Potomac River, then the most flourish-
ing town in the lower valley, and soon rose to the dis-
tinction of an able and accomplished lawyer.

He Avas nominated by the Federal party, and elected
to the 12th Congress from the District of Berkeley, Jef-
ferson and Hami^shire, embracing the term from 1811
to 1813.

The Annals of Congress give no report .of any speech

Historical Pen SketcJies. 18&

made by him, yet tlie Martinsburg Gazette, of January
tlie 24th, 1812, publishes some very forcible and eloquent
remarks made by him in Committee of the Whole, on
the 26th of December, 1811, in favor of pensioning the
surviving oflBcers and soldiers of the Revolutionary War.
The omission of this speech from the ' 'Annals' ' is to be
explained by the fact, that it was delivered in the Com-
mittee of the Whole, and no report, it seems, vs^as usual-
ly made at that time of speeches made in the Committee.

On the 4th of February, 1812, he jjresented a petition
from Jefferson County, asking Congress to make certain
improvements near Georgetown, that would give to the
farmers of the npper county a choice of markets for their
flour between Alexandria and Georgetown. It was sta-
ted that 300,000 barrels of flour were then annually con-
veyed to market by the river, in boats, and the trade
was increasing.

Mr. Baker was an ardent and uncompromising Feder-
alist, and voted steadily with his party against a declara-
tion of war against Great Britain, and all other measures
in aid of that belligerent movement. He was one of the
34 members of Congress who published, after the rising
of Congress, an able and elaborate defence of their op-
position to the war. The Federalists of Berkeley were
much pleased with his votes and on the 12th of
August 1812, gave him a public dinner to express their
approval to his course in Congress. Among the toasts of
that occasion was the following :

"The war rashly and unnecessarily begun. May it be
speedily terminated by an honorable peace."

The sentiment announced in honor of Mr. Baker was
"A disciple of Washington and true to his principles."

In the summer of 1813 Shepherdstown was visited by
a violent bilious epidemic, scarcely less fatal than the
yellow fever. Many of her most prominent citizens fell
under the terrible visitation. Among the number was
Hon. John Baker, who died on the 18th of August, 1823,

190 Historical Pen Skdclies.

leaving an estimable widow and an interesting family
of children. One of his daughters was married to T. W.
Gilmer, Governor of Virginia, and Secretary of the
Navy.

Mr. Baker was universally respected for his high at-
tainments as a lawyer — for his many virtues as a private
citizen — for his courage, firmness and consistency as a
politician.

COL. EDMUND P. HUNTER

Was born in Martinsburg on the 24th of March, 1809,
and after enjoying the advantages of a collegiate educa-
tion at Jefferson College, was admitted to the Berkeley
bar, in 1831. Shortly aftervvads he became the proprie-
tor and editor of the Martinsburg Gazette, and continued
as such until March 1845, when he was succeeded in the
control and management of the paper by James E. Stew-
art, Esq.

On the 2nd of August, 1832, he was married to Martha
Crawford, daughter of Captain John Abell, an intelli-
gent and highly esteemed farmer of Jefferson county.
The author of this sketch participated in the ceremony, as
first groomsman, and for some days enjoyed the kind
hospitality of that charming and interesting family.

This may be an appropriate occasion to notice very
briefly the history of that venerable journal. It was es-
tablised in 1801 by Nathaniel Willis, the father of the
distinguished poet, K. P. Willis and then called the
Berkeley Intelligencer. In 1803, he disposed of his in-
terest in the paper to John Alburtis, who at first styled
it the Berkeley and Jefferson Intelligencer, but a news-
paper soon making its appearance in the recently formed
County of Jefferson, its name was changed to the Mar-
tinsburg Gazette, which name it retained until the open-
ing of our civil war, when its publication altogether ceas-
ed. It was under the control of John Alburtis from 1803
until 1823, of Washington Evans from 1823 until 1833, of
Col. Edward P. Hunter, from 1833 to March, 1845 ; of

Historical Pen Sketcltes. 191

James E. Stewart and subsequently of Stewart & Gregg,
from March 1845 to March 1847. It then passed into the
hands of Charles H. Lewis, and lastly under the control
of A. T. Haupin, boasting, a continuous and prosperous
existence of sixty years.

In May 1832, he attended as a member the memorable
"Young Men's Convention," in Washington city, upon
which occasion Mr. Clay appeared before that body and
electrified it with one of his most eloquent and stirring
speeches.

General Boyd having held the ofiice of county attorney
for forty years, resigned it at the March court, 1838,
when an animated contest took place for the succession,
between Edmund P. Hunter and David Holmes Conrad.
The power of appointment was then vested in the county
court, and the justices having been all summoned for
the purpose, a full court was present. The contest exci-
ted unusual interest and for a time its result was deemed
doubtful. But Hunter obtained a majority of the votes
and was declared elected. It is unneceseary to say that
he filled the office for many years, not only with ability,
but with justice to the State and with judicious clemency
to the accused.

He enjoyed a high degree of popularity in the county,
and was elected a member of the House of Delegates of
Virginia, in 1834, 1835, 1839 and 1841. His course as a
member of that body gave great satisfaction to his con-
stituents, as it was uniformly marked by dilligent atten-
tion to their local interests, and by a faithful expression
in their sentiments on all the questions of State and na-
tional policy.

He was Colonel of the 67th Regiment of Virginia mili-
tia and took a deep interest in all the details of its or-
ganization. When dressed in full military costume it
would be difficult to find a more striking realization of
imposing manhood than he presented.

He was an ardent and enthusiastic member of the

193 Historical Pen Sketches.

Masonic order, and worthily rose to the highest honors
of the craft in Virginia.

He was in the latter portion of his life a sincere and
exemplary member of the Episcopal Church, and exhib-
ited in his conduct, a thorough conviction of the truths
of revealed religion.

In September, 1854, the Asiatic cholera — that terrible
pestilence ''which walketh in darkness, and wasteth in
noonday" — struck the affrighted population of Martins-
burg. There are those amongst us yet, who can well
remember the alarm and terror which its unwelcome ap-
pearance excited here. Hundreds fled from the place
with precipitation. Many families whose wealth and
means ought to have caused them to stand by their
friends in their sad affliction, abandoned their homes for
the mountains and cities. The carnage was that of a
battle field. One hundred and eleven of our citizens fell
victims to its fury. Among the first of those who per-
ished was the lamented Colonel Edmund P. Hunter, who
died on the 7th of September, 1854, in the 45th year of
his age.

Edmund P. Hunter was not endowed with any very
high or extraordinary quality of intellect,- but he pos-
sessed such a rare combination of excellent qualities,
both moral and intellectual, as more than compensated
for the want of any particular brilliancy of parts. He
was a man of sense and of good judgment ; lucid in his
mental perceptions, and capable of expressing his con-
victions with clearness and force. Superior to all artifice
himself, he was proof against the arts of sophistry and
deception in others. He was a fair speaker and a sound
and manly reasoner, and these, with his open-heartedness
and honesty of character, made him always formidable
at the bar. He had something of his father's fondness
for broad humor and a joke, which occasionally flashed
out in the trial of a case, but was more particularly ob-
servable in the social circle. All his impulses were kind

Historical Pen Sketches. 193

and generous. His hospitality was proverbial. He was
a stranger to envy, hatred, malice, and all uncharitable-
ness. He was firm and steadfast in his friendship, and
ever outspoken and candid in the expression of his opin-
ions. I dare not penetrate the domestic sanctuary and
speculate, to what extent, his loss must have agonized
that sacred circle ; but I can truly say, that his friends,
and brethren of the bar have never ceased to lament the
day that deprived them of his joyous presence and at-
tractive companionship.

The sweet remembrance of tlie just
Shall flourish when he sleeps in dust.

GENERAL WILLIAM DARKE, A DISTINGUISHED WEST VIR-
GINIA PIONEER.
\_By Virgil A. Lewis, of Mason City, IV. Va.,i?i W. Va.Sc/wol Journal.']

In the settlement of the western wilderness, what is
now West Virginia can boast of pioneers whose names
are as honored and should occupy as high a place upon
the temple of fame as any that appear in the pages of
pioneer history. But alas ! many of them have been
lost in oblivion, while those known to us, some who
merit enduring monuments, scarce found a tomb. The
great Roman lyric poet informs us that, "The names of
the heroes who flourished before the days of Agamem-
non were lost for want of a recording pen." This is true,
too, of many of those who first planted the standard of
civilization within the present confines of West Virginia.
What a valuable contribution to the literature of the
State would the record of their lives be ? But much is
irretrievably lost. Then let that which has survived the
lapse of a century, be carefully preserved and cherished
by a generation now enjoying the fruits of the toils and
privations of the men and women who reared the first
cabin homes within the confines of the "Little Mountain
State."

13

194 Historical Pen SJietcJies.

On the bank of Middle Creek, a tributary of Opequon
River, ■ in tlie soutliern part of Berkeley County, stands
the little village of Darkesville, which was made a town
by an act of the Virginia Legislature December 7, 1791,
when Washington had served two years of his first term
as President of the United States. Who that now visits
the little town or sees dimly marked on the map of the
State, "Darkesville P. O." stops to enquire why it was
so called ? And who, that does, will not be surprised to
learn that it commemorates one of the most distinguished
'names which appear in frontier jlnnals — that of General
William Darke.

He was born near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1736,
and in 1741, when but five years of age, accompanied his
parents south of the Potomac, where they reared their
cabin home within a few miles of the present site of
Shepherdstown, now in Jefferson County, W. Va. Here
they were on the outmost boundary of civilization, while
to the west of them lay the vast, untrodden American
wilderness. Their nearest neighbors appear to have been
Thomas Shepherd, the founder of Shepherdstown, and
Robert Harper, whose name is preserved in that of Har-
per's Ferry. Here, among wild solicitudes, young Darke
grew to manhood. Nature made him a nobleman ; he
was endowed with a herculean frame ; his manners
rough ; his mind was strong but uncultivated, and his
disposition was frank and fearless. From infancy he
was familiar with " war's dread alarm," for throughout
his youthful years he had listened to the recital of the
bloody drama then being enacted on the frontiers of
Virginia and Pennsylvania. This familiarity with the
story of savage warfare aroused wdthin him a spirit of
adventure and daring, and he longed to engage in ' ' strug-
gles fierce and wild." The opportunity soon came. In
the spring of 1755, General Edward Braddock arrived in
Alexandria, Virginia, with an army of two thousand
men, consisting of the 44th and 48th Royal Infantry

Historical Pen Skeiclies. 195

Regiments. Tliis force proceeded up the Potomac, and
at Fort Cumberland— now Cumberland City, Maryland
— was joined by a regiment of Virginia Provincials, in
tlie ranks of wMcli were many Valley men, one of them
being William Darke, then but nineteen years of age.

The march into the wilderness began. Slowly the
splendid pageant moved on ; the long line of scarlet
uniforms contrasting strangely Avith the verdure of the
forest, while strains of martial music filled the air —
sounds so strange beneath the dark shades of the Ameri-
can forest. It was the evening of the 8th of July, 1775,
when the English columns for the second time reached
the Monongahela, at a point ten miles from Fort Du-
quesne. On the next day a crossing was effected, and
,once across the stream the order to march was given, but
scarcely was the column in motion when Gordon, one of
the engineers, saw the French and Indians bounding
through the forest. At once a deadly fire was poured in
upon the English, who returned it with but little effect.
Braddock formed the regulars into squares, as though he
iad been maneuvering in the fields of Europe, and thus
they were shot down in heaps. Of the twelve hundred
men who crossed the Monongahela, sixty-seven officers
and seven hundred privates were either killed or wound-
ed. Braddock was among the fallen, and of all his aides,
Washington alone was left. Many Virginians were among
the dead, but a sufficient number were left— among
whom was William Darke — to form a line and cover the
retreat of the shattered army back to Port Cumberland,
whence Colonel Dunbar marched the regulars back to
Philadelphia, and the Virginians returned to their fron-
tier homes, there to withstand a storm of warfare then
raging fiercer than ever before.

During the next fifteen years. Captain Darke was en-
gaged in defending the Virginia frontier against the in-
cursions of the savages, and associated with him in the
•same daring and noble work, were many destined to leave

196 Historical Pen Sketches.

a name beliind them, and some to leave an impress upon
the age in ■which they lived. Among them were George
Washington, George Rogers Clark, William Clark and
Andrew Lewis.

When the storm of revolution came, Captain Darke
hastened to join the patriotic army in which, because of
meritorious service, he was soon promoted to the rank of
lieutenant colonel. He, together with the greater part of
his regiment, was taken prisoner at Germantown and de-
tained on board a prisonship until November 1, 1780,
when he was exchanged and returned to his post in the
army. During the next spring he recruited his regiment
(known as the "Hampshire and Berkeley regiment") at
the head of which he marched to Tidewater, Virginia,
and was actively engaged during the siege of Yorktown,
at which place, ou the 19th of October, 1781, he witness-
ed the surrender of Cornwallis' army to the combined
forces of America and France. At the close of the Revo-
lution, Colonel Darke, like his illustrious chieftain, re-
turned to his home and engaged in agricultural pursuits
until called upon to serve his State in another capacity
than that of a soldier.

Soon it was seen that while the Articles of Confedera-
tion had bound the country together in the time of war,
they were not adapted to the new order of things ; and
for the purpose of forming "a more perfect union," the
Federal Constitution was framed. Its firmest supporters
were the great men who had led the armies of the Re-
public and achieved its independence.

The convention which assembled in Richmond in June,
1788, to ratify that instrument, was composed of some of
the most illustrious men of Virginia. The names of Mar-
shall, Madison, Monroe, Mason, Nicholas, Henry, Ran-
dolph, Pendleton, Lee, Washington, Wythe, Harrison,
Bland, Grayson and a host of others, shed a lustre on
the deliberations of that august body, which has never
been surpassed in the annals of the Old Dominion. The

Historical Pen Sketclies. 197

debates display a degree of eloquence and talent, cer-
tainly, at that time unequalled by any gathering of pub-
lic men in this country. There sat General Adam Ste-
phen, the founder of Martinsburg, and General William
Darke, as the delegates from Berkeley county. Both
were ardent Federalists, and both voted for the ratifica-
tion of the Federal Constitution, despite the powerful
opposition at the head of which was the immortal
Henry.

From the halls of the convention General Darke re-
tired to his Berkeley county home, where he continued
his agricultural pursuits until the renewal of the Indian
war in 1791. With it came the call to arms and once
more General Darke, aroused by the military spirit within
Mm, entered the army as colonel commanding the Sec-
ond Virginia Regiment. Descending the Ohio his force
reached Fort Washington — now Cincinnati — where the
army was collecting for invasion of the Indian county.
General Arthur St. Clair was placed in command, and in
October of the above named year the march into the
wilderness began.

On the 3rd of November the army encamped near the
present boundary line between Indiana and Ohio, on the
bank of the St. Mary' s river, a tributary of the Wabash,
but which St. Clair believed to be a branch of the Miami
of the Lake. Here, at day break the next morning, it
was attacked on all sides by the combined strength of
the western tribes, at the head of which was the distin-
guished chieftan Little Turtle, and for five dreadful hours
was continued a slaughter unparalleled in the annals of
forest warfare.

At the time of the attack Col. Darke's regiment,
together with two battalions, occupied the second line,
and when the first gave way his regiment received almost
the entire shock of battle, the men executing every order
of command. During the dreadful hours which followed,

198 Historical Pen SketcJies

he was the coolest man on that bloody and chaotic field,
and his escape seems to have been almost miraculous.
Possessed of a tall, striking figure, in full uniform and
mounted on horseback, he headed three desperate charges
against the enemy, in each of which he was a conspicu-
ous mark. His clothes were cut in many places, but he
escaped with only a slight flesh wound. In the last charge
the ensign of his regiment, a youth of seventeen, was
shot through the heart and fell in the rear of the regi-
ment, which was then returning to its original position.
An Indian, attracted by his rich uniform, sprang nj)
from the grass and rushed forward to scalp him. Col.
Darke, who was then at the rear of the regiment, sud-
denly wheeling his horse, dashed at the savage and cleft
his skull with his broadsword. By this act he drew upon'
himself the rapid discharge of more than a dozen rifles,
but escaped and joined his regiment, though forced to
leave the body of the ensign to the enemy. Among the
killed in this charge was Captain Joseph Darke, the
youngest son of the Colonel. At length the troops yet
alive began a rapid retreat which was covered by Darke's
regiment to Fort Jefferson, a distance of thirty miles,
which they reached the same night. Here a council of war
wag held and Colonel Darke urged the exiDediency of an
immediate attack, believing that the savages flushed with
victory were unprepared for a second contest, but he was
overruled.

Stowed away among the archives in the office of the
Secretary of War at Washington, dej)Osited there dur-
ing the administration of that office by General Henry
Knox. "The Artillerist of Revolution," is a production
in Y/hich is told a melancholy tale of sadness and woe.
It is the official report of General St. Clair, written after
the return of the shattered army to Fort Washington,
and bearing date K'ovember 9, 1791. In it he speaks at
length of the heroic bravery exhibited by his men when
hundreds of them were being shot down on the banks of

Historical Pen SlietcJies. 199

the St. Mary — falling under' the fierce fire of an unseen
enemy— and then says :

"Colonel Darke was ordered to make a charge with a
part of the second line and to turn to the left flank of
the enemy. This was executed with great spirit, and at
first promised much success. The Indians instantly gave
way and were driven back three or four hundred yards ;
but for want of a sufficient number of riflemen to pursue
this advantage, they soon returned, and the troops were
obliged to give back in their turn. At this moment they
had entered our camp by the left flank, having pursued
back the toops that were stationed there."

From the same sad recital we are, told farther on, that
Col. Darke's Yirginians made a second charge, in which
every commissioned officer of the regiment was killed
except three, and of them — Captain Greaton — was dan-
gerously wounded. Of the Virginians who yielded up
their lives on that fatal field, eiglity are said to have been
from Berkeley county, now in West Virginia. Long
years after the mournful story of their fall was rehears-
ed around the hearthstones in the mountain homes of
West Virginia, old soldiers chanted "St. Clair's Defeat,"
which told in plaintive accents how

"We lost nine hundred men on the banks of the St. Mary."

From Fort Washington Col. Darke returned to Berke-
ley county, which he almost continuously represented in
the General Assembly until his death which occurred
November 20, 1801, when he found a grave near the spot
where early in life he had found a home.

Thus passed to rest a representative of the Pioneer
Age, which was to West Virginia what the Heroic Age
was to Greece. The men with whom he lived and acted
were as fearless and hardy a race as ever braved the per-
ils of the wilderness. Time has waged a merciless war-
fare upon the memorials of the age in which they lived,
and that which has survived should be placed beyond
the possibility of destruction.

CHAPTER IX.
SLAVERY— MODE AND MANNER OF PUNISH-
MENT—FREEDOM.

ilSTORY records no data for the introduction of
H Negroes, or slaves, that were held in bondage in
this county, earlier than the time of Lord Fairfax, about
the year 1738. It will be noticed that in several of Fair-
fax' s grants, a number of slaves were included, at which
period he kept over a hundred at one time. They were
then sold and purchased at that day, in the same manner
as we would handle dumb brutes at the present day.
The earliest Court record concerning slavery, dates back
to April 17, 1772, when a commission was received by the
first justices who were appointed to transact the business
of the county, by the Governor of the Colony. The fol-
lowing is taken from the original copy, now on file in the
County Clerk's office :

" Virginia, set. : John, Earl of Dunmore, his majesty's
lieutenant and governor general of the colony and domin-
ion of Virginia, and vice-admiral of the same. To Ralph
Wormley, Jacob Hite, VanSweaiingen, Thomas Ruther-
ford, Adam Stephen, John Neville, Thomas Swearingen,
Samuel Washington, James Hourse, William. Little,
Robert Stephen, John Briscoe, Hugh Lyle, James Strode,
William Morgan, Robert Stogdon, James Seaton, Robert
Willis and Thomas Robinson, gentlemen of the County
of Berkeley ; greeting : Whereas, pursuant to an Act
of Assembly, made at a General Assembly, begun and
liolden at the capitol, in the city of Williamsburg, in the
fifth year of his present Majesty's reign, entitled an act
for * amending the act entitled an act directing the trial
of slaves committing capital crimes, and for the more'
effectual punishing of conspiracies and insurrections of

Slavery. 201

them, and for the better government of Negroes, Mulat-
toes and. Indians, bond or free,' the governor, or com-
mander-in-chief of this colony, for the time being, is
desired and empowered to issue commissions of Oyer and
Terminer, directed to the justices of each county, respect-
ively, empowering them, from time to time, to try, con-
demn and execute, or otherwise punish or acquit all
slaves committing capital crimes within their county :
Know ye, therefore, that I, the said John, Earl of Dun-
more, by virtue of the powers and authorities to me given
by the said act, as commander-in-chief of this dominion,
do assign and empower you, the said [the above named
parties] or any four or more of you, whereof any of you,
the said [the above named parties] shall be one, justices,
in such manner, and by such ways and methods, as in
the said acts of the General Assembly, are directed, pre-
scribed and set down, to enquire of and to hear and de-
termine, all treasons, petit treasons, or misprisons thereof,
felonies, murders or other offences, or capital crimes
whatsoever, committed or perpetrated within the said
county, by any slave or slaves w^hatsoever ; for the better
performance whereof, you, or any four or more of you,
as aforesaid, are hereby required and commanded to meet
at the court house of the said county, when thereunto
required by the sheriff of the said county, for the trial of
any slave or slaves, committing any of the offences above
mentioned, and any such slave or slaves, being found
guilty, in such manner, and upon such evidence, as the
said acts of the General Assembly do direct, to pass
judgment as the law directs for the like crimes, and on
such judgment to award execution, or otherwise to ac-
quit, as of right ought to be done, or to carry into execu-
tion any judgment by you given on such trial. Given
under my hand, and the seal of the colony, at AVilliams-
burg, the 17th day of April, 1772, in the twelfth year of
the reign of our Sovereign Lord, George the Third.

DTJNMOIiE."

202 Slavery.

The first offence committed and recorded is as follows :
"Pliil, Sambo, Joe, Will, Jack, Sam, Anthony, Ede,
Hannah, Peggy, Betty and Peg, negroes, belonging to
Mathew Whiting, being bound to appear at this court
for stealing hogs, the property of John Cranes, appear-
ed according to their master's recognizance ; on hearing
the same it is the opinion of the Court that the said Jack,
Joe, Phil and Will, are guilty of the said offence, and it
is ordered that the sheriff give them thirty-nine lashes
on their bare backs, at the public whipping-post, well
laid on, and that the others are not guilty ; ordered that
they be discharged."

To give the reader an idea of the treatment toward
slaves, in this section of country, it may prove of inter-
est to publish the following extract as told by Samuel
Kerch eval : ' 'My residence was in a neighborhood where
slaves and convicts were numerous, and where tortures
inflicted upon them had become the occurrences of almost
every day, so that they were viewed with indifference by
the whole population of the neighborhood as a matter of
course. I had not been long in my new habitation, be-
fore I witnessed a scene which I shall never forget. A
convict servant, accused of some trivial offense, was
doomed to the whip, tied with his arms axtended up-
wards to the limb of a tree, and a bundle of hickories
thrown down before him, which he was ordered to look
at, and told that they should all be worn out on him,
and a great many more, if he did not make confession of
the crime alleged against him. The operation then be-
gan by tucking up the shirt over his head, so as to leave
his back and shoulders naked. The master then took
two of the hickories in his hand, and by forward and
backhanded strokes, each of which sounded like a wagon
whip, and applied with the utmost rapidity and with his
whole muscular strength, in a few seconds lacerated the
shoulders of the poor miserable sufferer with not less
than fifty scourges, so that in a little time the whole of

Slavery. 203

his shoulders had the appearance of a mass of blood,
streams of which soon began to flow down his back and
sides. He then made a confession of his fault, one not
worth naming ; but this did not save him from further
torture. He put his master "to the trouble of whipping
him and he must have a little more." His trousers were
then unbuttoned and suffered to fall down about his feet ;
two new hickories were selected from the bundle, and
so applied, that in a short time his posteriors, like his
shoulders, exhibited nothing but laceration and blood.
A consultation was then held between the master and
the bystanders, who had been coolly looking on, in which
it was humanely concluded "that he had got enough."
A basin of brine and a cloth were ordered to be brought,
with which his stripes were wased, or salted as they
called it. During this operation the suffering wretch
writhed and groaned as if in the agonies of death. He
was then untied and told to go home, and mistress would
tell him what to do."

" It frequently happened that torture was inflicted
upon slaves and convicts in a more protracted manner
than that above described. When the victim of cruelty
was doomed by his master to receive the lash, several of
his neighbors were called on for their assistance. They
attended at the time and place appointed. A jug of rum
and water were provided for the occasion. After the
trembling wretch was brought forth and tied up, the
number of lashes which he was to receive was determined
on. Who should begin the operation was decided by
lot or otherwise, and the torture commenced. At the
conclusion of the first course the operator, pretending
great weariness, called for a drink of mm and water, in
which he was joined by the company. A certain time
was allowed for the subject of their cruelty " to cool,"
as they called it. When the allotted time had expired
the next hand took his turn, and in like manner ended
with a drink,, and so on until the appointed number of

204 Slavery.

lashes were all imposed. This operation lasted several
hours, and sometimes half a day, at the conclusion of
which the sufferer, with his hands swollen with the cords,
was unbound and suffered to put on his shirt. His exe-
cutioners, to whom the operation was rather a frolic than
otherwise, returned home from the scene of their labor
half drunk. Another method of punishment still more
protracted than this was that of dooming a slave to re-
ceive so many lashes during several days in succession,
each whipping, except the first, being called ' ' tickling
up the old scabs." Wagoners in the neighborhood have
been known to fasten the slaves, and, with a jug of rum,
amuse themselves by making the deepest scores on their
back for wages."

It has been stated by several in their writings that
through the Shenandoah Valley slaves were treated with
the utmost cruelty, and the further South it penetrated
the worse the barbarity.

The following is taken from an old court docket of
1792 : "At a court held in Berkeley County the 4th day
of November, 1792, for the examination of Nell, a Mulatto
woman slave, on suspicion of feloniously stealing from
Amos Davis one muslin sheet, one white linen sheet, one
girl's slipp, one flannel petticoat, a large shawl, one
white linen handkerchief ruffled, and one black lace tip-
pett. PeeshiStt : John Cook, David Hunter, James Max-
v/ell, John Kerney and Nicholas Orrick, Gentlemen Jus-
tices. The Peisojter being led to the bar, and it being
demanded of her Avhether she was guilty of the facts
wherewith she stood charged or not guilty, said that she
was in nowise thereof guilty. Whereof sundry witnesses
were examined, on consideration of whose testimony,
and the circumstances attending the same, it is the opin-
ion of the Court that she is guilty of petit larceny only.
Therefore it is ordered that the sheriff do take her to
the public whipping post and there give her thirty- nine

Slavery. 20,5

lashes on her bare back, well laid on, and then discharge
her."

The old dockets show a number of similar cases, in
which both male and female were treated with the utmost
and most cruel barbarity.

I might here relate many other methods of torture,
such as the thumb screw, sweating, the birch, etc. ; but
it is enough — the heart sickens at the writing of such
cruelties. There are several incidents that occurred in
our present town, worthy of note, of which Capt. Wm.
Hoke, now living, is my informant :

For a long while a whipping post and pillory stood in
front of the Court House, (the present site) and was con-
siderably used. It was afterwards removed to the East
side of the present jail, and stood between it and the
building adjoining, then used as the Clerk's office.
Capt. Hoke says he saw three negroes whipped here,
Hannah Henson, Taylor Piper and George Casion ; and
Jim Piper placed in the pillory. The pillory was built
above the whipping post, about ten feet from the ground
and had a small platform. It was composed of an upright
piece, and a top piece laid crosswise, in the shape of a
cross. In the top piece was a hole large enough to admit
the neck, while a smaller one on each side was made for
the two arms. Casion had committed a petit larceny of
some kind, and was doomed to the pillory for three or
four hours. The day was very rainy, and a number of
small boys formed a brigade, under the command of
Adam Cockburn, somewhat larger. They then proceeded
to rob the hen-nests that were expected to hatch in a
short while, and carried off the contents. With their
hats nearly filled with eggs, they marched to the pillory
and formed in a line in front. Here quite a lively time
was had by firing at Casion' s head, and occasionally,
when a rotten egg would strike, a loud yell went up.
In those days this was considered big sport, and partici-
pated in by nearly all the boys of the neighborhood.

206 Slavery.

I asked tlie Captain v»fliether the autliorities made any
objection, to which he replied, "No, and I wouldn't
doubt but what the authorities put the boys up to it."

Many wars, bastiles, prisons, crosses, gibbets, tortures,
scourges and fires, in the hands of despots, have be6n
the instruments of spreading desolation and misery over
the earth. Those means of destruction, and their exten-
sive use in all ages, are regarded as indices of the de-
pravity and ferocity of man. From the bloodstained
pages of history, one now turns with disgust and horror,
and pronounces an involuntary anathema on the whole
of his race. The time came, however, in which the mas-
ter and slave changed situations. The American Revo-
lution was the commencement of a new era in the history
of the world. The issue of that eventful contest snatch-
ed the scepter from the hands of the monarch, and
placed it, where it ought to be, in the hands of the
people.

After the foreign war conducted by the United States
(which ended February 2, 184S,) the slavery question
was considerably agitated, and as years went by the dis-
cussion of its merits increased in bitterness. As the
country grew rapidly in wealth and population, many
began to hope for some compromise that might preserve
the national peace, and deemed the abolition of slavery
expedient. As each presidential election went by the
issue became more clearly — that of slavery or freedom.
In 1860 Abraham Lincoln was elected President by the
Republican Party on a platform which, while leav-
ing to each State the right to order and control its
own domestic institutions, insisted that freedom was
the normal condition of all the territory of the United
States. On the other hand, the Southern States had
made the declaration that the election of a President
pledged to oppose the extension of slavery would be a
violation of their constitutional rights and a moral inva-
sion of the slave States. In adherence to this declara-

Slavery. 207

tion, ia December, 1860, South Carolina seceded from tlie
Union, and her example was followed by Mississippi,
Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia,
Arkansas, Tennessee and North Carolina. Shortly after,
(April following,) hostilities were opened by the Confed-
erates and a severe conflict ensued. On the 1st of Janu-
ary, 1863, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation
Proclamation. The war continued until April, 1865, in
the conduct of which nearly 1,800,000 Union soldiers had
been enlisted and a debt of $2,000,000,000 was incurred.
During this conflict the negro, (with all due respect to
his race) took his stand, and no sooner had the order "to
arms" been given than he had taken up in defense of the
Union. Numbers have fallen and shed their blood upon
the battle plain with a courage that far surpassed many
of the white soldiers.

A few weeks after his inauguration for the second
term, in April, 1865, President Lincoln was assassinated
at Washington, D. C, by J. Wilkes Booth, who was
hunted dowa and killed a few days later. Vice-Presi-
dent Johnson became President, and the work of politi-
cal reconstruction was begun. The Thirteenth Amend-
ment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery within the
United States and places subject to their jurisdiction was
duly ratified and proclaimed. In April, 1866, the Civil
Rights Bill was passed by Congress over the President's
veto, thus insuring protection to the freed slaves and giv-
ing to the federal courts enlarged jurisdiction in the mat-
ter. In the following June the Fourteenth Amendment
was passed, whereby equal civil rights were guaranteed
to all, irrespective of race or color.

At the present day this race of people is represented
in almost every trade and profession throughout the
country. Our county is largely inhabited by them,
among whom are to be found energy and enterprise.
Some own considerable property and are well to do.
They have built and ably support churches and schools

208 Slavery.

of their own, and deserve much credit for the manner in
which they have prospered under such marked disad-
vantages.

CHAPTER X.

LATE WAR OF THE REBELLION— BERKELEY

COUNTY'S SITUATION.

INTEODTJCTOEY REJIAEKS.

|ISTORY indicates that the old County of Berkeley
was well represented in the different wars, for
nearly one hundred and thirty years past, which form so
important apart of the country's history. First, in the
year 1755, the French and Indian war broke out, before
this county was formed, and the citizens of this section
shared in the disastrous defeat of General Braddock.
They afterwards served under George Washington, the
illustrious Colonel who built Fourt Loiidon in the fall of
that year, and established himself at Winchester, Fred-
erick County. A terrible conflict with the Indians fol-
lowed, and these intrepid men took a gallant part, con-
tinuing to serve their country against the frequent attacks
of the cruel savages, while their depredations lasted. In
1774, two years after the county was formed, a full rep-
resentation of Berkeley's gallant sons shared in the
dearly bought victory over the Indian allies of the Brit-
ish Government, at Point Pleasant. It occurred in the
Summer of that year, and was virtually the first battle of
the Revolutionary War. About eighty of the volunteer
soldiers from Berkeley, under Colonel Drake, were
killed in St. Clair's defeat by the Indians. The pages of
the country's history, during the Revolutionary War,
have been embellished and brightened by the heroic
deeds of many of Berkeley's patriotic sons, who aided
materially in the cause. The names of many of her gal-
lant sons, who enlisted and served during the long, dark
days of that struggle, are not mentioned in history, but

14

210 War of the Rebellion.

its fjages record tlieir deeds. A number of tliem arose to
the highest distinction in the army. They were again
called upon in the War of 1812, and the county was rep-
resented by about 200 men, in the troops which gained
one of the most brilliant victories of this war — at the
battle of Craney Island, June 22, 1813. In 1844-45, in
the war with Mexico, the valorous deeds of Berkeley
and Jefferson County men are an important matter of
history.

On the 17th day of April, 1861, Virginia passed the
■ordinance of secession at Richmond, and the people of the
State were called upon to take a decided stand upon one
Bide or other in this important issue. Credit must be
given those who, after a calm deliberation, and from
principles which their best Judgment declared to be
righteous, took up arms, or exercised their best talents
in advocating the caxise of the State. Too much credit
cannot be given to those who sundered the tender ties
that bound them to the homes of their nativity or adop-
tion, sacrificed or endangered all their property interests,
and devoted their lives to the defense of the Union —
from a high sense of loyalty to the General Government.
" Greek met Greek," brother encountered brother, friend
stood opposed to friend upon many a hard-fought and
bloody battle-field on the soils of Berkeley and Jefferson
Counties, and southward in the valley. The adoption of
a neutrality was attempted by some, who, perhaps, were
the ones to suffer most in the sacrifice of property during
the war. They were looked upon with susijicion, and
little leniency was shown them by either party. The
character of the questions at issue were deemed to be too
grave and important to be regarded with indifference by
any citizen.

The minds of the grandsons of Berkeley Avere pervaded
in 1861, by the same spirit which animated the heroes of
1776 and 1812, and emulating their noble example, a full
representation volunteered who were vdlling to take up

War of tlie Rebellion. 211

arms, and, if need be, sacrifice tlieir lives in defense of
the principles whicli they had adopted. These heroic
men enlisted on both sides. Men equal in intelligence
and courage, honesty of purpose and stubborn determi-
nation, whose forefathers had fought side by side for the
independence of their country during the Revolutionary
War ; only differing, perhaps, in the circumstances and
influences which had educated them into a decided opin-
ion upon the great questions then at issue. This state of
affairs was not by any means confined to Berkeley and
Jefferson Counties; as it was very general along the bor-
der, and notably so here. These men, as heroes, met
each other in battle, and did not pause to consider
whether the quondam friend, in deadly array against
him, came there ' ' through error, perversity, conscience,
weakness or chance," but duty of the hour which gov-
erned them was to do or die for the cause which they
had espoused.

GOING TO WAR.

Berkeley and Jefferson Counties saw much of the war,
being located at the northern portal of the Shenandoah
Valley — that bloody arena where so many tremendous
conflicts occurred. Details of the marching and counter
marching of armies, and their frequent engagements,
which are incident to this locality, can be read in many
a well-written work, and no attempt will be made to
record them here in fall, but an account of some of the
interesting occurrences will be given.

The following reflections of "A Virginian," as he
leaves the home of his boyhood, to take up arms in de-
fense of his country, against his native State, but echo
the sad thoughts entertained by thousands of others,
who, through a lofty devotion to principle, abandoned
their homes and cut asunder the closest ties of kindred
and friendship, to follow where their duty called them.
From the front porch of a house at Fairview, (on the
turnpike,) can be had a beautiful and comprehensive

212 War of the Rebellion.

view of the Slienaudoali Valley, extending as far up as
the Massanutten Mountain, above Front Royal and
Strasburg. The towns of Williamsport, Martinsbiirg,
and Shepherdstown are distinctly visible, while the sites
of Harper's Ferry, Charlestown and .Winchester can be
distinguished. Upon this azure map the whole circuit of
the late campaign could be satisfactorily traced. An old
resident living near by stated to the author that he often
visited this spot, and that "each field, each house, each
clump of trees, recalled some friendly face, some youth-
ful sport, some genial hour of past delight. There, from
childhood to maturity, I had lived, opiilent in friend-
ships and social sympathy. That fair valley was now
the land of mine and my country's enemies ; among them
I could see whole squadrons of my kindred and former
friends — the kindly and generous companions of the
olden times. It mattered little to me now how they came
to be there — through error, perversity, conscience, weak-
ness or chance. The Potomac that flowed between us
now, rolled a fathomless gulf of blood and fire. On this
side I was alone. There was neither friend nor kinsman,
nor neighbor to whom I might turn for countenance or
counsel in those hours of soul-weariness, which oppress
one whose individuality is too heavily taxed. On this
side I found none nearer to me than the acquaintances of
yesterday, marching together as champions of a common
cause, but strangers to the heart. I felt the weight of
my position. I was an exile indeed — poor, weary and
dispirited. Yet I had taken my course after calm and
full deliberation. I had asked no man's counsel, and
confided my conclusions to one alone."

FIRST APPEARANCE OF "GRIM VISAGED WAR" IN
MARTINSBURG.

On the 13th of June, 1861, General Johnston, who in
command of the Confederate Army of the Shenandoah,
had occupied Harper' s Ferry, after burning the railroad
bridge and other property at that place, retreated to

War of the Rebellion. 213

Wincliester. At tliis time, General Patterson was ad-
vancing, with his army, from Pennsylvania, en route
throiigh Maryland, for Virginia ; General McClellan was
also on his way, through Western Virginia, toward the
valley. General (afterward "Stonewall") Jackson (in
anticipation of the arrival of the Federal troops) was
sent, with his brigade, to the neighborhood of Martins-
burg, to aid Stewart' s cavalry in destroying what they
could of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad stock, and
thus check the advance of these opposing armies.

What was known as the "Colonnade Bridge," a beauti-
ful structure, erected in Martinsburg by the company as
an especial compliment to the city, was at that time des-
troyed. The citizens who witnessed it will never forget
this, the first appearance in the city of the terrible reali-
ty of the war which followed. The bridge was fired one
calm and beautiful evening, about eight o'clock, and the
saddening effect upon the minds of the large concourse
of people who witnessed the destruction was a lasting
one. After the burning of the bridge, the troops, by
fire, partially destroyed thirty-five large locomotives that
stood in the yards west of the bridge. This was a sad
error on the part of the Confederates, for there was noth-
ing to prevent their running these engines to Winchester,
via Harper's Ferry and the Winchester and Potomac
Railroad. Some time afterward, these same engines had
their wheels furnished with broad iron tires, by the Con-
federates, and were hauled a distance of twenty-two
miles, over the Martinsburg and Winchester turnpike to
the latter place, where they were put in repair and used.
Thirty-two horses were required to each engine, to ac-
complish this feat, and the task of getting them up the
hills, through the streets of the city, and on to the
straight road to Winchester was accompanied with great
difficulty. At the same time the machinery of the rail-
road shops was taken, and used in the arsenals at the
South during the war. It is a remarkable fact that this

214 War of iJie Rebellion.

machinery and all the locomotives bnt one were regain-
ed by the company after the close of the war.

ARRIVAL OF PATTERSON'S TROOPS IN THE CITY.

On the 2nd of July, 1861, Patterson and his troops
forded the Potomac at Williamsport, and advanced, by
the main pike, towards Martinsburg, and Jackson, at the
same time, fell back toward Falling Waters, over the
main road leading from Martinsburg to that village. On
the morning of the 3rd of July, a company of Patterson's
infantry encountered a small force of cavalry near a
school house, a few miles north of Martinsburg, where a
skirmish ensued, and one of the Confederates was killed,
the balance retreating. In the afternoon, the whole col-
umn marched into Martinsburg, amid demonstrations of
joy and welcome on the part of ihe great majority of her
citizens. A detachment of troops was sent forward to
reconnoitre, and Jackson was encountered in a position
where he had formed his men in line of battle, with four
guns directly across the turnpike, along which the for-
mer were advancing. A sharp encounter here ensued,
which lasted about an hour, when Jackson continued his
retreat, joining the main army under Johnston, at Win-
chester.

An order which had been issued to Patterson to ad-
vance to Winchester and give battle to the Confederates
under Johnston, was countermanded, and on the 9th of
July, the former renewed a previous application to trans-
fer his army to Leesburg, making that his base of opera-
tions, which was granted, but an order from General
Scott directed him to continue demonstrations in front
of Winchester, until after the battle of Manassas, which
was expected to occur on the 16th. On the 15th, Patter-
son's army proceeded to Bunker Hill, where it remained
two days ; thence to Charlestown, where they remained
in position until the 23rd, when they marched to Har-
per's Ferry, and, the time of the three months men hav-
ing expired, they returned home, many of them to re-

War of the Rebellion. 215

enlist for tlie war. It was on the 23rcl, that the news,
so disheartening to the Union Canse, of the defeat at Ball
Run was received.

AFTER THE BATTLE OF iM AN ASS AS.

One of the saddest nights of the war, to many of the
citizens, was soon after the first battle of Manassas. Two
brothers and a cousin fell in that fight, at almost the
same moment, and side by side. The brothers (Holmes
and Tncker Conrad) were the sons of an old and esteem-
ed citizen — a lawyer of rare ability — Holmes Conrad,
Esq. Previous to Virginia's act of secession, Mr. Conrad
had taken an active part in favor of adherence to the
Union, and made a most eloquent and stirring speech in
the Court House, which had great influence, and was
afterward published in the National Intelligencer. His
two sons, both quite young, left their home without the
knowledge of their father, and nearly the iirst news
which reached him concerning them was the intelligence
of their death. One of the participants in the last sad
rite says : "We buried them, with their cousin, Captain
Peyton R. Harrison, together in one tomb

"By the struggling moonbeam's misty light ;
Our lanterns dimly burning !"

"This circumstance is worthy of mention, as the name
was a beloved one in our country, and, although Ave lost
many noble ones, on' both sides, none more fair, bright
and promising than these."

A great awe seemed to have quelled the spirits of the
people at this time.

Those who had deceived themselves, or had been de-
luded by others into the belief that the dismemberment
of the nation would be accomplished without bloodshed,
now began to realize the true character of the contest
that was opening. In the first ebullition of their zeal,
the elite of the Virginia youth had rushed to the field,
many serving as privates in the ranks. The slaughter

216 Wa7' of the Rebellion.

at Manassas fell heavier, proportiouately, upon this class
than any other. In many an aristrocratic mansion, hor-
ror and monrning veiled the joy of victory for a season.
GENERxIL BANKS' RETREAT.

On the 25th of May, 1862, occurred Banks' disastrous
defeat by Jackson, at Winchester, and his retreat, via
the Martinsburg and Winchester turnpike, to the Poto-
mac. Those who witnessed the rush of the panic-stricken
troops through Berkeley and Jefferson counties will nev-
er forget it. Hundreds of wagons, loaded with commsi-
sary, quartermaster, medical, ordnance, and other mili-
tary stores and supplies, were scattered all along the
route, greatly to the delight of many, who, on account
of the difficulty of obtaining them, had been living on
short rations, and with a scant supply of blankets and
clothing. JSTotwithstanding the efforts of the retreating
troops to destroy them by burning the wagons, many
of these supplies fell into the hands of those who no
doubt badly needed them. For some time afterward,
the skill of the dyer was called into requisition, to ob-
literate the tell-tale material blue, and hardtack became
a popular article of diet. This celebrated retreat occur-
red on Sunday — a day that seemed destined as a season
of excitement in this section, Early in the morning,
cavalrymen made their appearance in squads of two or
three, and about 11 o'clock a. m., four-horse wagons,
carrying pontoons, tilled with absconding negroes, swept
through the streets at a full gallop. It was one of the
most disgraceful scenes of the war. In due time, the
General and his staff arrived, and dismounting at the
principal hotel in town, went into the parlor. Looking
into a mirror (the first glimpse, no doubt, which he had
caught of himself for several days) Banks remarked :
"Well, General, you do look worsted."

THE MARTINSBURG HOME GUARDS.
D. H. Strother, (Porte Crayon), in his "Personal Rec-
ollections of the war," contributed to Hmyer" s Monthly,

War of the Rebellion. 217

has the following to say, regarding this quasi- mili-
tary band, that was organized in the spring of ' 61 : ' 'Not
to fall behind the times, the citizens had formed a vol-
unteer Home Guard, for the purpose of police duty and
watching over the general welfare of the community.
They kept their headquarters at the Court House, sat
up of nights, arrested each other, and everybody they
found prowling about. It was shrewdly suggested that
the peace of the lonely village might have been better
preserved if everybody went quietly to bed and minded
their own business. But, in times of revolutionary ex-
citement, people cannot keep quiet, even in view of their
own safety, and along the border every man seemed to
suppose he had the right to constitute himself a special
constable, to arrest and cross question every other man
he met, with whose business he was unacquainted. One
night, Dick Ganoe, a harmless and well-meaning citizen
of the Home Guard, arrested a stranger who was riding
into town from the direction of Winchester. Dismount-
ing his prisoner, Ganoe led the way to the Court House,
lounging along with his musket under his arm, and his
hands in his pockets, as was his wont. The stranger,
who followed in apparent acquiescence, quietly drew a
pistol and blew the citizen's brains out, then mounted,
and continued his jouriiey northward. This shot also
terminated the volunteer labors of the Home Guards.
It abdicated, and was heard of no more."

EFFECT OF THE WAR ON THE CITY.

Business was almost entirely suspended in Martins-
burg during the first years of the war, and at times a
great deal of distress prevailed, for lack of the necessa-
ries of life, which were hard to obtain. Considerable
damage was done to buildings, but not as much as would
naturally be supposed, considering the fighting that was
done here, and the length of time the town was odfcupied
by soldiers. From the commencement of the war to the
close, there were camps of either Union or Confederate

218 War of the Rebellion.

soldiers in the town. Every cliurch and public building
was used as barracks, hospital or stable. The court house
was continually occupied by troops, during which time
valuable papers and records were ruthlessly destroyed.
This unwarranted act has caused endless trouble, and it
is doubtful if the effects of it can ever be remedied.
Fourteen volumes of records of court proceedings and
deeds, and many valuable papers are missing from the
office of the Clerk of the County Court, and numerous
others are badly mutilated.

A great many self-appointed detectives, or spies, ex-
isted at this time, who found excellent opportunities to
gratify some petty spite against a neighbor, and at the
same time cover themselves with glory and obtain great
credit for patriotism either in the Union or Confederate
cause, as the case might be. A short experience with
these euthusiastic reformers, however, and the investiga-
tion of cases reported to them, led the officers in authori-
ty, upon both sides, to treat them with deserved con-
tempt.

It frequently occurred that a change of occupants
would occur in the city several times in one day. At one
time, "Hampton's Brigade" (then under command of
General "Jeb" Stuart,) numbering about 3,000 cavalry,
came into town, and at noon they were driven out by the
cavalry under General Kilpatrick ; the latter was in turn
dislodged in the evening, and forced to retreat across the
Potomac at Shepherdstown, fighting all the way — a dis-
tance of ten miles. Quite a remarkable occurrence hap-
pened upon this occasion. The only piece of artillery
that Kilpatrick had with him was commanded by the
grandson of the late Philip C. Pendleton, then one of the
oldest and most resx)ected citizens of the town. It was
Ijlanted on the eminence which is now occupied by Green
Hill Cemetery, and the first shot that was aimed by the
young man at the Confederates, as they retreated south-
ward, penetrated the cone of the roof of his grand

War of the Rebellion. 21&

father's house, witliout, however, doing any material
damage. The citizens had many shells left with them as
mementos, during the frequent skirmishes that happen-
ed about the town. One of them penetrated the walls
of the Catholic Church, without exploding, where it re-
mained until several years after the war, before it was
removed.

CARE OF THE SICK, WOUNDED AND DEAD.

After the battles of Antietam and Gettysburg, Martins -
burg became one grand hospital. Many of the churches
were occupied in this way ; in many instances, their in-
teriors were completely destroyed. The citizens were as
loyal as any situated near the border, and Union soldiers
were as kindly treated, and as faithfully nursed, when
wounded, sick and suffering, as many of them could
have been in their own homes, and the same kindness,
was shown to those of the Confederate army. There are
many of them living to-day, who bless the good citizens
of Martinsburg for their unselfish acts of kindness at this
time. The honored dead of the contending armies lie
buried in the city cemeteries, and large numbers were
committed to their last resting place with the beautiful,
sublime service of the Episcopal church. At one time,
the rector of Trinity church was the only minister in
town, and officiated for all parties for whom his services
were required. The German Evangelical Church was
composed of Germans, or those of that descent, many of
whom were in the United States service. On the even-
ing, of February 13 th, 1863, Captain G. W. Hicks, of the
Ninth Virginia Infantry, arrived in the city, as escort of
a government train from Winchester, and quartered in
the church building owned by this society valued at
$3,500. Through the carelessness of the occuiiants, it
caught fire and was burned to the ground.
THE BLACK HORSE CAVALRY.

The renowned Black Horse Cavalry figured frequently

220 War of the Rebellion.

during the war in Berkeley and Jefferson counties. Their
organization was commenced in Fauquier County, Vir-
ginia, June ISth, 1859. The first service which the com-
mand was ordered to perform was to report to Governor
Henry A. Wise, at Charlestown, West Virginia, at which
point w^ere being collected the volunteer companies of
the State, to insure the execution of John Brown and his
associates. A detachment of this company escorted the
prisoners to the place of execution, while the rest of the
command was employed in keeping the streets clear, for
it was feared, even to the last moment, that an attempt
would be made to rescue Brown. The day before the or-
dinance of secession was passed by Virginia (April 16th,
1861,) orders were received by Lieutenant Robert Ran-
dolph, commanding the Black Horse Cavalry, and by
Captain Turner Asliby, of the " Mountain Rangers," to
assemble their respective commands and proceed at once
to Harper's Ferry for the jDurpose of capturing the stores
and munitions of war stored there. After remaining there
for several days on picket duty they were ordered on
similar service to Berlin Bridge. They took a prominent
part in the battle of Manassas, and soon afterward were
selected as the body-guard of General Joseph E. John-
ston. Jackson was accompanied by this cavalry in his
expedition to Williamsport, Martinsburg and Harper's
Ferry. They continued in the service during the entire
war, and became renowned for their exploits.

Considerable time and labor has been given to deep
researches concerning our military organizations during
the late war. The above mentioned cavalry was organ-
ized in Fauquier County, but figured prominently in
Berkeley. The different companies organized in this
county, with the names of the participants, happenings,
etc., are given below. Among the names included are
mostly those who enlisted at the time of organization.
A number of our men enlisted in other companies, but
in nowise jjertaining to a Berkeley organization.

Wa7- of the Rebellion. 221

COMPANY C, THIRD REGIMENT, WEST VIRGINIA CAVALRY
—BERKELEY COUNTY.

{^United States Army.}

The members of this company were enlisted in the
United States service, mainly from Martinsburg and
Berkeley County. This regiment was organized by the
consolidating of a number of companies that had already
seen much service, at Charlestown, West Virginia, in
December, 1863. From there they marched to Parkers-
burg, and thence were transported to Martinsburg. Here
it began its summer campaign under Sheridan, through
all of which it followed him, participating in all its bat-
tles and skirmishes. The history of the regiment is
written upon every page that records the conflicts and
victories of the Middle Military Division. Its story can-
not be more eloquently told than in the simple list of
battles it has fought. Among the names upon its ban-
ners are: Carter's farm, Newton, Winchester, Bunker
Hill, Martinsburg, Hagerstown, Hancock, Moorefield,
Martinsburg (second,) Bunker Hill (second,) Buckles-
town, Bunker Hill (third,) Stevenson Depot, Winchester
(second,) Fisher's Hill, Mount Jackson, Brown's Gap
(two lights,) Milford (two fights,) Front Royal and Mount
Jackson (second.) The enlistments were as follows :

Captain, Peter Tabler.

First Lieutenant, John E. Bowers.

Second Lieutenant, Albert Teets.

First Sergeant, Jas. W. Kneedler.

Second Sergeant, John Falkenstein.

Third Sergeant, Michael Ferrel.

Fourth Sergeant, Sylvester Ridgway.

Fifth Sergeant, Edmond Wagely.

Sixth Sergeant, Wm. Clendening.

Seventh Sergeant, Levi J. Welshaus.

Eighth Sergeant, Edward N. Loy.

First Corporal, Levi F. Miller.

Second Corporal, Adam Wolf.

222 War of the Rebellion.

Tlvird Corporal, James O. Eoss.
Fourth Corporal, Alex. Horner.
Fifth Corporal. Ulysses Davis.
Sixth Corporal, William Deets.
Seventli Corporal, Benj. P. Statter.
Eighth Corporal, Franklin Spencer.
Bugler, David Kiser.
- Bugler, Alfred Porter.

Anderson, Eri.
Anderson, Jas. W.
Allison, John.
Butt, David.
Bnrch, George.
BartMow, William.
Ericker, Levi.
Butt, William.
Colbert, Jesse.
Colbert, Clarkson.
Cross, John A.
Cockran, Hiram.
Cockran, CliarlesC.
Crowe, James B.
Deets, James.
Fravell, John.
Fizer, John T.
Frushour, Wm. A.
Fleming, Wm.
Gardener, John W.
Hart, Jacob H.
Hays, Jos. H.
Hower, Edmund.
Homer, Robert.
Jenkins, George.
Kline, John W.
Kiser, Isaiah.
Kiser, John.

PRIVATES.

Lamas ter, Theodore.
Lamaster, John H.
Lazzel, Wm. G.
Long, George.
Miller, Isaac.
Myers, Wm. C.
Myer, William.
Murphy, John W.
Murphy, James W.
Murray, Samuel E.
Morgan, Edmund.
Morgan, Elijah.
Morgan, Robert.
Myers, Samuel.
Myers, Jacob.
Novington, John W.
Piles, Edgar C.
Price, George L.
Ridenour, James.
Ridenour, Charles.
Racey, William.
Ramsburg, Elijah.
Reynolds, Elijah.
Stansburry, H. R.
Stafford, John.
Shrout, Andrew J.
Smith, John.
Stoneking, Lewis S.

Wa7' of tlie Rebellion.

223

Stoker, Thomas.
Strawson, H. W.
Street, William J.
Teets, Elisha.
Tichnal, Samuel.
Taylor, James.
Taylor, Samuel H.

Benson, Joseph A.
Shaw, William B.

Taylor, Ephriam.
Vanansdal, Jerry.
Woodward, Chas. W.
"Wise, Thomas.
Wister, Benj. K.
Welsh, Patrick P.
Welsh, Thomas S.

RESIGNED.

Stahl, Jonathan.
Wade, Alexandar.

PROMOTED.

Conger, Seymour B., to Perry, James S.
Major, July 29, 1863. Lieutenant.

DISCHARGED.

to First

Morgan, Enoch.
Perry, James S.
PuUin, William.
Prossman, William.
Roby, Middleton,
Rude, George W.
St. Clair, James P.
Shaffer, Balser.
Statler, Andrew J.

Barnes, Lemuel.
Barthlow, Joshua.
Curry, AlonzoH.
Deen, Gfeorge W
Green, David S.
Hart, Jacob.
Kines, W. E.
Mercer, Marshall.
McKinney, Alex.
Myers, Enos.

TRANSFERRED.

Awraan, Benjamin. Shaffer, David.

Hickman, Gilaspie.

DESERTED.

Smith, Mathias B.
Volgarmott, Moses.

CASUALTIES.

Dilly, John R., killed in action May 10, 1864.
Hoffman, John E., killed in action Nov. 24, 1863.
Johnson, Moses, died Oct. 9, 1862.
Light, Isaac J. killed in action April 24, 1862.
Mock, Jam.es M., " " Aug. 7, 1864.

Butler, Thomas J.
Fitzpatrick, David.

224 War of the Rebellion.

Pitcher, John W., killed in action Aug. 7, 1864.
Piles, Osborne H., died October 9, 1862.
Pitclier, Clias. W., died Nov. 19, 1864.
Siler, Philip, liilled in action Aug. 7, 1864.
Slater, Henry M., killed in action May 10, 1864.
Teets, John, " " " Oct. 11, 1863.

Yoho, Ezra, " " " Aug. 7, 1864.

COMPANY B, FIRST REGIMENT, VIRGINIA VOLUNTEERS-
BERKELEY COUNTY.

[ United States Army.]
This organization was mustered in under Col. Ward
Lemon, and organized at Williamsport, Md., May 17th,

1861. At the time of its organization it was composed
entirely of Berkeley County citizens. The company was
uniformed at Williamsport, where it first entered service
to guard a wagon train to Martinsburg. They next re-
turned to the former place, from whence they were or-
dered to Hancock, Md. Upon crossing the river they
were attacked by Ashby's Cavalry, when Lieutenant
Hancock was wounded.

The next order received was to proceed to Dam No. 4,
and upon their arrival they learned that the Confederates
were robbing the store of A. McQuilken, at Hard Scrab-
ble. A number of the company were detailed and cross-
ed the river, wounding two men and capturing a horse.
From here they again retxirned to Hancock, where they
had several skirmishes. From Hancock they were or-
dered to Orleans Road, thence back to Williamsport,
thence tp Shaffer's Mill on the river, thence to Palling
Waters, and from here to Baltimore, where they arrived
on the 5th day of February. Three days afterward they
were transferred to the 3d Maryland Regiment, under
command of Col. David D. Witt. From Baltimore they
were transferred to Harper' s Ferry, on the 23d of May,

1862, and after a skirmish on Bolivar Heights, they fell
back to Maryland Heights. From here they proceeded
to Kernstown, thence to Cedar Creek, thence back to

War of the Rebellion. 225

Warrington. Va. At the latter place Captain Joseph
Kerns and Lieutenant James Fayman tendered their res-
ignation. The company was them ordered to Little
Warrington, Ya. Among the principal battles fought
upon its banners are : Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Win-
chester, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Three Day^
Fight at Gettysburg, Raccoon Ford, and others. Shortly
after these battles the company was divided — one half"
serving under Grant, and the other half under Sherman, .
until the surrender at Appomattox. The entire company-
had bravely participated in all the important' fights.-
throughout the war, and history records many valorous
deeds of this company, though their names are not men-
tioned.

Berkeley County was most ably represented, and
many of her noble and heroic sons have died upon the
field in the defense of their country. Like those of the
centending enemy, they believed their principles to be
just, and took up arms against friend or foe. As far as
the roll can be ascertained from surviving members, it ia
given as follows :

Captain, Joseph Kerns.

First Lieutenant, James Fayman.

Second Lieutenant, John Lowman.

'First Sergeant, D. J. Weaver.

Second Sergeant, Wm. Smith.

Third Sergeant, Robert Lowery.

Fourth Sergeant, Jerome E. Pompeii.

First Corporal, M. H. Harman.

Second Corporal, Robt. Thompson.

TJiird Corporal, Harry Strausbaugh.

Fourth Corporal, J. Lewis Cleary.

Fifth Corporal, Benj. Lowery.

PRIVATES.

Ashkettle, J. Bender, Jno.

Adams, Frisky. Bishop, Jno.

Batch, C. Burriss, E.

S26

War of the BebelUon.

Ball, Jno.
Bateman, C.
Brown, Wm.
Clevinger, R.
Ooyle, James.
■Colbert, Geo.
Cann, P.
Claspey, James.
Diclverhoff, Isaac, killed.
Dailey, Arthur.
Denan, A.
Bitman, Jno.
Davis, Joseph.
Davis, Samuel, killed.
Ebaugli, C.
Espenhine, G.
Fahey, Thomas.
Finigan, Patrick.
Gagle, John.
Giser, Christopher.
Goodman, John.
Grace, Israel.
Grindes, R.
Harker, C.
Hipper, A., killed.
Henry, R.
Harman, Hewitt.

Henlane, Henry.
Ingless, Joseph.
Ingram, John.
Israel, Edward.
Johnson, John.
Jones, James.
Johnson, Wm., hung.
Killgore, C.
Korcross, John.
Lincoln, C.

Lupman, Daniel, killed.
Lowery, Benj., killed.
Lowery, Robert.
Murphy, Denis.
Mathews, Frank.
Martin, John.
Prescit, B. F.
Perkins, C.
Potter, R.
Shirk, John.
Sadler, John.
Smith, David.
Sisco, John, killed.
Sisco, Joseph.
Thompson, Samuel.
Unger, John.
Vanmetre, Isaac.

COMPANY " D," SECOND REGIMENT VIRGINIA INFANTRY—
"BERKELEY BORDER GUARDS."

[Confederate States Army.}
Under the supervision of J. Q. A. Nadenboash, Esq.,
this company was organized October 81st, 1859. It was
composed almost entirely of Berkeley men, who volun-
teered their services in defence of what they deemed a
just cause. This company acted on duty during the
Brown raid, and stood guard at Charlestow^n during the

War of the Rebellion. 227

hanging of Brown's men, on the 16th of March, 1860,
It was first ordered into service by the Governor of Vir-
ginia, to report at Harper' s Ferry on the night of April,
1861. It participated in all the important battles fought
by the famous "Stonewall Brigade," and ably represent-
ed its county. Among its ranks were Berkeley's most
gallant and heroic sons. Like all the different companies,
the author has been unable to obtain the roll accurately,
and with the assistance of surviving members, gives it at
the time of organization, as follows :

Captain, J. Q. A. Nadenbousch, wounded at second
battle Manassas, August, 1862, — promoted Colonel Sept.
17th, 1862.

First Lieutenant, P. S. Cunningham.

Second Lieutenant, Robt. W. Hunter, promoted Ad-
jutant-General.

Third Lieutenant,^ Peyton R. Harrison, killed at first
battle Manassas, July 21st, 1861.

First Sergeant, Maj. Israel Eobinson, resigned to take
his command in 67th Virginia Militia Regiment.

First Sergeant, Jno. A. Dugan, wounded at first battle
Manassas, July 21st, 1861.

Second Sergeant, C. W. Welsh.

Third Sergeant, E. L. Hoffman, wounded at battle of
Kernstown, March 23rd, 1862, — promoted Captain.

Fourth Sergeant, S. H. Fowler.

Fifth Sergeant, Holmes E. Conrad, killed at first battle
of Manassas, July 21st, 1861.

First Corporal, E. Ryneal.

Second Corporal, Wm. Kline, promoted Sergeant, Aug.
4th, 1861.

Third Corporal, T. Bentz.

PRIVATES.

Armstrong, Jno. S., wounded at first battle Manassas,
July 21st, 1861.
Albin, Wm. B.
Austin, Thos.

228 rPar of the Rebellion.

Albin, James, killed at second battle Manassas, Aug.
27tli, 1862.

Blake, V. B.

Brady, Peter.

Bell, Alfred.

Bales, Adam S.

Boyd, B. R.

Brocies, Wm.

Buchannon, Thos., wounded at first battle Manassas,
July 21st, 1861.

Barnett, A. J., killed at battle Mine Run, November
27th, 1863.

Carlysle, Jas. A.

Cline, David A., promoted Corporal August 4tli, 1861.

Conrad, H. Tucker, killed at first battle Manassas,
July 21st, 1861.

Cage, James.

Custer, Ephraim Gr., promoted Sefgeant Aug. 4th, 1861.

Copenhaver, T.

Chambers, R. D.

Chambers, Jno. M.

Caskey, Wm.

Chevalley, .

Day, Jas. W.

Drebbing, C. L.

Doll, R. M.

Dieffenderfer, Wm.

Dugan, Jas. A., wounded by accident in camp, June
2Sth, 1861.

Dandrigde, E. P., wounded at first battle Manassas,
July 21st, 1861.

Dalgarn, S. S., slightly wounded.

Englebright, Jno.

Earson, Joseph.

Fisher, James.

Fisher, John L., killed at battle Chancellorsville, Ik^fay
3rd, 1862.

War oftJie Rebellion. 229

Fravel, Greo.

Fryatt, Jolin T., killed at Manassas, July 21st, 1861.

Griffin, Michael, wounded at battle Cold Harbour,
June 27tli, 1861.

Gardner, Jarvus.

Glass, G.

HoUis, T. W.

Hodges, N.

Homricli, Jas. M.

Hollis, J.

HoUis, T. P.

Halem, M.

Hill, Joseph.

Harrison,

Hedges, Owen T., killed at battle of Gettysburg, July
23d, 1863.

Hunter, John C, promoted Sergeant, August 4th, 1S61,
— wounded at first battle Manassas, July 2Ist, 1861.

Helferstay,

Harman, Wm., wounded at battle of Kernstown, March
23d, 1862.

Harrison, John S.

Hambleton, Wm., promoted Corporal, August 4th,
1861.

Huff, BenJ., killed.

Harley, Patrick, wounded at battle Cold Harbour,
June 27th, 1862.

Joy, J. F.

Kilmer, George H.

Kearfott, William P.

Kearfott, James L.

Koiner, L. K., wounded at battles of Payne's Farm,
Wilderness, and Seven Days' Fight around Richmond.

Kearns, Joseph, deserted.

.Lewis, Walter, wounded at second battle Manassas,
August 27th, 1862.

Larkins, Thomas.

230 War of the Rebellion.

Leshorn, James W., wounded at first battle Manassas,
July 21st, 1861.

Light, William H., wounded at first battle Manassas,
July 21st, 1861.

Lewis, Lewis, killed at second battle Manassas, August
27tli, 1862.

Leathers, John H.

Meachem, Richard, killed at battle Chancellorsville,
May 3d, 1862.

Maupin, T. A., deserted, June 30th, 1861.

Moody, John P.

Miller, Jonathan.

Matthews, Henry C.

McMullen, Charles.

Mclntire, JohnF., wounded at first battle Manassas,
July 21st, 1861.

MeCleary, Trip, wounded at first battle Manassas, July
21st, 1861.

McGeary, William, wounded at first battle Manassas,
July 21st, 1861.

Muhlenburg, Charles.

Marikle, John B., wounded at second battle Manassas,
August 27th, 1862.

Marikle, Thomas T.

McWhorter, James W.

Marikle, Joseph S., killed at second battle Manassas,
August 27th, 1862.

Nicholson, Thomas.

Oden, Archibald.

Painter, Joseph.

Phillips, William.

Piper, John R.

Parker, Richard.

Rust, William.

Simmons, W., wounded at first battle Manassas, July
21st, 1861 ; discharged Dec. 5th, 1861.

Scheig, George.

War of the EehelUon. ' 231

Staub, R. P. H.

Sailes, , died of disease.

Suddith, Joseph.

Smith, John, deserted July 5th, 1861.

Smith, William.

Sherrer, George.

Suiter, Charles.

Siler, John.

Steward, T. W.

Staub, John F.

Smeltzer, C. W.

Saville, Albert, killed at second battle Manassas, Au-
gust 27th, 1862.

Thrush, John M.

Titlow, R.

Yorhees, George F., wounded.

Weaver, Charles, wounded by accident in camp, June
28th, 1861.

Weaver, George.

Webster, R. A.

Wolff, C. A.

Weaver, John, killed at second battle Manassas, Au-
gust 27th, 1862.

Whitson, Geo. D., wounded at first battle Manassas,
July 21st, 1861.

MUSICIANS.

E. B. Hooper, Drum Major.

Wm. Hayden, Assistant Drum Major

E. G. Tabler.

Samuel Hutchinson.

Charles Shober.

While Jackson was retreating from Winchester, by
direction of Capt. Hoffman, Lewis Lewis fired the first
shot at a Federal scout on the famous Fisher's Hill, where
one of the most important battles was fought.

232 War of the Bebellion.

COMPANY "B," WISE ARTILLERY— BERKELEY COUNTY.

[Confederate States Army.]

This company was organized in November of 1859, im-
mediately after John Brown' s raid upon Harper' s Ferry,
and was named in honor of Governor Henry A. Wise, of
Virginia. The first section of this battery was stationed
at Charlestown during the execution of John Brown.
On the evening of the 18th of April, 1861, Capt. E. Gr.
Alburtis received orders from Governor John Letcher, of
Virginia, to prepare his battery for the march and pro-
ceed early the next morning, via. Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad, to Harper's Ferry, and there report for duty.
History records many heroic and valorous deeds of this
company, which participated in the most severe strugles
during the war. Its simple list of battles fought, as
placed among the names upon its banners are : battle of
Manassas, "Williamsburg, Seven Pines, seven days' fight
around Richmond, Cold Harbor, .Savage Station, Frazier
Farm, Malvern Hill, Second Battle Mannassas, Boons-
boro' Gap, Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville,
Gettysburg, Chattanooga, Seigeof Knoxville, Tenn., Wil-
derness, Spottsylvania Court House, second battle Cold
Harbor, Drewey's Bluff, Five Forks, Siege of Peters-
burg, Va. The company surrendered with the Army of
Northern Virginia at Appomattox Court House, April
9th, 1865. The enlisments were as follows :

Captain, E. G. Alburtis, resigned 1861.

First Lieutenant, James S. Brown ; promoted Cap-
tain, January, 1862 ; — wounded at battle of Sharpsburg,
June, 1862.

Second Lieutenant, Geo. H. Murphy, transferred to
cavalry, 1861.

Third Lieutenant, Witherow, resigned in 1861.

Lieutenant, J. C. Pelham, instructor; promoted Cap-
tain and chief Stewart's Horse Artillery, 1861.

Surgeon, Dr. J. D. Newman.

Bugler, Jos. Sherrer.

War of the Rebellion. 233

Ensign, Jolin R. O'Neal.

First Sergeant, Frank Smith, transferred.

Second Sergeant, Oliver King, "

Third Sergeant, Robert Lowery, ' '

Fourth Sergeant, John Maxwell, promoted Second
Lieutenant, January, 1862 ; — transferred to cavalry.

Fifth Sergeant, J. 11. Couchman, promoted Quarter
master Sergeant, January, 1862.

First Corporal, Henry Wentz, promoted First Ser-
geant, 1862.

Second Corporal, Barney Stewart, promoted First
Sergeant, May, 1861.

Third Corporal, .lohnHines, transferred.

Fourth Corporal, John S. Robinson, promoted Third
Sergeant, June, 1861.

Fifth Corporal, John n. Weddell, promoted Second
Sergeant, November, 1861 ; promoted Second Lieu-
tenant, June, 1862; promoted First Lieutenant for gal-
lantry upon the field of battle. May 1st, 1863 ; wound-
ed at United States Ford, May 3d, 1863 ; wounded A.pril
5th, 1365.

Sixth Corporal, Joseph Lantz, promoted First Corpo-
ral, June, 1861,— killed at battle of Gettysburg, July 3d'
1863.

' PRIVATES.

Alburtis, Samuel, transferred.

Auld, Charles.

Armpriest, Wm.

Boyer, John A.

Blakeney, Edward.

Blakeney, Harry, wounded at battle of Antietam,
June, 1862.

Blanchfield, John.

Beard, Geo., wounded at Seven Days' Fight Around
Richmond, June 27th, 1862,— wounded in front of Ber-
muda Hundred, February, 1865.

Bell, Harry, promoted Sergeant, 1862.

234 War of tlie Rebellion.

Britton, Edward, transferred to Cavalry.

Bowers, John, transferred.

Chambers, Gr. W., wounded at battle of Spottsylvania
Court House, and died, June, 1864.

Clarke, Wm., wounded Seven Days' Fight Around
Richmond, June 27th, 1862.

Conway, James, discharged.

Commiskey, Thos.

Cox, Samuel.

Cunningham, David.

Causemenia, , wounded and died, June, 1864.

Faulkner, E. Boyd, wounded at first battle of Manas-
sas, July, 1861, — promoted Captain, 1861, — transferred.

Feaman, James, discharged.

Frazier, James.

Fiske, James, discharged.

Fultz, Thornton, discharged.

Gruber, J., discharged.

Hedges, B. S.

Herndon, Thomas.

Harley, James, killed, April 29th, 1863, at Chancel-
lorsville.

Helan, Patrick, discharged.

Hazard, Charles, killed at Cold Harbor, 1864.

Helferstay, Wm.

Hess, Aaron T.

Hill, Christopher.

Iradella, , discharged.

Israel, Gilbert.

Johnson, Wm., discharged.

Kisner, Wm., discharged.

Kisner, Wash., discharged.

Kearns, Cyrus, promoted 3d Lieutenant, April, 1862, —
killed at Seven Days' Fight Around Richmond, June 28th,
1862.

Kearns, Robert, discharged.

Keyes, John.

War of tlie Rebellion. 235

Lucas, Charles, killed, at Seven Days' Figlit Around
Eiclimond, June 27tli, 1862.

Lucas, Benj., promoted 1st Sergeant.

Lucas, O. M., promoted Corporal, January, 1862.

Lowery, Benj., discharged.

Lantz, Christian.

Lowman, James, discharged.

Lowery, Wm., discharged.

Landers, Michael, discharged.

Mahoney, Patrick, promoted Commissary Sergeant,
January, 1862.

McLaughlin, Franklin.

Mulligan, Patrick.

Murray, Patrick.

Moore, J.

MoorCj Andrew M.

Markel, Samuel, promoted Corporal, 1862.

Mooney, J. B.

Myers, Wm.

Noland, Wm.

Palmer, Kearney.

Prior, Thomas.

Pendleton, P. C.

Eose, A. P.

Ryneal, P.

Ridenour, Martin.

Reardon, John.

Robinson, Edgar.

Reed, John.

Reed, J. F.

Strayer, A. P.

Sullivan, Edward.

Schultz, Wm.

Sisco, John.

Sisco, Peter.

Shea, John.

Seibert, Joseph.

236 War of tlie Rebellion.

Suter, T. C.
Sclieig, Adolplius.
Strainey, Edward.
Titlow, Robt.
Tate, Robt.
Thomas, B.
Tabler, Martin.
Vogel, Jolin.

Walker, E. M., promoted 1st Lieutenant, January,
1862, — transferred to cavalry.
Walker, G. W., promoted Corporal, 1862.
Wert, H. T.

Wollett, P., discharged.
Wann, John.

Westphall, Chas., discharged.

Whitehurst, James, killed at Knoxville, Tenn., 1863.
Young, John.

COMPANY "B," FIRST REGIMENT, VIRGINIA CAVALRY-
BERKELEY COUNTY,

{Confederate States Army.]
About the year 1860 this company was organized, with
John Blair Hoge as Captain, and took an important part
in the battles of the late civil strife. Composed of loyal
and intelligent men, its part was well played. Upon its
banner are to be found the names of the largest and most
importaant battles fought. The first conflict for which
they were ordered out, was the battle of Manassas, which
occurred July 21st, 1861. After this they were engaged
with the Confederate troops in the various long and
bloody battles fought. Among the number are : Battle
of Seven Pines, (or seven days fight around Richmond),
Wilderness ; Fredericksburg ; Second Battle of Manas-
sas ; Antietam ; Gettysburg ; Spotsylvania Court House;
Petersburg, Five Forks, and others. Berkeley was ably
represented by this command, of whose number, many
have strewn the battle-Field with blood and life in de-

War of the Rebellion. 237

fense of their just principles. Witli the army of Northern
Virginia, they surrendered at Appomattox, April 9th,
'1865. The enlistments at the time of organization are as
follows :

Captain^ G. N. Hammond, killed at Yellow Tavern,
May 12th, 1864.

First Lieutenant, Wm. K. Light.

Second Lieutenant, Wm. T. Noll, promoted as first
Lieutenant, — wounded at Gettysburg, July 4, 1863.

First Sergeant, John B. Seibert, discharged.

Second Sergeant, Charles Weller, discharged.

TJiird Sergeant, Robert H. Stewart, promoted as 2d
Lieutenant, — wounded at Mt. Olivet, October 10, 1864.

First Corporal, James N. Cunningham, promoted as
Captain, — wounded at Front Royal, August 21, and at
Rood's Hill, November 23, 1864.

Second Corporal, Aquila Janney, detailed in Quarter-
master's Department.

Tliird Corporal, James W. Cushwa, promoted as 2d
Sergeant.

PEIVATES.

Armstrong, Archibald, wounded at Spottsylvania, May
8, 1864,— killed at Martinsburg, July 1, 1864.

Auld. Thos. E.

Boley, Benj. F., w^ounded at Rood's Hill, November
23, 1864.

Bowers, Richard H.

Boyd, John E., promoted as Fourth Sergeant.

Breathed, James W., transferred, — promoted as Cap-
tain and Major of the Stuart Horse Artillery.

Bryarly, Robert P., promoted as Third Corporal, —
wounded at Tom's Brook, October 9, 1864.

Buchannon, J, C.

Burkhart, R. C.

Carper, Geo. W.

Catrow, John W., wounded at Slatersville, May 9, 1862.

Chapman, Jacob A., transferred.

238 War of the EebelUon.

Combs, J. L. E., bugler ; discharged.

Coucliman, David, wounded at Slatersville, May 9,
1862.

Cunningliain, Charles, killed at Winchester, Septem-
ber 19, 1864.

Cunningham, W. L., wounded at Gettysburg, July 4,
1863.

Cushen, R. D.

Cushwa, Daniel.

Cushwa, David, promoted as 1st Corporal, — wounded
at Rood's Hill, November 23, 1864.

Cushwa, Seibert

Frieze, A. J., wounded at Spottsylvania, May 9, 1864.

Frieze, George.

Gageby, John N., promoted as 1st Sergeant.

Gladden, George.

House, Thomas.

Janney, W. H. H.

Jefferson, William M.

Kearfott, James, killed at Rood's Hill, November 23,
1864.

Kearfott, John P., wounded at Kennon's Landing,
June 5, 1864.

Kilmer, B. S., wounded at Mount Olivet, October 10,
1864.

Kilmer, Daniel.

Kilmer, David, wounded at Yellow Tavern, May 11,
1864.

Kilmer, H. D., transferred.

Lemen, W. M., Medical Sergeant.

Lyle, R. G., discharged.

Manning, Dennis, wounded at Raccoon Ford, October
13, 1863.

Marshall, Geo. W., promoted as 3d Sergeant, — wounded
at Spottsylvania, May 9, 1864.

Marshall, Joseph, died from disease.

Mason, James A.

War of the Rebellion . 239

McClary, Geo. W.
McKee, Mayberry.
Miller, Daniel.

Mong, Wendel, promoted as 4t]i Corporal.
Murphy, James B., killed at Rood' s Hill, Sept. 19, 1864.
Murphy, Richard.
Myers, W. H.
Payne, J. Trip.

Payne, Martin L., wounded afc Anandale, Sept. 1861,
at Spottsylvania, May, 1864, and at Cedar Creek,
February, 1865.
Payne, O. F., wounded at Mount Olivet, Oct. 10, 1864.
Rainer, George.
Roberts, E. S.

Roberts, Geo. D.

Roberts, William, wounded at Cedar Creek, October
19, 1864.

Roush, Charles, wounded at Winchester, Aug. 28, 1864.

Seibert, Abraham, wounded at Manasses, July 21, 1861,
— discharged.

Seibert, Eli.

Seibert, JohnB., discharged.

Seibert, Wendel, promoted as Second Corporal, —
wounded at Spottsylvania, May 9, 1864.

Shepherd, James, transferred.

Showers, George E. '

Silver, Frank, wounded at Rood's Hill, Nov. 23, 1864.

Silver, Henry.

Small, David.

Small, William

Strayer, D. J. R., wounded at Manassas, July 21, 1861.

Strode, P. H.

Stump, JohnH., wounded at Yellow Tavern, May 11,
1864.

Tabb, E. W. discharged.

Thatcher, David, killed at Buckland Mills, Oct. 19, 1863.

Thomas, Jacob.

240 War of the Bebellion.

Weaver, Charles.

Weaver, George, killed at Slatersvil]e,Va., May 9, 1862.

COMPANY "E," SECOND REGIMENT, VIRGINIA INFANTRY-
BERKELEY COUNTY.

\Cov federate States Army.']

This compauy was organized in the fall of 1859, in the
town of Hedgesville and vicinity, immediately after the
John Brown raid, when the Southern people became im-
pressed with the idea that their institutions were men-
aced by northern fanatics. M. C. Nadenbousch, Esq.,
was its first Captain, and R. T. Colston, a graduate of
the Virginia Military Institute, was First Lieutenant.
Capt. Nadenbousch having had no military training,
very shortly resigned, and Lieutenant Colston succeeded
to the captaincy and brought the company to a high
degree of proficiency. When the war cloud burst, Cap-
tain Colston was ordered to report, with his company, at
Harper's Ferry. Company "E" was assigned to the 2nd
Virginia Regiment, which formed a part of the famous
' 'Stonewall Brigade," and participated in all the battles in
which that gallant corps was engaged. It contained with-
in its ranks some of Berkeley' s bravest sons, always bear-
ing itself bravely in every fight. The following is a roll of
the company, as near as can be gotten at this late day,
obtained from surviving members thereof :

Captain, Raleigh T. Colston, promoted to Lieut. Col.
in 1862,— to Col. in 1863, and killed at the battle of Mine
Run, Nov. 23d, 1863.

First Lieutenant, David Manor, killed at the first bat-
tle of Manassas, July 21st, 1861.

First Sergeant, Wm. B. Colston, wounded at Kerns-
town, March 23rd, 1862,— promoted to First Lieutenant,
April, 1862,— wounded at Fredericksburg, Dec, 15th,
1862,— promoted Captain, May, 1863.

Second Sergeant, John T. Hull, promoted Second
Lieutenant, April, 1862,— wounded at Chancellorsville.

War of the Rebellion. 241

Third Sergeant, Chas. W. Manor, wounded at first
battle of Manassas, July 21st, 1861,— promoted Orderly-
Sergeant, April, 1862.

Fourth Sergeant, W. H. Lingamfelter.

PIUVATES.

Bane, Newton.

Basore, Emanuel.

Blamer, James.

Brown, Charles.

Criswell, John L.

Couchman, Geo. W., wounded at second battle of
Manassas.

Dugan, James L., lost arm at Seven Pines.

Eversole, John W.

Eversole, Jacob H., wounded -it Cliancellorsville.

Eversole, Isaac, killed.

Fiery, James, killed at Chancellorsville.

Guinn, James V.

Haines, John J., promoted First Lieutenant, April,
1862,— wounded at Fredericksburg, Dec. 15th, 1862. .

Hill, Abraham.

Hull, Geo. W., wounded.

Hull, Dallas, wounded at Port Republic.

Hunter, David, killed at Fisher's Hill, 1864.

Hunter, John A., detailed on signal service.

Jenkins, Asa.

Johnson, William.

Keisecker, Newton, killed at Chancellorsville.

Keyser, John, killed at Fredericksburg.

Lanham, Jeremiah.

Light, Wm. E.

Merchant, Isaac N., wounded at Chancellorsville.

Miller, Geo. W., killed at first battle of Manassas, July
21st, 1861.

Myers, Cromwell L., wounded at Kernstown.

Miller, Harvey A.

Merchant, W. S., wounded at Cedar Mountain.

242 War of Ois Rebellion.

O'Connor, Micliae].

Pike, Frank, Jr., killed at Kernstown, Marcli 23d, 1862.
Pryor, Jolin, wounded on several occasions.
Porterfield, Milton, wounded at battle of Wilderness.
Porterfield, Alexander, killed.
Perregory, William.
Riddle, John, killed.

Eockwell, George W., promoted 3d Lieutenant, 1863.
Sperow, Jacob, killed at Kernstown, March 23d, 1S62.
Sperow, George.
'Snodgrass, Porterfield.
■Sharff, Nicholas.
Stuckey, Samuel A.

Stuckey, John W., killed at second Manassas, 1862.
Small, Reuben.
Small, John M.
Turner, William, killed.
Triggs, Harrison.
Wilson, Valerius.

Weddell, Geo. W., wounded at Kernstown, March 23d,
1862,— at Monncacv in 1864.

COMPANY "A," SEVENTEENTH BATALLION, VIRGINIA CAV-
ALRY—BERKELEY COUNTY.

This company was organized in October, 1861, at Mar-
tinsburg, principally of Berkeley County men, with a
number from the surrounding counties. It was first sta-
tioned at Martinsburg, and acted on picket duty along
the border, where it remained until about February 24th,
1862. From here they proceeded to and around Win-
chester, and afterward fell back up the valley. They
next went to Strausburg and Woodstock, afterwards
serving on picket duty several days at Millwood and
White Post. They were then ordered to Middletown,
Harrisonburg and Two Bridges, and from the latter place
a detachment of fourteen men were sent to Fort Eepub-
ilic to guard the bridge and prepare it for burning. Here

WaroftlieRelellion. 243

fhey engaged in two very severe fights, wliich occurred,
on the 11th and 12th of May, at Cross Keys and Lewis'
Bottoms. From here they went down the valley in rear
of Jackson' s army and fought at Winchester on the 24th
of May of that year, with a part of the company acting
on picket duty at Front Royal. They again returned
to the border and remained about three days, from
whence they fell back with Jackson, who then crossed
the Blue Ridge and went into Virginia. This company
participated in all the important battles fought during
the late civil strife, and many of Berekeley's brave and
heroic sons have fell within its ranks in defense of what
they deemed a Just and worthy cause. It was known
during those days as the "Wild Cat Company."

It has been an impossibility to obtain its roll of mem-
bers full and correct, as the author has been unable to
gain any other information than that given by several
survivors of the company. The following is a list of
Berkeley County men, with officers, etc., as can best be
ascertained :

Captain, G. W. Myers, of Baltimore, Md.

First Lieutenant, George Wells.

Second Lieutenant, Murray, of Baltimore.

PKIVATES.

Albain,

Brittner, Thad, killed.

Blondel, Charles.

Bets, James.

Butler, John.

Carney, J. A^., wounded at Darkesville, Sept. 17th,
1862.

Chapman, .

Gore, , killed at Buckner's Station, May 23d,

1862.

Hedges, Anthony, killed.

Kensel, John J.

Leech, Sid.

244 War of tlie Rebellion.

Miller, Harvey A.

Mingle, John.

McNemar, Michael, wounded.

Patterson, Frank.

Ronk, Benj., killed at Mt. Jackson, 1863.

Seibert, J. B., promoted Lieutenant.

Strode, Joseph.

Saderfield, .

Sayles, William.

Seckman, T.

Turner, John A., promoted Captain.

Teack, S.

Wilson, J. L., killed at Warrington Springs.

This Company left Martinsburg with about 50 mem-
bers, and was composed of men from Berkeley, Morgan,
Frederick and Jefferson Counties, with several from
Maryland.

THE BLUE Ai\D THE GRAY.
I.
' ' By the flow of the inland river,

Whence the fleets of iron have fled,
Where the blades of the grave-grass quiver,
Asleep are the ranks of the dead ; —
Under the sod and the dew,

Waiting the judgment day ;
Under the one, the Blue ;
Under the other, the Gray.

II.

" There, in the robings of glory.
Those in the gloom of defeat.
All, with the battle-blood gory.
In the dusk of eternity meet ; —
Under the sod and the dew.

Waiting the judgment day ;
Under the laurel, the Blue ;
Under the willow, the Geat.

III.

" From the silence of sorrowful hours,
The desolate mourners go.
Lovingly laden with flowers,

War of the Rebellion. 245

Alike for the friend and tlio foe ; —
Under tlie sod and tlie dew,

Waiting tlie judgment day ;
Under the roses, the Blue ;
Under the lilies, the Gkay.

lY.

' So, "With an equal splendor,
The morning snn-raj's fall,
■With a touch, impartially tender.
On the blossoms blooming for all; —
Under the sx>d and the dew.

Waiting the judgment day ;
Broidered with gold, the Blue ;
Mellowed with gold, the Gray.

V.

' So, when the summer calleth,
On forest and field of grain.
With an equal murmur f alleth
The cooling drip of the rain ; —
Under the sod and the dew.

Waiting the judgment day ;
Wet with the rain, the Blue ;
Wet with the rain, the GKiY.

VI.
' Sadly, but not with upbraiding,
The generous deed was done ;
In the storm of the years that are fading,
K"o braver battle was won ; —
Under the sod and the dew.

Waiting the judgment day ;
Under the blossoms, the Blue ;
Under the garlands, the Gray.

VII.
' No more shall the war-cry sever.
Or the winding rivers be red ;
They banish our anger forever.
When they laurel the graves of our dead ;
Under the sod and the dew,

AVaiting the judgment day ;
Love and tears, for the Blue ;
Tears and love, for the Gray.

REMINISCENCE.

People's National Bank

OP .

^MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA,3M-

COR. QUEEN AND BURKE STREETS.

DESIGNATED DEPOSITORY OF TBE UNITED STATES.

A.J.THOMAS.Pres. J. B. WILSON, Cashier.

Capital, $50,000. Surplus and Undivided Profits, $20,000.

A GENERAL BANKING BUSINESS TRANSACTED.

ACCOUNTS OF BANKS AND BANKERS,
CORPORATIONS, MANUFACTURING
FIRMS, MERCHANTS AND INDI-
VIDUALS SOLICITED.

• C0XjIL.ECTZ02SrS W-

RECEIVED UPON ALL ACCESSIBLE POINTS, AND RETURNS
PROMPTLY MADE AS DIRECTED. CAREFUL ATTEN-
TION GIVEN TO THE BUSINESS OF
CORRESPONDENTS.

Domestic and Foreign Exchange Bought and Sold.

JFXItST NAIIONAIj bank, Xew Torit City,

COM. EXCBANGE NATIOyAI, HANK, FJiiladel2>hia,
WESTEMN NATIONAL BANK, Baltimore,

SECOND NATIONAZ BANK, Washington.

CHAPTER XI.

HISTORICAL REMmiSCENCE OF MARTINSBURG,

FROM THE YEAR 1832 TO THE YEAR 1861,

WITH STATEMENTS COVERING- MANY

EVENTS OCCURRING SINCE THE

CLOSE OF THE LATE CIVIL

WAR.

BY JOIIjST AV. CURTIS.
IfVn'Ueu especially for the author of this •worJ:, and copyrighted accord-
ing to law. All ?ights reserved ]

II^HRING my early childliood days there were still

a^§ many Revolutionary heroes, old, and in many cases.
decrepid, who would often entertain company at the
hotel, by relating personal experience of the times
through which they had passed ; also, many yet who
had been engaged in the Indian wars. Among them was
one Peter Cook, who had been in St. Clair's defeat in
Ohio Territory. He would exhibit the effect of a terrible
struggle which left him maimed for life, and was one of
only 123 that reached the white settlement from the
defeat. His right foot was cut off diagonally up to the
instep of the foot, leaving only the little toe. He shot
an Indian who feigned death, and went to get his arms,
when the Indian arose with tomahawk and cleft his foot
off at one blow. He had a severe struggle, and finally
getting the tomahawk, he buried it in the top of the In-
dian's head.

Many thrilling instances of escape, as well as personal
struggle in border warfare, would be related in which the
parties were personally engaged. There seldom passed
a week that more or less Indians, in their native dress
and natural ferociousness of character, came through

250 Reminiscence.

town. They would be fully equipped with bow and
arrows, and tomahawk, with knife hanging to a band of
undressed deer hide around their waist. They would
often shoot at coin placed in a split stick — if hitting, it
was theirs ; upon missing, they would throw on the
ground the same coin. Our silver coin at that time was
the Picayune, or 6i cent piece. The bit of 12J cent piece,
and the Hispanola of Pillar, 25 cent piece, were all Span-
ish coin. The Mexican Pillar or Spanish, and the Amer-
ican silver dollar, copper half and one cent pieces, were
used as American coin. I have no early recollection of
seeing the American five, ten, twenty-five and fifty cent
pieces until after passing up to full youth.

The Indians generally i)assing through our valley were
from Kentucky and Tennessee, and were enormous eaters.
On one occasion four arrived and stopped at the hotel.
Three at once commenced shooting at coin, and the other
came in and asked for food. A full large loaf of bread,
Avith an ordinary size tiam, was placed before him, and
he was left to helj) himself. Upon returning nothing was
left except the bone of the ham.

When a child the whipping post occupied ground di-
rectly in frout of your present, and also old Court House
door. One Christmas morning it was found blown to
pieces. Parties had bored holes in the stock and charged
them heavily with powder, destroying it for all future
use. A new one was afterward erected in the space be-
tween the jail and next house east, which was then the
Clerk's olTice.

The first event to make a lasting impression and fix
itself upon my mind was of a political character, and will
show the devices resorted to at that period to claim and
hold party fealty. It was in my fourth year, and had
my home at a large hotel, the headquarters of the Dem-
ocratic and Republican parties. During the congressional
canvass of 1832 General Jackson was President, and a
I)rocession and barebcue was held late in the evening.

Reminiscence. ' 251

and tlie Democracy addressed from a stand in front of
the hotel. On the street was a wagon drawn by six
horses, beautifully caparisoned, and fixed upon it was
a good- sized hickory tree in full leaf and foliage. Upon
each twig, branch, limb, in fact all over it, Avas hung the
American silver dollar, tied by blue ribbons, and at every
vibration of the tree the delightful tingling money sound
would strike upon the ear. This device was to show the
Democrats' hostility to the then Federalists' financial
system and United States Bank, which had absorbed and
held in its vaults nearly, if not all, coin in the country,
ruinous to all commercial pursuits and crippling the
Government very seriously in its Treasury Department.
My entire boyhood days were spent at this hotel, and up
to almost middle life it was the headquarters of the
Democracy, and every meeting of the county was held
there. Old Tammany or Billmire's Hotel was situated
- on the southwest corner of King and your present Ger-
man streets. It was not for many years that any other
streets had names, except King and Qaeen, they being
then as now, the principle business streets.

The other hotels were the Globe, Wra. Kraesen, jsro-
prietor, occupying the site on King street opposite your
St. Clair Hotel, as far up as Grantham Hall east, and ad-
joining property now owned by E. Herring, Esq. ; a hotel
with different proprietors, called the Claycomb House,
where the present Lambert saloon is, on Queen street ;
the Gardner House, owned by Peter Gardner, an eccen-
tric good old German, which is now the Eagle Hotel, on
Queen street ; also the Kelley House, (proprietor un-
known) located on your present Martin street, directly
opposite the home of Dr. Myers. The old town up to the
year 1837 was what might be called a good-sized village,
with possibly 800 and could not have exceeded 1,000 in-
habitants. Each day four stages arrived and departed-
one to Hagerstown, one to Shepherdstown, one to Win-
chester, and one to the Warm Springs, now known as

252 Reminiscence.

Berkeley Sijrings. All traffic and trade was carred on
by wagons and teams. Every hotel tried to secure the
custom, and it was very evenly divided. No such things
as a railroad was thought of in our every-day life, al-
though occasionally I could hear among the drivers of
teams about the horse railway from Baltimore to EUi-
cott's Mills. The manufacture of wools was carried on
largely at a factory belonging to the Gibbs family. It
occupied the present locality of or abouc your j)ump-
house for water works ; also a large foundry on same lo-
cality, of which the Gibbs were proprietors, and super-
intended by John Keys, who raised a large family, one
of whom, Philii^, is now living at Keyser. Distillers for
whisky and fruit were scattered around, the principle
one being Flaggs', east of town. Flour was largely man-
ufactui'ed and shipped. The Stevens mill, now owned
by Geo. M. Bowers ; the Ransom mill, now Hannis' ; the
Tabb and Hibbard mills on Tuscarora, west of town, now
Kilmer and Bender' s mills, were all large grinders. Each
farmer had his own grain ground for toll, and sold the
flour as needed at home, or else hauled it to Baltimore
markets, bringing back for the merchants dry goods,
groceiies, etc. At the site of the i^resent Fitz mill was
an oil mill, where flax-seed was ground and oil extracted
for sale. Blacksmithiiig, wagon-making, furniture man-
ufacturing, cooperage, saddle and harness making, tai-
loring, shoe-making, watch repairing, house carpentry,
tinning, white- smithing or lock making, brass foundry
and coppser kettle making were carried on extensively,
and many manufactories had wagons on the road selling
their articles of trade.

Onr fathers and mothers were an active, busy people.
The mode of preparation of food by cooking was of an
entire difl'erent character than at present. We had no
stoves and knew nothing about them, except the old ten-
IDlate All our cooking was done in stew pans with long
handles, Dutch ovens, spitts, frying pans, etc., on an

Reminiscence. 253

open hearth, using live coals from the chimney where
full cord wood had been burnt down. Our bread was
baked in ovens specially built for such purposes. In
preparation for baking, batch was set in large dough-
trays over night and worked out in the morning into
loaves, each of which was placed in a bread-basket made
of straw, closely knit together by hickory withs. In
these baskets the bread was again raised for baking, and
afterwards turned upon a large paddle used in placing
it in the oven, where it rested upon the heated floor, and
generally came out with a crisp, nice crust, and was fit
for the stomach of an epicure.

The sports of the day were of similar character to the
present. Boys played town, ring and corner ball, ran
the fox, and at certain seasons played marbles in various
games, shooting in holes being much in vogue ; in winter
enjoying skating. A large pond of water was near town,
known as the Waite lot, where many days of sport in
skating were enjoyed. Hop, skid and jump, mumbly
meg, hide and seek, and many other games were indulged
in. The older boys took much delight in flying large
kites, sending uid hot air paper balloons, throwing fire
balls, etc. The men would get up bull baits, where they
would have a large, fierce bull tied by the horns with a
cable rope, and fastened securely to a stake planted
deeply in the ground. They would try the metal and
ferocity of a class of fierce bull dogs. One to three at a
time turned on the animal, and which ever dog took a
nose hold and threw the bull, received the reward of
champion, and possibly its owner some compensation.
Much betting was engaged in as to the merits of th e
different dogs. There was also a weekly chicken or cock
main fought somewhere in town. They also passed much
time in pitching quaits, wrestling and jumping, and
on everything betting was prevalent. Much drink-
ing was done, — persons usually buying liquor by the pint
or half pint, and drinking it at a table from little tin

25-1 Reminiscence.

cups called jiggers. This was the general custom up to
1837, when drinking at the bar by glasses became custo-
mary. JSTo liquor was sold except at regular licensed
hotels, and no license granted ezicept upon condition,
that stable room for not less than three horses and beds
for nine men, were on the premises ; and they were then
licensed as ordinary' s., not as hotels or inns.

The school accommodations of the times were limited,
in the extreme. Old Capt. Maxwell taught for years in
a house on your present Burke Street. In the basement
of the Liitheran Church different persons taught. My
first day at school was under the present church site, the
teacher being a Mr. Young, who by his filthy habit of
profuse tobacco spitting on the floor, was disres^sectf uUy
called by the scholars "Old Peal Garlic." He was better
known by that than his own name. He was succeeded
by a Mr. John Byers, from Shepherdstown, who contin-
ued a long time as tutor, and many of my age then going
to him, owe him a deep and mighty debt for his loving
care over us, both as to morals as well as the secular
knowledge he gave us. I think your good citizens, J.
E. Hill, Joseph Paintei', Jacob Swartz, and possibly
others will join me in his praise. On the hill near the
Catholic and Episcopal cemeteries was a stone building
called the accademy, then taught by a Mr. Bascom, suc-
ceeded by a Mr. Caney and others whose names have
passed from memory. In the building now occupied by
the priest, in charge of the Catholic Church, a Mrs.
Little taught exclusively, a female school. This embra-
ced all the schools of the town, until after the year 1840,
which I will enumerate when I reach that year.

The Presidential campaign of 1836, with Martin Van
Buren for President, and R. M. Johnson* for Vice-Presi-
dent, as Democratic candidates, with Henry Clay as the

* Johnson was called old Tecumseh, liaYlng the reputation of liiUing this
great Indian Chief in the Indian war of 1834-, in the then territory of
Indiana.

Reminiscence. 255

Whig candidate, passed without much excitement, al-
though the great questions of the day being as is now.
The Whig measure was Tariff for Protection, or Tariff
for Eevenue, with incidental protection a Democratic
policy. The Democratic measure was the recharter of
the old U. S. Bank, advocated by Henry Clay, as against
the Sub-Treasury system. The Democrats being success-
ful in the election of Van Buren and Johnson, with a
large majority in the lower House and Senate, everything
remained quiet politically.

In 1837 the old town was moved Avonderfully. A large
camp, having 37 canvas tents, suddenly appeared on
level ground beyond the present Green Hill Cemetery.
They proved to be the Surveying corps, locating the
route of the Baltimore and Ohio Kailroad, among
whom were a Mr. Latrobe as principal, and his im-
mediate officer in charge, a Mr. Shipley, and many
others with whose names I was once familiar, but have
now passed from memory. It gave new life and impetus
to everything. The house, known afterward as Everett
House, was improved and converted into a hotel, of
which my uncles, John and Mike Billmire, became xwo-
prietors for the years 1838 and 1839. This house became
headquarters in town for Civil Engineers when from
camp. They removed their camp to the ground now oc-
cupied by Mr. J. W. Bishop, above the Fitz mills, and
remained there for several years. On the 22d of Febru-
ary, 1839, the citizens of the town tendered an honor to
the Civil Engineers, which they accepted, and a grand
ball was held at the old Tammany House, to which my
uncles were caterers. The military spirit of the peo-
ple of Martinsburg was always good, and at that
time the Lafayette Guards, under command of Capt.
John S. Harrison, was a crack company. Under
superior drill and beautifully uniformed, was present
also many soldiers from Cumberland, Md., belong-
ing to a company called the Continentals. Their

256 Rem in iscen ce.

dress consisted of navy blue cloth, witli buff facing
on the breast ; buff vest, many of yellow tanned deer
skin ; short knee breeches with white hose attached by
large buckles, and low slippers, something like an Indian
moccasin. They made a beautiful appearance, and tak-
ing all in all, the ball was a grand occasion.

The churches of the town from 1832 to 1S40 remained
unchanged. There was on the corner of John street and
the graveyard an old log building, which had been occu-
pied in common by the Lutheran and German Eeformed
denominations, services being conducted in the Dutch
language. It was abandoned when I first knew it. In-
side it was weatherboarded to the apex of the roof, with
the entrance on the corner. The quaintest high back
pews were placed diagonally across the church, in order
to face a pulpit nearly, if not fully, fifteen feet high, as
it was reached by 17 steps, ascending spirally from the
corner of the chancel. It was capped by a box that came
above the waist of an ordinary sized man, and just big
enough for him to stand in without a seat, from which
he delivered his sermon. Above the entrance was a gal-
lery in which was a large pipe organ, and above was a
small belfry. The belh nsed here is said to be the one
now in use on the German Eeformed church, at least
when that church was erected it was so stated. The M.
E. Church had a stone building on East John street, and
is now occupied as a residence. The Presbyterians had
a church on King street, which was destroyed by soldiers
during an early period of our late civil strife, the lot
being still unoccupied. The German Eeformed wor-
shipped in this church for a number of years. The
Catholics had a stone church located near the centre of
their j)resent^cemetery. Protestant Episcopal church had
an abandoned church structure of stone, and its location
was at the entrance to their present cemetery. I cannot
recall Avhere they worshiped until the present church
was erected, which was near 1850— although I knew the

Reminiscence. 257

pastors in charge of Parish, a Mr. Johnson and Tallifaro,
after which came Rev. Mr. Chisholm, who volunteered
and nobly entered in company with the then Catholic
Priest, Rev. Mr. Plunkett, as, nurses for afflicted yellow
fever patients in Norfolk and Portsmouth, both of whom
died in discharge of christian duty and charity. The
Lutheran Church has always occupied the present site
on corner of Queen and Martin Streets, much improved
from its original structure, which was very plain and
unobtrusive.

During the years 1838, '39 and '40, business began to
expand and stretch away from the centre of the town.
All the stores, dry goods, groceries, druggists, etc.,
had been on the now Grantham corner, also Wil-
son and Boreman property, up to the business house
now occupied by Frank Doll & Co., and were confined
within that limit. Railroad contractors began to come
in, and established stores in order to supply their em-
ployees, selling and trading with the public just as the
regular established merchants. In 1832 we had but one
drug store, located in Commodore Boreman' s house, with
Israel Young as proprietor. Grantham Hall corner was
occupied by Thos. C. Smith ; Wilson corner, by John K.
Wilson and William Anderson ; Continental corner, by
Isaac Locke; opposite corner, now Sheriff's office, by
Alex. Robinson ; Frank Evans tobacco store, by Daniel
Burkhart and Geo. Doll ; store house of C. Thumel, by
Wm. Long & Sons ; Frank Doll & Co's stand, by a Mr.
Hogmire. The corner of the then Faulkner property,
now occupied by the People's National Bank, was used
by Robt. Rush, a son-in-law of Daniel Burkhart. Jacob
Hamme and James Stevens did business in the old Baker
building. Their trade was general merchandise, grocer-
ies, hardware, queensware, and whatever people wanted.
No one branch was confined to itself as is now often the
case. It is a noted fact, often spoken of in my presence

258 Eemimscence.

as true, that every merchant doiDg business under the
old regime and system failed.

In the fall of 1S3S Wm. Lucas, father of Hon. D. B.
Lucas, was the Democratic candidate for Congress. His
oi^ponent was a Col. Barton, of Frederick County, the
Whig candidate. Mr. Lucas was elected, the district
feeing ' overwhelmingly Democratic, embracing, if my
memory is not at fault, the counties of Jefferson, Clarke,
T*age, Warren, Frederick, Berkeley, Morgan, Hampshire
and Haxdy. The system of voting was Tdva voce, or
■ open spoken ballot. The right of suffrage was only given
to land oTraers and other property qualification. A land
owner could vote in each, county where his name was en-
tered in the Land Book if he could reack a voting place
witliin three days, for whick time the polls were kept
open. TMs system continued up to tlie year 1851 and
1852, at wkick time the new Constitution was adopted,
that extended tke right of suffrage to every white man
21 years of age and over, not disqualified by pauperism
or mental incapacity. The elections were confined ex-
clusively to Presidential, Congressional, State Senate
and Legislature. All county officers were appointed by
the Governor of State. Berkeley County was one of the
reliable old Federalist and Whig counties of the State,
and Democracy was frowned upon witk apparent con-
tempt. Under tlie old regime of restricted suffrage all
tke wealthy and leading citizens seemed to belong to that
party. General Boyd, whom I just remember, Col. Ed.
Colston, Moses Hunter, Col. E. P. Hunter, Judge Philip
Pendleton, Capt. Van Doren, Col. R. V. Snodgrass, Col.
Jacob Myers, Benjamin Comeqy, Wm. T. Snodgrass,
Samuel Henshaw, William Cunningham, Andrew Mc-
Cleary, Dr. Allen Hammond, Hon. C. J. Faulkner, Til-
Jitson Fryatt, Barton Campbell, Jacob Weaver and many
others were leading, wealthy citizens, and each one an
ardent Federalist and Whig. On the other side ardent
Jackson Democrats were such men as Col. Robinson,

Reminiscence. 259

James W. Gray, Wm Barney, G-eorge, Jacob and David
Seibert, Moses S. and Lewis Grantliam, lame Mike Sei-
bert, Dr. John Hedges, Dr. John S. Harrison, Dr. Thos.
S. Page, Dr. Chas. Magill, John and Jacob Painter,
Alex, and Geo. Newcomer, Abraham Williamson, Geo.
and William Sperow, Rev. John Light, Jacob, John and
Daniel Lefever, Samuel and Hezekiah Hedges, Peter
Gardner, John and Michael Billmire, and many others.
The Democrats never failed having a candidate in the
Held, but invariably met with defeat in county electiqns
for Legislature. For the State Senate the District was
always reliably Democratic, as was also the case for Con-
gress. The Presidential election of 1840,— M. Van
Buren, Democratic candidate, with W. H. Harrison and
John Tyler as candidates of the Whig party, was the
most exciting and strongest contest and furor that this
county has possibly ever passed through. General Har-
rison was a noted successful Indian warrior, and very
popular as the Governor of Northwest Territority. He
lived in a plain log cabin on the prairies of Indiana, and
gave full, free entertainment to whomever called. His
customary drink was hard cider, handed in a common
gourd cup. His cabin was covered with coon skins.
This gave the Whig party the opportunity to build log
cabins on a wagon — the interior holding in large casks
his favorite drink, with live coons confined by chains on
the roof or wherever they could get a foothold. The
Democrats tried to bring the canvass within the province
of principles and discussion of political questions, but
were overthrown by the public furor and excitement of
honoring a good old soldier who had spent the flower of
his life in dangerous public service on the frontier.
They could not be drawn from giving him the deserved
honor. He was a Whig President without policy or
' chart, and only lived one month. When dying he was
succeeded by John Tyler, the elected Vice-President,
who had, all his previous life, been recognized as a Dem-

260 Reminiscence.

ocrat, and it was no surprise when in forming his cabi-
net, with the exception of Daniel Webster, Secretary of
State, that his selection should be of the conservative
Democratic element. He was cnrsed by the Whigs, but
ardently supported by Democrats.

The year 1841 was uneventful, except the fact that
l^rocess of grade and bridge building on the railroad was
in progress, with a large number of employes, most gen-
erally of a foreign element. From about Vanclevesville,
on the East, to North Mountain, west of toAvn, the em-
ployes were all from Ireland. Beyond that to near Sleepy
Creek, they were German — growing out of the fact that
contractors were Irish at one place and German at the
other. A Mr. Wm. O'Neal had the contract East of
town, from Green Hill Cemetery to about one mile East
of Opequon Creek. Immediately through the town a
Mr. Eads was contractor, and beyond Dry Run, West, a
German by name of Rotterman, was contractor. I knew
them ail personally, as they were boarders at my home.

On St. Patrick's day of this year, an old gentleman by
name of Gallaher, was honored by the jokers of the town
in having a "paddy" hung upon a tree in front of his
residence. He took it in as a good joke, and carefully
taking it down, gave it to us school boys that were pres-
ent, provided we would carry it upon a board as a bier
and he would walk as chief mourner on the street to the
Everett House, which we did. The "paddy" was left
there in the care of a colored man for future use. On the
night of the 31st, "paddy" was removed to Tuscarora
Creek, at foot of John street,— carefully placed in the
water with one foot showing boot sole near the top, and
the balance of the body seen under water, which to every
appearance was a drowned man. Wm. Reed, on his way
to the factory, made the discovery. He immediately re-
IDorted the fact to the Coroner, Mr. Anthony Chambers,
who summoned a jury of inquest, and to the disturbance
of many a breakfast. Citizens of the town hastened to

Reminiscence. 261

this ghastly sight. The jury was placed solemnly on
each side of the bridge, and parties detailed to bring the
body out for view before them. One seized hold of the
floating leg, when off came the boot, exposing the straw
filling of the "paddy." At this moment arose the cry
loud and long, "April fool." It would be impossible to
describe the angry, vengeful excitement of the coroner,
jury and citizens, who had been so fearfully fooled.

In the month of December of this year, 1841, the trial
of a colored man name John, charged with the murder
of a white man named Colbert, who lived near the mouth
of Opequou Creek, occurred before the County Court.
Jacob Weaver was Chief Magistrate, with four Associate
Justices, and the full bench were present. He was con-
victed and sentenced to be hung — time fixed in February,
of 1842. It was the only public execution that had taken
place since about 1830, of which event I only have a tra-
ditionary knowledge. Three colored men were charged
and convicted of highway robbery, and were executed by
hanging on the Winchester road near town. They claim-
ed innocence, and predicted that it would be attested by
a fearful storm before the people dispersed from the
ground. It seemed to be a well established fact that
such storm did occur - of wind, rain and hail, which was
very destructive to growing corn, and also grain crops,
just harvested. The sympathy of the public was much
excited in behalf of this poor colored man John, and
great efforts were made for his reprieve, but without
avail. 1 ime arrived for execution, and an immense crowd
assembled to witness it. He was placed upon his cofiin
in an open barred ladder wagon at the jail door, and was
guarded by the Lafayette Guards, squad walking in close
double file on either side. Immediately following were
the sheriff and Deputies — C. D. Stewart, D. C. Burns
and Cornelius Comeqy, with Rev. Charles Martin, of the
Lutheran Church, his spiritual adviser. The column
commenced moving, John, singing in a quiet, plaintive-

262 Reminiscence.

toticliirig tone the liymn "When I can read my title clear
to mansions in the skies, I'll bid farewell to every fear
and wipe my weeping eyes," which he kept up until the
gallows was reached. The place was just beyond Nor-
borne Hall, or Cumberland Yalley Depot, in a deep
ravine surrounded by rising rocky ground. I "witnessed
his ascent to the platform — and farewell with the minis-
ter, and immediately hastened away. The rope broke
and a fearful cry arose from the lookers on. John was
helped up and again ascended to the platform, from
which he was soon suspended. He was buried beneath
the gallows, from where his remains were removed and
dissected by the physicians of the town, in an old aban-
doned brew house on Spring alley, near Liberty Spring.
He was skinned and his hide tanned by a colored man
named Wm. Piper, who gaye to a friend of mine a strip
of the hide that I have often seen used in sharpening a
razor. Nothing unusual, that I can recall, occurred this
year, 1842.

As usual and according to law, in the month of May
each year, the militia met for field evolution and march-
ing, and to answer to the call of their name from the
record of the regiment, as a member of the militia of the
State. It was preceded by four days drill of officers,
Captain and Lieutenants, with Major, Adjutant, Colonel
and other officers. Sometimes the General of Divis-
ion would be present. General Carson, of Winchester,
is the only live militia general that I had ever seen. Our
Colonels of Regiment 69, during my early days, were E.
P. Hunter, R. V. Snodgrass, and last, Jacob Sencindi-
ver, who \yas in command on last general muster in May
1861. During the years 1842 and '43, rail-laying began
and passed beyond the town. One of the most wild and
excited times, occurred on general muster day, in one
of these two years. The regiment had just been formed
in marching order, when suddenly, and for the first time,
the liiercing whistle of a stea,m engine broke upon the

lieminiscence . 263

ear. Regiment, officers and men broke ranks, and run-
ning pell-mell, were soon on the hill beyond the mill now
owned by Geo. M. Bowers, waiting with anxiety the
arrival of this monster. There was no more mustering,
and the day was given up to general drinking, carousing,
rioting and fighting.

In 1843 I became fully identified with the business of
the town, entering the store of E,. P. Bryarly & Co. The
other merchants were G. and C. W. Doll, John H. Li-
kens, Mevorel Locke, J). S. White, Hamme & Stevens,
John W. Boyd, John Jamison, Washington Kroesen and
possibly others ; drug stores, Wm. Dorsey, W. H. He-
zeltine, and Adam Young. We had no clothing stores.
Cloths and cassimeres were manufactured into clothing by
regular tailors, who were Hiram Bowen, Hugh McKee,
Pat. Cunningham, Ezekiel Showers, Wm. Billmire and
John and Wm. Hoke, each of whom employed journey-
men with many apprentices. One confectionery and
cake stand was kept by George liaenhal. During this
year one freight train with a passenger car arrived in the
early morning, and returning East in the afternoon. The
depot was a small shed roof building, occupying site of
stone wall on your present platform, and Mr. John Jami-
son was the agent. At or about this time Archibald
Oden opened his house as a hotel, where the present St.
Clair stands, and it became the leading hotel of the town.
Wm. L. Boas occupied the Everett House as an hotel.
The market house for the town occupied a space in front
of King Street Hall, which was then the M. E. church.
It was a rough stone structure, with roof reaching very
near the ground, and open lattice Avood-work for the
front — standing square on Qaeen street on a line with
Commodore Boreman's residence. There was space all
round for market wagons. A good joke was played o£E
by the bad boys of the town upon two eccentric charac-
ters named Gano, father and son. Jim and Dad were the
only names I ever heard for them. They attended mar-

264 Reminiscence.

ket often, and would drive their vragon beliind tlie mar-
ket konse, and there leave it for the morning. On this
occasion they were loaded with buckwheat flour. The
boys unloaded the wagon, detached the wheels, taking it
by pieces upon the roof and there replacing it in perfect
running order, carried up the buckwheat, reloaded it and
left. The opening of market was from 2 to 3 o'clock A.
M. On this particular morning it was dark, rainy and a
heavy fog prevailing. The wagon being missed an alarm
was raised, and officers of the town employed to find the
stolen property, without avail. When daylight came,lo,
and behold ! on the roof of the building was found the
stolen property intact with nothing missed. Ever after,
however, Dad and Jim took good care to drive their
wagon into the hotel yard. Another good and surpris-
ing joke was perpetrated sometime previous to this. A
Mr. Wm. Thompson had running at large, and very tame,
a small jackass. The boys got hold of him one Saturday
night, took him up in the Court House, and from the
floor of the gallery raised him by block and tackle into
the steeple, and placing his head out of a window just
below the hall, secured him and left. He was a great
animal for braying and gave always a very hideous sound.
On Sabbath morning, the people on their way to church,
were greeted by him looking out of the steeple window.
Mr. Thompson and the town authorities offered large re-
wards to discover who committed this offence, however,
without success. _ Nothing that I can recall of moment
occurred during this year.

In 1844 came on the Presidential election. The Dem-
ocrats presented James K. Polk for President and George
M. Dallas for Vice-President. The Whig party Henry
Clay and Theodore Frelinghuysen. The contest was
carried on fairly and honorably, with each advocating
clear and distint principles much animated, but no furor
and excitement. The question of admission of Texas as
a State being advocated by the Democrats and bitterly

Reminiscence. 265

opposed by tlie Whigs, seemed to be the leading ques-
tion, and gave success to the Democracy. It is my im-
pression thfit before Polk took his seat, on March 4th,
1845, Texas -was admitted by action of the Senate and
lower House, and approved by President John Tyler.
Early in 1845 John C. Fremont raised a company of vol-
unteers for the purpose of exploring the Rocky Moun-
tains. Among the number was a native of our county,
Henry Vincenheller, a millwright by trade, which iden-
tified us with the grand undertaking and claimed our in-
terest with its success or failure. No one ever appeared
to know what became of him. Many of the volunteers
perished before Freemont was heard from, as the con-
queror of California in part. There was great activity in
raising recruits for the army, and many of our young
men enlisted, only two of whose names I can recall —
Samuel Caskey and John Myers. During the fall mouths
the question of war with Mexico was constantly before
us, finally reaching a climax by the call of the Govern-
ment for volunteers. In, the month of December daily
the fife and drum passed through the streets, morning
and evening each day, a new face appearing in the
company. Capt. E. G-. Alburtis, Daniel Poisal, Otho
Harrison, a Mr. Gray, ^Yilliam Sherrard, Samuel K.
Stucky, John and Jim Bear, John Gallaher, John Ott,
a young Blondell and John Jamison were among the first.
After several weeks a company of 46 men was formed,
of which Dr. John H. Hunter and Wm. Keefe v*-ere part.
Col. Hamptrammeck, of Shepherdstown, Hon. C.J. Faulk-
ner and others spoke at a public meeting, and it was not
a great while until a company was fully formed and left
for Fortress Monroe, the place of rendezvous for Vir-
ginia volunteers. One came back, not passing examina-
tion from loss of one eye. One, the young Blondel men-
tioned, died at the fort. All the others, I believe, re-
turned after peace was declared without injury in any
way, except Lieutenant Gray, of whom no information

260 Reminiscence.

was ever given as to his fate. The vrar closing, the
country was iDrosperous and largely extended in territory.
The year 1849 arrived, at which time came Avonderful
reports of gold discoveries in California. Nearly every
one seemed disposed to strike out for the wealth said to
lay on the surface of the ground, only waiting to be
picked up and brought into use, Many of our young
men joined companies and left, very few of whom have
ever returned, and many have perished from disease,
want, and neglect to lorovide and equip themselves for
such a trip through the wilds of the Rocky Mountains,
which previous to Fremonts's exploration was termed
the Grreat American Desert. From the year 1844 up to
the year 1849, I occupied, the position of Deputy Post-
master under John H. Likens, and tlie jDosition gave me
wonderful opportunity to know the people of both town
and county. In the Presidential year of election, 1S48,
the Democrats presented Lewis Cass for President —
name for Vice-President not remembered. The whig
party presented the grand old warrier. General Taylor,
with Millard Fillmore for Vice-President. Owing to
dissension in New York, M. Van Buren was run on a
local state question to some extent, and brought up for
the lirsttime the question of Free Soil on Free Territory,
as against the Extension of Slavery. James Birney also
ran as an avowed slavery Abolition candidate — the result
being the defeat of Cass and success of Taylor ; the sla-
very question entering largely into the contest nationally
for the first time in my knowledge. Taylor lived but a
short time and was succeeded by Millard Fillmore, Vice-
President, who was a good man — conservative and na-
tional in Ms recommendations and acts, but not popular
with the extremists of the south. There was wonderful
agitation and excitement, and almost war, which was
averted only by a compromise measure offered by Henry
Clay, but which opened up a question called the Missouri
Compromise, and again in a few years opened up the

Reminiscence. 267

full agitation of the slavery question. The Soutli was
kept in a continuous condition of excitement, by the
strong and vicious talk of war for the protection of sla-
very. The rights of the South and their violation by
the North, was a constant theme of discussion, both
public and private. There was no peace or quietness to
be found in any community south of the Potomac Kiver.
In the year 1851, a convention for constitutional change
was called for and held. The delegates from our district
elected, were Dr. Dennis Murphey, Hon. Andrew Hunter,
Hon. C. J. Faulkner and one other, whose name I forget.
The constitution was presented before the people and ap-
proved by popular vote, which extended the right of
suffrage to every white man not disqualified by mental
incapacity or pauperism. This gave Berkeley County
a large Democratic majority for the first time in its his-
tory, except on two occasions by dissension amoug the
Whigs, during the years 1846, '47 and '48 ; growing out
of arbitrary action by the County Court against the pro-
test of many Justices, who resided outside of town. The
bridge crossing on South Queen street was washed out
by a great flood. The County Court, without summon-
ing a full bench, appointed a committee to rebuild, also
to place under contract, which was greatly opposed.
However, the contract was given to Wm. Lester, and a
large debt created against the county. At a full bench
of Justices, the bonds of the county were issued upon
a very small majority vote. This gave lise to the cry
' 'Court House Clique, "and many positiveY/higs determin-
ed to defeat them in any nominations they might present
for Legislature. James E. Stewart, now Judge in Page
County, ran as an independent candidate as against
Whig nominees, and was elected, I believe. At the next
Legislative election, Dr. A. C. Hammond was an inde-
pendent Whig, who joined with Lewis Grantham, Demo-
cratic nominee, and they were elected, defeating Col. E.
P; Hunter and Col. Edward Colston, Whig nominees.

268 Reminiscence.

The election for county officers, under the new constitu-
tion, came off in May, 1852. Jacob Van Doren, Jr.,
Whig, was elected Sheriff ; E. G. Alburtis, County Clerk,
and Israel Kobinson, Circuit Court Clerk, Democrats,
which party was generally successful for all officers in
the county and for State Legislature, all through my
early boyhood days. The County Clerks office and re-
cords were kept in a small stone house, east of the pres-
ent jail. About the year 1848, the county erected the
brick house on public square, now owned and occupied
by Dr. W. D. Burkhart as a residence and store, which
was used for County and Circuit Clerks' office until after
the new Court House was erected. The clerks. Circuit
Court, Col. John Strother, under appointment for years;
and Harrison Waite, County Clerk, after whose death
Capt. Jacob Van Doren became successor, held offices
until newly elected officers' terms commenced.

The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, about the year 1849,
commenced the foundation for an engine house and machine
shops, and made Martinsburg a first-class station. Wash-
ington Kroesen erected a log store house directly opposite
the present depot, facing the railroad with switch coming
up to platform of house. He did a large grocery busi-
ness, and commenced the erection of the stone building,
formerly the Railroad Co's. depot and freight house,
which was occupied first by W. H. Cronise & Co. They
did a rushing business, but soon failed, and John H.
Likens, my employer, was engaged in business therein,
I being his chief clerk and salesman. At this time the
Martinsburg and Potomac turnpike was put under con-
tract— M. C. Kyne and P. J. Mussetter, contractors for
first 5 miles ; Henry Haines, 2 miles ; Charles Downs, 4
miles ; and Jeremiah Sullivan, remainder to the river.
Daniel Burkhart was President, and John H. Likens,
Secretary, the records and books being kept by myself
as his clerk. Messrs. Kyne and Mussetter threw up the
"contract, which Burkhart and Likens took u}) and finish-

Reminiscence. 269

ed. Then I became time keeper and paymaster to the
employils. The State subscription was three-fifths, and
personal subscription two-fifths. Collections from the
State were secured by approval of report by members of
the State Board of Improvement, and upon their requisi-
tion the money was drawn from the old Valley Bank in
"Winchester. The members of the Board were a Mr.
Pendleton, of Clarke Co., and Gen'l Carson, of Frederick
Co., and it invariably devolved upon me, in person, to
visit and secure their names and order for payment of
money from the bank — thus becoming closely identified
with this, the first turnpike road in the county. The
Winchester pike was commenced a few years later.

The town then began to expand. J. W. Boyd pur-
chased the vacant land on the south side of East Burke
street, and subdividing in lots, they were soon owned
and improved by buildings. The first, just beyond the
bridge, was purchased by Jeremiah Smith, an old rail-
road employ^. On the opposite side J. W. Hooper pur-
chased, and immediately erected a building and ten-pin
alley, which was the first drinking saloon that I can re-
call. He also erected a brick dwelling beyond. A Mr.
Chevally purchased a large body of land, and commenced
a vegetable and fruit garden. A Mr. Lohr erected a large
brick house, which stood alone for several years on the
present High street. Benj. R. Boyd erected the stone
building east of the railroad, on Queen street, and C. M.
Shaffer the stone store house, now occupied by C. M.
Shaffer & Son. Daniel Burkhart erected the small brick
houses on the south side of the street. The only house
between the railroad and Daniel Burkhart' s old residence
was a small wooden structure, owned and occupied by
Mrs. Kane and family, mother of Bishop Kane. A Mr.
Strine came, and purchasing from Mr. Burkhart, im-
. provement by building immediately commenced. This
I think was after 1850 or 1851. The old mill, then a grist
or corn mill, consisted of about one-story, 16x20 feet, and

271) Reminiscence.

occupied the present Fitz mill site with a saw- mill oppo-
site. The water way from each ran on either side of a
tongue of land, on which was a iine large spring of clear,
cold water. The streams joined a short distance below,
and formed a wide, shallow water, through which the
street ran. The hill from town was very rough and
rocky, and the means of crossing was a narrow log on
either side of this tongue of land, on which was the
spring. Where the railroad crosses Tuscarora was a
spring, and when the bridge was built, an arch was left
oiDen in the side of it so as to give access to the spring,
which I suppose is still to be found there. John H.
Likens erected the large stone building on the south side
of the railroad. About this period my direct business
relations with the town ceased. I moved to Bedington,
(Sulphur Springs,) yet was in town every week, more or
less.

Circuit Court being in session in the spring of 1852,
and contest for nominations of congressional candidates,
Henry Bedinger, having been our representative for sev-
eral previous terms, was bitterly opposed, and Wni.
Lucas sought the nomination in his stead. Democrats
were greatly divided in sentiment, and Bedinger suc-
ceeded in securing the nomination. At the dinner table
of old Tammany were all, or nearly all, leading Demo-
crats of the county. The subject came up, and many,
if not all, expressed their determination not to vote for
Bedinger. Some one suggested that Mr. Faulkner be
urged to run as an independent candidate, and in that
conference it was determined if he would give to them
certain pledges regarding his vote for speaker they would
vote for him. A committee was informally appointed,
and before the hour of the next morning a circular was
posted announcing Mr. F. as an independent union can-
didate for Congress. He Was elected, and again re-
elected as a full-fledged Democrat for the next term.
About this period Hon. John Blair Hoge, in his young

lieminisceiice. 271

manliood, took unequivocal positions as a Democrat.
The Presidential election approacliing, there arose in
Philadelphia a party naming themselves the "American
Party,'' who announced themselves as hostile to the vote
of foreigners — naturalized citizens coupling with that
hostility to the Catholic Church, denying them the right
to vote or hold ofRce. The national conventions having
met, the Democrats presented for President Franklin
Pierce, and for Yice-President Wm. R. King. The
Whigs nominated General Winheld Scott for President ;
Vice-President not remembered. Previous to this elec-
tion in the fall, Hon. Henry A. AVise was nominated for
Governor by the Democrats, and Hon. W. L. Goggin by
the Whigs — election occurring in May.

During the month of February, as one would pass on the
street, he would notice a large number of small three-
cornered pieces of paper with the word 8am written
thereon. Dm-ing the evening, towards dark, citizens
would be asked, to take a vi^alk, and would find them-
selves generally introduced into a long, one story stone
' building, used as a school-house by a Mr. Webster, and
located on Raleigh street, near C. V. Depot. There, if
disposed, they would join the Darklantern Knownothing
Organization, known publicly as the American Party.
Personally, I was solicited time and again to take the
walk. When the exposure came by a withdrawal of a
number of Democrats, I then became familiar with their
mode of securing adherents. Wise was elected Gover-
nor with the entire Democratic ticket. In the fall Pierce
and King were elected with almost unanimity, Scott
carrying only three or four States. The administration
proved very popular with both North and South.

About the year 1853 the cholera visited Harper's Fer-
ry, and an epidemic violent in form. Many citizens left
for safety. A family by the name of Crowl, owning a
farm in the vicinity of Gerardstown, moved part of the
family — the old gentleman, wife and three daiighters.

272 Reminiscence.

They brought the disease with them, and all died, be-
sides many in the neighborhood. A son coming from
the Ferry hired ahorse and buggy from George Swimley,
proprietor of the Everett House. It was a very popular
hotel and filled with permanent boarders. On one Sun-
day evening the son returning, drove up in front of the
hotel, but remained sitting in the buggy. Some one,
upon going to him, found him in what is termed a col-
lapsed state of cholera. The alarm was raised, and Mr.
Swimley coming forward, took the man in his arms and,
carrying him in, proceeded to his own bed-room, where
he placed him in bed and sent for physicians. Imme-
diately the guests began to leave, when Mr. Swimley
came to the head of the steps and announced that all
might leave— that he would care for the sick man, let the
consequences be Avhat they might. His house was closed
for three days by the town authorities, except at one
door on Burke street, at the end of which it was an-
nounced the young man was getting well. The alarm
ceased, and he was deservedly more popular than before.
He exhibited the true charity of the good Samaritan, and
although his manners were unrefined and his habits pos-
sibly would not meet the approval of many, yet, thank
God for such unselfish Christian characters as he.

Coming into Martinsburg in the early morning
for market, in the latter part of June or early in July,
1854, I heard proceeding from the house on corner of
Race and Queen streets, the most piercing screams.
Proceeding up Queen the same sounds of agony came from
a house opxDosite the present Valley House. Turning
the corner of Martin Street, the same greeting met me
from the house in the rear of the Lutheran Church.
Being at my old home, I learned that Mrs. Geo. Raen-
hal had died from cholera, and upon going down town,
by nine o'clock, I found that nine persons were dead
from cholera. On the Monday previous, Miss Kate
Homrich and Thos. Turner died. From this time forward

Reminiscence. 273

the town was in a fearful condition, more or less deaths
occurring every day, until toward the latter part of
August when it abated. It again broke out in violence
about the middle of September, and continued with less
fatal effects until some time in November. The first
body buried in Green Hill Cemetery was that of Mrs.
Geo. Raenhal or Horace Woodward, an engineer in the.
railroad service, who also died from this fatal disease.,
A lawyer of the town, David H. Conrad, organized a re-
lief or nurse body of volunteers, who would agree to
give two nights a week, if necesrary, in waiting upon the
sick and seeing the dead properly preparedf or the grave.
It proved an important aid to physicians. In the month
of November, B. L. Jacobs, Railroad agent, being very
ill, solicited me to take charge of the Railroad ticket
and freight office for him temporarily, which I did ; the
freight depot being on North Queen street, about where
present house stands, and the passenger and ticket sta-
tion being at foot of Martin street, as at present. Wash-
ington Kroesen built a brick hotel, which became a pas-
senger eating house, and was conducted by Henry Staub
for several years, during which time the railroad company
built a fine brick hotel on North Queen street opposite
Bishop's store. They removed and located the passen-
ger and freight business at that point, where it remained
until the ijroperty was burnt in early part of civil war.
The years 1855, '50 and '57 were uneventful, except for
rapid progress in business and population. During the
years 1853, '54 and '55, Mr. Sam'l Fitz purchased from
Daniel Burkhart the old oil mill, and began improve-
ment by sinking Tuscarora and building the present
grand mill in part, and his foundry and machine shops ;
the creek being spanned by the bridge, and the street
filled to its present level. In 1858, my connection with
town and county business by being elected teller of the
Bank of Berkeley, gave me an opportunity for gathering
much knowledge of the business affairs of the county and

18

274 Reminiscence.

surroiincling country. During and preceding tliis period,
from possibly 1848, flour was manufactured and shipped
to Eastern markets in very large quantities. Alfred
Repp, D. D. Rees, James McWliorter, and some one
from the J. E. Boyd mill, at Bunker Hill, were large
shippers ; as also the Kewcomer mill, on the Opequon ;
the Hibbard and Tabb mills, west of town ; the Geo. H.
McClure, now Hannis mill ; and the Bower' s mill, in toAvn,
and Thos. G. Plagg, east of town. Daniel Burkhart had
a small distillery on Dry Run, where the present large
Hannis distillery now stands, and P. G. Flagg distilled
liguor at his place east of town.

On the morning of the 9th of October, 1859, a citizen,
W. N. Riddle, Esq., was seen to hastily enter the Court
House, and soon the bell was pealing forth a rapid and
excited sound, which only occurred in case fire was pre-
vailing. Citizens began hastily to collect, and as they
assembled it Avas announced that Harper's Ferry Armory
had been captured, and citizens of the town were being
shot down upon the streets, and were calling for aid to
capture and discover ivhat it meant. It was announced
that a train of cars would be ready to proceed there, car-
rying volunteers, who would arm themselves with such
weapons as they could. In a short time Capt. E. G.
Alburtis, an old Mexican war veteran, was selected to
command, and other officers appointed. By 11 o'clock
they were ready, and going to the depot, took the train,
which proceeded to the Ferry, accompanied by a large
number of unarmed citizens. Our men were stopped
this side of the Ferry, and ordered to enter the Armory
yard at west end, and there remain for further orders.
Instead of which, in impetuosity, they pressed forward
until they came under fire from Brown' s men, who had
been driven into the small engine house, from which the
Marines under General Lee captured them. George
Murphy, our Prosecuting Attorney, was wounded
through the calf of his leg ; J. K. Hammond, our Dep- 1

Reminiscence. 275

uty Sheriff, had the point of his hip shot off ; a young
man in the railway service was shot through the stomach ;
George Wollett, assistant in the service, was shot through
the hand ; and George Eichardson, a railroad watchman,
had his right eye shot out. It was always claimed, that
if they had been properly supported, they vt^ould have
succeeded in capturing the invaders before the marines
arrived. No one could describe the excitement prevailing.
At about 6 o'clock in the evening, our wounded boys
came back. They and the citizens could only say that
it was a negro insurrection commenced, which only in-
creased the excitement and alarm. During the night it
was announced that the marines had captured them, and
that old John Brown, known as a Kansas Free State
Fighter, was the leader, with negro and white men as
abettors. It was remembered with alarm that for months
a deaf and dumb strange negro man had appeared in pe-
culiar dress upon the streets of the town, marching as if
under military orders, always near sundown. His plug
silk hat was adorned with a feather from a turkey's tail,
and a band of red flannel round the body of the hat.
He was generally supjjosed to be insane, and no atten-
tion was ever paid him. It is certain, however, from this
day forward he was never seen again. Hence he has al-
ways been coupled, in my mind, as an aider of the Brown
gang. From this day forward, until the final close of the
civil strife by surrender of General Lee, in April, 1865,
we were under military surveilance and control. The
business of the town, although disturbed, still continued
unobstructed. Personally, I removed from town to the
residence of my mother in-law, on the Potomac River,
going to and from town each day and familiar with what
was occurring. Scouts and military organizations were
going to and returning from different points along the
Potomac every day, on the lookout for further forays by
such wicked fanatics as John Brown and his gang. Daily
reports of a startling character being stated of a large or-

276 Reminiscence.

ganization of rescuers of Brown, who was in Jefferson
County jail, were coming in on ns at any hour. It was
a period of unrest and disquietude, indeed.

The Presidential election of 1860 coming on, Demo-
cratic dissension placed John C. Breckenridge and Ste-
phen A. Douglass before the people. The then lately
organized party, under the name of Eepublican having
absorbed the Whig party North, selected Abraham
Lincoln as their candidate — the Union Party, as called,
presenting John Bell, which largely absorbed the Whig
element South. The election came off, resulting as
known in the selection of Lincoln. The already inflamed
and excited people of all parties flew almost at once into
an attitude of war in the South. In the early months of
the year 1861, we were startled with news of the burning
of Government property at Harper's Ferry, by the
ofRcers and soldeirs, who had been stationed there as
guards, and their ra^Did movement to Washington. In
a few days it developed, why it had been done by the
concentration of military forces, representing as stated,
state authority. It had been distroyed by orders from
the war department, in order to defeat its capture of
arms and ordinance stored in the Armory, by the
Southern men. From this time forward. Harper' s Ferry
was the scene of many exciting circumstances. Shortly
after this the Armory proper was dismantled, — all the
machinery for arms and manufacture were removed;
some said to Richmond, others to North Carolina.

Our yearly General Regimental parade coming on in
month of May, 1861, occasioned wonderful excitement.
The officers determined to march under the State Flag,
discarding the stars and stripes of the country. Perso-
nally, being an ardent supporter of the Government as
against secession, I joined with others in securing a large
part of the Regiment, who carried and marched under
the grand old Stars and Stripes, in defiance of orders
from the officers. It almost brought on personal rioting

Reminiscence. 277

and fighting, and if arms had been at command, it is
probable much blood would have been shed. This gave
occasion for officers in command at Harper's Ferry to
send a military company here to keep down the Union
sentiment. It was the Rockbridge Guards, under com-
mand of Capt. Letcher ; and they proved good fellows,
largely in sympathy with the Union sentiment Capt.
Letcher was ordered to burn the Railroad bride crossing
Opequon Creek. He refused to obey orders, was put
under arrest and removed, his company also returning to
Harper's Ferry. In their stead the Clarke County Greys
were sent up, and under orders they burnt the bridge.
This incensed Union men very much, and members of the
company would, individually, receive an unexpected
lick or knock-down whenever opportunity occurred in
the hotels of the town. They had headquarters in Gran-
tham Hall building, and every afternoon would drill in
the square. One Saturday afternoon it was noticed that
many persons, citizens, and employes of the Railroad
Company, collected on the Court House pavement. The
military formed as usual in time, in front of the Col.
Hoge, now J. B. Wilson residence, facing the crowd.
On the Court House pavement commenced loud and
vociferous comments upon their appearance and drill, and
finally some one threw a stone, striking a gun in the
hands of a member of the company. Many in the com-
pany brought their guns to shoulder, ready to shoot.
The crowd made a break toward them, but before reach-
ing them, they had dispersed and were mounting steps
to their headquarters. The crowd hooted and howled
for some time, but the soldiers kept within their qiiar-
ters, and finally the crowd dispersed. This was the
only assault on the military I ever witnessed in town.

A Regiment of cavalry, under the command of J. E.
B. Stewart, came nexc, and camped in the county, scout-
ing along the Potomac River. They were seldom in a
body in the town— hence, no collision ever came up.

278 Reminiscence.

Still continuing my trips daily, to and from town, at-
tending my bank duties, I passed through cavalry camp
morning and evening; they being in the orchard of
John C. Small, on Martinsburg and Williamsport pike.
Holding a pass from Col. Stewart, I was surprised one
evening upon arrival at picket post by arrest, being
conducted to Col. Stewart's tent. I was met with the
charge of being dangerous in conveying news to the
enemy, then in force on the Maryland side of the river ;
my residence being in sight of the river and my senti-
ments being hostile to the South. I offered simply inno-
cence of having conveyed information, or of having such
disposition. Hoge being present, appealed in my be-
half, and I was released with a more far reaching pass
than I had before. On the 2nd day of July, 1861, the
Bank closed up its business, all its funds, books, bonds,
etc., being placed in the hands of a committee for safe
keeping. From this time forward to 1872, I was only a
casual visitor to the town. In 186,3, I became identified
with the railroad service, located at Cumberland, Md.
In January 1864, I was in charge of Harper' s Ferry
agency, and was every week a visitor to your town in
transaction of business for the comjjany with the mili-
tary authorities — hence, I know but little of the history
of the town after "1861.

The fight between General Jackson and Patterson's
forces, near Falling Waters, was under my view. Shortly
after it opened, in company with John Marshall and
Henry Myers, v/ho lived at Bedington, we passed out to
see what was on fire, a dense smoke appearing, and found
Wm. Porterfield' s barn burning. The Confederate' s were
in battle array on the hill between Mr. Hill's residence,
just where the road turns off to the Falling Waters
church. Unexpectedly we found ourselves captured by
the 4th Wisconsin Regiment, who were flanking to the
south side of the burning barn. When we recovered
our surprise the Confederates had retired, and we sup-

Reminiscence. 279

posed, continued tbeir retreat to and beyond Martins-
burg. On our way to have a liearing one dead man with,
a ball tlirougli Jiis head was seen lying on the pike, and
was a member of the 4th Wisconsin regiment. At Mr.
Porterfield's residence was found iive severely wounded
Federals, and under an apple tree was a dead man, sup-
posed to be a Confederate by his dress. At the house
of John Gonter three wounded Federals were found, one
of whom had the most singular appearance I have ever
seen. His head lay perfectly level on the right shoul-
der, and on his neck, under the left ear, appeared a large
blood blister. His body was paralyzed. The surgeon
said it was caused by abrasion — a small sized six-pound
canon ball having passed between the ear and shoulder,
not striking, but just rubbing against the skin. The
wounded Federals were placed in ambulances and Avent
back to Maryland. The dead Confederate was buried in
the field back of Porterfield's barn.

The seasons, winter and summer, in our latitude, are
generally uniform, but there have been exceptions. I
cannot recall the year, but it was from 1836 on to 1840 —
one summer it was uniformly cold, with frost occurring
more or less in each summer month — during which, about
the middle of July, an old revolution iry veteran was
buried. His remains were taken to a graveyard in the
country, jjossibly at the old Baptist Church, near the
Newcomer mill ; anyhow it was out that way. Being
buried with military honors, the boys of the town natu-
rally would be present. I distinctly recollect the fact
that whilst the salute over the grave was being fired, it
commenced snowing and continued ixntil the ground was
covered fully three inches, becoming fiercely cold. The
past year, 1887, being a noted year for fierce blizzards
and wonderful snow storms in various parts of our coun-
try, calls my attention to a wonderful snow storm which
we had in 1842, in the early part of February. It com-
menced snowing on Friday, about noon, falling rapidly

280 lieminiscence.

and continuing all day Saturday, Sunday and Monday ;
and in the afternoon of Monday, still snowing, a fierce
driving wind came on.. On Tuesday morning the entire
country was blocked up, and in front of my home, on
the southeast corner of Shaffer's property, a large drift
was standing which reached the roof of the house. A
gentleman by the name of Yincenheller, seizing me,
caught me by the clothing and threw me into this drift
headforemost. Unfortunately, I fell too far near the
edge, sustaining a wounded right shoulder by striking on
the ground. I could not rise, and he becoming alarmed,
had to take a snow bath through the drift in order to re-
lieve me. This accident gave me the pleasure of a daily
sleigh ride all over the county, as he was fond of the
sport and had a fine team to make amends for his act,
and would take me with him. No fences could be seen
in any direction, and in many places in the woods the
lower limbs of the trees were hid under the snow. This
was the most severe snow storm we may have ever
had in the valley. In 1856 there were great snow falls,
and the railroads, also country roads, were blocked up,
but no such continuous storm as that of 1842.

The resident ministers of the town from 1828 to 1861,
as far as I can recall, were : Lutheran — C. P. Krauth, Sr.,
Medtart Schaifer, Weizer Martin, Sprecher Seip, "Winter
Krauth, Jr., Schonucker Fenk Kopp ; 1861, C. Martin.
German Reformed — Revs. Robt. Douglas, Daniel Bra-
gonier ; both these churches were united tisually with
Shepherdstown. Presbyterian— Revs. Peyton Harrison,
John Boggs, a Mr. Berry and A. C. Hopkins. Protest-
ant Episcopal — Revs. Johnson, Talifaria, Chisholm,
Davis, Sprigg and others. Methodist Episcopal— Revs.
Riley, Watts, Hodges, Goheen, CofSn, Dulin, Mercer,
March, Moorehead and many others. Baptist — Revs.
Wm. Herndon, "W. S. Penick and others. Catholic —
Rev. Wheelan, afterward Bishop of Diocese of W^. Ta.;
Revs. Plnnkett, O'Brien and Talty.

Reviiniscence. 281

xVmong tUe professional men were : Physicians — Drs.
Richard McSherry, Kownsler, Hollingsworth, John S.
Harrison, Sr. and Jr., Charles Magill, Dennis Murphy,
Jb\ D. Bellinger, Wm. Snodgrass, Thos. S. Page and E.
B. Pendleton. Dentists— John Little and W. P. With-
row. Judges of Circuit Court — J. R. Douglass, of Jef-
ferson County, and Richard Parker, of Frederick Coun-
ty. Lawyers — D. H. Conrad, E. P. Hunter, C. J. Faulk-
ner, Edmond Pendleton, J. Blair Hoge, Frank Thomas,
Norman Miller and Andrew Kennedy. Editors— Wash-
ington Evans, Col. E. P. Hunter, James E. Stewart and
Norman Miller, of Gazette; E. G. and Samuel Alburtis
and Major Israel Robinson, of the Virginia Repuhlican.

From my earliest days the parish, (now called the poor-
house, ) occupied the present building known as Korborne
Hall. A Mr. James Moon was the keeper, and supplies
were furnished by J. W- Boyd. At one time there was
quite a political scandal in regard to the improper use of
inmates, and the enormous profits made in supplying the
house, which linally resulted in the Court buying the
present farm and buildings on Tuscarora. I think this
was about the year 1850. The old Court House occupied
in part the locality of the present one. It did not come
to the corner of Queen street, but left a space fully thirty
feet. The corner was occupied by a frame building with
brick back dwelling house, and was the best store stand
in town. It occupied the spacte now about where Sher-
iff's office stands. *

The first telegraph office that we had in town was in a
frame building, occupying the corner of Grantham Hall,
the line coming direct up King street and diverging from
the railroad at the Bower's mill. I was boarding at the
corner of Spring and King streets, and opposite on the
Jail steps, upon one occasion, sat two of our aged men,
Jesse Hayden and Adam Schoppert.

Adam says: "Jesse, how does this thing woik, any.

282 Reminiscence.

liow ? I have been watching it for the last hour and
nothing has gone over it yet."

Jesse replied : "Why, Adam, it is a liquid and flows
inside the v.'ire, and you can't see it. When it gets to
the end it comes out."

"IIow's that," says Adam, " I seen Joe, my son, get a
telegraph from Harper's Ferry, and it was just like any
other letter."

" Well," replied Jesse, " it is a d— d puzzler, anyhow,
and I believe a fraud."

Without solving the problem of the telegraph they
closed their conversation, and I expect they were not the
only ones who were puzzled over the same matter.

We had many eccentric characters about town, and
amongst others was one Adam Cockburn. He owned
and lived on the property now owned by E. Herring, di-
rectly opposite Green Hill Cemetery. Every day Adam
was in town, usually visiting the various bar-rooms until
full, and he would then perambulate the streets, making
fun for everybody. Personally, I only have a vague
knowledge of him and his habits. His place was long
iised as a resort for the boys of the town, as a play
ground. Many a pleasant hour have I passed with my
boy friends in playing ball on the familiar Cockburn Hill.
The community yet has in it a representative of the long
ago, Alexander Grimes. He has always been a peculiar
character. His home for a long time was with my rela-
tives at old Tammany. Much of the filling, grading and
macadamiziug of King and Queen streets was done with
his assistance. His habits for a long time were very dis-
sipated. However, he made up his mind to quit drink-
iug, and purchasing a pint of liquor he took it to his
sister Polly, telling her he Avould only drink from that
bottle, and that she should refuse to give it to him. The
plan worked splendidly, and from that day to the pres-
ent I have never known him to be under the influence of
liquor. (If seen he will verify this statement.) He has

Reminiscence, 283'

always been noted for sharp repartee, and quick to take
advantage in a bargain. I recall an occurrence between
himself and one of our iDrominent lawyers. He was oc-
cupying a house, the owner of which wished to dispossess
him, and he applied to this lawyer for advice, receiving
and acting upon it. He retained the property, and the
lawyer told him his fee was five dollars — all right. Some
weeks after, in passing the garden of the lawyer, he
found the wife assisting in measuring off beds, by hold-
ing the tape line for her husband. He was invited to-
come in, and the lawyer taking him around, showed him
what he wished to do, and would every now and then
say, as an old gardener, do you think that would suit 'I
Aleck, (as he is called,) would give his opinion, and the
lawyer would thank him. After passing some time Aleck
says, "I believe I owe you five dollars for your advice
about the house." The lawyer said " yes,'- and looked
expectantly at the prospective coming fee, but was sur-
prised to hear Aleck say, "Well, my fee for garden
advice is ten dollars, so you are in debt to* me five." The-
lawyer honoring it as a good joke, immediately paid him
the difference. Another good and sharp practice occur-
red between Aleck and a Jew, by the name of Pfeiffer.
They occupied the same house on Queen street, where
Lambert's saloon now is. The Jew had a cord of wood
to be cut for stove use, and he applied to Aleck, who did
that kind of work, but would not agree on the price de-
manded. Finally Aleck agreed to cut the wood for the
chips, which Pfeiffer agreed to. They used in common
the cellar, and Aleck had his children picking up the
chips and throwing them down. Commencing, he would
cut two-thirds of the stick into chips and the remainder
into stove wood. When Pfeiffer discovered the fraud
practiced, he sued Aleck, but his bargain was such that
Aleck gained it.

We had a very good but eccentric character, James
Hutchinson, engaged in watch and clock repairing at the-

284 Reminiscence.

present Hyde stand. He never walked on the street, but
was invariably in a run. A noted character, Smith, the
razor strap man, visited our town, and his cry was always
" only a few more left — who takes the next ? " He sold
at auction on the street, and Mr. H. desiring one of the
wonderful straps, started in his usual running gait.
Catching the words "only a few more left," he called
out, "Save me one." Smith seeing him and hearing
what he said yelled out, "Only one more left." Mr. H.
quickened his run, and reaching the crowd took the
"one more." Looking down he noticed seven baskets
full, and left at once, muttering as he passed, " Oh, what
a liar ! " The first railroading that I ever saw occurred
with himself and family. The track was laid as far as
the bridge at the foot of Green Hill Cemetery, aud a
truck was standing on the track chucked. The old gen-
tleman, on his way to church on Opequon, placed his
wife and younger children upon it, and himself and
eldest son pushed it. After passing a short distance a
down grade commenced. The old gentleman or son
could neither stop the car, or yet keep up with it. It
got away from them, and mother children soon passed
out of sight. Brown Calvin and myself being near
Flagg' s Mill, followed the car and found that it had come
to a halt near Opequon, having struck a rising grade.
After some time the old gentleman came in sight in his
usual run, and was very grateful, apparently to Calvin
and myself, for saving his family.

Peter Gardner, the old hotel keeper whom I mentioned
before, was a grand caterer to his guests, and no one ever
set a better prepared or more plentiful supply upon a
table. On a court occasion his country guests were de-
tained on account of a German boarder whom he would
not delay. He placed upon the table a good-sized roast
pig, and the single boarder took his seat and hel]ped him-
self. After awhile Mr. G., upon going to the room, was
surprised to see none of the pig left, and the boarder, in

Eeminiscence. 285

a deeij German accent, said, "Have you any more little
hogs? I likes 'em." Mr. G. at once dismissed the
boarder as unprofitable.

Very few of the old landmarks of my boyhood days
are left around or in the town. The Burkhart property,
Hannis mill, Bowers mill, Boyd' s store, in Young' s, now
Herring's property; Lamberts saloon, formerly Clay-
comb Hotel ; Eagle Hotel, formerly Lutheran Church ;
Blondel dwelling, Dunn property, opposite Market
House; Long property, now owned by C. Thumel; brick
store-house adjoining Continental Hotel ; Boreman prop-
erty, Conrad, McSherry, Cunningham, Stewart, Reed,
Campbell, Pendleton and Harrison Waite, on Queen
street, are all improved considerably, but some are recog-
nizable as they were in the thirties. On King street the
Diffenderfer, Rousch, Shaffer, Wolff, Swartz, Snodgrass,
old Harrison, Shaffer, Poisal, Somerville, now Shaffer ;
Locke, now Young ; Alburtis, jail, old stone house cor-
ner opposite jail, Seaman, Gerard and Bowers' mill and
dwelling, all improved but still recognized as of old. On
Water street, where the Riddle and Showers properties
are now situated, was a long one-story building used as
a bark shed for Divinney' s Tannery, and long owned by
James Brown. On the opposite side was a general stone ■
quarry for the town. Tuscarora was noted as a fine fish-
ing stream. Many a fine sucker and eel have I seen and
caught therefrom. Above the Hannis mill was called
Ransom's Bottom, and the evidence of a great Indian
battle having been fought there Avas very clear. Many
a skull and bone of a dead Indian have I seen ploughed
up, and the only tomahawk I ever recollect of handling
was one found by a young boy named Alex. Gregory.
We were fishing and playing, when in tumbling he struck
the handle and drew it out. Your Dr. John H. Hunter
may recall this, as I think he was one of the company.

It was a very great pleasure during my young days to
visit in the surrounding country, near town, on the Win-

286 Reminiscence.

Chester road, tlie families of Martin Rousoli, Snodgrass,
old Jimmy Beard and John Jamison. On Tuscarora road
the Kearneys, old Jacob and George Seibert, the Mong
family. Barley Tabb, Hugh Campbell, the Cushvvas, Kil-
mers, Hibbards, Janneys, Wellers and Walters families,
all of whom would v/elcome you cordially and entertain
you royally. Hospitality and good fellowship was the
order of the times. There has always been an idea that
there was more real honesty and integrity at that period
of our history than since. It is a noted fact that farm-
ers would loan each other money without passing any-
thing more than their word on such a day it should be
returned, and very seldom a failure of promise would
occur.

Many of our jjeople of the present day do not recollect
the beautiful stone pillowed bridge that occupied the
ground now filled with solid stone structure, from Burke
street to beyond the Bowers mill. The rebels destroyed
it in their frenzy of insanity and destructiop of
railroad property during the civil war. Quite
a number of engines were fixed up and per-
mitted to run off into the street below, which was
obstructed for a long time. One of the most unusual
sights was witnessed in our town during the war. The
Rebels wishing to get some engines to Winchester,
hauled them by horse-power over the road. They had
hitched to one engine from twenty to twenty-four horses,
a, driver being provided for each four. They succeeded
in getting them through, but it must have been a difficult
job. The destruction of railroad property was immense
around and in Martinsburg. As a matter to satisfy my
curiosity, I rode from Tabb's crossing to road crossing
just above town, and in that space counted over four
hundred cars destroyed by fire, the rails removed and
ties burnt. At one point I found a rail wound around a
tree four times. They had heated the centre, and then
taking hold of ends, wound it round and round. The

Reminiscence. 287

station and hotel buildings at head of Queen street, and
the engine and machine shops, were destroyed and dis-
mantled. It was my misfortune to be absent from town
when this was done, but the wrecked and ruined condi-
tion was seen by me often. It afterwards became my
duty as an employe at Cumberland of the Company, to
see that material for rebuilding the track and bridges
was sent forward, so that I became very familiar with the
whole subject.

The subject of fires is one that, from your present effi-
cient organization and water supply, gives your people
very little uneasiness. When I was a boy we had a hand
engine, and our water supply was from cisterns on pub-
lic streets — one at Court House, one at Lutheran Church
corner, one at Presbyterian Church on King street, now
vacant lot. Each family was furnished with two leather
buckets, one of which hung out at the door, and was to
be filled with water every night, the other kept conveni-
ently inside, also filled w.-^. This was the instruction
from the town authorities. We had no Mayor and Coun-
cil then, that I can recall. , The first fire that I recall was
the burning of a large stable belonging to the Globe
Hotel, and occupying site of your present public school
in third ward. It was about noon that alarm was given,
and quite a number of horses, belonging to country peo-
ple, were burned. After this the factory at lower end of
town, where water works now stands, was burnt, and
occurred late at night. It was never thought possible to
save a house, and all effort was directed toward saving
the surrounding property. Next came the destruction
of the Globe Hotel, after which the corner house, then
occupied as a telegraph station and located on site of
Grantham Hall, was burned completely up. The most
alarming fire that I can recall was the burning of four
houses on King street, opposite the late .7. M. Wolff resi-
dence, which commenced between 12 and 1 o'clock, P.
M., in the cabinet-maker's shop of Andrew Bowman.

288 ■ Reminiscenice.

The wind was blowing almost a hurricane from the West,
and it was but a few moments until tlie entire row of
houses was in a blaze. Shingles were on fire and sparks
innumerable were settling everywhere, and in a short
time, on South side of street, fully twenty house-roofs
were on fire. It became necessary for from ten to fifteen
persons to be upon each house, in order to save them. I
doubt if your old town has ever experienced a more ex-
citing time from fire. The buildings burnt were very old
and dilapidated. The Kelley Hotel on Martin street, a
very large weatherboard building, was also burnt, be-
longing to Capt. Gardner. He was vexed about the loss,
and coming to the church corner, tried to throw supply
hose out of the cistern. In doing so he slipped and pas-
sed into the cistern feet foremost, but being a large man
he was caught about the hips and there held, until he
was relieved after great efforts. Col. Strother's house,
on site now occupied by H. C. Berry, was burnt one night
in the month of February, when it was so cold the water
froze in the hose and disabled the engine.

The water supply of our old town was from public
wells on the streets. One was in front of Lambert's sa-
loon, one at the Schoppert corner, one on the corner of
Burke and German streets, one in front of the Janney
property on King street, which belonged to Conrad
Rousch, and one at John Shaffer's residence. Many per-
sons had wells upon their own premises, and large sup-
plies were hauled daily from the various springs around
town. It was between 1848 and 1860 that the system of
cisterns was introduced. Messrs. S. B. and N. Mead
brought into use the cement and concrete cistern, which
is still much in use by builders. The condition of coun-
try around the town has changed wonderfully. At the
road leaving the pike at lime kiln, north end of town,
there was a nice grove of woodland, frequently patron-
ized by Simday School pic-nics. Just above the Hannis,
Mill, Avhere the Cumberland Valley bridge crosses the B.

Reminiscence. 289

& O. R. R.., woods commenced, and you could keep in
woodland without break until you reached Hedgesville.
On Tuscarora road, just beyond toll-gate, a heavy piece
of woodland occupied the ground. Immediately in rear
of Gen'l Boyd's residence, coming up to his yard, wood-
land commenced and continued without break above the
Big Spring, except one field. Then a good deal of cleared
land, belonging to the Tate and Snodgrass families. Then
came in a body of woodland on the west side of the Win-
chester road, which extended almost without a creak
until Apple Pie Ridge was reached, where the Lyle's,
Henshaw's, and other large farmers lived with much land
cleared and cultivated. Just back of the Jamison, late
Bentz farm, a body of woodland commenced and contin-
ued to the mountain with very few, if any breaks.

Out near the present residence of A. J. Thomas was
a grand grove, where almost every celebration of the 4th
of J uly was held, in barbecue style. But few, if any of
the new gene^-ation are familiar with the system of a bar-
becue, and I will therefore try to describe the manner
of preparation of the food. The entire carcass of a num-
ber of sheep and hogs, and sometimes the full carcass of
a steer, would be prepared for the feast. A deep pit was
dug and filled with such fuel as would burn down to a
bed of live coals. This was spanned with bars of iron,
on which was laid the carcass for broiling, and along side
would be a large pot filled with liquid butter, lard, etc.,
which would be applied by a mop to the cooking meat.
As one side became partially done, the other would be
turned to the fire by heavy pieces of wood, used as a
crowbar. When fully roasted or broiled, no one ever
tasted sweeter food. It generally came, however, after
fatigued marching and late in the afternoon, hence was
always appreciated. The meat was always accompanied
with good bread, and generally new potatoes and beans
— "Oh, for one more old-fashioned fourth of July cele-
bration."

19

290 Reminiscence.

I have given a few names of farmers in tlie immediate
vicinity of Martinsburg. It was my good fortune to be-
come well and familiarly acquainted with, persons who
lived at a distance, and whose representatives are still in
your county. No more clever class of people could be
found than many in and around Arden, among whom
were the Chenowiths, Millers, Gladdens, Lyles, Hen-
shaws, Sencindivers, Sanakers, Thomas, McDonalds,
Daniels, Throckmortons, Irelands, Meyers, Bayarlys,
Tablers, Campbells, Walkers, Pitzers, "of the old
stock" ; — and again on Tuscarora and Dry Run, Thatch-
er's, Small's, Noll's, Lame Mike Seibert, Chisty's, Em-
merts, Dubles, Gush was, Walters, Gross, Groves,
Tabbs, Porterfields and a host of others, whom it gives
me pleasure to recall. On Williamsport road lived J. C.
and Henry Small, Ben. Comeqy, Geo. Reynolds, Sam'l
and Ben. Harrison, James Turner, Henry Haines, Andy
Mclntire, Wm. Hill, Daniel Lamaster, Dr. John Hedges,
Henry River, Andrew McCleary, Wm. Porterfield, Jacob
Lafevre, Rev. John Light, Jacob Light, Peter Growl,
Dan' IB. Morrison, Hamilton Light, Ghrist. Tabler, Jas.
L. and S. O. Gunningham, Joseph Unger and others of a
pleasing disposition, many of whom have passed on to
eternity — only one or two now living. They were true
and honorable in life, and are still respected in death.

Along the mountain range were A. and Jas. Robinson,
H. J. Seibert, Mike Seibert, Josiah and Hiram Hedges,
Rev. L. F. Wilsou, Gasper Weaver, Josiah Harlan, and
Bro. James Griswell, Jacob and Aaron Myers, Gonrad
Robbins, Jacob Lingamfelter, Willonbey Lemon, W. 0.
Cunningham, Christ. Tabler, Elliott Tabb, William and
Benj. Couchman, Henry Myers, Mike Couchman and
other noble men of the olden time. In enumerating the
old farmer citizens of the county, on the lower or Jeffer-
son line, I was not so well acquainted, yet I take pleas-
ure in naming some whom I did know, viz : the Billmire
family, Gonrad, John, Solomon, David and Martin, all

Reminiscence. 291

of wliom were good, true men, and successful in life ;
Maj. Lewis B. Willis, a retired army officer ; James Ma-
son, George and John HoUiday, Jacob and Wm. Kush,
I. Van Doren, Drs. Vorhees and Magruders, S. B. and
Tlios. Vanmetre, A. E,. McQuilken, who is yet one of
your townsmen, Janifer Hudgel, E. B. Southwortli and
others whom I cannot just now recall. In the Northern
end of the county were Jacob and Daniel Ropp, Poland
and Amos Williamson, Col. Ed. Colston, Jacob Price,
William Wilson, Gr. W. Robinson, Adam Small, W. H.
Harley, Wm. Leigh, Robt. Lemon, Peter Light, Wm.
Jack, Wm. Hitzer, Wm. Sperow, Joseph Criswell, John
Horner, Warner Emerson, Jacob Basore, Dr. A. C. Ham-
mond and Jacob French. I knew them all personally,
and at some jjeriod of my life transacted business with
the larger number. They have left representatives in
almost every case, and their descendants can claim the
respect which is always due an honorable and true life.
The second election for county ofBcers, under the new
Constitution, came off in May, 1854. The Democrats
nominated Barnet Cushwa for Sheriff, and Alex. New-
comer, a professed Democrat, ran independent. It was
a very animated canvass, and the result very close, Mr.
O. having only seven majority. A contest was held be-
fore the County Court, and they decided that no one was
elected, calling for another election in July, which was
held. In the meantime, Sam, or the Know-Nothing
party, became very active in behalf of Newcomer, and
for the first time in our county's history, steeped men
with whiskey and cooped them up in out-of-the-way
places, so as to control their votes on election day. It
was discovered, and every active Democrat was on the
alert to expose and thwart their villiany. I was present
at the break-up of one crop, near Whiting's Neck, where
nine unfortunates were held. They were taken out, and
by the next morning were over the mountain near Shang-
hai, where they were comfortably cared for in a farmer's

292 Reminiscence.

house, and voted there the Democratic ticket as they all
wished to do, except one who wished to vote for Cushwa
and the other portion of the ticket opposite. After a
hard fight Cushwa was elected by 67 majority. This
election was also contested, and it is supposed would
have been annulled, bat cholera intervened and court ad-
journed without action. Before it convened again the
law gave Mr. Cushwa the office. He proved to be one of
the most efiicieut officers we ever had before, and his
efficiency secured Democratic rule in the county up to
the beginning of the civil war.

After 1852 it became apparent that Martinsburg was a
town of importance and prosperity. Business began to
expand largely — G. Baker and Bro. opened a wholesale
grocery in the Shaffer room, east of B. & O. R. R. ; D.
E. Shipley, Conrad & Son, M. and N. Stine, R. S. Pen-
dleton, D. E. White, Hughes & Baker, Vanarsdale &
Gosnell, Wm. T. and Ezra Herring, W. H. Wilkens, J.
P. Harrison, Robert, and Thos. Turner, Jno. P. Staub,
Mason & Smith, Jas. W. Grantham and hosts of others
were engaged in business. The town also improved in
school facilities — John Sellars, J. P. Gardner, W. S. Saf-
fell, J. W. Page, Mrs. Phelps, Mrs. Armstrong and Miss
Chisholm taught schools. Rev. Wm. Love completed
an old blacksmith shop, located where Hon. W. H. H.
Plick's house now stands, and taught therein. It was
only one story in height. About this time the town be-
came wonderfully excited by a ghost, which walked the
street all night rattling a chain. Many of us young men
determined to find out the mystery. Preparing ourselves
with pistols, loaded alone with powder, and being nine
in company, we stationed ourselves on the corner of Burke
and German streets, dividing each in companies of three.
We soon heard the chain approaching, as it turned the
corner toward King street. Some placed themselves
directly in its rear, while others on either side of the
street kept pace quietly in his rear. When about half

JR'eminiscence. 29H

way to King, the three in the centre of the street, fired
their pistols. The ghost commenced running, and one of
those in the street fell, leaving only two of the crowd to
continue the chase. We all followed and soon found
our two chums looking carefully among a lot of wagons,
plows, etc., in front of the shop located where Flick's
residence now stands, but failed to find his ghostship.
It was, however, his last appearance in that character,
yet it afterward came out fully, and the party came near
being our representative in the pen at Richmond.

It was my good fortune to know many of the older
citizens West of the Mountain, and among the number
I recall that noble old gentleman, Wm. Barney, who has
two sons, John and William, yet in your midst ; also
Lewis and Moses Grantham ; Robert K., George W. and
Israel Robinson ; Jacob, Samuel and Michael Stuckey ;
Peter Keys and his brother Philip, Mrs. Jones and Miss
McKeever, B. M. and Henry G. Kitchen, at each of whose
residences I have been hospitably entertained in the
regular old. Virginia style. There was a noted hunter
who was given the name of Wolff Myers. He lived at
Meadow Branch, and almost every week during the win-
ter he would be in town Avith venison, bear and other
wild meat, also wild turkeys by the dozen. He also had
a secret which I have no doubt died with him. Time
and again have I seen him sell to the stores native lead,
which he would smelt and bring in in square blocks. No
one could ever get his secret from him, and it is a strong
evidence that the native ore exists somewhere in the vi-
cinity of his residence. A representative of his family
still lives at Meadow Branch ; at least he was there a few
years ago, and is a grandson of Thomas Myers. About
fifteen years ago I personally gave attention to the min-
eral interests of our county. There is, on the property
of the late J. W. Chenowith, near Arden, a wonderfully
rich deposit of ore, also on the property of the late Hon.
C. J. Faulkner, at south end of town. The latter was

294 Beminiscence.

develoijed and worked for a short period, and found to-
contain not only a rich deposit of iron ore, but with it a
fair per cent, of zinc. This is an interest that your peo-
ple should endeavor to develop, and in concluding my
reminiscence I could do no better than to encourage
greater honorable efforts for full development of the
grand old county — rich in good lands, well cultivated
farms, and laying undeveloped almost every source of
wealth which man may demand.

In the past years Martinsburg boys would have their
sport in swimming during the summer season. The
places of resort near town were at the old oil mill dam,
now Fitz' s mill ; the Bowers dam, directly opposite the
railroad shops, and to the small boys a place called the
"slip," just above the residence of Mr. Frazier and
back of your present planing mill. These places at that
time were very private and retired. No residences were
around the entire space from John Fitz's residence to
Ransom's, now Hannis' mill, it being an open common.
The larger boys and young men frequently went to the
Opequon, at a place called the "turn hole," possibly a
mile or more above the county bridge, crossing at Van-
metie's, on the Shepherdstown road. It was a very dan-
gerous place for bathers, and I have witnessed some ter-
ribly exciting scenes there in efforts to rescue those in
danger, often proving successful, but in several instances
the reverse. I recall the drowning of a young man by
the name of Hugh McGrackey. The family resided in the
property on Queen street adjoining Commodore Bore-
man's residence. The father was a contractor, who, with
a partner by the name of Scott, erected the stone bridge
crossing the Tuscarora, on B. &. 0. R. R.., below the
cemetery. Hugh went off on Sunday morning with
other boys of the town, and the father and family went
to the old Presbyterian Church, on King street. About
noon, as the congregation was dispersing, a horseman ar-
rived and informed the father that Hugh was drowned.

Reminiscence. 295'

I have never seen sucli agony as the father, mother and
sister exhibited. They fainted and were carried appa-
rently dead to their home, all the congregation follow-
ing. In a short time his body was brought in, which
was certainly a solemn occasion. He was a bright young
man, just turning into full manhood, and very popular
in the community.

This being a period of much excitement on the temper-
ance question, I purpose giving my knowledge of the first
temperance organization which existed. In 1842, an an-
nouncement was made that a reformed drunkard from
Baltimore would address the public in the Presbyterian
Church, and especially inviting those who drank to ex-
cess. It being a new thing under the sun, everybody
went Wm. Dorsey was made chairman of the meeting,
and I then learned for the first time that there was a
society pledged to refrain from drinking whiskey, brandy,
gin and rum, but allowed to drink every kind of wine.
My knowledge of the business was such that, boy as I
was, I laughed at the idea, as I could see the effects of
wine — not quite so quick but equally potent, and when
once under wine influence, more difficult to sober up than
even with heavier drinks. However, the reformed drunk-
ard in a plain, square, unvarnished manner, told his life
experience, and stated that in Baltimore, in a bar-room,
twelve men just like himself had pledged each other to
quit drinking and go out through the entire land, exhort-
ing their fellow men to do the same. He also said they
called themselves Washingtonians. He called upon any
one present, who knew they were drunkards, to rise, and
if any one wished to give their experience, they should
raise the right hand. Several did so, and a very large
number rose u}), showing their honesty. At the present
time, if you would ask in a large assembly for any one
to rise and acknowledge they were drunkards, not one
would do so ; and yet there are more to-day, especially
among young men, than there were then. A very large

296 Reminiscence.

mimber signed the pledge, and I am proud to say, that
nearly all proved faithful. I recollect one particular
case. He was terribly given up to the habit, and for
three days he remained in his shop, his meals being
carried to him by members of his family. On the fourth
day he came out and made for the back yard of my
uncle' s house. He came in with a frightened look upon
his face, and at once began to beg for a drink. My unclei
although engaged in the trade and continuing in it for
years, says : ' ' No, Mike, you want to quit, and I know
it is for your good. Now pledge me right here again,
that you will not drink liquor of any kind, and then
come with me." After a little hesitation, Mike took the
pledge. My uncle took him to the kitchen and gave him
a good meal, with plenty of good, strong coffee, and for
years after this man was true to his obligation. The
Washingtonians were succeeded by the "Sons of Tem-
perance," and the " Boys' Cadets of Temperance." They
did a great deal of good in reforming and keeping men
from intemperance. The subject of prohibition had fre-
quently been advocated under the old State before the
war, and at one time it was thought would be embodied
in the Constitution of 1851 and '52.

In my young childhood, John H. Blondel, generally
called " Tebeaus," was a young man and associated with
the circle of females and males, young men and women
who were familiar with my relatives. He was a splendid
performer on almost any character of musical instrument,
and although of a very quiet manner, I expect had more
real fun and sport in him than any one I ever knew
about our town. For many years he was the leader and
trainer of our bands, and had the reputation of being the
finest performer on the bugle that could be found. Often
at night has the old town been enlivened from some of
the surrounding hills by his delightful music, sometimes
from the bugle, accompanied by the claironet, flute, etc.
He usually had a number of companions with him.

Heminiscence. ^Q'7

Many of your older citizens will recall with pleasure the
amusing and laughable stories he w^ould relate, among
"which were " Old Mrs. Schoppertandher song or hymn,"
accompanied by the violin ; " Snuff- taking, sneezing and
pipeing voice of conversation ; " " Capt. Foley' s visit and
dinner at the residence of Gen'l E. Boyd ;'' " The coon
hunt, with black dogs of old man Stuckey ;" and many
others that I cannot recall. It was a pleasure to meet
him in a company, and wherever found he was sure to be
a source of much amusement. He was a good and worthy
citizen, filling his position of life with honor and credit
to himself and family. I have frequently heard him re-
late that his mother and father were in San Domingo
when the terrible Negro Insurrection arose, and that his
mother, in order to save herself and him from death,
walked out into the sea until the water touched her chin,
and for several hours held him aloft out of the water in
her raised arms until she was rescued by a vessel. Hus-
band and wife were separated, neither knowing the other
was living. The vessel that rescued Mrs. Blondel sailed
for Philadelphia, and she, knowing her husband had
relatives there, called to see them and found her husband
safe. It was a joyful meeting to both. They moved to
Martinsburg ; and during my younger days, I had occa-
sion to see them frequently. The shop occupied by him,
in the tin and brass foundry business, was a small wooden
structure, occupying the same corner now having upon
it the fine brick building, in which the son of John H.
still carries on the tin busiijess.

In enumeration of worthy and good citizens I entirely
forgot a section of the county, that possessed some grand
men, — the upper Opequon region. Among the residents
were Samuel Miller, John Burns, Benj. Boley, Joseph
Gorrell, Joseph and John Burns, Isaac Franklin ; Joshua,
Daniel and John Burns, all of whom moved to Missouri
years ago. There was also Jacob Vanmetre, called Easy
Jake ; Joseph Hofiman ; the Roberts family, William,

298 Rem iniscence.

Edward F. and Josiali ; Abram Williamson, Jolin P.
Kearfott, Abram Deck, Morgan Vancleve and others, —
all worthy gentlemen, and whose posterity in many cases
are still citizens of your county.

The system of lights at night were entirely different
from the present. Every family used the candle on a
candlestick, and in many families nothing but the small
grease lamp was used. A piece of cotton cloth would be
cut about two inches wide, doubled together, and lard
put in a small cup made of iron with a sharp prong,
which would be put in a crack, usually of the chimney
jam. In the stores and hotels the walls would be hung
with sconces, made of tin, in which a candle was burnt.
In some of the wealthier families they burned sperm oil
in lamps. The churches were often lighted by side wall
lights of candles, in sconces. It was a singular thing
if any of the younger generation could define and give
the meaning of the word sconce. Between 1840 and 1850
etherial oil was introduced, which gave a bright and
beautiful light, but a very dangerous one as it was more
liable to explode than the present kerosene so much in
use. We knew nothing about gas, and in fact coal was
not much in use, except by blacksmiths. Most generally
charcoal was used.

The trade in charcoal and tar was carried on exten-
sively in our pine regions. It is very doubtful whether
one charcoal kiln is now burnt in the county in a year.
At one time hundreds of them could be found in what
was termed the Pine Hills. The mode of making char-
coal is not fully understood, hence I can only give the
fact that logs of medium size would be placed in a pit in
the ground and covered over with earth, with only one
vent hole to give draft to fire. It would be closed up
after the kiln was fully fired, and kept constantly cov-
ered with earth until the smoke ceased to rise. It gen-
erally made a mound from six to eight feet high, which
gradually sank almost to a level. When it was opened

Meviiniscence. 299

and occasionally sprinkled with, water, the wood looked
to be solid, but when stirred it broke up into lumps pos-
sibly three or four inches. A kiln generally yielded
from 500 to 800 bushels of coal.

CHAPTER XII.

THE B. & O. R. R. STRIKES AT MARTINSBURG.

?™|HE incidents bearing upon the beginning of trouble
^^ with tlie Baltimore & Ohio Railway began about the
16 th of April, 1877. All along the line tramps, commun-
ists and turbulent organizations had given rise to much
dissension among the railroad employes. John W. Grar-
rett, a business man of acquired reputation, was made
president of the company in 1856. He found its stock
quoted low, its dividends small, and the road in a very
poor condition. Mr. Garrett proved to be the right man
in the right place, and displayed splendid executive
ability during the civil war, which came on shortly after-
ward. He surrounded himself with capable assistants,
and having considerable influence with the Secretary of
War, secured the most profitable contract that, in a short
while, fully restored the credit of the corporation and
extended the road until it became one of the largest and
most prominent lines in the country. However, about
the month of July clouds began to hover about the pres-
ident'shead. A storm was impending 'which, before it
could be controlled, would involve the nation from the
Atlantic to the Pacific and from Pennsylvania to Texas,
in untold loss and misfortune. At a meeting convened
on the 11th of July, '77, by means of an official circular,
the president informed the employes that a preamble and
resolutions had been adopted to the effect that all officers
and operatives of the road receiving sums in excess of
one dollar ^er diem would be reduced ten per cent., and
after the 16th of the same month the change would take
effect. Every man engaged upon the main line and
branches east of the Ohio River was embraced in this

The B. & 0. B. R. Strilces. 301

rule, including the trans- OMo division and the roads
leased by the company. It was stated in the notice that
action in this direction would be postponed until after
their competitors had made similar retrenchments, hop-
ing that business would revive in a short while and a de-
crease of expenses be avoided. They were disappointed
in this, and the principal reason brought about the action
taken, which was on account of general depression of busi-
ness interests over the country. The earnings of all rail-
ways were unavoidably and seriously affected. A change
had to be made — in fact the call for it Avas imperative.

Persons superior to those of the ordinary observer, by
means of information, supposed that the low wages move-
ment was undoubtedly canvassed along the great trunk
lines and decided upon by representatives of various
roads directly after the close of Vanderbilt's freight war
in the spring. During the month of May the Pennsyl-
vania road put it in force, and the reduction of ten per
cent, was accepted by the employes. This \vas followed
by the Erie and New York Central roads, to take effect
July 1st, and in both cases they were duly informed be-
forehand of the changes to be made. As asserted in its
circular, the Baltimore and Ohio road was nearly the
last to take action in this matter, and several days before
the rule was to be enforced a number of the firemen at
once decided to strike. They declared their intention
that they could not and would not stand any reduction
from their wages. The Trainmen's Union was in full
blast all along the line, which had been effectively insti-
tuted previously by a traveling delegation from the Penn-
sylvania road, and taking advantage of affairs, a real
strike began.

The workingmen claimed that their grievances were
unbearable — that the treatment received at the hands of
merchants and boarding-house keepers along the route,
for such necessities as trainmen were compelled to have,
was inordinately rash. Their belief was that whatever

302 The B. & 0. R. B. StriJces.

turn made in affairs could not make them much worse
off. Their earnings were lovs^, rents high, and for their
heavy demands at the scanty stores at the stations, ex-
travagant prices were charged. Extortion pressed them
on every side, and coupled with comi3ulsory credit pur-
chase from month to month, they began to nurse a hatred
and antagonism against the company and general public.
At this time the road carried a moderate amount east-
ward, but owing to competition were unable to get suffi-
cient to the westward to load its cars. This caused a large
reduction of the hands employed, and created much
discontent.

President Garrett, Vice-President King, and second
Vice-President Keyser, upon learning of the strike, and
the movements of the Brotherhood of Engineers and the
Trainmen' s Union, pronounced it untimely, ill-advised,
and fated to meet no great success. The road, like all
others, was now passing through the darkest days of its
experience. A financial stringency was staring it in the
face, and business falling off where an accession had been
calculated upon — the results of competition and unpro-
ductive extensions of line. The ofBcials stated that a
reduction had to be made for the curtailment of expenses,
and when the demands of the strikers were made known,
they promptly refused them. Knowing that a stoppage
would lead to heavy losses, yet they preferred to let the
road stand idle, rather than be dictated to and cause a
reinstatement of the former rates of wages. On account
of this, the strike was simply suicidal on the part of
those engaged in it. Meetings were held by the Brother-
hood of Locomotive Engineers — advicegiven and received,
and many were led to believe that they would take no
part in the strike. With the consent of this organiza-
tion, the Trainmen' s Union assisted in starting the im-
portant movement all along the line. On the 16th of
July, 1877, the day that the reduction of wages on the B.
& O. R. R. was ordered to take effect, the strike was

The B. & 0. R. R. StriTces. 303

commenced in our city and the first actual violence com-
mitted. Here occurred the first important incidents of
the great strikes of '77, on the night of July 16th. No-
tice had been given ihe crews of all trains, by the stri-
kers, that after a certain hour no person should move an
engine under penalty of death. Engineers on the road
were paralyzed, — while the managers hastened to make
good their usual tri^Ds and secure men to take the places
of the strikers. However, they met with only partial
success.

It was in our happy neighborhood, which had rested
in peace and quietude since the war, that the combination
of railroad men imbued their hands in blood and met
their first loss of life, in attempting to carry out their
communistic ideas. On Monday morning, the 16th of
July, a large number of train hands left Baltimore, and
with those coming in from the West, began to concen-
trate at Martinsburg. Near the dispatcher's ofiice could
always be found a number of locomotives on the tracks,
and it was no unusual occurrence for employes to congre-
gate there. But at this time it was noticed that some-
thing more than ordinary was transpiring, or about to
transpire, when the m.en collected in groups at the depot,
the machine-shops, the switch-stands, along the tracks
and other localities. An explanation of these mysteri-
ous gatherings was, in a short while, made very plain,
when a fireman notified the dispatcher that a cattle train
was compelled to stop there, as the entire crew had struck
and no one could be found to take the vacant places.
The fireman also stated that he thought no more trains
would be allowed to move from this point in either di-
rection. The news soon spread, and in a short while
people began to collect from all directions to see what
was going on. The policemen put in their appearances,
and sauntered leisurely around, waiting to see if their
services would be called for. In a short while the engines
were detached from the trains, and run into the round-

304 The B. & 0. R. B. Strikes.

house. Wlien questioned by tlie officials concerning
tlieir action, the striliers replied that no more trains would
be run over that road, in any direction, until the company
withdrew the ten per cent, reduction of trainmen' s wages.
They intended to refrain from work, and would not allow
their places to be filled by a new set of men. The freight
trains were kept on a stand-still, while the mail trains
were allowed to pass, but eventually they were stopped.
The increased crowd of spectators, by this time, was
stirred with interest, and the news spread until it reached
every citizen. It was taken up by the press and soon
scattered broad-cast over the country.

The Mayor, Captain A. P. Shutt, and the policemen
were sent for, who promptly put in their appearance,
and backed by a trio of municipal guardians, held a con-
ference with the railroad officials. Mayor Shutt, willing
to do all in his power, proceeded to speak to the strikers,
using mild and temperate language, and advised them to
return to their work and trust to the fairness of the com-
pany in the settlement of their grievances. But the mob,
following the general rule, had reached that point where
reason ceased to be a virtue, and their madness and vio-
lence had only been increased. The Mayor was hooted
at, derided, and his good counsel turned to ridicule. He
failed to impress the strikers with any of his mild-man-
nered notions, and could not make them understand that
it would be best to run tlieir locomotives to their desti-
nations. In fact, his speech only served to add fuel to
the fires already fiercely burning, and, giving it up as a
hopeless task, he ordered his policemen to arrest the ring-
leaders. Frantic efforts to obey were made by the pow-
erless policemen, while the strikers laughed in their faces.
The Mayor' s appeals were equally fruitless — the men re-
fused to work — and the engineers found an excuse for
refusal by saying they dare not enter their cabs. , The
firemen and trackmen would not allow others to take
their places, holding back Avith all their strength. Fi-

The B. & 0. B. R. SiriTces. 305

nally the Mayor and policemen withdrew from the scene,
leaving the situation at the undisputed command of the
strikers. The machine shops, depot and round-houses
were all deserted by midnight, except by a number of
Union men who were left to guard the tracks and see
that no trains were allowed to pass that point. The
strangers from Baltimore were provided for by their fel-
low-strikers, and a number lodged at the hotels. The
telegraph manager communicated the information of the
strike to President Garrett and Vice-President King, of
Baltimore, and after midnight Capt. Thos. B. Sharp,
General Master of Transportation, was brought to the
spot. After carefully surveying the condition of aifairs,
which was in no wise difficult of comprehension, a full
report of his investigation was telegraphed to the princi-
pal office. The matter was duly considered by the Balti-
more officials, who prepared a telegram and at once dis-
patched to Governor Mathews, stating the facts as here
given, and asking him to provide some method to aban-
don violent measures and allow trains to move in safety.
Through the promptness of the Governor, a telegram was
sent to Col. C. J. Faulkner, at Martinsburg, dated at
Wheeling, about midnight, ordering him if necessary, to
call out his command, the Berkeley Light Infantry, to
aid and protect the civil authorities, and to make due
report to the executive office of the existing state of
affairs anc^his operations.

Col. Faulkner was informed of the Governor's wishes
July 17th, about 12:30 A. M., and returned answer by
telegraph, stating that the strikers would not allow trains
to move either east or west from Martinsburg, and asked
if his instructions extended any further than merely pro-
tecting the peace — if so, he desired an answer in full.
Meanwhile the Colonel issued orders for an immediate
assemblage of the militia command, prepared for active
duty, at their armory. The call was promptly responded
to by the militia, among whom were many railroaders,

306 The B. & 0. R. R. Strikes.

and possibly connected witli the Trainmen's Union. A
number of the militia, as well as numerous citizens, felt
a deep and hearty sympathy with the men engaged in
the strike. In a short while Col. Faulkner received
another message from Governor Mathews, advising him
if possible, to avoid using force, and at the same time
give all necessary aid to the civil authorities, and see
that the laws were duly executed. At the conclusfon of
the message the Governor stated : "I rely upon you to
act discreetly and firmly."

Mr. Sharp, Master of Transportation, fixed upon 5
o'clock as the hour for moving trains on Tuesday morn-
ing, and secured an engineer and fireman, who agreed to
take the stock-train through to its destination, if proper-
ly protected. A request was then made of Col. Faulkner,
his command of militia. Mayor Shutt and police. County
Sheriff and posse, to be present and see that the strikers
did not interfere. Col. Faulkner, before retiring from
the scene, asked Governor Mathews by telegraph : "Must
I protect men who are willing to run their trains, and see
that they are permitted to go east and west f ' In a short
while the Governor answered : "I am informed that the
rioters constitute a combination so strong that the civil
authorities are powerless to enforce the law. If this is
so, prevent any interference by rioters with the men at
work, and also prevent the obstruction of the trains."

Upon receiving this communication. Col. Faulkner at
once repaired to the armory to take charge of his com-
mand, knowing plainly what his duty was. The known
Of ders for the gathering of militia, the marching of uni-
formed men on the streets bearing arms, accompanied by
the excitement of the strike, caused such a restlessness
that there was but little sleep visited the eyelids of the
citizens on that eventf ul«iight. Groups of persons, white
and colored, could be seen gathered on the corners in
knots, discussing the unusual state of affairs, and won-
dering what the morrow would bring forth. The city has

The B. & 0. R. E. Strihes. ^ 307

never experienced sucli a sensation since the close of the
war.

At about five o'clock the next morning, W. H. Harri-
son, Master Mechanic of the company, with Mr. French,
arrived here from Cumberland. A consultation was held
with Capt. Sharp and the remaining local force of the
road, after which a locomotive was fired up and attached
to a cattle- train, and with an engineer and fireman they
were ready to start matters anew. At about sunrise the
attempt was made to set the driving wheels once more in
motion, but was prevented by the strikers guard from
the round-house, who swept down upon them and order-
ed the non-striking men to hold hard or they would be
killed. The throttle was promptly shut and the engine
brought to a stand-still, which probably saved their lives.
Jlowever, the men remained with the train for a short
time, expecting to rush it through, but finally left. Up
to this time the militia and town officials had not made
their appearance. The president and ofiicers of the com-
pany were informed of the circumstances, and at once
instructed Capt. Sharp to make the attempt until his
efforts were crowned with success. The consequent
sounding of the shrill steam whistle, in the early dawn
of the day, startled the excited inhabit mts of the city,
and in a short while the streets were flocked, all anxious
to learn what was going on. Among the citizens were
the strikers belonging to the city, and reinforced by
those from Baltimore and the West. They congregated
about the basement doors of the present depot, and
gathered in small squads over the surrounding ground.
It seemed as though the railroad men, by agreement,
separated from the others, and concentrated a formidable
force near the company's buildings. Mr. Harrison, the
Master Mechanic, conversed with them and endeavored
by every means in his power to influence their minds
peaceably, and bring about an amicable adjustment of
the prevailing troubles. A number of employes were

308 The B. & 0. R. R. Strikes.

well disposed towards Harrison, but exhibited no change
of lieart. Harrison finally returned to Sharp, after ex-
hausting his arguments, and reported that the rioters
would not change their decision in regard to stopping all
freight trains, and if anything, their resolution had be-
come more firm than ever. Mr. Sharp was a cool, deter-
mined man, of iron will, and upon receiving this infor-
mation, concluded that no favorable or peaceful solution
of the surrounding difficulties would be reached. The
strikers had accused Sharp of being at the bottom of the
rough treatment to which they were subjected, and be-
lieved him to be the cause of the reduction in wages. In
truth, he was bitterly opposed to the cutting-down sys-
tem, and in favor of restoring the pay to its original
amount. The enemies were ignorant of this, and when
they saw him walk up to a locomotive -ind order the en-
gineer forward to his destination at all hazards, they cast
scowling glances upon him and were greatly enraged.

The engine had not moved a single length of rail, be-
fore the mob swarmed upon the foot- board, over the coal
in the tender and thence into the cab, driving the newly-
engaged men from their positions. The locomotive was
uncoupled from the train and run into the round-house,
leaving the cars on the track no nearer their destination
than before. By this time their numbers had increased
several hundred, and no further damage was done. The
crowd then gathered' nigh, in almost a solid mass, to
watch the proceedings. The engineer and fireman had
escaped, and again Sharp was defeated, of which he
informed the company as before. Meantime the crowd
of spectators and array of strikers continued to increase.
At about 9 o'cjock, four hours later -than the appointed
time, the sound of fife and drum was heard, and pres-
ently the gleaming arms and accoutrements of the Berke-
ley Light Infantry were seen advancing towards the
depot, headed by Col. Faulkner. Loud hurrahs and
shouts of welcome went up as the militia filed down the

The B. & 0. R. R. Strikes. 309

steep steps and marched to the round-house unopposed.
The engineer and firemen had again been discovered and
brought to the spot, and another cheer went up. They
were closely followed by their wives and children, who
threw their arms around their husbands necks, franti-
cally embracing and urging them to refrain from the per-
ilous attempt. But they tore themselves from the grasp
of their families, and started > on a swift pace to
the round-house, where they mounted the engine, which
had already been fired up. The engine was then
moved out, with soldiers on either side, bayonets fixed
and guns loaded, and proceeded in the direction of the
distillery. Squads of the militia had been arranged and
several placed on the engine. Their progress was slow
and snail-like, owing to the pressure of the close forward
ranks of the strikers. At this moment the rioters rose
to white heat, when the third experiment was made for
starting with the trainmen guarded. At the suggestion
of Mayor Shutt, Col. Faulkner then proceeded to ad-
dress the mob, and if possible stay further violence. In
a courteous, firm and impressive manner, he warned
them of the result if they interfered any farther, and
if they touched the engine it would be at their own peril.
They only laughed at him, as though they would accept
none other than brute force to obtain their rights.

The engine was moved in the direction of the distillery,
where it was attached to a cattle train on the siding. A
switch led this track upon the main road, which, it
seems had been tampered with by the strikers. The
train was made up about 10 o'clock, and squads of
militia were placed on the engine, and on either side of
the train. John Poisal, a militiaman was sitting on the
cow-catcher, and as the train steadily and slowly drew
near the switch, his attention was attracted by the posi-
tion of the switch ball. Unless some change was made,
Poisal knew the train would be thrown ofE the right
track. With musket in hand, he immediately jumped

310 The B. & 0. R. B. Strikes.

to the ground, and ran to the switch. Just as he was in
the act of reversing it, William Yandergriff, a striking
fireman, who had tampered it and was standing near to
see the result, yelled out :

"Don't you touch that switch!"

"I'm not going to see the train run on a siding
if I can prevent it," replied Poisal, as he firmly
grasped the iron. Before Poisal could change the
switch, Vandergriff had drawn a small pocket-pistol
from his belt, and fired two shots in rapid suc-
cession upon him. One of the bullets plowed a jag-
ged furrow on the side of Poisal' s forehead, just above
the ear, while the other flew wide of its mark. Upon
receiving the shot, Poisal quickly raised his gun, and
with a steady aim fired on Vandergriff. Another soldier
near by fired at the same time, and both balls lodged in
Vandergriff' s body, one in the arm and the other pene-
trating the thigh. He fell, mortally wounded, which
was followed by the explosion of several small arms, but
no injury done. At this onslaught the mob pressed closer
on the soldiers, while a lively scattering was made among
the woman, children, and more peaceably disposed citi-
zens. Poisal and Vandergriff were taken to their homes,
and medical aid procured. In a short while the strikers
again had things all their own way, completely over-
powering the militia. The sound of fire-arms drew larger
crowds from the city, and the excitement was more in-
tense than ever. By this time the fireman and engineer
had escaped from the train, and left the locality.

Col. Faulkner fully appreciated in a minute, that his
militia, however brave and trustworthy, under these cir-
cumstances would not attempt to kill their relatives and
friends. He at once reported to Capt. Sharp, stating that
his men were powerless and many in sympathy with the
strikers, and that he would have to march them back to
the armory. They were then ordered home, and the road

The B. & 0. R. R. SiriJces. 311

left blocked up with trains of loaded cars, subject to the
caprices of the infuriated and angry mob.

For several days afterward VandergrifE lay upon his
bed, suffering terrible agony. The best nurses and phy-
sicians the country afforded attended him, and every-
thing possible was done for his recovery. However, on
the 28th of July he breathed his last, and on the Sunday
following was buried in Green Hill Cemetery. Poisal,
whose injury was slight, made his appearance on the
street in a few days, appearing as well and hearty as
usual. The story of this incident was spread abroad by
the press, and if credit was given them, one would sup-
pose that civil war surely reigned in Martinsburg. The
actual number of strikers was estimated to be upwards
of seventy-five or eighty, but were backed by many citi-
zens and other working classes. The press greatly ex-
aggerated this strike, and in a few days the torch of
communism was burning brightly throughout the whole
country.

After the militia had left the scene, the confusion
ceased, and the railroaders retired to their former posi-
tion at the shops. The locomotive, as before, was un-
coupled and returned to the round-house. Col. Faulk-
ner became disgusted with the part he had been forced
to take in the riots. He had given his men no orders to
fire, and therefore run no risk of his commands being
disobeyed. His desire was to x^erform his duty and en-
force the law without shedding blood, but met with no
success. Information was at once furnished Governor
Mathews of the proceedings and results. Later on Col.
Faulkner telegraphed the Governor that it was impossi-
ble for him to do anything further, and that a number of
his command, being railroad men, would not respond.
The Governor, in response, dispatched that law-abiding
citizens must be protected, and the jpeace preserved, by
whatever means was necessary to accomplish it. He also
stated that he could furnish a company from Wheeling,

312 TlieB. & 0. JR. li. Strikes.

who would be used in the suppression of riot and execu-
tion of the law, and also spoke very highly of Col.
Faulkner' s appeal to the rioters.

The mob had full possession of all the railroad prop-
erty from Monday night until the succeeding Wednesday
morning, July 18th. At about 7:30 o'clock, the Math-
ews Light Guard arrived from Wheeling, under com-
mand of Col. Delaplaine, and a conference was held be-
tween Attorney- Genera] White, Wm. Keyser, Second
Vice-President, Col. Sharp, and others.. During this
time the rioters made no further demonstration, but re-
mained quiet and apparently content with the work they
had done. The Trainmen' s Union at Baltimore, Grafton,
Cumberland, Pittsburgh, and other points were kept
posted by the strickers concerning their doings.

The strikers visited the railroad shops on the evening
of the 18th .of July, and ordered the laborers then at
work to stop, which they refused to do. In the mean-
time the mail trains were allowed to pass unmolested
either way. Finally the cars loaded with cattle were ar-
ranged for by Mr. Mantz and shipped over the Cumber-
land Valley and Western Maryland roads. The Wheel-
ing Light Infantry had charge of the town for several
days, encamped at the Court House and railroad, and no
action was taken by them with the strikers, as it was
deemed best to await reinforcements. On the 18th of
July Governor Mathews, at the urgent request of Mr.
Garret, telegraphed President Hayes, and after explain-
ing the situation, asked for United States troops. Ko
freight operations were started until Brevet Major- Gen-
eral W. H. French, Colonel of the Fourth U. S. Artillery,
arrived with two hundred men armed as infantry, and no
sooner had they reached the town than quiet and order
reigned supreme.

President Hays issued, previous to this, his proclama-
tion, and directed it to the citizens of West Virginia.
He admonished all good citizens in the United States and

The B. & 0. R. R. Strikes. 313

VitMn its territory of jurisdiction, against aiding, coun-
tenancing, abetting or taking part in such unlawful pro-
ceedings. A warning was given those engaged in or con-
nected with, said domestic violence and obstruction of the
laws, and orders given them to disperse and retire peace-
ably to their respective abod es on or before 1 2 o' clock
meridian, of the 19th day of July. 'It bore the signatures
of President Hayes and P. A. Steward, Acting Secretary
of State, accompanied by the great seal of the United
States. This permanently settled affairs at Martinsburg,
and the rioters had to retire, as they could not fight the
Government of the United States.

CHAPTER XIII.
LIFE OF THE LATE HON. C. J. FAULKNER— THE
STORY OP A LIFE FULL OF BUSTLING ACTIVI-
TIES—LEFT AN ORPHAN— A FIGHT FOR AN
EDUCATION — DEBATE WITH TOM MAR-
SHALL—ENTERS PUBLIC LIFE IN 1832—
GOES TO CONGRESS IN 1852— A DIPLO-
MAT AND A PRISONER OF STATE—
THE REWARD OF INDUSTRY.

WRITTEN BY COL. FRANK A.- BURR IN 1884.

I.

" Time, hath, my Lord,

A wallet at his back, wherein he puts alms,

For Oblivion's sake.

These scraps, are good deeds past.

Forgot, as soon as done."

|^|AD Sliakesi3eare his normal inspiration when he
^^1 penned these lines ? And is it true that good deeds
live to spur succeeding generations to emulation and suc-
cess ? It is the general judgment of the world that notable
acts survive forever, and burnished by the lapse of time, are
brighter when picked up from the dust of years. Of such
a one I write. One whose life has been full of strange
vicissitudes and bustling activities. It is now sloping to
a close, as calmly as the sun goes down after a stormy
day. He began life in an humble way. When eight
years of age he was left an orphan, with no kith nor kin
on this broad continent. He grew to manhood, and to
old age, in the little town in which he was born, and in
which he now lives. His home to-day is almost within
the shadow of the grave of a grandfather, shot down in
the Revolution, and of a father, who perished from ser-
vice in the war of 1812. His mother died before he could

Life of the late Hon. C. J. .Faulkner. 315

hardly understand the value of a mother's care, and his
father was buried before he could comprehend the mean-
ing of the word "orphan." He was reared by strangers,
and whatever he has been or is, he chiefly gained for
himself, by as hard a struggle with the world as a man
ever made. Perhaps it was best for him that his lot was
cast in rough places, and that he had to make the jour-
ney of life alone. His father's advice and influence
might have given his character a different bent, and a
less fortunate one. He was a soldier, a major of artillery,
and was filled with a soldier' s ambition, and a soldier' s
bonhomie. Therefore, he died poor, and left his son,
when a child, to make his own way, with no other capi-
tal than the sturdy qualities inherited from good Scotch-
Irish stock on both sides of the family tree.

The village doctor gave him a home, but he himself
learned the valuable lessons of industry and self-reliance
that have stood him so well in hand through all his busy
years. Like many of the youth of the country, when
impelled by vague, yet strong ambitions, he early began
the study of law, at the famous law school of Chaacellor
Tucker, in Winchester, and in much less than the usual
time of probation and reading, he was admitted to the
bar. He was never accounted a brilliant boy, nor has
he ever been noted for that quality as a man. He got
his start in life by untiring industry and close ai^plica-
tion ; he early trained his mind to methodical effort.
While others slept he worked, and it has been a tireless
energy, more than any single quality of his nature, that
has made him a name and fame as a successful man.

He had little more than attained his majority when he
took a leading position at the bar, and in the politics of
his native county.

The decade beginning in 1830 was filled with impor-
tant history, and with its opening year Mr. Faulkner
practically began his public life.

The Constitutional Convention of that year had com-

316 Ufe of tlie late Hon. C. J. Faulkner.

pleted its work and the people of Virginia were to de-
cide whether the Constitution of 1830, largely the work
of Watkins Leigh, was to be the fiindamental law of the
State. There was a strong feeling for and against it.
The famous Tom Marshall, of Kentucky, was one of its
most bitter opponents. He had been living a year or
more in Berkeley County, on a visit to his relations, the
Colstons, and had gone to Richmond during the sessions
of the Constitutional Convention. There he lia/i engen-
dered an intense dislike for Watkins Leigh. When he
returned to Martinsburg he took open ground against the
instrument and assailed it as " Watkins Leigh's Consti-
tution." By the time the canvass came on, when the
people were to decide for or against it, he had aroused a
good deal of feeling in relation to its provisions, and it
was thought best by those who favored it that a great
public public meeting should be called, at which its pro-
visions should be discussed before the people. Mr.
Faulkner had taken a position in its ^avor, believing it
an improvement on the old, and it was arranged that he
and Tom Marshall should present its merits or demerits
to the people at a meeting in Martinsburg, the county
town. A great crowd gathered to hear the debate. It
was the first public discussion of Mr. Marshall, as well
as the first of Mr. Faulkner. Each young man appeared
at his best, but Mr. Marshall, at that early day, gave
ample evidence of those great powers of mind and tongue
that afterwards made him so famous. The discussion
lasted for several hours, and Mr. Marshall carried the
crowd by his wit and eloquence ; but Mr. Faulkner, by
his industry, secured for the Constitution a large major-
ity at the polls of Berkeley County.

II.

ENTERING PUBLIC LIFE.

An important decade in our national history began

with the adoption of the new Constitution of Virginia.

The nullification schemes of Calhoun were being hatched

Life of the late Hon. C. J. Faulkner. ;S17

in its first year, and in 1832, when Mr. Faulkner was
called to his first public position. President Jackson liad
just issued his famous "proclamation of force," which
boldly asserted the supremacy of the Government of the
United States over the government of any State. And
there was then such imminent danger of armed resist-
ance to the Federal authority that Congress placed in the
hands of the President the power of military coercion.
Clay was then engaging the public attention with his
scheme of protection ; then, too, Andrew Jackson was
pushing tricky Martin Van Buren for the Presidency,
and sitting upon the aspirations of Calhoun with the
whole power of his administration. It was amidst these
striking events and upon the threshold of the Presiden-
tial election of 1832 that Mr. Faulkner took his place in
the Virginia House of Delegates. He was then only a
boy in age and appearance, but a man in mind. The
Virginia Legislature of that period was composed of men,
who in their day and in the great era following, left their
imprint on the annals of their time. With those men
Mr. Faulkner took a leading position, and at once gave
evidence of his power to originate ideas, coupled with the
courage to proclaim them. Taking heed of the differ-
ences between Jackson and Calhoun, looking at the then
condition of Virginia and seeing in the temper of the po-
litical factions the seeds of a contest upon the slavery
question, he submitted to the Legislature and advocated
a proposition for the abolition of slavery upon the^os^
nati principle. The north had liberated its bondsmen
upon the same principle, and by the provisions of his
proposition, all children of slave parents were to be born
free after Juily 1st, 1840. He supported this proposition
in a speech of great power, which was widely circulated
and was severely condemned by the radical slave-hold-
ing element. It did not, however, greatly shock public
opinion in Virginia at the time, and in many sections of
the State the idea was received with decided favor. The

318 Life of the late Hon. Q. J. Faulkner.

slave-holding element undertook, however, to make it an
issue the following year, when he was a candidate for re-
election, but he was returned upon that issue by what
was practically a unanimous vote.

Comment upon this speech and action of Mr. Faulkner
was not confined to the South alone. It was extensively
read throughout the country. Once a year for many
years after it was delivered, William Lloyd Garrison
printed that speech in full in the Liberator., amused him-
self by sending Mr. Faulkner a copy, and circulated it
widely as evidence of the growing sentiment in the South
against slavery.

The opening of the year 1833 witnessed the beginning
of the abolition crusade, and it seemed to destroy all the
sentiment there ever was in the South in favor of eman-
cipation, gradual or otherwise. It had the effect to com-
bine all elements together in resistance, forcible and
positive, to the attempted legislative encroachment upon
the established institution of the South. I have often
heard Mr. Faulkner say, "but for this impertinent and
illegal intermeddling of Northern fanatics, emancipation
Avould have become the predominant sentiment of Vir-
ginia, and would have worked out its results without
ruin and bloodshed."

Mr. Faulkner finished his first legislative experience in
1833, and after declining a third election was appointed
a commissioner on behalf of Virginia, to examine and re-
port on the disputed question of the boundary line bet-
ween Maryland and Virginia ; the controversy embraced
all of that rich section of country lying between the
north and south branches of the Potomac River. Mr.
Faulkner's report was extensive and conclusive ; it set-
tled the controversy between Maryland and Virginia,
giving to the old mother of States a clear title to large
proportions of the present counties of Hampshire, Min-

Life of the late Hon. V. J. Faulkner. ' 319

eral, Hardy, Grant Pendleton and Randolph, for whicli
Maryland was contending.*

Mr. Faulkner first met Andrew Jackson while engaged
upon this famous report. The interview was character-
istic and interesting. It was in that nullification era
when Congress had delegated to the President the power
of coercion, and he had used it to crush South Carolina' s
secession proclivities. John Floyd, then Governor of
Virginia, and Mr. Tazewell, then in the Senate, were, al-
though still members of the party, bitterly denouncing
Jackson' s nullification proclamation, and pressing their
theory of State Rights. Governor Floyd had asked
Mr. Faulkner to go to Europe to obtain data from the
original records in relation to the boundary line, but hav-
ing no funds to pay the expenses of the voyage, he re-
quested him to call upon the President, explain his pro-
posed visit to England, and request that he be given pas-
sage as yirginia' s representative, in a government ship.
Mr. Faulkner visited the President, for this purpose,
and as soon as he stated the object of his visit. "Old
Hickory' ' replied :

"Certainly, sir, I will grant you passage in the ship
Delaware, now lying in the Potomac, about to sail for
England," but, he continued, "doesen't it strike you as
a little strange that Governor Floyd, with his peculiar
notions of States Rights, and ideas of the limited powers
of the National government, should ask a service of this
kind from it, in a purely State matter % I will grant the
request with pleasure, but I cannot help thinking that it
is an apt illustration of the absurdity of the doctrine of
State Rights, as Governor and Senator Tazewell declare
them." Mr. Faulkner at once transmitted an official an-
nouncement of the success of his application to the Presi-
dent, and at the same time wrote a letter to governor
Floyd, which he marked "private and confidential,"
giving his conversation with the President. Floyd sent

&

*The report here mentioned will be found on page 67.

320 Life of tlie late Hon. C. J. Faulkner.

to Tazewell, and together they became greatly incensed.
Floyd returned the letter to Mr. Faulkner, with the re-
quest that he strike out the words "private and confi-
dential," that Tazewell might make it the basis of an
attack for both of them, -upon Jackson and his adminis-
tration, upon the floor of the United States Senate. Mr.
Faulkner refused, and years after Governor Floyd
thanked him, as did Tazewell, for saving them from the
premature open quarrel with "Old Hickory" which they
had resolved upon having. The circumstances, however
kept Mr. Faulkner from going to Europe on the vessel,
and his report on the boundary question was made with-
out consulting the archives of the mother country.

III.
QUITS POLITICS FOR THE LAW,
In 1833, after the completion of the report on the boun-
dary, Mr. Faulkner was married to the daughter of Gen.
Boyd, an old and distinguished Virginian, who for many
years had taken an active part in her public affairs. For
the next fifteen years j)olitics commanded little part of
his time and attention. He devoted himself with great
zeal to the practice of his profession, and in a short time
took a leading place at the bar of Virginia, which was in
those days one of the strongest in the Union. His cases
were many and his fees large, and before he again ap-
peared in public life he had acquired a fortune which
has enabled him to live independently ever since. Hav-
ing acquired this independence, he again turned to poli-
tics, partially for relief from the exactions of legal work,
and partly because he was ambitious to leave something
behind him besides money ; because he believed that an
ambition for public service was a laudable one after a
man had acquired a competency. This ambition for a
place in history was in perfect keeping with his charac-
ter, and he devoted himself to it with the same earnest,
untiring energy that he had brought to bear upon every
task he had undertaken, from his childhood up. This

Life of the late Hon. C. J. Faulkner. 321

very quality, wMcli i^eople applaud in most of the rela-
tions of life, has been belittled and derided by many not
broad enough in mental grasp to comprehend the fact
that in politics, as in business, a man wins succpss by the,
efforts which he makes to deserve it.

In 1841, he responded a second time to the call of his-
fellow citizens, and was elected to the State Senate of
Virginia. Finding, however, that the office made toO'
great demand upon his time, he resigned, in the spring,
of 1842 ; he did not, however, cease to take an active in-
terest in public affairs. In 1843 he was an earnest advo-
cate of the annexation of Texas, and in 1846, was one of
the earliest and warmest supporters of the Mexican war.
In the raising of troops from Virginia, for service in
Mexico, Mr. Faulkner was prominent and successful,
but all these, and many other public acts, were merely
incidents in a life which, during this period, was chiefly
devoted to the practice of the law. In 1348, however,
Mr. Faulkner vs^as again elected to the House of Dele-
gates of Virginia. During that session he introduced
into the Legislature a bill which was passed, and by the
Legislature transmitted to the Senators and Representa-
tives and became the famous Fugitive Slave Law passed
by Congress, in 1850. Indeed, it was his avowed pur-
pose, in being elected to the Legislature, to do all in his
power to bring the whole moral force of the State of Vir-
ginia to demand from Congress, a law for the protection
of slave property. During this session he was chairman
of the special committee of the Virginia Legislature
charged with the investigation of the whole fugitive slave
question, audit would have been unnatural if he had not,
from the beginning of that session, been a central figure
in a Legislature of strong men. But it was not only in
the discussioo/and consideration of this grave question,
that Mr. Faulkner was prominent. In the revision of
the code of State laws, which was the chief work of that
Legislature, he took a leading part. His service in this

322 Life of the late Hon. C. J. Faulkner.

Legislature, and liis work in a previous term was memo-
rable for himself and fruitful to the State. During all
the years after his entrance into public life it had been
apparent to him, as to every thinking man, that the Vir-
ginia Constitution, of 1830, was not sufficient to meet
the demands of a rapidly advancing civilization, and
v/hen the reform Constitutional Convention of 1850 as-
sembled, it found Mr. Faulkner one of its members. This
was the first occasion during his public life that an op-
portunity liad been afforded him to combat the persis-
tent discriminations of the government of Virginia
against that jjortion of the state which lay west of the
Blue Eidge. Eastern Virginia had always borne heavily
upon the western portion of the State in taxation, in the
distribution of public improvements, and had defrauded
her out of her proper representation by establishing a
mixed basis of population and property, Tvhich alone
could give the Eastern slave-holding section of the State
the power to control the policy of the entire State.

IV.
IN THE REFORMED CONVENTION OF 1S50.

Mr. Faulkner's contest against these unjust discrimi-
nations began when he first entered the Legislature, and
never ceased while he had a voice in that body. It 1841
his opposition to the unjust attitude of the majority to-
wards the section of which he was a native was such
that he presented a proposition to remove the capital
from Richmond to some point in the Shenandoah Valley.
But while these contests vexed the public mind in the
East, because they served to call attention to the hard-
ships endured by Western Virginia, there were no prac-
tical means presented of striking at the root of the evil
until the reform convention of 1850 was called.

The proceedings of this convention were very impor-
tant, and Mr. Faulkner was prominent in its sessions.
He paid little attention, however, to the abstract or theo-
retical questions which arose, no matter what might be

Life of the late Hon. C. J. Faullcner. 323

their seeming importance, but reserved all his influence
and energy for a bold advocacy of the rights and inter-
ests of Western Virginia. To this, his native section,
taxation and the basis of representation were far more
important matters than any other questions before that
body. The importance of these issues had been recog-
nized by all sections of the State, and strong men from
the East, as well as the West, had been sent to deal with
the important issues to be decided by that assemblage.
Grovernor Henry A. Wise, John Y. Mason, John Minor
Botts and George W. Summers were a few of the great
men in that convention. Mr. Faulkner's most signifi-
cant battle in that body was upon the basis of represen-
tation, and in the debate upon that question he ran coun-
ter to all the leading men representing the eastern sec-
tion of the State. This was especially the fact in his
course upon the question of representation ; it was to
his great honor that at that early day he was the stead-
fast and eloquent champion of basing representation
upon voters and not upon chattels ; that he demanded
representation should be wholly upon the free whites
and not in part upon property, whether slave or other-
wise.

In his advocacy of this measure his speech was able
and exhaustive ; he commanded the close attention of
the convention during the two days which were occupied
by its delivery. It made a profound impression, and de-
ciding the question under consideration in consonance
with Mr. Faulkner's views, gave to Western Virginia
that position in the Councils of States to which she was
entitled. The debate in relation to taxation was equally
interesting and important. Mr. Faulkner bore the brunt
of that task, as well as the debate upon representation.
Henry A. Wise was the champion of Eastern Virginia
ideas and interests on the subject of taxation, while Mr.
Faulkner stood in the same relation to Western Virginia.
The debate between these two leaders of diverse inter-

324 Life of the late Hon. C. J. Faulkner.

ests has been preserved and was regarded as a leading in-
cident of tlie convention, and iiis position was sustained.
With this eminent service to his State, and especially to
his native section of the Old Dominion, Mr. Faulkner
broadened into the domain of national politics.

The compromise measures of Mr. Clay of 1850 changed
the political affiliation of many men, especially in the
South. Mr. Faulkner was one of those who drifted to
the side of the Union in the ensuing division. The South,
equally with the North, was dissatisfied with the terms
of the compromise ; the North with relation to the Fugi-
tive Slave Law clause, and the South because of the feel-
ing that too much had been conceded to the anti-slave
power. The planting States, with South Carolina in the
lead, were ready then to secede, but they could not de-
pend upon the help of the other Southern States, and
hence there was no open revolt. This may be said to
have been the opening of the division in the South ujjon
the question of union or disunion.

In 1851 Henry Beddinger, of Jefferson County, was a
candidate for Congress in the district in which Mr. Faulk-
ner lived. He took the position of South Carolina on the
compromise measure of 1850 as his platform. Mr. Faulk-
ner was brought out as an indepedent candidate against,
him, in behalf of the Union cause and against further
sectional agitation. Ben Hill, of Georgia, was a candi-
date the same year in his State on the same platform.
The first contest of Mr. Faulkner for a seat in the national
legislature was a memorable one. Mr. Beddinger was
the regular Democratic candidate, with a majority in the
district of several hundred in his favor, and he made war
to the knife against his opponent. Extracts from Mr.
Faulkner's speech in favor of the abolition of slavery in
1832 were printed in red letters and posted everywhere
in the district, and every possible effort was made to
array public opinion against him on account of the first
conspicuous act of his political life. With that unweary-

Life of tJte late Hon. G. J. Faulkner. 325

ing industry and zeal whicli have always been character-
istic of Mr. Faulkner, he entered into this fight and made
an active canvass, holding a public discussion with his
opponent at least once in every county of the district.
He was elected to Congress by a good majority in a dis-
trict which was largely Democratic, but where the Union
sentiment was at that time roused into fervid action.

Y.
IN CONGRESS.

When he took his seat in Congress the old parties were
undergoing rapid disintegration, and in July, 1852, Mr.
Faulkner, in an address to the people of the country,
joined Alexander H. Stephens and Kobert Toombs, of
Georgia, and several other Whig Representatives in Con-
gress from the South, in declaring that as General Scott
was the candidate of the Free Soil wing of the Whig
Party, opj)osed to the compromises of 1850, they could
not support him for the Presidency. Thus Mr. Faulk-
ner, with those other great Southern leaders, left the
Whig Party and joined his political fortunes with De-
mocracy. In the heated discussion of the hour the Whig
party charged the Democracy with opposition to the
compromise measures of 1850. To refute this charge Mr.
Faulkner prepared and delivered a speech in Congress,
August 2, 1852, which, in the printed edition, was enti-
tled " The Compromise — The Presidency — Political Par-
ties."' It was a great effort, an exhaustive review of the
issues wlrcli had disrupted the Whig party, and a com-
plete refutation, from a Democratic standpoint, of the
charge that the Democracy, as an organization, was op-
posed to the compromise measures. It was also a splen-
did effort in behalf of M/. Pierce for the Presidency.
This speech at once attracted public attention, and was
made a campaign document by the Democratic party.

Mr. John C. Rives, the noted Congressional printer, in
a letter written in December, 1852, says : "I printed for
the National Democratic Committee 93,000 copies of Mr.

326 Life of the late Hon. C. J. Faulkner.

Faulkner's speech, made in Congress before the close of
its last session. I would have printed more if I could
have procured paper in time. Although I have been en-
gaged in the printing business here twenty odd years, I
do not rerollect to have printed so many copies of any
other speech. The speech was printed at other offices,
but I do not know how large the editions were."

The fact is that more than 125,000 copies of the speech
were printed and distributed, and it w^as the text for
every stump orator for the Democracy during the memo-
rable campaign of that year. This change of Mr. Faulk-
ner of his political affiliations naturally created him new
adversaries at home, and he returned there to combat
them. He took the stump, and in a series of speeches
justified his course, carrying his district for Pierce by a
handsome majority. This fixed his position definitely in
the Democratic party. For four successive terms he was
elected to Congress over popular candidates, and as early
in the service he had attained, so to the end he main-
tained a leading position in the national legislature. He
was made chairman of the Military Committee of the
House at the beginning of his second term, and had a
leading place on other important committees. His eulo-
gy upon Henry Clay attracted great attention, as did his
speech in favor of opening the way to promotion in the
army to merit, without reference to the place of educa-
tion, which was intended to be, and was, a blow at the
military oligarchy which has its origin at West Point.
Naturally there are many others in Congress and upon
the stump worthy of equal commendation, as it was
known of him that he was the most ceaseless of workers,
and his only recreations during his public life were at in-
tervals to take part in those social reunions where he
could enjoy contact with the best minds of the nation.
It was also true of him that at home, as well as when en-
grossed in the cares of j)ublic life, he gave close applica-
tion to his private affairs and the interests of his clients.

Life of tlie late Hon. C. J. .Faulkner. B27

His law office was near, but apart from his house, and
that office had been his workshop for more than half a
century. It was a trite saying in the little town in
which he lived that the light was never out in that office
until after each new day was born.

When the Know-Nothing craze was at its height Mr.
Faulkner made a memorable canvass in Virginia in con-
junction with Henry A. Wise, the key-note of which was
the declaration, in the language of Mr. Faulkner in Con-
gress, " I am not, never have been and never expect to
be, a member of any oath-bound, secret political associa-
tion. I claim communion with but one political organi-
tion — and that is the great National Democratic Party of
this country — a 'party that has shown itself, after the
most ample experience, broad enough to embrace all the
vast interests of liberty and humanity, and strong
enough to uphold in its firm and conservative grasp the
Constitution of my country and the Union of these States."

Mr. Faulkner followed this struggle against the intol-
erance of Know-Nothingism by attending the National
Democratic Convention in Cincinnati, in 1856. He was
with a majority of the Virginia delegation in his prefer-
ence for Mr. Buchanan as the nominee of that body.
For the conspicuous services he had rendered the party
he was chosen Chairman of the Democratic Congressional
Committee for the conduct of the Presidential campaign.
But for the action of the Electoral College of Virginia,
in recommending John B. Floyd as the preference of the
State for a Cabinet position, Mr. Faulkner would have
been made Secretary of War upon the accession of Mr.
Buchanan to the Presidency. The new President, how-
ever, tendered the distinguished Virginian the hardly
less inferior position of Minister to France. But Mr.
Faulkner was in Congress, and Hon. John Y. Mason,
of Virginia, who was a personal friend, wa,s the IViinister
of the United States in France. Mr. Faulkner therefore
declined the mission, rather than disturb an old friend

328 Life of the late Hon. C. J. Fcmlknsr.

in his place. Mr. Mason having died during the pen-
dency of the canvass of 1859, Mr. Faulkner was nomina-
ted and confirmed as our new Minister to France, and
repaired at once to his new post of duty.

VI.

MINISTER TO FRANCE.

His services as a diplomat Tvere useful to his country
and honorable to himself ; it was through his efforts that
the right of expatriation was first admitted by the gov-
ernment of France, and naturalized citizens of the United
States given the right to visit the land of their birth with-
out molestation, or fear of military espionage The
great bulk of Mr. Faulkner's dispatches while a foreign
minister have never been given to the public by the State
Department, but when, in 1866, the Senate called for the
correspondence of that Department upon the great ques-
tion of the claims of European governments to exact
military service from naturalized citizens of the United
States, those of Mr. Faulkner were presented, and in
this way the general public was for the first time made
aware that in less than a month after his presentation at
the Court of Napoleon III., he pressed the issue upon
that sovereign to a conclusion in harmony with the wishes
and demands of the United States, despite the strenuous
opposition of M. Thouvenal, the French Minister for
Foreign Affairs. For this he received the thanks of the
President in his annual message to Congress. During
his term of service at the French Court, there were no
great overshadowing questions, except the one to which
allusion has been made, between the two countries, until
the armed conflict between the North and South in this
country becameimminent. The sympathies of Napoleon,
it is well known, were early enlisted upon the side of
the South, and this fact naturally made the position of
Mr. Faulkner at the French Court exceedingly delicate.
As a citizen of the South, whatever he might do, or omit
to do, was sure to meet with misrepresentation at Wash-

Life of Hie late Hon. U. J. FcmlJiuer. 829

ington. But lie was so circumspect in his conduct that
he was not only held blameless, but received the thanks
of the government for his services.

It was not to be expected, however, that in a period so
stormy, his services, however meritorious and conspicu-
ous, would protect him from detraction ; malignant as-
persions upon his loyalty to his country and fidelity to
his official trust, were carried from Paris to Washington,
and these became so frequent and persistent that soon
after the inauguration of President Lincoln, Mr. Faulk-
ner took notice of them in a letter to Mr. St-ward, Secre-
tary of State, in which he took occasion to deny in strong
terms that either in his official or private capacity, he
had been disloyal to the United States. It is unneces-
sary to present in detail the leading acts in Mr. Faulk-
ner's service as a diplomat ; but it was always creditable,
for in all his mental characteristics he was eminently
fitted for such a career. A man of great self -poise, equa-
ble temperament, and while of strong convictions, know-
ing how to hold them in check, it is not singular that he
was able to walk in the paths of diplomacy without
danger or difficulty, either to himself personally or the
country he represented. Besides the power of present-
ing his points strongly, he could put them adroitly, and
had the rare quality of making words persuasive. He
showed this attribute early in life. In his many contests
in a district that might oftentimes be called turbulent,
Mr. Faulkner not infrequently softened the asperities of
political warfare and won enemies to his support. A
good story is told of him in his native village, which
illustrates this point. Old Daniel Burkhardt, a conspic-
uous personage in the business circles of Martinsburg,
was a quiet and eccentric man. He was exceedingly
critical, and was at times in favor of Mr. Faulkner, while
at other periods he opposed him. In one closely contest-
ed election he severely criticised some of Mr. Faulkner's

330 Life of the late Hon. G. J. Faulkner.

political acts, when one of that gentleman's friends said
to him :

" Mr. Burkhardt, you ought not to be against Mr.
Faulkner. Why don't you see him, and he will explain
to your satisfaction the matter of which you complain."

"Of course he will," was the prompt reply. "He
never did anything in his life he could not explain to the
satisfaction of anybody. That is the reason I keep out
of his way."

Mr. Faulkner, however, did not permit Mr. Burkhardt
to escape him, but made the explanation of which the
latter was in fear, and thus gained his support. This
incident not only illustrated the persuasive power of Mr.
Faulkner, but it also allowed his extraordinary gift in
gaining and ever afterwards retaining, the friendship of
those who had been personally or politically inimical to
him.

Mr. Faulkner was relieved of his diplomatic duties
early in 1S61, by Hon. Wm. L. Dayton, of New Jersey,
who had been appointed as his successor by President
Lincoln. He left France with the respect of the govern-
ment to which he had been accredited, and the good
wishes of the many American citizens with whom he had
been brought into personal or official relations. He had
so conducted himself in his delicate relations to the
French government, growing out of the anomolous con-
dition of affairs in his own country, that there was not
even a pretence that he had been unfaithful in his con-
duct. He, from the first, refused to discuss these matters
with M. Thouvenal, and never but once expressed an
unofficial opinion as to the action of the government to-
ward the seceding States. Just before his departure M.
Thouvenal asked him if he believed his government
would use coercion to preserve the autonomy of the
Union. To this Mr. Faulkner said that he did not, but
added that he felt compelled to decline to discuss the
policy of his government, as Mr. Dayton was then on his

Life of the late Hon. C. J. Faulkner. 331

way to France, with, definite instructions from Wasliing-
ton upon that and cognate matters.

VII.

A PRISONER OF STATE.

After Mr. Faulkner returned to the United States,
some American newspapers contained long accounts ^of
Mr. Yancey and other Confederate diplomatic commis-
sioners having been received by Mr. Faulkner, presented
to the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, and even to
the Emperor himself. It is needless to say that these
were all fabrications, for Mr. Faulkner did not meet the
Confederate Commissioners until two months after he
had ceased to be Minister, and left France, and then, by
accident, on the Derby race course in England. On that
occasion Mr. Yancey never intimated- to Mr. Faulkner
the nature of his mission abroad, and the relation of the
Confederate States to the European Powers was never the
subject of discussion between them. When Mr. Faulk-
ner returned to the United States the war had been for
some time in progress. He went clirect to Washington,
to pay his respects to the President and Secretary Sew-
ard, and settle his account with the Government. While
in France he had been entrusted with a larg.e contingent
fund, to meet the expenses of other missions besides his
own. He settled all his accounts, received the balance
due him from the Government, and having, made his
final visit to the State Department, was about to leave
for his home in Martinsburg, when he was arrested and
thrown into prison. He demanded of the Secretary of
War, to know upon what charge he had been arrested
and detained. He received the following reply :

"You are held as a distinguished citizen of Virginia,
as a hostage for James McGraw, State Treasurer of Penn-
sylvania, who, while searching for the dead body of a
friend on the battlefield of Bull Run, was taken and
thrown into prison, by the people of your State, now in
rebellion against the authority of the Government, and,

332 Life of tlie late Hon. C. J. Faulkner.

so help me God, you shall never be relieved until James
McGraw and his party are set at liberty and are safe.
" Simon- Camero]^'", Secretary of War."

The characteristic answer from Gen. Cameron settled
the question inthe mind of Mr. Faulkner, and fully con-
tradicted the story that he had been arrested because of
infidelity to his trust v?hile Minister to France. After
being confined in Washington for a month he was trans-
ferred to Fort Lafayette. While imprisoned there he was
offered his liberty upon the condition of taking the oath
of allegiance to the United States. He refused to accept
his liberty ui>on those terms, for the reason that he had
been guilty of no offence, and had been confined without
any charge having been made against him, and that he
would submit to no conditions for his release. Soon
after this he learned that Mr. McGraw, of Pennsylvania,
had been set at liberty and was at home. He then ad-
dressed a note to Gen. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War,
requesting a fulfillment of the promise to release him,
when Mr. McGraw should be again safe within the
Federal lines. Gen. Cameron promptly replied, saying :

"You are no longer in my custody. Yoa have been
transferred to the Secretary of State, as a political
prisoner. " SiMOisr Cameron, Secretary of War."

Mr. Faulkner's offence against the State was that he
had refused to take the oath of allegiance. Soon after
this occurred he was removed to Fort Warren, in Boston
harbor. While he was in confinement there Mr. Ely, of
New York, a Congressman who had been captured while
a spectator at the battle of Bull Run, began to press the
Government to secure his release. Tt was proposed to
exchange Mr. Faulkner for l\ir. Ely, but Jeff Davis, in
his annual message, at Richmond, Va., declared he
would make no exchange for Mr. Faulkner, but would
make his arrest a ground of arraignment before the civil-
ized world. After considerable parleying it was finally
decided that Mr. Faulkner should be granted a parole of

L\fe of the late Hon. C. J. Faulkner. 333

thirty days, to go to Ricliinoiid and effect, impossible,
an exchange between himself and Mr. Ely. His arrival
in Richmond caused gieat exceitement ; he was greeted
by the Governor, Mayor of the city and a large con-
course of people, and called upon to make a public ad-
dress, which he did. His interview with Jefferson Davis
was interesting, as showing the relative position of the
two men at that period. During the conversation Mr.
Faulkner said : "Mr. Davis, I fear we are just begin-
ning a long and bloody war ; a struggle in which, I can-
not help thinking, the South will be unsuccessful."

"I agree with you sir," Mr. Davis replied, "that we
are at the outset of a protracted and desperate conflict,
but I do not agree with you that it will be an unsuccess-
ful one."

This decided difference of opinion did not have the
effect of making the interview altogether pleasant, and
Mr. Davis did not, at any subsequent period, take kind-
ly to Mr. Faulkner. Finally, but with great reluctance,
Mr. Davis consented to the exchange of Mr. Ely for Mr.
Faiilkner, and when that had been accomplished the lat-
ter retired to his home in Berkeley County, but remain-
ed there but a few days, he having received a letter from
Q-eneral Stonewall Jackson, who invited him to become
a member of his staff. He was accordingly, by Lieut.
Gen. Stonewall Jackson, appointed his chief of staff,
with the rank, Lieut. Colonel. He Avrote all of the offi-
cial reports of that distinguished soldier, which have al-
ways been regarded as models of military literature.

While he v/as absent from his home, during the war,
Martinsburg, near which he lived, was alternately in pos-
session of the Federal and Confederate forces, and al-
though his two sons were in the Confederate army,
Ms property was not seriously injured. His old home,
around which clustered the associations of a century, was
ordered to be burned, by Gen. David Hunter, and an
officer appeared to carry this command into effect. The

334 Life cf the late Hon. G. J. Faulkner.

liouse was saved by a telegraphic order from Abraham
Lincoln, to whom an appeal was made by Mrs.
Faulkner' who had resided there during all the war.
The close of the war found Mr. Faulkner near Ap-
pomattox, where Lee surrendered to Grant. One of
the first acts of Mr. Lincoln after the surrender of Gen.
Lee, was to request Mr. Faulkner to return home, and
he sent Col. Ward Lamon with a message to him, for
that purpose. Mr. Faulkner, after the close of hostili-
ties, returned to his home in Berkeley County, the un-
timely and tragical death of Mr. Lincoln having preven-
ted the conference which the President had intended to
have with Mr. Faulkner, when, no doubt, the opinion of
the latter on the subject of reconstruction, which had
become one of absorbing interest at the close of the war,
would have been given due consideration.

VIII.
AFTER THE WAR.

The State of West Virginia had been created out of
the Old Dominion when Mr. Faulkner returned to his
home. There were new men at the helm, and a new
order of things in general. The sting of war had left its
rankling in the statutes of the new State, and he found
himself not only debarred from the inherrent right of
American citizenship, but even of practicing his profes-
sion as a lawyer.

At that time this section of the country, almost more
than any other along the border, was disturbed by the
receding waves of civil war, and the legal, no less than
the constitutional, standing of the new State was often
called in question. Nothwithstanding the great changes
which the war had wrought, and the bitter animosities
of the hour, of which at this time there can be but a faint
idea, Mr. Faulkner, regarding the separation as irrever-
sible, at once took strong grounds in favor of the new
State of Virginia, which was the offspring, not of revo-
lution, but of civil war. He held, and with the spirit of

Life of the late Eon. C. J. Faulkner. 3H5

prophecy upon Mm, that time would solten the asperi-
ties of the armed conflict, and that West Virginia, freed
from the unjust discriminations of the dominant section
east of the Blue Ridge, woiild speedily become one of
the most flourishing commonwealths in the sisterhood
of States.

The contest had commenced in 1832, for the overthrow
of the unjust discriminations against the section of the
State where he had been born, and where were a,ll his in-
terests, social, business and political, had been ended by
the sword severing the section west of the Blue Ridge
from what was then called, and is yet known, as the Old
Dominion.

It is needless to describe in detail his many public
acts from 1865 to 1872 in behalf of the New State. Of
these the most significant and important was his stand iii
favor of the two rich counties of Jefferson and Berkeley
being attached to West "Virginia. The old State of Vir-
ginia sued for them as a part of her domain, claiming
that they were not legally attached to the new State
when created. Mr. Faulkner showed his fidelity to the
western section by taking positive grounds in favor of
the right of West Virginia to these counties. Virginia
instituted her suit in the Supreme Court of the United
States, and Hon. Reverdy Johnson was retained as the
leading counsel for West Virginia, but he was made
Minister to England before the case came on for argu-
ment, and Gov. Boreman, at the request of the delega-
tion from those counties, engaged Mr. Faulkner to take
Mr. Johnson's place. The case was argued before the
Supreme Court of the United States, in February, 1871,
The argument of Mr. Faulkner was an exhaustive pres-
entation of the equity of the claim of West Virginia to
the two counties, and they were awarded to her by the
decision of the Court. In January, 1872, Mr. Faulkner
was a member of the Constitutional Convention of West
Virginia, which framed the present fundamental law of

336 Life of the late Hon. C. J. Faulkner.

the State. This was the first even quasi-political office
he had held since the war. He was chairman of the
Judiciary Committee on Revision, the two most impor-
tant in the body. It is needless to say that he was one
of the leaders in the debates and work of that body.

In June of the same year his political disabilities were
removed by special act of Congress, and in the fall of
1874 he was elected to the House of Eepresentatives, by
3,436 majority, in a district until that time doubtful. He
served on the important committees of Foreign Rela-
tions and Education and labor, and took a leading posi-
tion in the debates on all important questions. As his
term was drawing to a close he declined a re-election, for
the purpose of becoming a candidate for United States
Senator, and in the contest for that position which fol-
lowed, in the Legislature, he secured a plurality of the
Democratic votes in caucus, but was defeated in the Leg-
islature by a combination of the Republicans with a
number of Democrats in favor of his opponent. He was,
at a subsequent period, mentioned as a candidate for
Governor, but was again defeated by a combination of
hostile interests, and then withdrew from public life.

IX.
HOW A LADY SAVED HER HOME FROM THE TORCH.

"Madam, I am ordered to burn this house to the ground.
You will have one hour to leave it ; you will be permit-
ted to take nothing away except the wearing apparel of
yourself and daughters."

Thus spoke General Martindale, an officer of the First
New York Cavalry, who was at that time serving as a
staff officer to General David S. Hunter, who was in com-
mand of the Union forces in the Shenandoah Yalley dur-
ing the eventful years of 1863-64. The house was one
of those quaint ancestral mansions seen nowhere but in
the South, and there so common as hardly to attract at-
tention. It was odd ; it was almost rude in its architec-
ture, but even its rather faded exterior gave evidence of

Life of the late Hon. O. J. Faulkner. 337

the wealth of hospitality, and accumulations of rare
work, both literary and artistic. In its historical treas-
ures it was especially rich, and besides the great array of
Valuable books it contained many manuscripts even
then of great worth, which were to become more valua-
ble with the lapse of time.

This house filled with treasures and crowded with
sacred memories, had been the home of the lady ad-
dressed, and of her progenitors for generations. To her
every room — nay, eveiy corner and part of every room
" — was peopled by happy, wholesome memories. It is
not strange, therefore, that to her the words of the officer
which doomed her home to the torch were freighted with
no common sorrow.

But she was not a woman to sit down and wait for mis-
fortune to overwhelm her. She had little time to do any-
thing to save her house ; little chance that anything she
might do would be successful. But she determined to
make an effort to save her home, and she did what many
others did in these distressful days ; she made by tele-
graph an appeal to the patient, sympathetic, forgiving
Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States. A
messenger galloped to the town, and the fateful message
was instantly flashed to Washington. The distracted
lady could only wait and each moment of that hour
seemed to her laden with the anxiety of a century.
Meanwhile the officer and his soldiers lounged upon the
beautiful lawn that stretched out before the old mansion
to the main road, fully a quarter of a mile aw;ay, waiting
for the appointed time to apply the torch. They knew
nothing of what the Mistress of the mansion had done,
and if they had known would not have been greatly
concerned. They were only obeying orders and had so
little liking for their work that they would be glad of
some excuse for not doing it.

The moments came and went with exasperating speed ;
the old clock in the hall seemed to count the minutes

.338 Life of the late Hon. C. J. Faullmer.

into the past with malignant and unusual si^eed. The
servants were hastily packing trunks with the few arti-
cles to be spared from the flames, but the lady herself
seemed to take no notice of what was going on about her.
She sat at a window, which commanded a view of the
road leading to the town, as if to catch the first glimpse
of a horseman flying to her relief.

The three quarters had gone ; the lady still strained
her eyes at the window, the soldiers still lounged list-
lessly under the shade trees, but their talk was becom-
ing more subdued and their dislike for the task before
them was becoming more apparent.

Suddenly the clatter of the horse's hoofs in full gallop
was heard down the road. The lady sprang to her feet
with an expression of mingled hope and fear upon her
face. The soldiers hardly noticed the rapid approach of
the courier, for they could not be aware that the incident
had any interest for them. The messenger came into
plain view and the lady saw that he was waving a letter
in his hand as' he urged his horse to greater speed. In
an instant more the messenger sjprang from his horse and
rushed up the broad graveled path to the house. The
lady met him at the door. He handed her the telegram.
She tore it open. It was a brief message of only a few
words, but it had the potency of a kingly command.
It said :

" The property of Charles James Faulkner is exempt
from the order of General David S. Hunter for
the burning of the residences of three prominent citi-
zens of the Shenandoah Valley, in retaliation for the
burning of the Governor Bradford's hoiise in Maryland
by the Confederate forces."

(Signed) Abraham Lincolk.

The lady handed the telegram to Captain Grey Martin-
dale. He read it and raised his cap in salutation. Turn-
ing to his men he gave the orders which put them in
their saddles, and in a moment more he and his small

Life of the late Hon. G. J. Faulkner. 339

command were clattering down tlie dusty road toward
their camp. Thus was her home saved ; thus did Abra-
ham Lincoln add another to the many acts of kindness
with which he illumed and softened the rugged road of
civil war w^hich it was his hard fate to tread. Thus was
the painful duty of Captain Martindale accomplished.
The orders to burn houses had not been confined to this
single home, and when he appeared on the scene which
has been sketched in the above lines the officer and his
command had just come from the burning of other resi-
dences of other prominent Virginians. General David
S. Hunter, who issued these orders, was one of those old-
time soldiers who believed that war was not a holiday
pastime. Among the homes which had been first burned
were those of Hon. Alexander R. Boteler, near Shep-
herdstown, along the Potomac river, formerly a member
of Congress, and who for a time before the war had de-
feated Mr. Faulkner in one of the most desperate and
closely contested Congressional elections which had ever
taken place in that section. Another house burned was
that of Andrew Hunter, a member of the Confederate
Congress and a cousin of General Hunter. He found his
consanguinity to the Union commander was no protec-
tion for his property. There seemed to be some of the
irony of fate in these occurrences of the war.

At that time the rebels held as a prisoner Mr. Ely, a
member of Congress from New York, who had been one
of the many who had gone down from Washington to
see the rebellion crushed at Bull Run. They saw another
sort of spectacle and Ely was captured, and the rebels
clung to him as a prize of great value. Finally the
friends of Mr. Ely hit upon the plan of exchanging him
for Faulkner, and by their importunities finally gained
the consent of the Government at Washington to their
scheme. Mr. Faulkner was to be released upon parole,
and went to Richmond to effect the desired exchange.
He was successful. Mr. Ely was restored to his home,

340 Life of the late Ron. C. J. Faulliner.

and lie was released and sent within the Confederate
lines.

After a short stay in Richmond, where his arrival had
caused great excitement, Mr. Faulkner retired to the
home of his daughter, near Appomattox, where most of
his time during the continuance of the rebellion was
spent. He served for a time, however, upon the staff of
General Stonewall Jackson, and wrote most of the orders
and reports of that officer which received such general
praise as models of military literature. After the close
of the war he returned to his home near Martinsburg,
where he has ever since continued to live. Soon after
his return he began to take an active interest in the pub-
lic affairs of the new State of West Virginia, which was
that portion of the Old Dominion which had always en-
listed his heartiest sympathies and best efforts.

It is worthy of being added that General Cameron and
Mr. Faulkner had broken the bread of reconciliation
since the war. Both were far advanced in years, the one
having passed four score years, the other fast approach-
ing that advanced age. There was one more incident.
Soon after the war Mr. Faulkner and Mr. Magraw, al-
though the lines of their fates had so crossed each other
at a stirring period, met for the first time, and their in-
terview was interesting and pleasant to both. It is queer
how time softens the asperities of this life and brings
together those who were far separated by the circum-
stance of war. The old mile-posts that tell the story of
that conflict are fast falling and crumbling into decay.
The history of one is full of interest, but where is there
one that furnishes more good thoughts and facts than
the one in that old house that Grey Martindale was or-
dered to burn.

LIFE'S LABORS OVER.

The death of Charles James Faulkner occurred at his
residence, Boydville, Martinsburg, at fifty minutes past
six o'clock Saturday morning, Nov. 1st, 1884. It was

Life of the late Hon. C. J. Faulkner. • 841

the belief of his physicians that he would have passed
away several days before but for a restless energy which
ever stirred within him, and which he in particular sum-
moned up in the last hours of his life. But his end was
come and, surrounded by all the members of his family,
he drew his last breath and passed peacefully away.
There were present at his death his two sons, Hon. E.
Boyd and Judge Chas. James Faulkner and families ; his
six daughters, Mrs. S. P. F. Pierce, Mrs. Thos, Bocock,
Mrs. Jno. P. Campbell, Mrs. Dr. W. S. Love, Mrs. Joel
W. Flood and Mrs. Dr. J. W. McSherry ; also Dr. W.
S. Love and family, Hon. Thos. S. Bocock, Mr. Faulkner
Pierce, Mrs. Jas. Booker, Miss Boiling Flood and Miss
Ella Bocock. As soon as he was dead the sad news was
sent over the wires to his friends around, and many were
the words of consolation and sympathy returned to the
bereaved family. The services of his funeral took place
on Monday following and were largely attended. Among
the prominent men present were Judge W. S. Clark,
Judge Richard Parker, Hon. Holmes Boyd, attorneys P.
H. Boyd, H. H. Boyd, John B. Norris, James E. Xorris,
Capt. Powell, T. B. Kennedy, President, and Superin-
tendent Boyd, of the Cumberland Valley Railroad ; Mr.
Gallaher, of the Free Press; J. Rufus Smith, Esq.,
and a large number of others. Nearly a hundred of the
Masonic fraternity, of which order he was a member,
turned out, and headed by the City Band marched at 3
o'clock, the hour of his funeral, to solemn music to the
residence, around which had gathered by this time more
than two thousand people. The body of the venerable
Chas. James Faulkner lay in the parlor in a handsome
casket, decked with wreaths of beautiful flowers ; floral
crewn, cross and inscription of Father made of roses
and rare flowers were placed upon the casket cover.
After all had viewed in procession the honored remains,
the Presbyterian choir sang "Rock of ages cleft for me;"
prayer was offered by Rev. Pitt, after which Rev. F. M.

342 Life of the late Hon. C. J. Faulkner.

Woods delivered a funeral oration on the late deceased,
a tribute to his memory. Rev. R. C. Holland followed
with prayer, and reading of hymn " Nearer my God to
Thee," by Rev. Andrews, which was sung by choir and
benediction by Rev. F. M. Woods. After the sermon
the funeral cortege marched to the Episcopal Cemetery,
next to the lawn, led by the City Band, followed by
nearly 100 members of the Masonic fraternity under the
auspices of Equality Lodge, the remains carried by the
pall bearers, Blackburn Hughes, J. L. W. Baker, P-
Showers, C. P. Matthaei, J. W. Pitzer, D. Hedges, A. J.
Thomas, C. W. Doll, C. M. Shaffer, Wm. Kilmer, Jacob
Miller, J. W. Thatcher, M. S. Grantham, Casper Stump,
Col. J. Q. A. Nadenbousch, tl. H. Gettinger and J. N.
Abell ; the ushers, Messrs. E. J. Simpson, H. L. Doll,
Stuart W. Walker, G. C. Janney, G. C. Swartz, A. S.
Hughes, and D. C. Hunter, who followed bearing floral
tribute of Fathek, Grandfather and Rest with cross and
crown, the immediate members of the family, two sons,
sis daughters, thirteen grandchildren — only three absent
— the near relatives of the deceased, the bar and officers
of the Court, the City Council and corporation ofBcers
and over two thousand citizens. The services at the
grave were conducted by the Masopis with beautiful and
impressive ceremony such as is usual on occasions of
Masonic burial. Never perhaps in the history of Mar-
tinsburg were there so many people gathered together to
pay their last tribute of respect to the honored remains
of a venerable citizen, one who was successful as a jurist,
politician, diplomatist, and statesman, whose life will
live after him, and his deeds be recorded on the pages of
the world's history.

CHAPTER XIV.

THE CHURCHES— ORGANIZATION AND PRESENT

CONDITION.
^T has been stated in a former chapter that the Tusca-
^ rora Church, about two miles from the city, was the
first place where the gospel was publicly preached and
divine service performed west of the Blue Ridge Moun-
tain. This was and still remains a Presbyterian edifice.
Among the early settlers a number of Irish Presbyterians,
with a few Scotch and English families, removed from
Pennsylvania and settled along Back Creek, the North
Mountain and Opequon. The Baptists were the next to
establish a public worship, which was done about the
year 1754. Mr. Stearns, a preacher of this sect, with
several others, removed from New England, and under
the care of Rev. John Gerard, formed a Baptist Church
on the Opequon, the first founded this side of the Blue
Ride The Baptists were not among the earlist emi-
grants ; but in the years 1742 or 1743, about fourteen
families of that persuasion migrated from New Jersey
and settled in the vicinity of what is now called Gerards-
town. From this date other denominations sprang up,
and at the present day our entire county is supplied with
well regulated and disciplined churches of nearly every
sect. The following sketches are given of our churches,
that have sown their seed broad-cast and been the means
of establishing religion throughout the county :

TUSCARORA CHURCH— THE OLDEST WEST OF THE BLUE
RIDGE MOUNTAINS.

On a bright Tuesday morning, April 3d, 1888, 1 mount-
ed a bicycle and wended my way in the direction of the
old Presbyterian Church, situated on Tuscarora. I seated

344 The CJmrcJies.

myself on a bench, near by, and carefully scanned the
small stone building of one story, on -whicli every trace
of mortar, between the stone, seemed to speak of the
years, yea a century or more, through which it has stood
the test of time — the wintry blasts and the rainbeat of
bygone days. Then I would pause, upon looking at the
wood work, which, when compared with the workman-
ship of the present day, presents rather a rude appear-
ance, and one can readily imagine that the erection of
buildings in those days consisted of hard labor, with
poor tools to work with. Next, I directed my attention
to the stone steps in front, the weather-beaten doors, and
the old shingled roof, which plainly show that by their
use they were not over-estimated by the workmen. Sit-
ting beneath a small birch tree, I began to wonder, as if
in a dream, whether the early settlers that erected this
grand old building, ever gave thought to the fact that
their good works and deeds would be handed down to
rising generations for centuries to come. But then my
dream was interrupted and awakened by the peck of the
wood- chuck, the chirp of the sparrow, and the warble of
the robin overhead.

I turned my gaze heavenward, then looked around me
over the beautiful landscape of irnproved and cultivated
soil, the neat dwellings — and then glancing at a marble
slab before me, I thought of His blessed word on high :
"Surely their good works do follow them." Interrupted
by the warbling notes of the bird overhead, I looked up
at it, and with its little throat swelled it seemed to say,
that happiness in His sight is the Goddess of all nature
divine.

Truly, it was a grand sight — with the bright shining
sun above, to announce the coming of spring, — the bud-
ding of trees around, stirred now and then by a fresh
breeze and sending forth a fragrant odor, — the sod be-
neath sprouting up, and beginning to don its coat of
green— all of which seemed to teach a soul- comforting

The Churches. 345

lesson: "A great and loving Father, creator of heaven
and earth, hath endowed us with these blessings of na-
ture." And then upon reading a slab before me, I was
again reminded : "According to the manner in which
thou hast lived, so shalt thou be judged, at the judgment
bar of God, He that hath endowed us with all these
blessings." Here I was interrupted and awakened from
my reverie by an inquirer, who wanted to know my busi-
ness at this lone spot, and at such a time. After satisfy-
ing him with my object and reason, he walked off ; and
again I was left alone, save my God, with the tombs of
the dead. I raised my eyes, and found myself confront-
ing the tomb of Rev. Louis F. Wilson, on which were
these words : "Died March 24th, 1873, in his 04 th year
— Our Faithful pastor for 37 years." This aroused a
deep sense of feeling within me, and I began to wander
amongst the tombs, of perhaps, many loved ones, en-
deared to both God and mankind. I noticed particularly
an old slab, rustic and covered with moss, and propped
up at each end by small foundations. With a small
stick I cleaned it as best could be done, and with a pen-
cil traced the letters in order to make them out. The
stone has been washed by the storms, until the letters can
hardly be found. It read thus: "Under this marble
rests the body of Rev. Hugh Vance, a faithful minister
of the Gospel of Christ 26 years. Born in the year 1736.
Died in the year 1791. Live the life if U would die the
death of the righteous. This stone is erected to preserve
and perpetuate the Memory of this AVorthy Man by his
affectionate friends in Berkeley County, Virginia."

Nearby stood a number of wooden slabs, almost rotted
and decayed, and it is to be supposed that at an early
day these tombs were enclosed by a fence, as four snags
of posts are still standing. I became interested in the
names and dates of the slabs, and began to note some of
which I thought might prove interesting to the reader.
Among them were John Chenowith, died October 8th,

346 The UJiurcJies.

1842, aged 63 years, ; Thomas Miller, died November 80th,
1854, aged 64 years ; James Chenowith, did 1836, aged
53 years ; Emily Marker, died 1838, aged 21 years ; Mar-
garet Hull, died August 31st, 1846, aged 57 years ; -Wm.
Slauter, died April 2Sth, 1834, aged 52 years ; Robert
Lyle, died 1786, aged 34 years ; Robert Brighton, died
September 10th, 1797, aged 60 years ; Margaret Brighton,
died September 20th, 1786, aged 47 years ; Margaret Herd,
died July 26th, 1794, aged 27 years ; David Miller, died
September 15th, 1825, aged 51 years ; the next was an
old blue lime stone marked: "Here lies the body of
Hugh Lyle, who departed this life Aj^ril 14th, A. D.,
1790, aged 84 years." Another was an old sand stone,
the letters almost washed away, and bore the name of
Hugh Lyle, Jr., died February 27th, 1797, aged 42 years.
In a large stone vault were contained Wm. Snodgrass
and wife. The date of his death was May 13th, 1836, at
an age of 61 years ; and his wife died in 1852, aged 76
years. There was a large marble tomb with the Holy
Bible engraved upon it, and the name of Sarah Ireland,
who died January 20th, 1857, aged 79 years ; also her
son Alexander who died April 29th, 1800, at an age of 9
years. A number of graves were marked with small
rocks and wooden slabs — and there was nothing to desig-
nate the name of the dead or date of death. Some of
the slabs were rustic and almost entirely covered by moss,
or washed by the storms until the letters are invisible,
la places the grave has been entirely lost by the growth
of the monster oak. Near the center stands a large
brick enclosure — the wooden roof entirely rotted away,
and the walls fast going to ruin. Beneath this, I am in-
formed, a number of persons were buried, but nothing
I- remains to give information as to who they were.

After strolling around to my heart's content, I return-
ed to the church and took my seat in a side door. I
looked over the iwofile of stones and slabs, some of which
have fallen down, and others broken and decayed — and

The CJiurclies. 347

then pondered long in meditation, wliether the present
generation knew who and which of their foreparents
might be buried here ; or whether many, perhaps, given
up for lost, might be sleeping under this sod. At this
moment the sweet notes of a little bird, perched nearby,
thrilled my soul :

I looked aroiTud, o'er the tombs of the dead,
And thought their spirits, from overhead,

Were looking down with earnest eye.

On tombs in which their bodies lie.
When lo, the stillness seemed to say,
Man is mortal— his life a day.

The church is still used for public worship by the
Presbyterian denomination, and has a small membership.
Interments are still made in the old graveyard, and fine
marble stones are taking the place of the old slabs. The
present pastor is the Rev. J. H. Gilmore, of Hedgesville,
who also has charge of the Falling Waters church,
another very old edifice.

This sketch was written by the author of this book
especially for the history of the old graveyard. Amongst
the dates will be found some who were born nearly two
centuries ago, and have been buried on this spot nearly
a century. There were others, doubtless older, but no
trace could be found to identify them. However, I feel
confident that those mentioned will prove of interest and
value to the reader.

ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH.

This is one of the oldest congregations in the Valley
of Virginia. It was founded and formed here in 1775 by
German emigrants from Pennsylvania and Maryland.
In 1782 a church record for the exclusive use of the Lu-
theran congregation was obtained, and still remains in
the archives of the church. The first regular pastor was
Rev. Christian Streit, who took charge of a Lutheran
congregation in Winchester, Va,, July 19th, 1785. The
circuit over which he had charge embraced the counties
of Berkeley, Jefferson and Frederick. He acted in the

348 The Cliurclies.

capacity of Bishop or overseer of the Lutheran interest
in these sections, ministering until 1790.

SrLcceeding Rev. Streit, and the first pastor who resided
here, was Eev. J. D. Young, who took charge of the
congregation December 12th, 1790, in which position he
served until 1800, when after an absence of two years he
returned and served it from November 3d, 1802, up to
the time of his death, which occurred February 10th,
1804, at an age of 54 years. He was the originator of the
first known constitution or form of government for the
congregation, which was signed by 103 members. The
congregation v/as next supplied by Rev. F. W. Jazinsky
for about one year, and who was succeeded by Rev. John
P. Ravenack, the second resident pastor. Rev. John
Kackler became pastor December 1st, 1817, and continued
until 1819. Rev. C. P. Krauth took charge in the au-
tumn of 1819 and served six years, resigning in 1827.
His successor was Rev. Jacob Medtart, who entered upon
his pastorate in 1827, Vv^hich position he filled success-
fully until 1835, when he resigned. The following is the
list of iDastors as they succeeded each other, and their
terms, to the present date : Rev. Reuben Wiser, from
March 1st, 1835, to 1837 ; Rev. Charles Martin, March
29th, 1837 to 1842 ; Rev. Samuel Spreecher, Feb. 13th,
1842, to 1843 ; Rev. Joseph A. Seiss, May 29th, 1843, to
to 1846 ; Rev. John Winter, November 23d, 1845, to 1847 ;
Rev. C. P. Krauth, Jr., November 8th, 1847, to 1848;
Rev. B. M. Schmucker, May 21st, 1848, to 1852 ; Rev.
RexibenA.Fink, April 1st, 1852, lol855; Rev. Wm. Kopp,
November 25th, 1855, to 1857 ; Rev. Edwin Dorsey,
April 1st, 1858, to 1860 ; Rev. Charles Martin, October
21st, 1860, to 1861. Here an interruption was made by
the late war, and the pastorate duties again resumed by
Rev. J. S. Heilig, August 9th, 1866, to 1868 ; Rev. M.
L. Culler, December 1st, 1869, to July 24th, 18S1, and
was succeeded by Rev. R. C. Holland, the present pas-
tor, November 23rd, 1881.

Tlie Churches. 349

The first church edifice was ttie joint property of the
Lutheran and Reformed congregations, and was located
on the corner of Church and John streets, being built
entirely of logs. It was constructed for a tavern by Jacob
Shortel, but afterward purchased by the congregations
on the 20th of March, 1786, and then completed as a house
of God for religious worship. The two lots lying between
King and John streets were also purchased at the same
time for the same owner, and have since been used as a
graveyard. At that time nails were too expensive, and
the plastering lathes were fastened by grooves cut into
the logs. A pipe organ Avas afterward purchased, the
bellows of which was worked by ropes and weighted
down by stones.

Rev. R. C. Holland, the present pastor, is a zealous
and earnest worker in the cause of religion. In his inter-
course with his members and brethren, in religion, he
has won their friendship and esteem, and as a citizen the
respect of the people. The present membership of the
church is over 300, and the Sunday School numbers over
275 scholars. Mr. Geo. Knapp, for a number of years,
has successfully officiated as Sunday School Superinten-
dent. The following is a list of the Deacons and Elders :
Deacons— G. S. Hill, D. A. Cline, Geo. D. Whitson, Jas.
H. Small and Geo. A. Mason. Elders— H. N. Deatrick,
Geo. Knapp, Geo. P. Walters and M. V. Small.

The old graveyard is an object of deep and tender in-
terest to this city and much of the surrounding country,
as many have some relative or friend buried there. The
first cup of which there is any knowledge, which was
used by the congregation in the ministration of the Holy
Communion, is still in existence, bearing the date 1791,
and the mysterious inscription : " P. K.''^' B. K. M."

In 1815 a subscription was taken up in the two churches
amounting to $3,059.00, for the purpose of building a
new church for their joint use. This project, for some
cause, had never been carried out Later on the present

350 Tlie Churclies.

site was purchased from Jacob Schoppert, and an edifice
erected at a cost of $3,786.50, and was dedicated June
lOtli, 1832, Rev. Abram Reck officiating. The church
was improved again in 1854, and a large bell placed in
the tower. During the late war the congregations were
considerably scattered, and the church very much injured.

In 1884 the church was remodeled, and extensive and
important changes made. The corner stone was laid
July 12th, 1884, with impressive services, by Rev. M. L.
Culler, the former pastor, and other clergymen assisting
the pastor. Rev. R. C. Holland. The cost of this im-
provement amounted to $10,000.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.

The first Baptist Church of Martinsburg was originally
organized in 1858, with ten members. Rev. J. W. Jones
was chosen pastor, and, for nearly two years, preached
in the stone academy that stood near the Episcopal Cem-
etery. In 1859 the lot on West King street, where the
present building now stands, was bought, with a view of
building a church edifice, but soon after the late war be-
tween the States came on, and but little was accomplished
until after the close of the war. During this time the
society had a mere nominal existence, and nothing wor-
thy of note occurred in its history ; but preaching was
held at intervals in the German Reformed and Lutheran
Churches. In the spring of 1869, ground was broken and
work commenced for the erection of a church building.
The corner stone was laid Aug. 24th, 1869, with imposing
Masonic ceremonies. Rev. J. A. Haynes, of Middleburg,
was present, and delivered an appropriate and elo-
quent address. The work was then continued without
interruption, until the building was under roof. In the
month of May, 1870, the lecture room was completed,
and the first sermon was preached in the new house of
worship on the third Sunday of that month, by the pas-
tor, Rev. W. S. Penick. At this time the church was
reorganized for active work with Rev. W. S. Penick, as

Tlie Churches. 351

pastor, and W. M. Van Cleve and Joseph B. Kearfott as
deacons. On tlie second Sunday in June, 1870, the Sun-
day School was permanently established. The building
was completed in March, 1874, and on the 29th day of
that month it was dedicated, with an appropriate sermon
by Rev. J. W. M. Williams, D. D., of Baltimore. The
total cost of the building, including furniture, etc., was
$7,364.43, for which a collection of 8656.50 was taken up
at the dedication services. The entire indebtedness has
since been paid off.

Rev. W. S. Penick served the church as pastor from
1869 to July 1st, 1874. Rev. P. P. Murray, of Buchanan,
W. Va., sucreeded the former and entered upon his pas-
torate with the church October 18th, 1874, continuing
until November 17th, 1875, when he resigned and was
succeeded by Rev. A. E. Rogers, who entered upon his
mission work in September, 1876. Since the advent of
the latter pastor the church has been constantly increas-
ing. During the fall of 1881, both the interior and exte-
rior of the building have been greatly improved, and the
entire front changed, at a cost of over $500.00.

Rev. A. E. Rogers was shortly afterward tendered a
call to Missouri, which he accepted. Rev. Rogers was
then succeeded by Rev. R. H. Pitt, of Richmond, Va.,
Nov. 1st, 1883. ReV. Pitt served the church until 1886,
when he resigned and returned to his former people.
He was succeeded by Rev. F. P. Robertson, of Grafton,
(W. Va.,) church, formerly of Virginia, in May, 1886,
who has still charge of the church, and is doing a grand
and noble work. Rev. Robertson is a kind, courteous
and affable gentleman, and has the esteem and love of
his entire pastoral charge. He is an excellent preacher,
of an intelligent mind, and educated ability. The fol-
lowing names compose the deacons of the church : B. F.
Fiery, Samuel Aler, Sr., Jos. West, W. L. Pearl, J. B.
Kearfott, T. B. Grove.

F. S. Emmert is the Sunday School Superintendent,

352 ' The Oliurclies.

which capacity he has filled for five years. The church
membership is 200, and the average Sunday School at-
tendance 112.

TRINITY (EPISCOPAL) CHURCH, AND NORBORNE PARISH.

By an Act of Assembly, in the year 1769, this parish
and county were taken from Frederick. The original
parish included all the territory now embraced by the
counties of Jefferson and Berkeley, and contained within
the limits, probably three churches. About the year
1740, one was built at Mill Creek, or Bunker Hill, and
founded by Morgan Morgan — the first Episcopal Church
erected in the valley. A short time before the parish
was formed, a chapel was erected at Hedgesville. The
other was erected in Mecklenburg, (now Shepherdstown)
and built by Van Swearingen. The original parish con-
tained these three churches. The first Episcopal Church
in Martinsbnrg was built about the close of the war, and
was erected by Philip Pendleton, Esq., a zealous church-
man. It was built at the entrance to Norborne Ceme-
tery, which was laid out by Adam Stephen, and estab-
lished by law in 177S. Upon the formation of Jeiierson
County in ISOl, which was taken from Berkeley, that
territory was cut off from Norborne Parish. This re-
duced the latter, and it contained but the three churches.

The old church that stood in the Cemetery became un-
safe for use, and in 1835, measures were taken to erect
another in the town. The lot was donated, and about
1838 or 1839, the present edifice, on West King street,
was commenced. There was no stated place of worship
in the town, for eight years or more before its comple-
tion. The following memorandum is taken from the old
church record : "Trinity Church, Martinsbnrg, was con-
secrated by Rt. Rev. William Meade, Bishop of Virginia,
on Thursday, August 10th, 1843. Present and assisting,
the following of the clergy : Revs. Alexander Jones and
J. Chisholm, of Virginia, and Revs. James A. Buck and

The Churclies. 353

Theodore B. Lyman, of Maryland. Sentence of conse-
cration read by the rector of the parish."

The church was badly damaged during the late war,
and in 1865 it was found necessary to renovate it before
it could be used for divine worship. The present vesti-
bule and iron railing were placed in front of the church
in 1869. There are many breaks in the succession, re-
garding the clergy of the parish, and it is supposed there
were no ministers in charge at those times. The parish
was organized in 1769, and no indentification of the
clergy as its Rector can be found until the year 1771.
Rev. Daniel Sturges was then licensed by the Bishop of
London as Rector for Norborne Parish. Rev. Mr. Yea-
sey succeeded him in 1786, and was followed by Rev.
Mr. Wilson. Rev. Bernard Page was the Rector in 1795,
and who, it is said, in his ministerial work, was far be-
yond the standard of the parish. He was succeeded by
Rev. Emanuel Wilmer, about the year 1806. Between
the la,pse of 1811 and 1813, Rev. Mr. Price was made
rector. Here a temporary stop was put to all clerical
effort by the war of 1812, and in 1815, Rev. Benjamin
- Allen took charge of the parish. While in Martinsburg
he contributed largely to the Christian's Magazine and
Layman's Magazine, church papers published in the
valley. He was also an author of marked ability, having
published six volumes of poems, and running through
three editions of a history of the Reformation. He was
the first to propose a division of the diocese, and the fol-
lowing committee was appointed to confer with the
Bishop and standing committee on this subject : Rev.
Enoch Love, Edward Colston and Robert Page. He had
spent a while afterward in England for the benefit of his
health, and on a homeward bound vessel died.

The first confirmation, of which there is any knowledge,
was held in the Martinsburg Church by Bishop Meade,
in 1830. The number confirmed composed a class of
nineteen. West Virginia became a separate diocese in

23

B54 The Churches.

1878, since whicli-time the church has rapidly increased.
In 1848 Norborne Parish was divided and was made to
include Mt. Zion Church, Hedgesville, and Calvary
Church, Back Creek ; the other, Trinity Church, Mar-
linsburg.

After the death of Rev. Allen, this parish was supplied
by Eev. Thomas Horrel, in 1816, who remained there
years, and from this date was succeeded by ministers as
follows : Revs. Enoch Love, Edward R. Lippett, 1823 ;
John T. Brooke, 1826 ; James H. Lyng, 1830 ; William
P. C. Johnson, 1832 ; Cyrus H. Jacobs, 1836 ; Charles C.
Taliaferro, 1837 ; James Chisholm, 1842 ; D. Francis
Sprigg, 1850 ; Richard T. Davis, 1855 ; W. D. Harrison,
1860 ; John W. Lea, 1875 ; and Robert Douglas Roller,
1S79, who served the parish until April 1st, 1888, when
he resigned to accept a call at Charleston, W. Va.

The present edifice has been handsomely renovated
and refurnished in an artistic manner. The church, now
has a membership of 170, and an average Sunday School
attendance of 85. The Superintendent is Wm. B. Col-
ston ; Senior and Junior Wardens, J. T. Young and B.
S. Lyeth ; Registrar, J. L. W. Baker ; Treasurer, J. H.
Doll ; Vestrymen, J. T. Young, B. S. Lyeth, J. L. W.
Baker, Geo. A. Chrisman, W. B. Colston, John M. How-
ell and J. H. Doll.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

This church was organized in 1825, and is the daughter
of the venerable old church on Tuscarora, about two and
a half miles from town. The church was organized in
April and seems to have been without a pastor for the
first year. But in the year 1826 or 1827, the Rev. John
Mathews, who had been serving the churches of Shep-
herdstown and Charles town jointly for twenty years,
gave up his charge with Shepherdstown and removed to
Martinsburg. He divided his time equally between these
two churches until he removed to the west in 1831. Mr.
Alex. Cooper was the first ruling Elder, who was also an

The Glburohes. 355

Elder ia the old church in the county for some time be-
fore the separation. Rev. Wm. C. Mathews became
acting pastor in April, 1831, and served the congregation
1835. During the years 1836 and 1837, the pulpit was
vacant, and in the spring of 1838, Rev. Peyton Harrison
was called to the pastorate of the church, and remained
in this city for six years. In April, 1838, the name of
Mr. Samuel Baker appears in the records as a Ruling
Elder. Rev. John Bogg became pastor in 1845, who,
probably remained only a few months, though possibly
longer, for there is a blank in the Records from April,
1846, to April 1847. At this latter date Rev. Wm. Love
took charge and served as pastor until 1849. During
this year he was succeeded by Rev. R. L. Berry, who
continued to serve the church for nerly ten years. In
August, 1858, Mr. Berry resigned, which was accepted
by the church with much regret. During his pastorate
the death of Mr. Alex. Cooper occurred, who for forty-
live years had held the oflSice of Ruling Elder, and nearly
all that time had charge of the sessional records. On the
23rd of the following April, 1853, Mr. James N. Riddle
and Mr. John F. Harrison were ordained to the office of
Ruling Elders in the church. On the 19 th of April, 1855,
Mr. Peyton R. Harrison, a son of Dr. Peyton Harrison,
the former pastor, was also chosen by the congregation
to the same office.

After the resignation of Mr. Berry, the congregation
called successively Rev. J. G. Hanner, D. D.; Rev. Lewis
C. Baker, of Kew Jersey, and Rev. M. B. Riddle, then
quite a young man. None of these ministers found the
way clear to accept the call. In April, 1859, Rev. A. C.
Hopkins, was tendered a call, which was accepted, and
on the 6th of Dec. following Mr. Hopkins was ordained
and installed pastor. At a meeteng held on the 19th of
January, 1861, Mr. Geo. Tabb and Mr. John M. Har-
mon were unanimously elected Ruling Elders. On the
2nd of May, 1866, Mr. G. Boyd Harlan, of Falling Waters

3^0 The Churches.

Chuich, and Mr. Wni. N. Riddle were chosen to the
office of Ruling Elders in this church. Rev. Mr. Hop-
kins resigned this pastoral charge in Aug., 1865, and on
the 2nd of June, 1866, a call was accepted by Rev. Jas.
E. Hughes, who was afterwards installed by a commit-
tee of Winchester Presbytery. On the 23rd of Sept.,
1867, he died, and since the birth of this congregation,
in 1825, this was the first time God had called them to
bury their pastor.

In the following spring, 1868, Rev. Dr. Riddle, of
Lebanon, Pa. , began his ministry in Martinsburg, in this
church, and continued until April, 1877, when he resign-
ed on account of infirmity of health. On the 14th of
July, 1879, the congregation for the thirteenth time in
its history was called upon to select another shepherd.
The lot fell upon the present pastor. Rev. F. M. Woods,
who has for the past nine years been endeavoring to re-
alize this responsible trust. Within these nine years
there has been an encouraging increase in this church,
along with her sister churches, that gives a pleasant
prophecy of the future of their active, busy town. The
congregation of the church have built a most delightful
and commodious manse at a cost of nearly $6,000. The
church membership now numbers over 200, with a Sun-
day School attendance averaging 75. Mr. C. W. Wisner
is the present Sunday School Superintendent, with Hugh
A. White, as assistant. The Elders are Jacob Miller,
Blackburn Hughes and J. L. E. Combs.

CATHOLIC CHURCH.

The first services held by this denomination were in the
house of John Timmons, now located on Race Street.
Mass was said in this house for a period of nearly nine-
teen years, from about the year 1810 to 1830. The first
church was then built where St. Joseph's Cemetery is
now located, by Rev. J. B. Gildea, with a membership
consisting of about fifty families. The cost of the build-
ing amounted to nearly $4,000 and the ground was given

T7ie Churches. 357

by Richard McSherry. The Sisters of Charity were es-
tablislied here by Father Whelan years ago, but after-
wards left, as the congregation was too small to sup-
port it.

The stone work of the i^resent church was begun by
Father Plunkett, but was suspended for the want of
means. Rev. Andrew Talty, his assistant, finished the
church to the extent of the funds, and placed a pair of
wooden steps in front. Rev. J. J. Kain afterwards re-
placed them with stone, and also iinished the basement.

During the war, the Jessie Scouts used it for a stable
in which they kept about 70 horses, and used the Sacris-
ty rooms as prisons. Capt. H. Kyd Douglas was con-
fined here for a period of six months. The wooden steps
were very frail and inconvenient, and were only used by
the soldiers twice. It is said the erection was commen-
ced about 1845, the subscription paper dating Feb., 17th
1850, in which year the corner stone was laid. At a cost
of about $40,000, the church was dedicated by Bishop
McGill, Sept, 30th, 1860.

The names of those in charge, from its earliest exis-
teqce to the present date, are as follows : Rev. Father
Caliill, Rev. Readman, Rev. J. B. Gildea, Rev. Whelan,
Rev. O'Brien, Rev. J. A. Plunkett. At different times
a number of distinguished churchmen had charge,
among whom were Bishops Whelan, of Wheeling ; Beck-
er, of Wilmington, Del. ; and Kain, of Wheeling, each
remaining several years. Daring the early period, at
intervals, priests from Hagerstown and Frederick, Mary-
land, visited the mission. History records no names of
the pioneers of Catholicity in this county, and there is
no doubt that the communion members of the church of
Rome came to this section in the decline of the last
century.

The present edifice, situated on South Queen Street, is
a strong and substantial building, with a massive stone
front. The interior is handsomely frescoed and furnish-

358 The CJmrches.

ed, and contains a beautiful marble altar. In 1883, the
denomination purchased the Judge Hall property at a
cost of $5,000, and made improvements to the amount of
$2,200. The parochial school was taught in the base-
ment of the church for a long while, but upon the pur-
chase of this property the Sisters of Charity, from Em-
mi ttsburg, took charge Sept. 1st, 1883. The school now
has an average attendance of over 200 children, and is
very successful. The present church membership num-
bers over 1500, with a large Sunday School attached.
Rev. J. McKeefry is the present pastor, with Rev. Fred.
J. Lucke, as assistant. Rev. Lucke entered upon his
mission here March, 17th, 1887, and continued until April
1st, 1888. At the earnest request of Bishop Keane, Rec-
tor of the Catholic Union of America, he was called upon
to take charge of the St. Augiistine Cathedral, at Flori-
da. He will succeed Rev. Dr. Pace, who takes the chair
in the Theological Union. Father Lucke was held in the
highest esteem by the people of all denominations.

GERMAN REFORMED CHURCH.

This is one of the oldest congregations in the valley,
•iud was founded by G-erman emigrants, who migrated
principally from Pennsylvania. This society, in con-
nection with the Lutherans, worshipped together in a log
building, about the year 1776. (See sketch of Lutheran
Church.) This church used jointly by the two congre-
gations for many years was found to be too small, and
in 184t5 the G-erman Reformed congregation, procured a
more suitable site on Burke Street, and erected an edi-
fice, the present one, at a cost of about $5,000. The
services were formerly conducted in the German
language, but have now been siipplanted by the English.
The old members of the church adhered to the use of
their mother tongue in conducting their services, and
thereby caused a number of their descendents to con-
nect themselves with the English speaking congregations.
The first church bell introduced in this section of

Tlie Churches. 359

country was purchased by this denomination in 1808.
The pastors as they succeeded each other areas follows :
Kevs. George Adam Geting, Jonathan Rahauser, Lewis
Mayer, from 1808 to 1820 ; Samuel Helf ersty, 1820 to 1824;
JacobBeecher, 1826 to 1831; RobertDouglas,1834 to 1845 ;
Daniel F. Bragunier, 1845 to 1860 ; William D. Lafever,
1866 to 1869 ; Stephen K. Kremer, 1870 to 1874, and
John A. Hoffheins in 1875, who is now the present pastor.
The elders are H. Seibert, John Fitz, Chas. Matthaei,
James H. Myers. Deacons, Harry Cushwa, Lewis
Bentz, D. M. Kilmer, G. R. Shoafstall and Wm. W.
Cushwa. The present church membership now num-
bers about 250, with D. J. S. Boak as Sunday School
Superintendent, and a scholarship of about 100, avei-age
attendance.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The fii'st Methodist preaching in this State west of the
Blue Ridge Mountain was commenced by Bishop Francis
Asbury. On the 2nd of June, 1782, he stppped in Mar-
tinsburg on his way westward over the mountains, and
delivered the first sermon in the Market House. In 1789
the first circuit west of the Blue Ridge was formed with
Martinsburg as the centre, and which continued unbro-
ken ixntil the civil war opened in 1861. Shortly after a
number of societies were organized in Martinsburg and
throughout Berkeley and adjoining counties. The first
building occupied by this congregation is still standing,
located on John street, south of the jail; The congrega-
tions of this society were assembled by blowing a tin
horn, as they were bitterly opposed to ringing church
bells. The laws of the church were strongly anti-slavery,
and on account of which fact they met with much oppo-
sition, then universal in the South. A division in the
church was caused by this subject, which occurred in
1846, and the society known as the M. E. Church South
was afterward organized.

Many were the obstacles and oppositions that encoun-

H60 TJie CJmrclies.

tered this society ; but, notwithstanding, it grew and
flourished. From the time it became thoroughly estab-
lished until 1850 its membership numbered nearly a hun-
dred. It became popular on account of making no dis-
tinction in its admission and encouragement of members,
and was at that time termed the common people.

In 1850 the Martinsburg society became an independ-
ent church, and being set off from others in the county,
it was known as Martinsburg Station. During this year
the Baltimore Conference appointed Eev. Henry Furlong
as pastor of t/he church, who completed the reorganiza-
tion. He remained with the church nearly eleven years,
during which time the membership increased to over two
hundred. In 1801 the civil war broke out and the society
was completely broken up, causing almost an entire sus-
pension of religious services. In fact, such was the case
generally throughout the State. From the Spring of
1861 until 1863 the Methodists held no religious services
in the county excepting at irregular intervals, by some
itinerant Southern preacher at different places.

The chxirch was again reorganized throughout the
county in the latter part of 1863 by Dr. John Lanahan,
Presiding Elder for the Virginia portion of the Baltimore
Conference. At this time Dr. John M. Green (since de-
ceased) became pastor in charge of Martinsburg, since
Avhich time Methodism has rapidly increased throughout
the county, and especially in Martinsburg. Since the
ruins of the church building from the effects of the war,
their property has advanced upwards of $50,000. During
1850 only two Methodist preachers were employed in the
county, which so continued until 1861.

The following is a list of the pastors as they succeeded
each other : Revs. H. Furlong, 1850 ; David Thomas,
1851-1852 ; G. W. Cooper, 1853-1854 ; J. H. Brown, 1855-
1856 ; J. Landstreet, 1857-1858 ; S. McMullen, 1859-1860 ;
C. A. Reid, 1861 ; J. M. Greene, 1862-1863 ; J. H. Swope,
1864-1865 ; H. C. McDaniel, 1866-18G7 ; E. D. Owen,

The Churches. 361

1868-1869 ; S. V. Leecli, 1870-1871 ; A. K. Keilj^ 1872 ;
J. F. Ockerman, 1873-1874 ; J. W. Cornelius, 1875-1876 ;
J. E. Amos, 1877-1878-1879 ; M. F. B. Rice, 1880-1881 ;
G. Y. Leech, 1882-1883 ; A. S. Hank, 1884-1885-1886;
Jolin Edwards, present pastor, 1887-1888. Tlie present
trustees of the chirrch are Wm. H. Mathews, Henry
Crim, Luther Miller, Jacob Eversole, Wm. Westrater,
AVm. McEIroy and I. L. Bender. The missionary Socie-
ty is composed of A. D. Darby, President ; F. A. Cham-
bers, Vice-President ; C. David Darby, Secretary ; Miss
Lilly Mathews, Treasurer. The present church member-
ship numbers 401, with a Sunday school attendance of
330. Sunday School Superintendent, Lee M. Bender ;
Assistant Superintendent, Frank Weaning.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SOUTH.

This society was organized in December, 1866, by Revs.
David Shoat and John A. Kearn, with a membership
numbering fifteen. They worshipped in a small school
building on King street for nearly a year, and in the fall
of 1867 completed an edifice on German street, (now Ma-
ple avenue,) at a cost of $3,500, where they worshipped
until January, 1886. The demand for a better house of
worship had long been felt by those of Southern Metho-
dist persuasion, and the effort to procure one culminated
in the " Centenary or thank offering," lifted December
21st, 1884, for the purpose of improving or building a
new church. The amount realized was $2,000, which
gave such an impetus to the enteri^rise that those having
the matter in charge determined to build a new church
that would be an adornment to the town and a credit to
the congregation. The present site on West Martin
street "was purchased from Mr. Fred. Becker in April,
1885, and the work of laying the foundation was imme-
diately commenced after the removal of several old build-
ings.

The corner-stone was laid with Masonic rites Sept.
19th, 1885, and addresses were delivered in the Presby-

362 The Qhurclies.

terian Church by Grand-Master Shyrock, of Maryland,
and others. The Mayor and City Council attended in a
body, and the City Band furnished music suitable to the
occasion. In the meantime the old church was sold by
the trustees, after which the congregation worshipped
in the Court House and Feller's Hall, until the opening
of the lecture room in the new edifice, March 21st, 1886.
This was dedicated by Rev. John L. Clark, of Virginia,
the first station preacher this charge ever had, and who
was largely instrumental in organizing the society here.
On this occasion a collection amounting to $1,700 was
taken up.

The new edifice was completed and dedicated Sunday,
October 2nd, 1887, and services conducted morning and
night by Bishop Alpheus W. Wilson, of Baltimore. Col-
lections were lifted on both occasions amounting to
$2,100. The building committee was composed of Rev.
J. R. Andrew, pastor, C. M. Shaffer, JST. T. Fisher, G.
W. Buxton, H. Wilen, G. S. Rousch and J. H. Shaffer.

The first jiastor in charge was Rev, John L. Clark, who
served from 1869 to 1871, and was succeeded as follows :
Thomas B. Sargent, 1871 ; John S. Maxwell, 1872 ; Wes-
ley Hammond, 1873 ; Louis C. Miller, 1874 to 1877 ; John
Poisal, D. D., 1877 ; Presley B. Smith, 1875 ; 0. C. Beall,
1879 ; J. H. Davidson, 1880 ; John Landstreet, 1881 to
1884 ; J. R. Andrew, 1884 to 1888, with Rev. H. H. Ken-
nedy as the present pastor. The church membership
now numbers 211, with a Sabbath School attendance of
200., The Sunday School Superintendent is Mr. R. F.
Barr, and the Stewards are G. S. Rousch, N. T. Fisher,
H. T. Hopper, John Young, Eugene Newton and Joseph
H. Shaffer.

UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH.

The Church of the United Brethren in Christ was
founded by William Otterbein and Martin Boehm about
the middle of the eighteenth century. The former was
a distinguished theologian and minister in the German Re-

The CJiurchss. 363

formed Church, and the latter a member of the Mennon-
ite Church. They had grown tired of the cold formal-
ism and inactivity of the churches to which they be-
longed, and began the work of promoting revivals and
insisting upon a spiritual membership. They were emi-
nently successful in their labors. These two devoted
christian men were for the first time brought together
at a great union meeting which was being held in Isaac
Long's barn, at Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Mr.
Boehm preached the first sermon, and one of great power.
At the close of his speech Mr. Otterbein arose and, em-
bracing the eloquent speaker, he exclaimed : "We are
brethren." The multitude that witnessed it was deeply
and favorably impressed at this exhibition of christian
fellowship and good will. Here originated the name
" United Brethren." The words " In Christ " were af-
terward added, to distinguish the church from the Mo-
ravian United Brethren. In 1774, with Mr. Otterbein as
pastor, the first organization occurred in Baltimore, Md.,
about which time the first church was built, and is used
to this day by a German United Brethren congregation.
The first conference was held in 1789, and since has made
a steady and permanent growth. She has forty-eight
annual conferences in the United States and territories,
also one in Canada, one in Germany and one in West
Africa. They have established at Dayton, Ohio, a print-
ing office worth nearly $250,000, which is clear of debt
and annually turns over to the church thousands of dol-
lars. In 1858, with a few hundred members, the West
Virginia Conference was organized, and at the close of
the late war it was found the number had considerably
decreased. The membership in this State now numbers
over 7,500, with three presiding elder districts and thirty-
six fields of labor.

In 1856, the society in Martinsburg was formed, and
in 1857, the present edifice was completed. It is located
in "Strinesville," the Northern part of the city, and is

364 The Churches.

well furnislied. Daring the war it was considerably-
damaged, but since lias been put in complete repair.
The present membership numbers nearly 150, with a
Sabbath School attendance of about 100. Rev. J. E.
Ridenour is the present pastor, with Mr. Philip Rimel
as Sunday School Superintendent, and Messrs. Joseph
Long and James Buchanan as Stewards, John Anderson
General Steward.

FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH, (COLORED.)

This church was organized shortly after the war by the
Home Mission Society, and was built under the super-
vision of Miss A. S. Dudley, of Maine, who was then
engaged in school teaching and general missionary work
among the colored people. With the assistance of Revs.
N. C. Brackett and A. H. Morril, considerable aid was
given the church in its early struggle. The present
church was built directly after its organization, at a cost
of ^2,500, and a parsoi>age connected at a cost of $800.
Its location is on North Raleigh street, — an excellent
brick building, with a seating capacity of 400. The
present pastor. Rev. A. F. Adams, is a refined and schol-
arly gentleman, and a graduate of Storer College, Har-
per's Ferry, W. Va. The membership of the church
number 110, and has an average Sabbath School attend-
ance of 97. Mr. G. W. Green is the Sabbath School
Superintendent. The church trustees are J. H. Veney,
Wm. Marshall, Minor Duval, Henry and J. F. Carter.
Deacons, J. R. Veney, Stephen Elam, Thomas Ellis and
Brown Freeman.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, (COLORED.)

No records are to be found to show any exact date for
the establishment of this denomination in our county,
but like the other colored church, it was not founded
until after the late war. The first building was erected
on West Martin street, (the site of the present edifice,)
in which public services were held. It has since been
torn completely down, and a large, commodious brick

The Churches. 365

building erected in its stead. The cliurch is very ably
supported, and with a present membership of about 125,
is doing a grand work. The Sunday School, with Mr. J.
W. Corsey, as Superintendent, has an average attendance
of nearly 100 scholars. The present pastor is Rev. F. F.
Wheeler, who succeeded Rev. J. H. Smith in 1887. Rev.
Mr. Wheeler is an earnest worker and possesses marked
ability for his ministerial duties. The Stewards are
Samuel Hopewell, James Willis, John Shaw, Wm. Ford,
Chas. Brooks, Z. Silvers, Henry McGill and John Low-
man. Trustees, Samuel Hopewell, James Clayton, Frank
Corsey, James Willis and John Shaw.

CHAPTER XV.

BERKELEY COUNTY IN 1810— TOPOGRAPHI-
CAL DESCRIPTION OP BERKELEY COUNTY-
NATURAL CURIOSITIES — MINERALOGY
AND LITHOLOGY — INHABITANTS,
TOWNS, MANUFACTORIES, ETC.

HHROUGH the courtesies of Mrs. M. W. Faulkner,
^ the author has been enabled to secure from the
memoranda of her husband, the late Hon. C J. Faulk-
ner, a large amount of historical facts. The following
sketch of Berkeley County in 1810, was taken from an
old printed pamphlet, now in the possession of Mrs.
Faulkner. This chapter, when compared with the f ol- •
lowing one, will give the reader a general idea of our
county 78 years ago, and also of the manner in which it
has improved.

BERKELEY COUNTY,

Lies between the 39th degree and 18 minutes North lati-
tude, and extends 20 miles in length and about 18J
in breadth, and is bound to the North, inclining to the
East, by the river Potomac, which divides the States of
Virginia and Maryland ; to the East, iaclining to the
South by said river, and Jefferson County ; to the South,
inclining to the West, by Frederick County ; to the
West, inclining to North, by the county of Hampshire,
and the river Potomac. Martinsburg is the capital and
the seat of justice of this county.

CONTENTS.
It contains 484 square miles, or 319,760 acres.
PRODUCTIONS.

The same as in Frederick County.

Inhabitants, Towns, &c. 367

POPULATION.

When the last census was taken in 1800, this county
and Jefferson were but one ; it then contained 15,000
white inhabitants and 3,600 slaves ; suppose that i of
the white population has been taken to form the county
of Jefferson, 10,000 would still remain to Berkeley. It
is supposed that half the above number of blacks fell to
Jefferson Coimty, although the division of the whites
was not so equal. There is now in this county 2,100
tithables, or males above 16 years of age, jiaying the
poor tax.

THE MOUNTAINS IN THIS COUNTY ARE—

First — The North Mountain ; it is remarkable on ac-
count of its raising immediately like a wall. It has a
summit beautifully undulated in all its length. It might
be computed to be about 500 feet perpendicular at its
greatest height. It is not cultivated. The East side
could be planted with vines. Mr. Edward Tabb, living
immediately under that side of the mountain, exhibited
an European vine which resisted the coldest win-
ters, and without either pruning or cultivation, afforded
large quantities of lucious grapes every year.

Second — The third Hill and Sleepy Creek mountains
are nearly joining, and both run parallel to the North
Mountain ; they are not cultivated, except in the mid-
dle of the two, where issues a stream of water, called
Meadow Branch, and where the plantation of a hunts-
man is seen. The heighth of both mountains is about
700 feet from their base.

Third— The Warm Spring ridge, is broken in several
places ; it is about 300 feet high ; it divides Berkeley
County from Hampshire. These ridges succeed each
other in the above order, running Westerly from the
North Mountain.

RIVERS.

The Potomac is the only river in this county ; it divides
this State from Maryland.

363 Inliabiianis, Towns, &c.

CREEKS.

Tlie creeks are, Opequon, Mill, Middle, Tuscarora,
Back, Sleepy, and the Warm Springs. The three first,
as well as part of the Warm Spring Creek, are never-
failing streams, owing to the springs that feed thenj
being in limestone land, which is deep and spongy, and
suffers the rain water to penetrate it. The water is there-
fore kept there, as it were, for the supply of the springs,
while those creeks, which have the head, springs, on slate
or rocky bottoms that do not permit the water to pen-
etrate their substance become dry in the hot seasons of
the year. This circumstance does not, I think, corrobo-
rate that system already spoken of respecting the springs
receiving their supply from the sea by subterraneous
passages.

QUALITY OF THE SOIL.

I have thought that in order to give an accurate idea of
the qualities of the soil of this county, I ought to divide
it into three parcels or valleys.

First — The first parcel is nearly all limestone, of an
excellent quality ; except on the ridge, where, I think
that a mountain existed, and where the Sulphur Springs
are to be found. This ridge continues its course through
this county, but it has been washed by the rains more
than in Frederick County and lies lower. The quality
of the soil is good, and by means of clover and plaster of
Paris, I think, will grow more valuable yet.

Second— This parcel|contains the valley of Back Creek,
and is watered by it. I will observe that there is a tract
of land marked on the map with the sign of a hill, on ac-
count of being higher than the other part of the valley,
and extends from Mr. Gaunt' s to Mr. Eobertson's mill,
on the Warm Spring road, and on a breadth of about two
miles, which is of a good limestone land. The remain-
der of it is slate and^Mountain land, except the bottom
on the creek, which is a loam. The whole is susceptible

InTidbitants, Towns, &c. 369

of great improvement, and will become very valuable by-
attention to agriculture.

Third — Is the valley of Sleepy Creek watered by the
said creek. Some part along the "Warm Spring is lime-
stone ; some bottoms on the creek are loam ; the rest is
slate and mountain land, which, however, improved by
the plaster of Paris and clover, would afford, in my opin->
ion, good crops of small grain.

LITHOLOGY.

As part of this county is limestone, marble will conse-
quently be found in it, sooner or later. ' ' I have seen spars
of different kinds in the limestone land, near Martins-
burg ; there are some in the form of a column, with sides,
and truncated, white and transparent. On Apple-pie
Ridge, there are masses under ground of these spars, of
different forms. The people on whose lands these stone
are seen, believing them to be gypsum, (plaster of Paris),
had them ground and spread on their lands ; indeed,
many bushels, they said, had been sold as such. I went
to those places and obtained specimens of those stones,
and made a trial on them, which is commonly used for
detecting the true gypsum from the common stone : I
put them in contact with fire, and I found, after several
experiments, that the most intense heat had not the least
immediate effect on them, in causing them either to lose
their transparency or hardness, and consequently, I took
them to be rather a carbonate of lime (of the nature of
limestone) instead of being the sulphate of it, (of the
nature of plaster,) and in order to make the people on
whose land these stones are found better acquainted with
the nature of the true plaster of Paris, I shall extract
part of a chapter of Chaptal's on chemistry. He ex-
presses himself thus : The plaster loses its transparency
by calcination, at the same time that it becomes pulver-
ulent, and acquires the property of again seizing the
water of which it had been deprived, and resuming its
hardness ; it does not give fire with the steel, nor effer-

370 InJtcibitants, Towns, &c.

Tesee with acids. He says farther, 100 parts of gypsum
contains 30 parts of sulphuric acid, 32 calcarius earth,
and 38 water ; it loses nearly 27 per cent, by calcination.
It is soluble in 500 times its weight of water, at the tem-
perature of 60 degrees of Fahrenheit. When it is ex-
posed to heat, its water of crystalization is dissipated ; it
''l)effi«>mes opaque, loses its consistence, and falls into pow-
' iSer. If it be moistened, it becomes hard again, but does
not resume its transparency ; a circumstance which ap-
, pears to prove that its firm state is a state of crystaliza-
1 tion ; if it be kept in fire of considerable intensity, in
< contact with powder of charcoal, the acid is decomposed,
•..and the residue is lime, &c."

Ulpon the' principle above stated we learn that plaster
and lime are both calcareous earth, and we might draw
a conclusion from them, that if any virtue is attributed
to the former in promoting the growth of clover and
©ther plants, it is owing to the sulphuric acid that the
plaster contains, and that both a pyretous and limestone
ground is required for the formation of it.

I will add for information, also, that as the jjlaster,
when calcinated, looks nearly as white as any other cal-
careous matter, and in order that one might be known
from the other, pour some drops of water on both. It
will cause an immediate efferverscence on the lime, while
tie plaster will receive no effect from it. Besides, when
the plaster, after calcination, is pounded, pulverized and
sifted, it can be formed, with the addition of water, into
a paste which will grow solid by drying, while it will not
1)6 so with any other calcareous substance.

"Near the mill of Mr. Stephens, on Tullis branch, I
found a kind of soft lime-stone, that the people also took
for plaster of Paris, which being easily reduced into
j>owder, either by pounding or grinding, or made into
.lime by fire, may probably answer to improve lands.

"Another kind of lime-stone I found also, atMr. Samuel

InhaMtants, Toions, &c. 371

Hedges' , in Sleepy Creek Valley, whicli would perhaps
answer the same purpose as the above described."

" I have seen at Mr. Sheerer' s mill, on the Potomac, flag
stones, that he raised from the bottom of that river, near
his house, which surpass in color, beauty and size, any
shistus (slate stone) I have ever seen. Those slabs can
be polished and sawed easier than marble, and Mr.
Sheerer has used them in its stead to embelish his new
house. When the navigation of this river shall be im-
proved, no doubt that they will be boated down to the
cities below, and will constitute a branch of commerce.
Those stones would be of great service in the raising of
dams and locks on this river, for the improvement of
navigation, in the same manner as spoken of in the
article of ^Rivers in Frederick County." ■

MINERALOGY.

On the banks of Opequon, near the house of Mr. John
Vanmetre, two or three miles from Martinsburg, is found
a kind of sulphate of iron, (copperas,) which immediately
turns leather black. It is found between the slates, but
not in abundance ; however, when a diligent search is
made much may be found.

Iron, copper, as well as silver ores, are found on Sleepy
Creek Mountain, but the last ore is not found in quanti-
ties sufficient to be worthy of exploring. No search yet,
with a particular view to obtain these ores, has been
made by any chemist on those mountains. The waters
of Sleepy Creek contain the iron in solution to such a
degree that the stones on its bed are covered with the
oxide of it.

NATURAL CURIOSITIES.

There is a natural reservoir bearing the name of Swan
Pond, in this county, the waters of which run off in a
stream for some distance and then sink all at once, and
no more is seen of them until near the mouth of Opequon
Creek, where, in a hollow or pit of about 100 feet deep
and 300 feet in circumference, you hear them pass under

372 Inlicibitants, Toions, &c.

the rocks of the bottom of that pit, and going undoubt-
edly to Join Opequon Creek.

MILLS.

There are in this county upwards of 50 grist or mer-
chant mills, as many saw mills, several fulling mills, an
oil mill and one paper mill.

MANUFACTORIES.

A large and convenient stone-built merchant mill on
Tuscarora and joining Martinsburg has been bought lately
from Mrs. Hunter by Messrs. Hibbert and Gibbs for the
purpose of establishing a wool and cotton manufactory.
Mr. Hibbert is a fuller by trade ; he has already erected
all the apparatus for fulling, dressing and dying all sorts
of cloths on a pretty large scale. Mr. Gibbs is an ingen-
ious mechanic ; he has moved from his cotton manufac-
tory at Hagerstown all his machinery for carding and
spinning both wool and cotton, to place them in this
building.

Mr Jonathan "Wickersham, a fuller, the proprietor of
a fulling mill and carding machine established on Mid-
dle Creek, near the precincts of Bucklestown, has added
lately to his factory a Jenny of fifty spindles to spin
wool, and having at hand a number of capable weavers,
he intends to carry on a complete factory of cl6th. I
hope these two infant manufactories may be encouraged
so as to become permanent establishments and add to
the stock of wealth of the country.

MINERAL WATERS.

There are several of the sulphur kind on Opequon, ill
this county, but the most remarkable is the one occupied
by Mr. Minghini, about 8 miles from Martinsburg, this
house is well fitted for accommodation, and several
hundred persons resort there every season.

There is another, also, at two miles distance from Mar-
tinsburg, on which the citizens of Martinsburg have be-
stowed some trouble and expense to render it convenient

Inliabitanis, Towns, &c. 373

and useful to visitors. They liave put up a shower bath,
which is used by the neighbors and townsmen.

The most conspicuous one is at Bath Town, under the
Warm Spring Ridge, from the foot of which and by dif-
erent channels issues a torrent of water capable to
turn a mill. Water cannot be more limpid and beauti-
ful than this is. This place, though agreeably orna-
mented and capable of contributing to the pleasures of
the gay and healthy, as well as convenient and salutary
to the sick and invalid, might be greatly improved and
embellished by taste and liberality if the Legislature of
Virginia was disposed to encourage any practicable
scheme to raise money for that purpose. Nature has
been lavish of her favors to this sjjot of country, for in
addition to those medicinal springs, she has showered
her bounties upon the whole neighborhood by spreading
over it a magnificent variety of the most finished and
grand scenery.

The soil around this place, as a mountainous country,
has the appearance of sterility, but by proper attention
to culture might be made productive and rich.

I will not attempt to elucidate the properties of these
waters ; I will only say that the country in this valley
looks barren and is uncommonly dry, and as under the
surface of the earth there generally exists a hard'rock,
which prevents the rain water from penetrating so as to
produce permanent springs, my curiosity was so much
awakened as to induce me to look for the source of this
spring, and after much pains, I was informed by the
neighbors and hunters living on the Ca- Capon Creek,
that the waters of that creek were sinking at about 10
miles from its mouth, and formed a vortex. This spot
lies to the South-west of the Warm Springs ridge, and
of the Ca- Capon mountain, and at the distance of about
9 miles in a straight line from Bath Town. This seemed
to me the more probable, as these springs are never in-
lluenced either in their temperature, or quantity, by the

374 Inhalitants, Towns,'- &c.

warm, or cold, or wet, or dry weather, and probably after
having sojonrned and passed through the mazes of the
subterranean cavities under the Ca-Capon mountain, as
well as under the valley which lies between the Ca Capon
mountain and the Warm Springs ridge, the soil of which
^« calcareous and having been in contact with the differ-
ent pyrites composing their bed, receives by their decom-
position, the degree of heat, that those waters contain,
as well as the gases with which they are impregnated,
and after a due tiltration through the sandy rocks, of
which the basis of that Warm Spring ridge is composed,
they arrive at this spot.

These waters, when boiled, have strong incrustations
on the sides of the vessel, which plainly evince that they
are highly mineralized, and consequently possessed of
the virtues for which they have been so much extolled,
in relieving or removing complaints. I took with me,
last fall, some of those sediments to Philadelphia, and
gave them to Dr. Barton, who, an eminent chemist, will
give a fall analysis of their contents.

I have inserted this in order to counteract the opinion
of those, who, without taking any pains in the investiga-
tion or analysis of these waters, have advanced, that they
contain no minerals in solution, neither in a state of oxide
nor gas, and consequently, are totally destitute of any
properties whatever, more than common water.

iMARTINSBURG

Is the capital of the County of Berkeley ; it contains
about 200 houses, and nearly 1,200 inhabitants ; it is the
seat of Justice, and has for that purpose a handsome
Court House and Jail of stone, and a Market House, well
supplied with the necessaries of life. The situation of
this town is remarkably pleasant and healthy, on account
of its standing on an elevated spot, and for having the
Creek of Tuscarora watering its precincts, which could
be carried in pipes through the town for the convenience
and comfort of the inhabitants, if desired. The streets

liihabitants, Towns, &c. 375

are wide, and partly planted witli Lombardy poplars, and
have a very fine appearance. Eight taverns are kept ia
this place ; one of them has the reputation of being one
of the best in the United States, and is well known by
those who resort to the Warm Springs. Here is kept a
coffee house, where, almost all the papers in the United
States are read ; 8 large stores, one printing office ; there
are also five public meeting houses for worship, one Eng-
lish Episcopalian, a Catholic, a German Lutheran, a
Presbyterian, a Methodist and a Baptist ; three English
schools, several manufactories, and every description of
artificers and mechanics.

Latitude, North 39 degrees, 32 minutes. It is 22 miles
from Winchester, 20 from Hagerstown, 100 from Balti-
more, 81 from the Federal City, 117 from Staunton, 171
from Philadelphia, 172 from Richmond, and 16 from
Charlestown.

MIDDLETOWN, OR GERARDSTOWN,

Situated on a level soil, partly limestone, one mile and
a-half from Mill' s Gap, under the North Mountain, to
the East side of it, and nearly at the head of Mill Creek.
It contains about 40 families; a physician and a Presby-
terian clergyman reside here ; several large stores are
kept in this town, for the supply of the farmers around
it ; here are also a number of mechanics. There is in
this place a handsome brick church, built by the Presby-
terians. This town is 10 miles from Martinsburg, and, 13
and a-half from Winchester.

DARKESVILLE, OR BUCKLESTOWN,

Lies 7i miles from Martinsburg, on the road to Win-
chester ; 15 miles from that place, and on Middle Creek,
a never-failing stream, which crosses this place. There '
are 30 dwelling houses, 4 taverns, 3 stores, 2 blacksmiths,
2 weavers, one tailor, one cabinet maker, one wagon
maker, one distillery of whiskey ; a Methodist meeting
house stands at the North end of this town.

376 InJiahitants, Toions, &c.

BATH-TOWN, OR WARM SPRINGS,

Situated immediately under the East side of tlie Warm
Spring ridge, 6 miles from the Potomac, in a narrow val-
ley, watered by the stream which runs from the Warm
Springs. Several years ago this town was handsome,
but the houses, as being built with wood, have decayed,
and on account of the celebrity of its waters, was yearly
visited by above 1,000 of the deaii, monde. It had lost
its reputation on account of some diseases which raged
during one season, occasioned by a pond where the waters
were stagnating ; but, since the cause was removed, it
has regained its character. Last year, 1779, it was vis-
ited by above 500 people, and no doubt will increase each
year. Here are live large, convenient and handsome
taverns, or boarding houses, kept for the accommodation
of visitors and invalids ; 26 families are living in this
place ; among the number various branches of mechanics.
Here are several stores and a manufactory of leather.

I must not omit to mention, for the information of the
people, who are to visit this watering place, that besides
the above springs, there is a sulphur spring, 4 miles dis-
tant from this place, near Sleepy Creek. It is but
slightly impregnated with sulphur, and no accommoda-
tion near it, and a chalibiate spring on this ridge, about
half a mile from this town. It is 25 miles from Martins-
burg, 35 from Winchester, 34 from Hagerstown, 106 from
the Federal City, 108 from Baltimore, 185 from Rich-
mond, and 196 from Philadelphia.

JAMESBURG

Is situated in Back Creek Yalley, and has only the
name of a town ; for it contains only a few scattering
houses, without regularity. It is about 13 miles from
Martinsburg.

The larger portion of this chapter was taken from old
pamphlets, from which no evidence can be found as to
the writer.

CHAPTER XVI.
PRESENT SITUATION OF THE TOWN AND COUN-
TY—JOURNALISM IN THE COUNTY— COUN-
TY COURT AND OFFICIALS— MARTINS -
BURG SCHOOLS— HOME ORGANIZA-
TIONS, LODGES, ETC.— MANUFAC-
TURING ADVANTAGES, RAIL-
ROAD FACILITIES AND
BUSINESS STANDING.

^^^ARTINSBURG is, geographically, admirably sit-
^^1^ uated as the countv seat of Berkeley County, which
ranks third in size and amongst the first in number of
acres of improved land and value of farm products in the
State. Topographically the city lies nestled near the
foot of the Littl^ North Mountain, which ever sends
fresh, sweet air and clear, pure watt-r to invigorate and
strengthen our people. This same mountain stands as a
bulwark to the west and north against the rough blasts
of winter, and protects the valley from the fury of de-
structive storms.

The town of Martinsburg is contained within the fol-
lowing boundaries, to wit : Beginning on the middle of
the county bridge crossing the Baltimore and Ohio Rail-
road, south of Green Hill Cemetery and corner to Mar-
tinsburg, Arden and Opequon districts j thence with the
line of Opequon north 11 J degrees east, 66 poles to a
stake at the angle of the fence and in an original line
between the land of Ezra Herring and the lot of C. Henry;
thence north 5h degrees east, passing through the lands
of E. Herring, A. Quinzel, P. Strine's second addition,
and the south-east corner of A. Roth's lot, 253 poles to a
stake in the field ; thence north 60 degrees west, passing

378 Situation of Town and County.

along tlie line between the additions of James A. Boyd,
John Strine and Hockinberry 62 poles to a stake in a
stone fence on the west side of the M. & P. turnpike ;
thence passing through the lands of David Hess, H. S.
Hannis & Co., south 88 J degrees west, 162 i)oles to a stake
in the low grounds, on the east side, and about 3 poles
from the Baltimore and Ohio Eailroad, and on the land
of John W. Stewart, and corner of Opequon, Hedgesville
and Martinsburg districts ; thence with the line of
Hedgesville in part, and finally with Arden district,
south 361 degrees west, 245 three tenths poles to a stake
in the grade at the west end of King street ; thence south
90 degrees east, 176 poles to a stake about two rods south-
west of a stone house on the lands of Hon. C. J. Faulk-
ner ; thence south 111 degrees east, 84 poles to a stake at
the south end of Queen street ; thence north 92 degrees
east, 224 poles to the beginning, it being the present lim-
its of the town.

The place is just 100 miles from Baltimore, 80 miles
from Washington, 22 Winchester, 19 from Harper's
Ferry, 70 from Cumberland, on the 1st division of the
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and is the southern termi-
nus of the Cumberland Valley Railroad. For business
and trade it is the centre of a large territory of country.
The machine shops of the B. & O. are located in the city,
and give employment to several hundred hands. The
Tuscarora Creek i^asses directly through, which fur-
nishes considerable power for manufacturing purposes.
The Hannis distillery, one of the largest branches in the
country, and the Tuscarora Agricultural Works, owned
by John Fitz, are located on this stream, and also em-
ploys a large number of hands. Pay is good, and
monthly thousands of dollars are expended for labor.

The surface of the western part of the county is moun-
tainous, but is being well cleared and cultivated. The
most valuable forests abound, and excellent qualities of
coal, iron ore, limestone, etc., are to be found.

Situation of Town and Coimiy.

379

The county is divided into seven districts or townships,
with assessable buildings and real estate as follows

Districts.

Value of
Buildings.

Value of
Land and
Buildings.

County
Levy.

Martinsburg

Hedgesville

Falling Waters .

Grerardstown

Arden

% 871,142.00
195,782.00
162,252.00
117,845.00
145,967.00
92,477.00
137,817.00

§1,723,28-2.00

$1,172,727.00
649,523.00
606,577.00
426,477.76
612,240.80
418,011.97
597,174.14

$ 5,277.34
2,922.68
2,135.29
2,023.75
2 814 67

Mill Creek

OiDeauon

1,940.97
2,700.97

$4,482,731.61

$19,815.67

The present population of the entire county, as near as
can be estimated from the last two censuses, is 19,860. The
city district will number nearly 8,000.

There are a number of towns and villages within the
districts supplied with well regulated schools, churches,
Post Offices, etc., and which contain a number of the
usual business places, thereby making a direct communi-
cation and the mail facilities very convenient. The places
in direct communication with Martinsburg, the county
seat, are as follows : Bedington, Hedgesville, Falling
Waters, Vanclevesville, Glengary, Darkesville, Bunker
Hill,Gerardstown, Shanghai, Jones' Spring, Little George-
town, Soho, Tomahawk, Ganotown and North Mountain.
The roads are in a fine condition and well kept up.

The soils throughout the county are loams and clay,
and in the west are thinner and less productive ; but in
the east there is a large amount of highly productive and
improved calcareous lands. The depth of the soil varies
from two to four inches on the hills and 12 inches or more
on the levels. The grains specially adapted to the lands
are wheat, corn, oats and barley. The principal indus-
tries are stock farming and grain raising. Principal ex-
ports are wheat, corn and stock.

The public buildings and private residences will stand

380 Situation of Toxon and County.

a favorable comparison with any town of proportionate
size, and will far surpass many of the larger cities. The
older buildings are fast disappearing, and in a few years
our town will be composed entirely of the latest modern
structures.

It may be of interest to mention here some of the late
improvements to our city. The old Carpenter lot and
building on West King street, which had probably stood
for centuries, was purchased by Messrs. Dr. J. B. Snod-
grass and B. F. Fiery, and two fine large and commodi-
ous dwellings erected in its stead. Messrs. Dr. J. W.
McSherry, John Fitz, E. Boyd Faulkner, C. AV. Doll,
Senator C. J. Faulkner, Emmert & Fiery, John Dunn,
James H. Walker, E. E. Herring, C. P. Herring, D. W.
Shaffer, E. C. Williams, Jr., J. W. Bishop and a num-
ber of others have made big improvements. Two large
and handsome hotels are well supported in the town ;
the St. Clair, under the management of Geo. W. Ramer,
and the Continental, under the management of Wm. Rut-
ledge. Both are run and furnished in the best of style,
with rates from |2.00 per day upwards.

Mr. John Fellers has lately built a large town hall
called the ''Academy of Music," which is generally well
patronized. There is also a City Hall, erected by the
corporation for its own use. The town is well graded
and the streets kept in an excellent condition.

Two of the largest and finest banks in the State are
supported in this city, viz.: The People's National Bank
and the National Bank. Both are well managed, and
for promptness and dispatch of business cannot be sur-
passed.

The corjjoration officers are C. O. Lambert, Mayor ;
Councilmen, First Ward, Dr. J. W. McSherry and M.
W. Martin ; Second Ward, A. Staubley and F. C. Wil-
liams ; Third Ward, W. H. Kaufman and Geo. W. De-
Grange ; Fourth Ward, G. Wellinger and M. V. Green ;
Fifth Ward, Arthur Stephens and J. A. Bowers ; Clerk,

Situation of Town and County. 381

C. A. Young ; Sergeant, Henry Wilen ; Policemen, C.
R. O'Neal, Thos. F. Ahern andJohnW. Poisal ; Attor-
ney, J. Nelson AVisner ; Engineer Water Works, Jacob
M. Shaffer.

TOWNS AND VILLAGES LN BERKELEY COUNTY.

Gerardstown.—The town of Middletown was estab-
lished about the year 1787, and soon afterward its name
was changed to Gerardstow^n in honor of its founder. Rev.
David Gerard, who laid.it off into one hundred town lots.
William Henshaw, James Haw, John Gray, Gilbert Mc-
Kown and Robert Allen were appointed trustees. The
town is located eleven miles southwest of Martinsburg,
and one mile east of North Mountain, on Mill Creek.
The present population numbers nearly 300, with one
free and one high school. There are four churches in the
town, owned and occupied by the Presbyterians, Luther-
ans, Methodisi Episcopal and the Methodist Episcopal,
South. The town contains a number of stores, a large
tannery and other important industries. Two newspa-
pers are published here — the Times and the West Vir-
ginia Good Templar, by J. B. Morgan.

Shanghai. — This village is located one mile west of
Back Creek, and contains several stores, blacksmith shops,
etc. A large factory is owned and run here by a joint
stock company called the Shanghai Manufacturing Asso-
ciation, for the purpose of maaufacturing lumber and
grinding sumac, tan bark, etc. The Presbyterian Church
and one free school are also located in the town.

Oanotown. — This place is situated on Back Creek, three
miles south of Shanghai. The Methodist Episcopal
Church was built here in 1871, and has a large congrega-
tion. This place was originally called Jamestown, the
first settlement in the district being made on the site of
the present village. Several stores and various other in-
dustries are supported.

Jones' Spring. — Located near the north line of the
district, at the foot of the ridge, about one mile west of

882 Situation of Town and County.

Back Creek. It contains several blacksmith shops, stores,
etc. In 1872 the church edifice of the Episcopal society
was purchased by the Calvary Church, United Brethren,
and is used by this denomination at the present day.

DarTiesmlle.—l^iis, village was laid out in October,
1791, and is situated at the junction of Middle Creek, on
the Martinsburg and Winchester turnpike. It was
named in honor of General Darke, who was then a resi-
dent. The place was formerly known as Bucklestown,
named after General Buckles, who resided there. It con-
tains a number of stores, blacksmith shops, etc.

Bunker Hill. — Situated at the junction of Mill Creek
and on the Martinsburg and Winchester turnpike. It
contains two churches, occupied by the Methodist and
Episcopal denominations. During the late war between
the States, this locality became a historic spot on account
of the many important events that occurred.

Iledgesville. — This town is located seven miles North
of Martinsburg, one mile West of the B. &. O. B. E.,
and is situated in what is now known as Skinner's Gap,
in North Mountain. It was laid out in 1830 by Hezekiah
Hedges, and nairied after his family who long resided
there. One of the first Episcopal Churches erected in
the valley, known as "Hedges' Chapel," was located
here. It has been authentically stated, that while on
his surveying expeditions in this locality, several years
prior to the opening of the Eevolutionary War, the illus-
trious George Washington worshipped here. The town
is well laid off and consists of fine dwellings, chtirches,
schools, stores, etc.

Bedington. — This village is located on the C. V. E. E.,
about four miles North of Martinsburg, and is noted as
a resort during the summer months. Near by is a large
grove, containing the most valuable mineral waters,
among which are the noted Sulphur Springs. The town
is composed of several stores, schools, churches, etc.

Falling Waters.— Locsiie^ about seven miles North of

Situation of Town and County. 383 '

Martinsburg, on the C. V. R. S,., and near the Potomac
River. This place was the scene of many important in-
cidents during the late war. One of the oldest churches
in the county was erected here by the Presbyterian de-
nomination, which is standing and occupied at the pres-
ent day. Within its limits are to be found several large
flouring mills, stores, churches, schools, etc.

(JZew^ar^/.— Situated between the North Mountain and
dividing line, about sixteen miles Southwest of Martins-
burg. It is composed of schools, churches, stores, etc.
Little Georgetown. — This place is noted as a great fish-
ing resort, and is located on the Potomac River, above
Dam No. 5, and about nine miles North of Martinsburg.
Schools, churches, stores, etc., are to be found within its
limits.

Soho. — Situated in the extreme North-west end of the
county, about sixteen miles from Martinsburg. It is
composed of well-regulated churches and schools, and
contains stores, etc.

TomaTiawk. — Situated six miles South of Hedgesville,
and contains stores, churches, schools, etc.

North Mountain. — Located on the B. & O. R. R.,
about six miles North-west of Martinsburg, and contains
store, churches, schools, etc. This place is also a ship-
ping point for Tomahawk and Hedgesville.

There are a number of smaller villages scattered through-
out the districts ; but my object has been to locate those
in direct communication with Martinsburg, the county
seat, and of greater importance. All are rapidly in-
creasing in size and population, and are inhabited by an
industrious and energetic people.

JOURNALISM IN THE COUNTY.

Martinsburg Gazette.

The first newspaper published in Berkeley County was

the Martinsburg Gazette, which was established in May,

1799, by Nathaniel Willis, father of the renowned poet,

Nathaniel Parker Willis. Long before the advent of

384 SituaiJ,on of Town and County.

tlie telegraph, telephone, railroad and steamsliip, this
paper commenced its publication, and considering this
fact, it is astonishing to observe how the columns of the
early files are crowded with interesting news. As an
evidence of enterprise on the part of the proprietors, it
contains the details of many important events that oc-
curred throughout the country but a short time previ-
ously. One feature of sjiecial importance is the war of
1812, and the stirring events happening on the western
border, — the historic achievements on the banks of the
historic Maumee, in North-western Ohio, by General
Harrison and Anthony Wayne. The publication of these
articles were made within twenty days after their occur-
rence. In January, 1811, John Alburtis became editor
and proprietor, and continued its publication until Octo-
ber 25, 1822, when he was succeeded by Washington'
Evans. In December, 1833, Mr. Alburtis commenced
the publication of the Journal, at Shepherdstown.
Martinsburg Independent.

At the close of the war of 1861, the first paper pub-
lished in Martinsburg, was the BerJceley Union, an ad-
vocate of Republicanism, with Mr. J. Nelson Wisner as
its editor until April, 1873. In 1866, the New Era, a
Democratic paper was started, and closed its career with
Messrs. Shaffer & Logan as editors, in April, 1873. From
the consolidation of these two papers grew the Martins-
hurg Independent, April 1st, 1873. Until April, 1876, it
was published daily and weekly, and since that date it
has been published weekly. From the time of its estab-
lishment until April, 1876, it was controlled by the In-
dependent Printing Company, when it passed into the
hands of Wisner & Logan. This firm continued the
publication until March, 1885, when Mr. Logan, on ac-
count of illness, was compelled to withdraw from the
business, and his entire interest was purchased by Mr.
Wisner.

Its name and motto indicates its independence on all

Situation of Town and County. 385

subjects, aud its aim to benefit the public welfare. It is
useless to comment on its past record, as the fact of its
being the oldest established paper in the county and of
nearly twenty-five years duration, will speak for itself.
Its forty- eight columns are always full to the brim with
interesting and important news, live editorials, and wide-
awake advertisers. The oflice and various departments,
are complete in every detail, and skilled workmen exe-
cute every branch of the business. The Independent^-
has a very large circulation and controls a vast, influence.
It is of good clear print, and shows every evidence of
marked ability on the part of its present editor and pro-
prietor, Mr. J. Nelson Wisner. Mr. U. S. Grant Pitzer is
at present acting in the capacity of assistant editor, and
Mr. H. C. Mathews, as foreman, with Edward Wild, 0.
C. Pitzer and Waiter M. Aler as compositors.

As an act of appreciation on the part of the author of
this work, he takes this opportunity and pleasure in
stating that on this paper he acquired the greater portion
of his learning, and served his apprenticeship under the
instructions of Mr. H. C. Mathews, a veteran typo of
some forty years experience. He was taken from the
associations of the average wild boy at an early age, and
under Mr. Wisner' s training was given every advantage
of the art of printing and journalism in general, besides
access to libraries of books. Through the care and in-
terest manifested on the part of this gentleman, a deep
and lasting impression has been made, which shall ever
retain a sacred place to his memory.

Martinsburg Statesman.
This paper is amongst the oldest established in the
county, and has been from its infancy a staunch advocate
of Democratic principles — in fact the only Democratic
paper in the county. It has always been conducted under
strict management and party principles, and has been a
paper used to the interest of the public of both town and
county.

386 Situation of Town and County.

In public affairs it is always ready to take a stand, -and
has been the means of accomplishing considerable enter-
prise on the part of the citizens.

This paper originated from the Valley Star, which was

established by James W. Robinson, in the year .

It was purchased in 1869 by D. S. Eichelberger, and the
name changed to the Martinsburg Statesman, under
which name it has continued to the present day.

During Mr. Eichelberger' s control, the paper was well
published, and contained an excellent and large run of
adyertisements, which it still holds at the present day.
Through its columns can be found numerous items, arous-
ing the citizens of the county to a state of enterprise,
and industry. The heading of the paper contained a
cut of the present Court House, before the late improve-
ments were made.

In 1883, the plant was purchased by Capt. W. B.
Colston, who is the present editor and publisher. Since
taking charge of the paper, Capt. Colston has improved it
considerably, both in print, size and make-up. He has
equipped the office with new material, and allowed the
cylinder press to take the place of the hand press. The
Statesman is ably edited, and deserves patronage of
the public in general. Job printing of every description
is also executed in the most workmanlike manner.

The Statesman has the proud distinction of having
been the first newspaper, as far as the writer knows, to
suggest the name of Grrover Cleveland for the Presiden-
cy, after his phenominal run for Governor of New York
in 1882. To form an idea of the Statesman! s worth and
value to the community, it is only necessary to glance
over the file papers of the past, and then, compare the
improvement of both town and county of the present day.
Mr. John S. Robinson, is at present acting in the capa-
city of local editor and foreman, with Thos. W. Leigh,
John V. Sloan and Harry H. Sharffs as compositors.

Situation of Town and County. 387

Martinsburg Herald.

In the year 1S81, this valuable paper, commenced
publication under the control of Messrs. A. S. Goulden
and John T. Riley. This end of the state was for a long
time without a Republican paper, and the party was
more or less dependent in politics. The Herald was
continued as a conservative Republican paper, under the
above management, until 1885. During this year Mr.
Riley purchased the entire interest of Mr. Goulden, and
associated with himself Mr. G-eo. F. Evans, one the lead-
ing Republicans in this end of the State. From that
time the Herald has gained ground, irrespective of poli-
tics, and by prudent, conservative management, has re-
ceived the support of the best people of the county and
State. It has several times been enlarged in size, during
its publication, and is a neat and clear print. The pres-
ent proprietors, Messrs. Riley & Evans, have speared
neither pains nor money, to make the Herald a newsy
and interesting sheet, and under the editorial control of
Mr. Riley, it commands considerable influence. Their
oflfice, in all its branches, is complete in every detail with
material, and they execute job printing in the most
artistic manner.

These gentlemen deserve much credit, and the patron-
age of every Berkeley citizen, for the manner in which
they have labored for the interest of both town and
county. The paper contains reliable advertisers, and
news of interest to all. Like all the county papers, its
worth and value can be obtained by judging from its
files of the past, the manner in which it has aroused the
public industry. The compositors engaged on this paper
are George W. Ryneal, W. C. Riddleberger, C. K. Cham-
bers, and A. M. Staubly.

Pioneer Press.

Under the management of J. R. Clifford, (colored,) this
paper was established in 1883, with a circulation of 100.
The Press is a neat, 4-page paper, and is published

388 Situation of Town and County.

monthly, but will shortly merge into a weekly
journal. From the date of its existence Mr. Clifford has
labored hard to make it a n6wsy and interesting sheet.
It is the only jou'rnal in the State devoted to the colored
race, and now has a large and excellent run of reliable
advertisers, with a circulation upwards of 1,000. His
energies have been crowned with a marked success, both
as an editor and manager. The paper was printed at the
Independent office until the spring of 1888, when he pur-
chased the entire outfit of the Hardy Express., Moore-
field, W. Va., and erected a building near his residence
on West Martin Street, where he now publishes his
paper. Politically, the Fress is Republican, and com-
mands considerable influence among both races.
Central Methodist.

In 1SS7 this paper was founded by the Typograj)hical
Association, of the colored M. E. Church Corference. It
is devoted entirely to the local interests of the District
Conference, and has a circulation of nearly 500 ; which
is rapidly increasing. The paper is published at the
Independent office, under the management of Rev. F. F.
Wheeler, pastor in charge at this place. Its editors are
John A. Holmes, T. A. White and F. F. Wheeler.
Gerardstown Times.

The Times was established in the year 1870, and has
been continued to the present day, by J. B. Morgan,
proprietor and editor. It is a neatly printed four col-
umn quarto, and is well managed and edited. Its poli-
tics are neutral, and is devoted principally to home news.
This paper is published every Saturday, with an excel-
lent list of siibscribers.

West Yirginia Good Templar.

This paper is the official organ of the I. 0. G. T., and
circulates through all parts of the State. It is a four
colunm quarto, devoted strictly to the order, and is
published every other week by J. B. Morgan, editor and
proprietor.

SUuaiioii of Town and County. 389

COUNTY COURT OFFICIALS.

As has been stated in a former chapter the first Court
was held at the house of Edward Beeson, situated on
the land now owned by Mr. A. J. Thomas. The first
Court house was built where the jiresent building now
stands. From the old records we obtained the following
list of officers as they succeeded each other from its
earliest existence :

Judges of Circuit Court :—Rob&n White, Wm. Bro-
kenbrough, John Scott, Kichard E. Parker, Isaac R.
Douglass, John W. Kennedy, L. P. W. Balch,
Ephriam B. Hall, Joseph Chapman, E. B. Hall, Jno.
Blair Hoge, Chas. J. Faulkner, Jr., and Frank Beckwith
the present Judge.

Attorneys for the ConimonicealtJi : — Alexander White,
Elisha Boyd, David H. Conrad, Edmund P. Hunter, Jno.
E. Norris, George W. Murphy, Joseph T. Hoke, J. Nel-
son Wisner, H. H. Blackburn, Edmund Shaw, Reuben
M. Price, Luther M. Shaffer, AV. H. H. Flick, Perry A.
Rohrbaugh, Wm. S. Henshaw, Alex. S. Hughes and Geo.
W. Feidt, present Attorney. »

Clerics of Circuit Court : — Obed Waite, John Strother,
Israel Robinson, John Dunn, Joseph Burns, JohnCanby,
E. S. Troxell, three successive terms, and S. H. Martin,
who is now ably filling the duties of a second term.

Clerks of County Court : — William Drew, Moses Hun-
ter, John Strother, Harrison Waite, Norman Miller,
Jacob Van Doren, — E. G. Alburtis, two terms, and
James M. Robinson, Leaman Gerard and Bernard Doll,
as Recorders,— and the present Clerk, C. W. Doll, who
is now serving his third term.

PRESENT OFFICIALS.

Members of the Legislature: — George M. Bowers and
George H. Ropp.

Judge of the Circuit Court — Thirteenth Judicial Dis-
trict, Frank Beckwith. Clerk of the Circuit Court, S.
H. Martin. Commonwealth's Attorney, George W.

390 Situation of Town and County.

Feidt. Sheriff, Robert Lamon. Deputy Sheriffs, W. T.
JSToll, Charles R. Hollis and George L. Sincindiver. Dep-
uty Sheriff and Jailor, John Dumford.

Commencement of Terms of Circuit Court — Second
Tuesday in January, April and October.

County Court of Berkeley— Jacob W. Seibert, Presi-
dent ; B. Kitchen and Wm. Kilmer, Commissioners.
Clerk of Court, C. W. Doll.

Commencement of Terms of County Court — First Mon-
day in March, June, September and December.

Commissioners in Chancery— John T. Picking and C.
W. Doll.

Surveyor of Lands — Geo. W. Vanmeter. Deputy Sur-
veyor of Lands, James W. Robinson.

Assessor First District — David Dodd. Second Dis-
trict — Charles H. Miller. Commissioner of School Lands,
(vacant). General Receiver, Henry J. Seibert. Coro-
ner, Frank D. Staley. Sealer of Weights and Measures,
Geo. W. Swartz.

Resident Attorneys— E. Boyd Faulkner & M. T. In-
gles, W. H. H. Flick & D. C. Westenhaver, Chas. J.
Faulkner & Stuart W. Walker, J. Nelson Wisner. Geo.
W. Feidt, Blackburn Hughes & Hugh A. White, A. C.
Nadenbousch and U. S. Grant Pitzer.

Justices of the Peace — Martinsburg, Wm. McKee and
Chas. P. Matthaei ; Mill Creek, Chas. Stucky, (va-
cant ;) Gerardstown, A. J. Bowers ; Arden, James
M. Billmyer ; Opequon, G. W. M. Tabler and G. W. D.
Folk ; Hedgesville, R. R. Coffenberger ; Falling Waters,
S. 0. Cunningham and H. Cox.

Constables— Martinsburg, J. D. Turner and C. R.
O'Neal; MillCreek, Wm. Lemon; Gerardstown, (vacant);
Arden, T. A. Potts; Opequon, A. H. A. Gardner;
Hedgesville, John L. Emerson; Falling Waters, Jacob
V. Carney.

Overseers of Poor — Martinsburg, Henry Wilen ; Mill
Creek, M. L. Payne, Gerardstown, G. W. McKown ;

Situation of Town and County. 391

Arden, H. H. Miller ; Opeqiion, W. H. Myers ; Hedges-
ville, George T. Kreglow ; Falling Waters ; A. R. Por-
terfield.

Coixnty Superintendent of Free Schools— I). H. Dodd.
' Local Board of Health— Dr. J. W. McSherry, M. S.
Grantham and E. L. Hoffman.

MARTINSBURG SCHOOLS.

The public schools of the city were first organized in
1865, but were not in full operation as such until 1866,
when a part of the old " Kruzen property," located near
the centre of the city, was purchased at a cost of $7,500,
and started as a grammar school. Dr. Irwin, W. H.
Matthews and Geo. R. Wisong were the first commis-
sioners. About 500 pupils were accommodated, taught
by a corps of eight teachers. Four grades were taught
as a preparatory to the grammar department, which oc-
cupied the second story, containing a large school room
and two recitation rooms. The grammar department
occupied the lower story, which contained two school
rooms and a recitation room. As the population increas-
ed new houses were erected, as follows : one in the Sec-
ond Ward at a cost of $6,900 ; one in the Fourth Ward
at a cost of $5,200 ; one in the Fifth Ward, cost $4,800 ;
and also a property for a High School at a cost of $7,500.
Three of the ward buildings are composed of brick and
one of stone ; also, a neat brick building for the colored
school. The colored schools were simultaneously organ-
ized with the other schools, and are governed by the
same board. The Legislature passed an Act in 1870,
requiring the German language to be taught in the free
schools of the city, and that a capable teacher of both
languages be employed. In 1875 an Act was passed by
the Legislature, making Martinsburg an independent
district.

In 1884 the High School building was erected, on a
beautiful location, on South Queen street. All the
buildings are well furnished, with heating apparatus, mod-

392 Situation of Toton and County.

ern conveniences, etc. Tlie city educates nearly all its
own teachers, and always gives the preference to gradu-
ates of the High School, which has resulted in a unity of
system and harmony of action, as to place our schools on
equal standing and make them as thorough and efficient
as any in the State of West Virginia. Twenty-two
teachers are employed in all — twenty white and two col-
ored, all of which are zealous, arduous and competent,
thereby placing our schools in a more prosperous condi-
tion than ever. Martinsburg has every reason to feel
proud of her school officers and system, and to effect, in
the future, a more rapid advancement than ever experi-
enced in the past.

The present Board of Education is composed of John
Grozinger, President ; N. T. Fisher, J. H. Whitson, N.
H. Snyder and E. S. Barton.

Board of Examiners: J. A. Cox, President; W. A.
Pitzer, J. L. E. Combs. City Superintendent, J. A.
Cox, A. M.

Faculty of the High School : J. A. Cox, Principal ;
Jennie L. Ditto, 1st Assistant; Annie CNeal, 2nd As-
sistant ; Annie E. Hill, 3rd Assistant.

Faculties of the Ward Schools— Second Ward : W. A.
Pitzer, Principal ; Lillie Mathews, Lula V. Muth, Bettie
M. Day, Assistants. Third Ward : 0. F. Ryneal, Prin-
cipal ; Jennie Alburtis, Jessie McElroy, Kate M. Bate-
man, Assistants. Fourth Ward : J. L. E. Combs, Prin-
cipal ; Kate A. Ahern, Lottie V. McKee, Lenora Smurr,
Asssistants. Fifth Ward : Alice V. Wilson, Principal ;
Jennie E. Mann, Ada M. Rodrick, Clara V. Cutting,
Assistants. Colored School : J. W. Corsey, (colored)
Principal ; Geo. W. Green, (colored) Assistant. Num-
ber enrolled in the various free schools in the city:
High school, 173 ; Second Ward, 281 ; Third' Ward, 227 ;
Fourth Ward 355 ; Fifth Ward, 232 ; colored school, 130;
Total, white children, 1,168 ; Grand total, white and
colored, 1,298.

Situation of Toion and County. 393

BERKELEY FEMALE SEMINARY.

This school, which has been in successful operation for
many years, is located in Marlinsburg, West Virginia,
and which combines the advantages of accessibility,
healthfulness, good society, and general attractiveness,
to a degree unsurpassed by any City in the State. The
course of instruction embraces all the primary and ad-
vanced studies, essential to a thorough and accomplished
female education, and such as are taught at similar insti-
tutions. of the highest grade.

The standard of proficiency is high, and the ambition
of pupils is encouraged by means of monthly reports to
parents, showing their standing in their various classes.
in the department of music no pains are spared to give
pupils every advantage necessary to a thorough musical
education. A firm and wholesome discipline is main-
tained, together with a conscientious regard for the moral
and religious welfare, the health and comfort, of all
pupils entrusted to their care.

A rigid system of marking is adopted in every depart-
ment, and reports candidly exhibiting the standing and
conduct of the pupils, are sent home every month. Gen-
eral averages are obtained by adding together the average
for each study, and dividing by the number of studies.
This school has been established for quite a lengthy pe-
riod, and is taught and managed by its very able and
efficient principals, Mrs. Peyton R. Harrison and Miss
B. J. Hunter. The school and residence is situated on
Wfest King street.

HOME ORGANIZATIONS, LODGES', Etc.

Martinsburg Fire Department was organized in 1S70.
Officers : C. E. Dieffenderfer, Chief Marshal ; C. Lam-
bert, Assistant ; P. C. Curtis, Commander ; H. C. Mc-
Dowell, Treasurer ; C. J. Thomas, Secy. ; Engineer?, J.
M. Sh-iffer and David Westall ; Assistants, George T. Shaf-
fer, David Fitz ; number of Members, 110. The Com-
pany is equipped with a Silsby engine ; has four Reels,

394 Situation of Town and County.

with 2,000 feet of hose ; has recently purchased a new-
Reel for 4th Ward. Firemen have been recently equip-
ped with fine dress uniforms and belts.

The Farmers' and Mechanics' Mutual Fire Insurance
Co. of West Virginia. Officers : James M. Homrich,
Pres't; H. N. Deatrick, Vice Pres't ; E. S. Troxell,
Sec'y ; W. A. Cushwa, Treas. Directors, Charles P.
Matthaei, Wm. A. Cushwa, Geo. P. Blessing, Geo. W.
McKown, Geo. O. Sperow, Joseph H. Shaffer, C. T. But-
ler, M. V. Small, Geo. P. Riner. Executive Committee,
James M. Homrich, Charles P. Matthaei, Joseph H.
Shaffer. Surveyors— H. T. Cushwa, Berkeley County ;
J. B. Kearfott, Albert Diehl, Jefferson County.

This Company was organized Dec. 18th, 1877, and has
been in successful operation since that time, being pa-
tronized by a large majority of the most substantial citi-
zens of Berkeley County.

Equality Building Association.— Officers, H. T. Cush-
wa, President ; Wm Edwards, Secy ; W. 0. Mcklas,
Treas. Meets every Friday night.

Central Building and Loan Association.— Officers, C.
0. Lambert, President ; F. D. Staley, Vice-Pres't ; Fer-
dinand Gerliug, Sec'y; G. W. Feidt, Treasurer; J. N.
Wisner, Attorney. Meets every Tuesday night.

Enterprise Bailding Association. — Officers, H. T. Cush-
wa, President; Wm. Edwards, Jr., Sec'y; W. O. Mck-
las, Treas. Meets every Tuesday night.

Equality Lodge, No. 44, A. F. andA. M., meets 2d and
4th Tuesdays from October 1 to July 1, and second Tues-
day from J_uly 1 to October 1, northwest corner Queen
and Burke streets; entrance on Burke street.

Robert White Lodge, No. 57, A. F. and A. M., meets
2d and 4th Monday evenings from October 1 to July 1,
and 4th Monday from July 1 to October 1, southwest cor-
ner Queen and King streets, Grantham Hall.

Berkeley Consistory, No. 21, A. and A. S. R., meets 3d

Situation of Town and County. 395

Tuesday evening of each montli in liall of Equality Lodge
No. 44, A. F. and A. M.

Palestine Coniniandery,No. 2, meets 1st Monday of each
week in hall of Robert White Lodge No. 57, A. F. and
A.M.

Lebanon Royal Arch, chapter No. 2, meets 2d Monday
evening of each month in hall of Equality Lodge No. 44,
A. F. and A. M.

St. Joseph's Society, President, John Dumford ; sec-
retary, John Farrin ; treasurer, James Cox.

St. Patrick's, President, W. J. O'Connor ; secretary,
Thomas O'Brien ; treasurer, Joseph E. A hern.

Tuscarora Lodge, No. 24, I. O. O. F., meets every Sat-
urday evening, northwest corner Queen and Burke
streets ; entrance on Queen.

Horeb Encampment, No. 12, I. 0. O. F., meets 2d and
4th Tuesday evenings of each month in hall of Tuscarora
Lodge No. 24, I. O. O. F.

Bethany Lodge, No. 7, D. of R., K. Westrater, N. G.;
E. E. Grazer, V. G.; M. A. Rathman, R. S.; G. V. Rath-
man, F. S.;E. E.Crist, T.

Lincoln Post, No. 1, G. A. R., meets every Thursday
evening in G. A. R. Hall, southeast corner Qaeen and
Burke streets; entrance on Burke, People's National
Bank Building.

Prosperity Lodge, No. 29, 1. O. G. T., meets every Mon-
day evening in G. A. R. hall.

Franklin Assembly, No. 2373 K. L., meets every Satur-
day night in G. A. R. hall.

Key Council, No. 432, Royal Arcanum, meets 1st and
3d Friday evenings in G. A. R. hall.

Washington Lodge,iNo. 1, K. of P., meets every Thurs-
day evening in K. of P. hall, southeast corner Queen and
Burke streets ; entrance on Burke, People's National
Bank Building.

Knights of Honor Lodge, No. 62, meets 2d and 4th Fri-
day nights in hall of K. of P.

396 SiiucUion of Toxon and County.

Brancli No. 29, Order Iron Hall, meets 2d and 4tli
Thursday nights in hall of K. of P.

Berkeley Lodge, K"o. 173, Order of Tonti, meets 1st and
3d Thursdays of each month in hall of K. of P., People's
National Bank Building.

Mt. Pisgah Lodge, No. 3, A. Y. M., (col'd) meets every
Thursday evening on South College street.

Federal Lodge, No. 152, K. of W., meets in People's
Bank Building 2d Tuesday in each month ; Chairman,
H. B. Foard; secretary, W. Corsey.

The Martinsburg Gas Company was organized in 1873 ;
President, H. N. Deatrick ; Vice-President, J. H. Shaf-
fer ; Secretary and Treasurer, F. S. Emmert ; Superin-
tendent, D. Rawlinson.

Mechanics' Band.— The High Street Band, W. H.
Frankenberrj', organizer and leader, was started about
1871, and changed to the Mechanics" Band about 1882 ;
reorganized and incorporated February 6th, 1886.

The Martinsburg City Band Avas organized on the 18th
of December, 1883 ; Mr. P. C. Cartis is the genial man-
ager, and Prof. Fred. Luscomb, musical director.
COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS.

Pomono Grange No. 2, located in Martinsburg District ;
meets last Saturday in each month.

Cherry Grove Grange No. 13, located in Opequon Dis-
trict ; meets first and third. Saturdays of each month.

Tuscarora Grange No. 14, located in Hedgesville Dis-
trict ; meets second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.

Swan Pond Grailge No. 22, located in Opequon Dis-
trict ; meets second and fourth Saturdays of each month.

Mill Creek Grange No. 26, located in Gerardstown Dis-
trict ; meets first and third Tuesdays of each month.

CHAPTER XVII.

PERSONAL SKETCHES OP THE ENTERPRISING

PUBLIC AND PROFESSIONAL MEN OF

THE PRESENT DAY.

SENATOR C. J. FAULKNER.

IpN May, 1887, Mr. Faulkner was elected to the United
1^ States Senate, at which time he was on the bench,
and resigned to accept the honor conferred upon him.
As a representative, he has the respect and esteem of the
people throughout the State, who feel proud of his mark-
ed ability and energy. Among the representatives of the
country at the National Capital, he is fast gaining prom-
inence and favor. After his election to the Senate he
associated with, him, Stuart W. Walker, an able and
prominent young lawyer, for the practice of law, which
firm now commands a large and excellent practice.

Senator Faulkner is the younger sou of the late Hon.
C. J. Faulkner, the eminent jurist and statesman, both
of whose sons give promise of attaining the legal and
political prominence of their father in State and National
affairs. Senator Faulkner was born at the ancestral
home at Martinsburg, Va., now Yv^est Virginia., on the
21st of September, 1847. He accompanied his father,
who was Minister to France, in 18.59,and had the advan-
tage of attending noted schools in Switzerland and in
Paris. He returned to the United States in August, 1861,
and was with his father at the time of his arrest, in
Washington ; the story of which has become a matter of
National history familiar to all. When he learned that
his father had been arrested, he immediately started
South, making his way resolutely and determinedly
through all the difficulties incident to those troublous

398 Personal Sketches.

times. In 1862, when a boy of fifteen, he entered the
Yirginia Military Institute at Lexington. He served
with the Cadets in the battle of New Market, where he
was distinguished for his ardor and daring. And later,
served as aide on the Staff of GeneralJ. C. Breckenridge,
until he was made Secretary of War. His courageous
and resolute bearing, allied to one so young in years,
won for him the admiration of officers and soldiers, and
made him a general favorite. He was afterward ap-
pointed aide to General Henry A. Wise, and surrendered
with him at Appomattox, after which he returned home.
Then began a course of mental training under his father's
direction, and the foundation was there laid for a suc-
» cessful public life. The bent of his instruction and
watchful care, was toward the field of law, in which the
father occupied through all his life a leading place in the
Circuit and Supreme Courts. Thus prepared by so able
a preceptor, he entered the University of Virginia, in
Oct., 1866, and graduate,d therefrom in June, 1868. He
was admitted to the bar in Sept., 1868, immediately after
attaining his majority. His mental endowments were of
such high order that he at once became a member of
recognized ability, and of such prominence as that led
from the bar to the bench. He was elected judge of the
13th Judicial Circuit, composed of the counties of Berkeley,
Jefferson and Morgan, in Oct., 1880, at the age of 33 years,
being one of the youngest Judges in the State. He has pre-
sided over these courts with credit to himself and to the
universal satisfaction of the people, by whom he is held in
the highest regard and esteem. His judicial record gave,
assurance of still higher attainments in his chosen pro-
fession. His rulings and decisions have evidenced so im-
partial a sense of justice and so thorough a knowledge
of the law, that a distinguished lawyer and political op-
ponent said of him, "I would not hesitate to trust to
Judge Faulkner's decision in his legal capacity upon any
political question." His prudence and good judgment

Personal Sketches. 399

were not unnoticed in politics, in which, while not taking
an active part, he manifested considerable interest. Sen-
ator Faulkner was chairman of the Democratic County
Committee for a number of years before going on the
bench, and is also widely and prominently known and
esteemed in the Masonic fraternity, having been Grand
Master of the Masonic Grand Lodge of West Virginia
during the years 1879-80. By the last will of his father
he inherits "Boydville," the old homestead, after the
death of his mother, a place full of historical interest to
citizens and strangers. He has built for himself a fine
residence adjoining "Boydville," the bouse now occu-
pied by his venerable mother.

HON. W. H. H. FLICK.

Mr. Flick was born in Cuihoga County, Ohio, Febru-
ary 24th, 1841. His youthful days were spent in the
common schools, and a term at Garfield School, Hiram,
Ohio. After that he worked on a farm until the war
broke out, when he entered the army in July, 1861, serv-
ing in the 41st Ohio Regiment. He was dangerously
wounded at SMloh, April 7th, 1862, and joined the re-
cruiting service. After his discharge he taught school
to earn money enough to take up the practice of law, and
then entered the Cleveland Law School, graduating and
being admitted to practice in his native county in 1865.
Upon his admission he settled in Moorefield, W. Va., for
the practice of his profession, which he followed there
in 1865 and 1866. In the Spring of 1867 he went to Pen-
dleton County, where he married and has one child. He
served two terms in the Legislature as representative in
that county. In 1870 he introduced what is known as the
"Flick amendment." He was appointed to fill an unex-
pired term as prosecuting attorney of Grant County in
1872, and elected to the same position in Pendleton
County in that year. In 1874 he moved to Martinsburg,
and has served in various ofiicial capacities since. In
1886, Hon. W. H. H. Flick made a strong run for Con-

400 Personal Sketclies.

gress in tliQ Second West Virginia District, and came
within ninety votes of election. Shortly afterward he
associated with him in the practice of law Mr. D. C.
Westenhaver, one of the shining lights of the Berkeley
Bar. Mr. Flick is an able and efficient talker, and en-
joys a legal knowledge that but few can surpass. The
firm now has an able and extensive i)ractice in the various
courts. It is almost needless to speak of Mr. Flick's
popularity, as he is generally known throughout this and
the surrounding States. He is of a clever and genial dis-
position, and makes one iVel perfectly at home while in
his presence.

HON. E. BOYD FAULKNER.
E. Boyd Faulkner was born in July, 1841. He received
his early education at Georgetown College, and Univer-
sity of Virginia, and traveled extensively in Switzerland
and Italy. He attended lectures upon constitutional law
in Paris, and at the age of eighteen was acting as Secre-
tary of the American Legation at Paris — an unusual and
complimentary jDreferment to one so young — and which
gave evidence of rare mental attainments, and of that
strongly marked mind and character which distinguishes
the man of to-day. He returned to the United States in
1861, was appointed aide on Gov. Letcher's Staff, but
resigned shortly afterward and became an officer of dis-
tinction in the Confederate Army, until his capture at
Port Republic, in June, 1864, when he was taken with
other prisoners to Johnson' s Island, where he was con-
fined a year, being released in June, 1865. In 1867, he
went to Hopkinsville, Ky., where he formed a law part-
nership with Judge Petree, and the firm had an extensive
practice. By his energy and talent Mr. Faulkner soon
earned for himself a fine reputation as a lawyer and
speaker, and in the Seymour Campaign of 1868, was ap-
pointed an Eleptor for the Second Congressional District
of Kentucky. In 1872 inducements were offered him to
return to his native State, and he located permanently in

Personal Sketches. 401

Martinsburg. He is well known at home and abroad as
a gentleman of unswerving integrity of cliaracter, and
his splendid abilities as a lawyer and public speaker in
bis professional and political career, are so well and fa-
vorably known to the people of this section and through-
out the State as to require no commendation. He was.
elected to the Legislature in 1876, where he served with,
distinguished prominence and ability, and with a faith-
fulness to the interests of the people which will long be^
remembered, and especially noteworthy was the legisla-
tion by him to relieve the bonded indebtedness of Berke-
ley County. Under the arrangement made by the court
and through the legislation of Mr. Faulkner, on the 2d
of January, 1881, the 8 per cent, bonds were paid off or
exchanged, and the county relieved of an annual drain
upon it foB interest and commission alone of about $3,465,
besides having the bonds bear their just proportion of
the taxes which weighed so heavily upon the people.
Such was the universal esteem in which Mr. Faulkner
was held that he was elected to the Senate in 1873, upon
the expiration of his term in the Legislature. He was
an eminent member of that body, and held in the highest
regard by his fellow Senators. He declined the Presi-
dency of the Senate, and remained where the work was
to be done, becoming chairman of important committees,
and his record was such as has been referred to with just
pride and pleasure, and led to his being urged to become
a candidate for the nomination of Governor of West Vir-
ginia in 1834.

At the present time his extensive and important law
practice occupies all his time and attention. President
Cleveland tendered to Mr. Faulkner the office of Consul-
General and Agent to Egypt, which, at the earnest so-
licitation of his friends throughout the State, he decided
not to accept. He was then tendered the Mission to
Persia, which he likewise declined. For several years
friends of Mr. Faulknex in every part of the State have

402 Personal SJcetches.

been urging his candidacy for Governor of AYest Vir-
ginia. That he would receive a large vote and discharge
the dignity and duty of the position in the most courtly
a.nd popular manner, is admitted by all.

HON. GEO. W. FEIDT.

Mr. Ffcidt was born in Washington County, Md., and
came to Martinsburg in 1872. In his j^ounger days he
worked on the farm and taught school and studied law.
He finished his law course with Blackburn & Lamon, in
Hhis place, and was admitted to the bar in 1875. In 1877
'he was appointed Register in Bankruptcy on the recom-
"memidation of Chief Justice Waite. He occupies various
positions in different organizations, and takes an active
part in the interests of the town. He is a sound Repub-
lican, and no one does more enthusiastic work for the
party than Mr. Feidt. He was elected Prosecuting At-
torney of Berkeley County in 1886 by 146 majority, and
has satisfactorily transacted the business of the office
with skill and the best of legal ability. He is a worthy,
affable and learned gentleman, and is a credit to his
people.

STUART W-. WALKER, ESQ.

Mr. Walker, though young in years, is considered very
old in experience and legal knowledge. He is now one
of the most able and successful practitioners at the AVest
Virginia Bar, and an influential politician. He is of a
clever disposition, social and agreeable to all who come
in contact with him. Any one having a business connec-
tion will not hesitate to speak of him in the best terms.
This able and creditable representative of the legal pro-
fession is 'a son of James H.Walker, now a retired
farmer. He was raised on the farm with two other
brothers. Much to his credit he possessed an ambition
for future usefulness with intent to serve his people. He
was educated at the Berkeley Academy, formerly in this
city, and decided to make law his profession. This he
successfully accomplished by taking a two years' course

Personal Sketches. 403

in one year at the Washington and Lee University, Lex-
ington, Va. Upon Ms arrival home he was given a tho-
rough examination by Judge C. J. Faulkner and Judge
Armstrong, of Romney, who were then on the bench. In
this he passed with honors, after which he was admitted
to practice in the courts of the district. Through his ener-
gy and talent he at once became interested in and repre-
sented many of the most important civil and criminal
cases before the courts. His success in the various courts
attracted the attention of Judge Faulkner and led to his
rapid advancement. He is an excellent talker, has a fine
delivery and a persuasive and argumentative bearing.
He is well known all over the State, having delivered
speeches and addresses in every county. He is a man of
self-confidence, and is always prepared to speak on any
topic at a moment' s notice. In May, 1887, Mr. Faulkner
was elected to the United States Senate, immediately
after which he formed a law partnership under the firm
name of Faulkner & Walker. This move of business on
the part of Judge Faulkner, while adding much labor to
the firm by a heavy increase, encouraged Mr. Walker
with more than usual zeal. He has since represented the
cases and produced the ablest arguments that have ever
been laid before our courts. Important cases have taken
him to many counties in the State.

Mr. Walker has been identified by birth with the Dem-
ocratic Party, and has always taken great interest and
worked with untiring zeal for its advancement. During
the campaign of 1884 he spoke for weeks, daily, and
often twice a day, throughout the Thirteenth Senatorial
District. His friends, irrespective of party, are urging
him to accept positions of responsibility and trust. For
him to accept any nomina.tion will insure a victory to his
party. The stand he has taken has led the people to be-
lieve that he will mete justice fairly and honorably to
all. His past career has been a most honorable and suc-
cessful one, through which he now enjoys the confidence

404 Personal SJceicJies.

and esteem of his people. Mr. Walker has the vigor
and confidence that will achieve the greatest results.

DAVID C. WESTENHAVER, ESQ.

It was when the conflict of contending armies was ex-
pending its force during the late civil war that the sub-
ject of this sketch was born. He is a native of this
county, and has lived here since his birth. His father
was a farmer, and consequently his early education was
conflned to such branches of information as are usually
taught in the average country school. His nature was
not such to be content with this, and with an innate de-
sire for a higher and more comprehensive knowledge, we
find him aiming at and striving for a greater degree of
excellence. He taught school, and at the same time pur-
sued a course of instruction in law under private tutors.
This merely opened to him a view of the wide field be-
yond, into which he boldly plunged alone, and, unaided
any more by such private instructions as he previously
had. We can say nothing better for him than that few
persons, through their own personal efforts and ability,
have ever raised themselves to such a degree of high
public esteem and in so comparatively short a time as has
Mr. Westenhaver.

He completed his law course at the Georgetown Law
School, taking a two years' course in one and graduating
with honor. The thesis ui:)on which his essay for this
occasion was written was ' ' Expatriation and Naturaliza-
tion," and which gained for him the first prize from the
above institution.

Upon entering the active duties of his chosen profes-
sion he assumed a partnership with Hon. W. H. H.
Flick, under the firm name of Flick & Westenhaver,
the firm remaining so constituted at the present time. In
1886 he was appointed Prosecuting Attorney of Berkeley
County to fill an unexpired term, and fulfilled the trusts
of that office with great satisfaction to the people. Mr.
Westenhaver' s mental attainments are of the highest

Personal Sketches. 405

order, and tliough a young man, liis i)lace is a conspicu-
ous one at the Bar, as well as among recognized leaders
of his political school in this county. In politics he is
a Democrat. In oratory he can boast of but little excel-
lence ; his persuasive powers in this direction are effec-
tive, not because of any brilliancy of speech, but because
of clear and unequivocal argument. His past career as a
lawyer has been pre-eminently successful. His is an ex-
ample of a self-made man. His future career cannot but
make him a successful leader and an honored and re-
spected citizen.

BLACKBURN HUGES, ESQ.

This able representative of the Berkeley Bar was born
in Cumberland County, Va., and educated at Hampden
Sidney College, Virginia, graduating from that institution
in June, 1859, with the Speaker's medal from the Union
Society. He studied law in Judge Brockenborough's
Law School, in Lexington, Va., in 1860 and 1861. He
first practiced in the courts of his native county, and for
a short time in Richmond, but removed to Berkeley in
the fall of 1867, and after the repeal of the test oaths he
was admitted to the Bar of this county, in which he has
ever since occupied a leading place in talent and the
regards of his fellow members and the people in general.
Personally, he is a very agreeable gentleman, and takes
an active interest in all public matters. He has tilled
several important trusts in church and Stat€ conventions.
He was elected a member of the County Court in 1880,
and on its organization was elected its President, to
which position he has been re-elected each succeeding
year.

Politically, Mr. Hughes has always been closely iden-
tified with the Democratic Party, though conservative in
his views and liberal to all men, however widely differ-
ing on public questions His name was prominently
mentioned in connection with the State Senatorship from
the 13th District in 1886. In 1887 he associated with

406 Personal Sketches.

himself Mr. Hugli A. White, an able and energetic young
lawyer, and they are now engaged in a good practice
before the coarta of this district.

HON. GEO. M. BOWERS

Is a son of the late John S. Bowers, one of the leading
citizens of the connty. He was born at Grerardstown and
received his education at the Martinsburg High School.
When but a mere shool boy he showed promising busi-
ness qualities and made extensive purchases and sales on
his own account. Upon the death of his father he ad-
ministered the estate (which was a very large one) and
made a prompt and satisfactory settlement of everything.
He took charge of the Eureka Mills, in this city, in 1884,
and is yet carrying on the most extensive milling busi-
ness in the city. He has considerable interest in real
property and also in various organizations, manufactories,
etc. On the 17th of March, 1888, he was elected a di-
rector of the C. y. and M. R. R., and is one of
the most prominent directors of the National Bank.
In politics he is a Republican and commands a large
influence. By his zeal and energy he has won the es-
teem and respect of the Berkeley people, and in 1884 he
was made Chairman of the Berkeley Delegation to the
Parkersburg and Grafton Convention. His success and
ability in this placed him before the people of the State,
and through which he has achieved the loudest praise.
In 1886 he was nominated on the Republican ticket for
Legislature, and was elected by the largest majority ever
given one man in the county. During his term of office
he has not once failed or shirked any responsible duty
that has fallen his lot. He is now Vice-President of the
National Republican League for the State of West Vir-
ginia. His name is now being urged for State Auditor,
and if nominated, there is but little doubt as to his elec-
tion being a successful one, and a victory for the party.

Mr. Bowers has a large friendship and acquaintance
among the farmers and laboring class of peoj)le. His

Personal Sketches. AQl

kind, affable manners, and sound reasoning and persua-
sive powers has endeared hina to the hearts of his peo-
ple. He possesses the ability, and will execute any re-
sponsibility thrown upon him in the most successful
manner.

PROF. J. A. cox.

Born in Ohio Co., Va., (now W. Va.,) May 30, 1858 j
graduated at Bethany College, W. Va., in 1882, with the
degree A. B., taking the first honor of his class ; received
the degree A. M. one year later ; is now, as Superinten-
dent of the Martinsburg City Schools and Principal of
the High School, in his sixth year in the profession of
teaching ; was two years Principal of the West Liberty
State Normal School, at the end of which time the stu-
dents almost unanimously petitioned the State Superin-
tendent and Board of Regents for his re-appointment ;
was Principal of Kingwood Academy five months, which
position he resigned to take charge of the city schools of
Martinsburg ; was given a letter of endorsement signed
by all his Kingwood students, by his assistant teachers,
and by all the trustees of the school ; won a first premi-
um in a mathematical contest with 955 competitors, thus
becoming one of the authors of "The New Arithmetic,"
published by Eaton, Gibson & Co., Buffalo, New York ;
has written considerably on educational and other topics ;
and is the author of a neat little pamphlet on arithmetic,
entitled " Two Hundred Practical Problems." Prof.
Cox has given universal satisfaction at Martinsburg, so
touch so that his salary was raised several hundred dol-
lars by the Board.

CHAS. p. MATTHAEI, ESQ.

Mr. Matthaei, the genial and agreeable Justice, is a
native of Germany, and was born in the year 1835. He
came to this country in the year 1854, and entered the
confectionery business in Baltimore, Md., where he re-
mained about six years. In 1860 he removed to Martins-
burg and opened up a confectionery store in the building

408 Personal Sketclies.

now occupied hj Cbas. D. Matthaei, next to Court House.
After twenty- three years of business success, he retired,
and turned the business over to Charles D., who has con-
tinued to the present day.

During his early days, his advantages for an English
education were very limited, and Mr. Matthaei may cred-
itably be termed a self-made man. In the fall of 1884 he
was elected Justice of the Peace, which office he now
holds. During his term of office, he has filled the posi-
tion ably and creditably, and has given general satisfac-
tion to the public. Mr. Matthaei is a close observer, of
sound, practical judgment, and a genial and agreeable
gentleman. He has held positions of honor and public
trust, and acquitted himself creditably to the satisfaction
of his constituents. Mr. Matthaei is considerably inter-
ested in the organizations, societies and corporations of
the city, and is the owner of a large amount of property.
He is well known throughout the State, and a very pop-
ular gentleman.

C. O. LAMBERT, ESQ.

Mr. Lambert, the present Mayor of Martinsburg, was
born at Frederick City, Md., in 1838, and is a son of
Frederick Lambert, Esq. He was educated in the public
schools of that city, and at the age of fifteen years, en-
tered the butchering business under Charles D. Schell.
Here he served his time as an apprentice, acquiring every
art and branch of the business. In 1857 he moped to
Shepherdstown, and there carried on business for him-
self until the commencing of the war in 1861, when he
enlisted in the Confederate Calvary, 12th Virginia Regi-
ment. After the close of the war in 1865 he came to
Martinsburg and entered business with his brother,
George D. Lambert, where he remained until 1869, and
then entered business for himself— continuing at the
present day. Mr. Lambert was elected Councilman from
his ward in 1878, and afterwards served three terms of
two years each— five years and a-half of which he served

Personal Sketches. 409

as Mayor i^ro tern. In 1884 he was elected Mayor by an
excellent majority, and conducted tlie affairs of the city
creditably and witli ability. His services in this official
capacity were appreciated in such a manner, that in 1886
and 1888, a demand was made by the people for his re-
election, which was successfully accomplished. As
Mayor of the City, Mr. Lambert has proven himself
worthy of the office, and his services are appreciated by
the people in general, who hold him in the highest es-
teem. He is a Democrat in politics, and of a genial and
clever disposition. As evidenced by his past career, Mr.
Lambert is what may well be termed a self made man.
He is also at present carrying on business at his old loca-
tion, No. 23 N. Queen st., Avhere can be found at all
times fresh meats, groceries, jirovisions, confectioneries,
tobaccos, cigars, etc. Mr. Lambert is also considerably
interested in farming pursuits, and various other enter-
prises.

C. W. UOLL, ESQ.

C. W. Doll, Esq., Clerk of the County Court, was born
in this city in the year 1820. For nearly thirty years he
was engaged in the dry goods business, after v/hich he
served six or eight years in the hardware line. He has
served the County Court as Clerk since Jan. 1st, 1873,
and has done valuable service to the county in the ar-
rangement of the many i:)apers and records on hie there.
On his election to this office he received almost the entire
vote of the Republican andDemocrotic jmrties combined.
He is a courteous and obliging gentleman, and is held in
the highest esteem by all who know him. As a citizen,
he takes a great deal of interest, and is one of the most
liberal men in the county.

ROBERT LAMON, ESQ

Mr. Lamon was born in Mill Creek District, Berkeley
County, about nine miles from the city of Martinsburg.
He was raised on a farm, and at an early age manifested
considerable interest and energy in business and public

410 Personal Sketches.

affairs. He is a self-made man, having had advantage of
no other education than the common school of his boy-
hood days. In politics he is a strong and influential
Democrat, and under Lincoln's administration he served
in the capacity of Deputy Marshal of the District of
Columbia. As Secretary and Treasurer, he has been the
means, to a considerable extent, of building up the M.
& W. Turnpike, vrhich office he fills to the present day.
At the election in 1887 he was elected Sheriff of Berke-
ley County, by a majority of 338, a much larger vote
than had been polled previously. He has served his
people faithfully in this capacity, and in his accounts is
up with the State. He is of a fine manly bearing, and is
held in the highest respect. For a number of years he
has acted as a Director of the People's National Bank.

S. H. MARTIN, ESQ.

Mr. Martin was born in Pottstown, Montgomery Co.,
Pa., in 1826, and came to this coimty in the year 1840.
He Avas a clerk in the store of \V. S. Long, at Bunker
Hill, for a short while, after which he came to this city
and entered the store of Jacob Van Doren. In 1842 he
went back to the former place and remained with J. "VV.
Grantham until 1851, when he again returned to town
and clerked for B. R. Boyd. In 1857 he formed a part-
nership with Ezra Herring and continued until 1859,
when they dissolved and Mr. Martin continued the store
until 1860. Shortly afterward he formed a partnership
with George Sherrer, which continued until the break-
ing out of the late war. In 1861 he "went into the em-
ploy of the B. & O. R. R. office and remained until 1878.
In the fall of '78 he was elected Clerk of the Circuit
Court, which capacity he now fills with credit and ability.
As a gentleman, he is kind and generous, and is one of
Martinsburg's most worthy citizens.

WM. T. STEWART, ESQ.
In the person of Mr. Stewart, is represented one of
Martinsburg's most prominent, wealthiest and influential

Personal SketcTies. 411

citizens. He was born in this county and raised on a
farm, acquiring none other than the common school edu-
cation. He now holds and ably fills the offices of Presi-
dent of the National Bank, M. & W. Turnpike Company,
and is also a Director of the C. V. & M. R. R. Being
largely interested in county enterprises, he devotes con-
siderable time and attention to industrial development.

CHAPTER XVIII.

BIOGRAPHY OFMARTINSBURG'S BUSINESS

MEN.

THE PEOPLE'S NATIONAL BANK.

IpHIS institution was established in 1873 as a People's
^ Deposit, with a capital of about $12,000. In 1874
it was re- organized as a National Bank, a t which, time two
competing banks were charging 10 and 12 per cent, in-
terest on money. This bank, after its reorganization,
began business by charging 8 per cent., and was the first
of the three to fall to 6 per cent. It was a grand success
from the day it opened its doors, and has been managed
Avitli snch financial ability that in fifteen years it has ac-
cumulated a very large surplus and dividend. Its line
of bank deposits are decidedly larger than those of its
competing neighbor. In 1882 the present site, on corner
of Queen and Burke Streets was purchased, and has
since been improved until it now constitutes one of the
finest buildings in the city. The interior is elegan tly and
conveniently arranged, and handsomely furnished. The
vaults are large and secure, and will compare v^rith any
in the State. For fifteen years the finances of this bank
have been under the management of Jno. B. Wilson,
Esq., who has served the institution ably and successful-
ly as cashier. AVith A. J. Thomas, Esq., as President,
it cannot but help insure a successful future. Mr.
Thomas is an excellent financier and is largely interested
in various enterprises. Through the energy and zeal of
Mr. Wilson, Cashier, this bank in 1888 gained the top-
most round on the ladder of success, by being designa-
ted a Depository of the United States. Mr. Wilson is a
wide-awake and energeiic citizen, populir throughout

Biograpliy of Business Iden. 413

business circles, and liighly esteemed by the people of
Ms county. His assistants are Messrs. Geo. Knapp and
Frank Wilson, who efficiently aid in the transaction of
affairs, and for a knowledge of general banking business,
are unsurpassed. By their liberality, caution and finan-
cial ability, the above gentlemen have made it a grand
success, and its reputation at home and abroad is estab-
lished and its business daily growing larger.

JOHN W. WALKER & CO.

Mr. John W. Walker, the efficient manager and head of
this firm, is a son of James H. Walker, Esq., and was
born in Berkeley County. He was raised on a farm with
two other brothers. Hunter and Stuart, all of whom are
well-known throughout the county, and are among tlie
enterprising citizens. John W. was given the advantage
of the common schools, and later attended an academy
taught in Martinsburg by John Sellers, Esq. He next
entered the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, where
he remained two years, and afterward started in the
drug business in Martinsburg. After a decided success
of two years in the latter place, he removed to Baltimore
City, and passing a thorough examination before the
Board of Pharmacy, he opened up in the drug business.
Here he remained two or three years, when he again re-
turned to his native county, and started the present
merchandising firm. As a druggist Mr. Walker ranks
among the most .successful men of the day, having car-
ried off the highest honors of his classes, and passed
through the most difficult examinations. Since starting
in the merchandise business, he has conducted one of
the finest stores in the State. His place is neatly arrang-
ed, clean and convenient, and for fresh goods, he is un-
surpassed by any in the city. Groceries and provisions
of every variety are kept constantly on hand at the
lowest possible figures. His present location is on Queen
Street, National Bank Building. Mr. Walker is obli-
ging and accommodating, and generally known through-

414 Biography of Business Men.

out the county as an industrious and enterprising
citizen.

p. A. CUNNINGHAM.

Mr. Cunningham is the eldest son, now living, of
Philip S. Cunningham, dec'd., who served in the capaci-
ty of 1st Lieutenant under Col. J. Q. A. Nadenbousch,
during the late war. P. A. was born in Berkeley County
about one mile south of the jDresent city of Martinsburg,
in the year 1861. In 1866 the family moved to Fredrick
City, Md., and returned to this county again in 1877.
His father died before they moved to the former place,
in 1865. Patrick A. was given the advantage of the
Catholic schools in Frederick City, and at an early age
showed considerable energy and enterprise. Like many
others, he had the broad world before him, with but
little assistance to gain a trade or profession. After
their return to this city, he entered the photograph gal-
lery under R. J. Eankin, Esq., where he remained about
two years, — serving the required time as an apprentice.
He next went with P. C. Hunter, and ably assisted in
building up a standard reputation, about the year 1882,
and remained for a period of nearly five years. In July,
1886, he purchased the establishment of his former em-
ployer, Mr. Rankin, and undertook a business routine,
which he has since successfully accomplished and meri-
ted. He is a genial and clever young man, and is a
great deal thought of by the young people in general.
His present place of business is situated over the Nation-
al Bank, Queen Street, where photography is finely exe-
cuted in all its branches. He uses the instantaneous
process, and guarantees satisfaction. A large and well
equipped line of picture frames are always to be found
in stock.' His studio is well furnished, and everythino-
complete for the trade. He also makes a specialty of
copying and enlarging. One will find in Mr. Cunningham
a warm friend, and an obliging gentleman.

Biography of Business Men. 41 5

p. NICKLAS, BRO. & CO.

This firm has been long established in Martinsburg,
and has become one of the leading houses in town. The
father of the present firm followed carpet manufacturing
in the Cumberland Valley from his youth, and the sons
have established business houses in several of the lead-
ing towns in the Valley. One branch after another has
been added, and enlargements made as the business in-
creased, until now they have every convenience for their
extensive trade in carpets, furniture, chamber sets,
library furniture, wall papers, &c. Fully prepared to do
all kinds of upholstering and repairing. Their carpets
range from the cheaper goods to the best American and
European manufacture. The most obliging attention is
given to the trade, and special pains taken to please
purchasers. Mr. W. O. Nicklas is the manager of the
firm, and is one of our most enterprising citizens. He
takes part in various organizations of the town, and has
built for himself a neat and attractive home on the corner
of Queen and John Streets. The business rooms of the
firm are at No. 11 Queen Street.

E. G. BARTLETT.

Mr. Bartlett is a native of Marshal Co., W. Va. He
located in Cumberland in 1867, and was engaged in rail-
roading, and removed to Martinsburg in 1866, following
the samje occupation. He was appointed to a position in
the Hannis Distillery under President Arthur, and ful-
filled his duties very acceptably, remaining until the
new administration came in. He purchased the Book
store of A. Oden, No. 17 Queen Street, in 1885, where he
set to work to build for himself a permanent business.
He deals largely in books, stationery, daily, weekly and
monthly papers and magazines, tissue paper, drawing
paper, map drawing and sketch books, school supplies,
water color paints, steel engravings, autotypes, mottoes,
picture frame mouldings ; picture frames made to order;
albums and scrap books, scrap pictures, music and mu-

416 BiograpTty of Business Men.

sical merchandise ; agent for all newspapers and maga-
zines at publishers' prices.

H. L. DOLL & CO.

Mr. Doll, the genial manager and proprietor of the
large hardware establishment, situated on the Public
Square, was born in Martinsburg in the year 1853, and
is a son oi C. W. Doll, Esq., Clerk of the County Court.
He received a common school education, and afterward
entered the hardware business as a clerk with H. A. Rid-
dle, where he remained nearly ten years. In 1879 the
firm of H. L. Doll & Co. was formed, and business com-
menced in the large and commodious building known as
"King Street Hall," at which place they have continued
till the present day. Mr. Doll has had considerable ex-
perience in the business, and has met with a decided suc-
cess. The firm holds an excellent and most reliable repu-
tation, and their business is conducted on a strict and
sound basis. They keep constantly on hand everything
connected with the hardware line, and make a specialty
of House Paints, Builders Hardware, Farmers' Supplies,
etc. They deal largely in Timothy and Clover Seed, and
furnish every part of the business at the lowest possible
figures. Their store and ware rooms, occupying two
large floors, present a neat and clean appearance, and
everything is arranged in the most convenient and pleas-
ing manner. Their present location is on the corner of
King and Queen Sts., Public Square.

R. FRANK BARR.

Mr. Barr, one of Martinsburg' s enterprising young
business men, is a son of Robt. Barr, Esq., a native of
Yirginia, and was born one mile south of Winchester,
Va. , in 1862. His advantages for an education were like
the majority represented in this work — limited to the
common school of his day. About the year 1882 he en-
tered the jewelry business under W. L. Jones, where he
remained nearly five years ; completing his trade and
gaining the advantages of the business in all its branches.

BiograjpTiy of Business Men. 417

He then resigned his position and acted as General Sec-
retary of tlie Y. M. C. A. After serving tMs worthy in-
stitution creditably and deservingly for a period of eight
months, he decided to enter the jewelry business for
himself. In May, 1888, he opened np in the J. L. W.
Baker Building, North Queen street. Any article not in
stock will be famished within a short time, and every-
thing offered on sale will be al the lowest reasonable
figure. He makes a specialty of fine repairing, etc. Mr.
Barr has had considerable experience in his business,
and any one wishing to purchase will find in him a cour-
teous and accommodating gentleman. He is a young
man, energetic and industrious, and Martinsburg can
well feel proud of him as a citizen.

BURKHART & CO.

Dr. Wm. D. Burkhart, the leading partner and man-
ager of the above firm, is a native of Berkeley County.
In 1852 he graduated in medicine at the University of
Maryland, and afterwards practiced in this city for about
three years. As a physician he built up a splendid prac-
tice iand fine reputation. A short while afterward he
gave up his practice and became teller in the old Bank
of Berkeley. About the year 1865 he organized the pres-
ent National Bank, and was elected cashier, which position
he filled with ability and success. Through his untiring
efforts this institution continued to progress, until it had
gained a reliable and wide reputation. He continued in
the banking business for a period of twenty-five years.
In 1879 he established the Glass and China firm, known
as Burkhart & Co., which he has successfully managed
to the present day, and gained for it an enviable reputa-
tion. He is the exclusive dealer in the city, in fine goods
of his line. The store is neatly and artistically arrang-
ed with beautiful lamps, f^ncy goods, etc., of every des-
cription. Dr. Burkhart is a genial and clever gentleman,
and one with whom it is a pleasure to deal. Their pres-

27

418 Biography of Business Men.

ent location is on Nortli-east corner of Public Square,
adjoining his residence, and near Continental Hotel.

JOHN W. NEER.

Mr. Neer was born in the year 1829, and is a native of
Loudon County, Virginia. His boyhood days were spent
in farming pursuits, and no other advantages were had
for an education, excepting those offered by the common
schools. He came to Martinsburg in 1850, and was em-
ployed as an engine man on the B. & O. E,. R., until
1857. He then returned to Loudon County and engaged
in farming until 1863. Shortly afterward he served as
sutler in the Fourth Brigade of the 19th Army Corps of
the 24th and 28th Indiana, and 26th and 27th Ohio Regi-
ments, commanded by Col. Washburn. About the year
1865 he engaged in the coal, wood and lumber business
at Harper's Ferry, where he remained until 1870, when
he was washed out by the great flood on the Shenandoah
River of that year, and incurred a loss of about $3,000.
He then commenced farming in Jefferson County, W.
Va., and continued from 1871 until 1873, when he again
engaged in the service of the B. & 0. R. R., and served
the company until 1887. After a service of twenty- one
years as engine man on the B. & 0., he decided to per-
manently locate in business. On the IBth of March,
1888, he purchased the entire stock and fixtures of G. A.
Smith, and opened up on King street, near St. Clair
Hotel, a first-class general merchandise store. Every-
thing in t]ie line is kept always on hand at the lowest
possible figures, and his store is neatly arranged and
stocked with fresh goods. He makes a specialty of fine
cigars, tobaccos and green groceries. Mr. Neer is a
pleasing and accommodating gentleman, and the general
public 'will find in him energy and enterprise, — so es-
sential for the requirements of an upright business.

J. p. SWARTZ.

Mr. Swartz was born in the year 1829, and is a native
of Berkeley County. During his early days his entire

Biography of Business Men. 419

time was given to the milling business, and with a com-
mon education, he commenced business in what is now
known as the "Swartz" mill, in 1842. Here he continu-
ed until 1880, when he. established himself permanently
in the merchantile business. As a miller, Mr. Swartz
has few superiors, and while engaged in the business
met with much success. His patronage extended far
beyond Berkeley and adjoining counties. In 1880 he
opened his store in the room adjoining O' Neal' s drug store,
but on account of increasing demands in business, was
compelled to seek larger quarters. Shortly afterward
he moved to Wysong's Hall, where he remained a sh6rt
while, and then removed to the large and commodious
room he occupies at present. His place of business is
centrally located, being next door to the Post-office. At
all times can be found good, fresh goods, and at reason-
able prices. He makes a specialty of iiour, feed, grain
and groceries, besides a well supplied stock of general
merchandise. Mr. Swartz is a genial and clever gentle-
man, and one with whom it is a pleasure to deal.

LEMEN BROS.

The genial manager of the above firm, Thomas T.
Lemen, is a native of Jefferson County, and was born in
the year 1863. During his boyhood days his entire at-
tention was given to farming pursuits. In the fall of
1878 he entered Shepherd College, at Shepherds town,
and graduated in 1881. He then resumed farming and
continued until July 25th, 1887, when he and his brother
entered business in Martinsburg. They purchased the
store and fixtures, for many years occupied by J. W.
Roberts on Queen street. Thomas T. is yet a young man,
and, although young in years he is old in practical busi-
ness experience. He is a son of M. B. Lemen, Esq., an
old, experienced and reputable farmer, yet residing in
Jefferson County. During his younger days, Thomas
manifested and showed considerable ability for business
qualifications, and at an early age became interested in

420 BiograpJiy of Business Men .

many important matters. With his brother, he is doing
a large and successful business on a sound basis, com-
manding an excellent reputation. Their present loca-
tion is Queen street, next door to Adams Express OfBce.
They deal in flour, feed, coal, wood, etc., at the lowest
possible figures. Mr. Lemen is an obliging and accom-
modating gentleman, and deserves the patronage of the
general public.

M. L. DORN, JR.

Mr. Dorn, the young and energetic tailor, situated on
East Martin street, is a son of Martin L. Dorn, Sr., and
was born in Martinsburg in the year 1861. He was given
the advantages of the common schools for an education,
and at an early age entered the tailoring business under
his father. He applied himself to every branch of the
trade, and after several years service attended a cutting
school in New York, under the well-known firm of John
J. Mitchell & Co. After acquiring the art and its ad-
vantages, he returned to Martinsburg, and in 1883 estab-
lished himself permanently in business. Mr. Dorn has
devoted his entire attention to the trade, and as a cutter
he is unsurpassed by any in the State. He is yet a young
man, energetic and industrious, and is held in the highest
esteem by all his acquaintances. His place of business
is located on East Martin street, where can be found at
all times the latest styles and best qualities of Cassi-
meres, fancy suitings and pantaloonings. At his place
will be furnished the lowest prices, with a full line of
goods alwa,ys open for inspection. Mr. Dorn is genial
and courteous, and guarantees satisfaction to all his pat-
rons.

I. L. BENDER & BRO.

Messrs. I. L. Bender & Bro. engaged in the lumber
business about twelve years ago, succeeding H. L. Olip-
pinger & Co., for whom I. L. was book-keeper. Their
yard at that time occupied a small leased lot on corner of
East Eace and Spring streets. They have since, by pur-

Biography of Business Men. 421

chase, obtained possession of this and adjoining lots, thus
extending their yard from a front on East Eaoe along
Spring, with rear on John street. They have also added
large buildings and sheds for shops and the storage of an
ample supply of, lumber, doors, sash, blinds, flooring,
siding, etc., for the demands of their trade. Their own
railroad siding for loading bark, loading and unloading
lumber, and their central location and convenience to the
railroad shops, makes their place of business one of the
most desirable in the city. In 1881 they added the coal
and wood business to their already large trade. In this
they have enjoyed a marked success, owing to their well
deserved reputation for furnishing the best coal in good
condition, good weight and prompt delivery. Messrs.
Bender are among our substantial and reliable business
men, who have added by their own energy and kind in-
dulgence much to our city's appearance, as well as to the
comfort of not a few of our people.

Lee M. Bender, of the above firm, was born in Penn-
sylvania, raised on a farm, and attended public day
schools during the winters. Later he attended a private
scliool at Grreencastle, Pa., where he stood among the high-
est in his class in Latin and the higher mathematics.
From here, in 1875, he went to the Williamsport Com-
mercial College. After graduating he took the position
of head book-keeper for the firm of Rowley & Hermance,
now the largest manufacturers of machinery in the State.
During the winter of 1876 he was emplyed as Professor
in the theoretical department of the College High School.
Coming to Martinsburg in 1878, he entered the lumber
business in which he is still engaged.

J. WM. HILL.

The above name represents one of Berkeley County's
most energetic and enterprising young men. Mr. Hill
was born in the year 1859, in Martinsburg, and is a son
of James E. Hill, an old established and reputable shoe-
maker, situated on West John Street. He obtained no

422 Biography of Business Men.

other advantages for an education than those offered by
the common schools of his day. At the early age of
fourteen years he entered the shoe business with his
father, and served five years. Leaving this he acted in
the capacity of a clerk from 1879 until 1882, v?hen he
entered the Post Office as delivery clerk under the effi-
cient Post- master, J. Nelson Wisner. He remained here
about fifteen months, and then went to Baltimore, where
he completed a practical clerkship under the reputable
firm of Geo. K. McGraw & Co., one of the finest retail
stores in that city. He afterward returned to Martins-
burg and resumed a clerkship until ] 888. Tlaving obtain-
ed a complete and practical idea of the grocery business,
he established himself on Queen Street, and opened up a
first class store. Mr. Hill is well known throughout the
town and county, and is a popular young man. He pos-
sesses a kind and courteous disposition, is honest and
upright in his dealings, and is agreeable to all. His place
of business is located on Queen Street, next door to
Crump's hardware store. At all times can be found a
fresh and well supplied stock of groceries, provisions,
etc., at reasonable prices.

HYDE'S JEWELRY STORE.

A short sketch of the jewelry establishment of Mr. H.
S. Hyde, its past history, and present dimensions, may
be of interest to the reader.

Vast contrasts are presented as between the Jewelry
house of H. S. Hyde as it is now and as it was in 1823,
when Jas. Hutchison, a practical silversmith, established
it. It was then the first enterprise of its kind in the Val-
ley ; its patronage was but limited, and its trade came
from a sparsely settled country, whose inhabitants had
little use for jewelry, and whose possessions of silver
plate were usually limited to a modest array of articles
that now-a-days would seem primitive enough. The
premises occupied by Mr. Hutchison were small— only
about 12x15 feet, but for a long series of years they af-

Biography of Business Men. 423

forded ample room. In 1854 a son, Samuel Hutchison,
succeeded to the business, and in 1870 he remodeled the
building and enlarged the salesroom to 17x24 feet. Upon
Mr. Hutchinson's death Mr. Hyde purchased the business,
the stock then invoicing about $1,500. Mr. H., by the
way, is a native of Strasburg, Va., (on the Shenandoah.)
Working on his father' s farm until he was 20 years of
age, he determined upon another field -of labor and so
entered the jewelry business. In 1872 he went to Spring-
field, Ohio, where he completed his trade under the in-
struction of Ben]. Allen, a leading jeweler in that city.
In 1874 we find Mr. Hyde in Martinsburg connected
with the firm of Welland & Hyde, and in 1877 he pur-
chased the pioneer jewelry store of this section — a house
whose trade has wonderfully developed under his man-
agement.

Upon entering the store (which was recently enlarged,
so that now the salesroom is upward of fifty feet deep)
one' s eyes are greeted with the glitter of gold and the
sheen of silver, while one's second self is reflected from
numerous mirrors adorning the walls. The contents of
the numerous show cases naturally arrest attention ; in
one case we see gold and silver watches, and precious
stones ; the contents of the adjoining case are in part a
duplicate of the first — here also are gold pens, pencils
and other articles. Case No. 3 is chiefly devoted to jet
and initial jewelry ; No. 4 to fine silver ware ; No. 5 to
flat ware ; Nos. 6 and 7 to granite ware, statues and toilet
sets ; No. 8 to French clocks ; No. 9 to American clocks ;
No. 10 to novelties of various kinds. We also notice one
of Lillie's improved safes, a massive iron and steel affair,
weighing 3,900 pounds — a fire and burglar proof recep-
tacle for valuables.

Another , thing we notice is the "Regulator," over 7
feet high, its huge pendulum swinging to and fro as it
slowly and solemnly ticks out the moments. The room
is handsomely finished and painted ; the ceiling is espe-

424 Biography of Business Men.

cially noteworthy, with its centre pieces of inlaid wood
from which depend globed chandeliers ; in brief, the
apartment is a model of good taste.

In addition to the local trade and the large repair busi-
ness that is had — this latter department receiving Mr.
Hyde's careful attention— the house controls a consider-
able jobbing business, filling orders in widely different
parts of the country, and we fancy that Mr. Hyde has
every reason to be satisfied with the aggreg-ites of his
business.

Mr. Hyde is still a young man, being only 33 years old.
He is what may be styled a "self-made" man. Of the
three jewelers who were carrying on business here in
1876 he alone remains. He has certainly accomplished
a decided success thus far, and four young jewelers grow-
ing up insure success in business. His present establish-
ment is said to be the largest between Baltimore and
Wheeling, and is known as Hyde's Building, Nos. 48,
50 and 52 Queen street.

C. E LAMAR.

Mr. Lamar, the genial and popular livery-man, is a
native of Maryland, and was born in Frederick County
in 1857. During his early days he was given no other
advantages for an education excepting those offered by
the schools of Frederick. His life during his younger
days was given to business pursuits of various kinds, and
in this way he obtained an education and idea of general
business affairs. In 1882 he engaged in general merchan-
dising near Shepherds town, Jefferson County, W. Va.,
and continued about three years. Disposing of his mer-
cantile business, and about a year later, he opened up a
livery and sale stable at Charlestown, in 1884. He con-
tined here about two years, and taking advantage of the
opportunity, he decided to move to Martinsburg, where
the trade was completely monopolized by one livery-man.
In 1886 he announced his opening at the St. Clair Hotel
stables, where he has continued to the present day.

Biography of Business Men. 425

Since opening a first-class livery, Mr. Lamar has had the
general run of patronage, which is well evidenced by his
fine turnouts of horses and vehicles. Mr. Lamar is a
genial and agreeable gentleman, and is a very popular
man. He can be found at the St. Clair Hotel, where he
makes his office, at all times ; and for a fine turnout, at
the lowest figure, he can accommodate all.

GEORGE E. KERSHNER.

The above name represents one of Martinsburg's ener-
getic and industrious young men. Mr. Kershner was
born in Hedgesville, this county, about the year 1853,
and is a son of George M. Kershner, Esq. His advanta-
ges for an education were limited to that of the common
school. At an early age he apprenticed himself at the
plastering business, under his father's instructions, and
applied himself to the trade in all its branches. A few
years later he entered business for himself, and has suc-
ceeded in establishing a reliable business. His present
location is on Williamsport Pike, near Moler Avenue.
Mr. Kershner is prompt, energetic and industrious, and
fair in all his dealings.

JOSEPH STEWART.

Mr. Stewart is a son of J. W. Stewart, Esq., and was
born in Martinsburg in 1865. His education was limited
to the common schools of his early days, and as a pupil
he ranked among the highest of his classes. He appren-
ticed himself at an early age to the butchering business,
under William R. Kline. After remaining with Mr.
Kline for some years, and obtaining the advantages of
the trade, he opened up business for himself. His pres-
ent place of business is located on Queen street, North
B. & O. R. R. crossing, where fresh meats of all kinds
are kept constantly on hand. Mr. Stewart is yet a young
man — energetic, genial and industrious, and will give
general satisfaction to all who may favor him with their
patronage.

426 Biograpliy of Business Hen.

EMMERT & FIERY.

Mr. B. P. Fiery, the senior member of tMs firm, is a
native of WasMngton County, Md., and was born in
1830. He commenced business at Funkstown, Md., in
1S64, where for nearly eight years he was engaged in
merchandizing. About the year 1872 he came to Mar-
tinsburg and enaged in business with Samuel Emmert,
father of the present F. S. Emmert. The firm continued
a successful business for nearly six years, when F. S.
purchased his father's interest.

Mr. F. S. Emmert, of the present firm, is also a native
of Washington County, Md., and was born about the
year 1852. He came to Martinsburg in 1872, and remained
under the old firm until 1878, when he purchased his
father's entire interest.

Since the present firm has been constituted it has en-
joyed a reputable and successful business. From 1878
they occupied, for a period of nearly nine years, the
room now used by Frank Doll & Co., and on account of
the increasing demands of their trade they were com-
pelled to secure larger quarters. In the spring of 1887
they purchased the site adjoining the Market House, and
in the fall moved into one of the largest and finest build-
ings in the State. Through their untiring energy and
business zeal they now own and occupy the most credita-
ble building in the city. It is a handsome brick struc-
ture of three stories, modern plau, and conveniently ar-
ranged with steam, gas, lights and many other improve-
ments. The dimensions of their store room are 100 feet
deep by 23 feet wide, and is elegantly finished. Their
specialties consist in part of dry goods, ladies' wraps,
dress goods, carpets, &c. Everything in this line can be
had at their place, and with their motto, "good goods
and low prices," they will guarantee satisfaction to the
trade. This firm is an old established one of an excellent
reputation, and their past record will insure a successful
future. Both gentlemen are among the popular, enter-

Biography of Business Men. . 427

prising citizens of the county, and are interested in va-
rious enterprises.

J. H. MILLER & SONS.

Messrs. J. William and C. A. Miller, the enterprising
managers of this firm, are sons of J. H. Miller, Esq., and
were born respectively in the years 1858 and 1863, in
Hedgesville, Berkeley County. The common school of
their day was the only advantage obtained for an educa-
tion. The greater portion of their time was given to
mercantile pursuits, and under their father's instruction
they received a general and thorough business knowl-
edge. In 1886 they entered the mercantile business,
purchasing the large warehouse they now occupy, and
supplying it with a large stock of agricultural imple-
ments. Through a well deserved integrity they have
succeeded in establishing one of the most reputable and
successful houses in the city. Their trade daily increased
until now, -by additions to their stock, they are handling
a large line of improved agricultural implements, fertil-
izers, buggies, phaetons, sulkies, harness, coal, wood,
feed, etc. Their location is on North Queen street, at B.
& O. R. R. crossing, where the lowest possible figures and
reasonable inducements are offered to purchasers. These
gentlemen are energetic and abreast of the times, and
by their perseverance will push their trade to the highest
degree of success, which they justly merit and deserve.
Both are popular in the county, courteous and obliging,
and are held in the highest esteem by their people.

A. M. GILBERT.

Mr. Gilbert represents one of Martinsburg's indus-
trious and enterprising young mea. He is a native of
Middleway, W. Va., and was born in 1859. His father,
John Gilbert, Esq., is among the successful farmers of
Jefferson County. Arthur was given the advantage of a
good education, and at an early age entered the drug
business under Wm. Dorsey, Esq., where he remained
several years. Here he applied himself to every branch

428 Biography of Business Men.

of the business, gaining a thorongli knowledge of phar-
macy and business tact. In April, 1883, lie entered busi-
ness for himself, at his present location, on corner of
Queen and Race streets, where he has built up an exten-
sive trade. By steady application to business he has
made a grand success and gained an excellent and wide
reputation. Mr. Gilbert is yet a young man, sociable
and agreeable, and one with whom it is a pleasure to deal.
He possesses the necessary energy and vim so essential
for a successful business, and from present prospects he
is destined to make his mark in the drug business. At
his place can be found at all times and at reasonable fig-
ures everything kept in a first-class drug store. For
compounding prescriptions he has but few, if any, su-
superiors.

P. C. HUNTER.
Mr. Hunter, well-known throughout business circles,
is a native of White Hall, Baltimore County, Md., and
was born in 1844. He received his education in the pub-
lic schools of that county, and was raised on a farm.
Hardly had he arrived at the age of 16 years when his
father, P. G. Hunter, Esq., died. This threw a great
responsibility upon the young man — managing the affairs
of a large farm and family of younger children. Pos-
sessing self-confidence and vim, he heeded it not, and in
a short while found himself at the helm of success. At
the age of 28 years he went under the instructions of Mr.
Henry Pollock, the leading photographer of Baltimore
city. After mastering his chosen profession in its vari-
ous branches, he launched out for himself, and entered
business in Baltimore in 1872. In April, 1881, he moved
to Martinsburg, and opened up a first-class photograph
gallery, where he now enjoys the success of a reliable
and wide reputation. His past business career has been
a grand success, and by steady application he intends to
surpass his rivals in the future. Mr. Hunter is agreeable,
sociable, and an industrious gentleman. He is an adapt

Biography of Business Men. 429

in portraiture in all its branches, such as oil, pastel,
crayon, India ink and water colors, in various styles
and sizes. His present location is on Queen street, three
doors South of Market House.

JOHN FELLER.

Mr. Feller, the genial and clever proprietor of the
"Academy of Music" and an energetic citizen, is a native
of Hessen, Germany, and was born in 1820. He was edu-
cated in the schools of that place, and emigrated to
America in 1844. In 1855 he located at Martinsburg,
and entered the mercantile business. In this he was
very successful for a number of years, when he disposed
of Ms business and built the hotel, known as the Shen-
andoah House, corner Race and Queen streets. ■ He con-
tinued in the hotel business for a period of about 16
years, gaining a popular and well- deserved reputation.
About the year 1858 he built the large and commodious
hall, known as "Feller's Hall," on the same site. In
1879 the hall was burned down, and afterwards rebuilt.
However, at this time, Martinsburg contained no public
hall or building of any importance, and consequently Mr.
Feller, in erecting a building of this kind, met with the
approval of the general public. In 1887 the increasing
demands for a larger and better hall, caused him to en-
large and remodel the building in elegant style. An
addition of 40 'feet was added, making it 100x44 feet in
dimension. The building is of two large stories, with a
double entrance, aild contains all the modern conveni-
ences and improvements. It is handsomely frescoed,
well ventilated, elegantly lighted with gas, heated by
steam, and comfortably furnished. It contains a stage
22x37 feet, arranged with fine scenery, and well lighted.
The name of the hall has since been changed, and now
enjoys a wide and established reputation, known as the
" Academy of Music." This hall is conceded to be one
of the finest in the State, and is ably supported by the
general public. Mr. Feller is well known as an energetic,

430 Biography of Business Men.

clever and obliging gentleman, and is very popular
among the people of his county especially.

L. A. L. DAY, M. D.,

Homeopathist, Martinsburg, W. Va. — Office near the
Presbyterian Church, makes the treatment of Chronic
Diseases a specialty.

Doctor Day is a graduate of Pulte Homeopathic Medi-
cal College, Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating first in his
class, receiving the Faculty Prize, a gold medal, and
also the first Clinical Prize for passing the best clinical
examination.

In 1797 Hahnemann, the founder of Homeopathy, an-
nounced the principle which has made him famous.
Although it has been received vpith derision by a vast
majority of the medical world, it has steadily progressed
in favor, overcoming obstacle after obstacle, until to-day
the system of medicine founded upon it, numbers among
its xDatrons and steadfast friends a large proportion of
the more intelligent and cultivated of each community.
It is recognized in some of our universities. Our State
Boards of Health are in part composed of Homeopa-
thists. Some of our state institutions are controlled by
them.

Homeopathy is the system of medicine in unison with
Nature s Law, based on the law of similars, indicating
that the drug to be curative must be given to the sick
for symptoms similar to those produced by the drug on
the healthy person, the motto of which is Similia Simili-
bus Gurantur. The progress of Homeopathy has been
very rapid considering the prejudice with which it has
had to battle. Ninety-one years have elapsed since
Hahnemann promulgated his discovery, that which has
made him so honored by the millions of suffering hu-
manity. A law that has caused the greatest revolution
ever before or since in the history of medicine. The
progress has been so rapid that it is practiced in every
portion of the civilized world, and at home here in the

BiograpJiy of Business Men. 431

United States. Although it is but about sixty-five years
since Dr. Gramm, the first Homeopathic Physician,
first settled in New York— and to-day we have eleven
Homeopathic medical colleges, one Ophthalmic and Oto-
logical college, 17 Periodicals, 43 Homeopathic Hospitals,
26 State Medical Societies, 99 county societies, 43 free
dispensaries, probably 10,000 Homeopathic Physicians,
and patronized by the hundreds of thousands. The
printed literature of the Homeopathic school is number-
ed by the millions of pages.

Isopathy is a system of medicine, the law of which is
often mistaken by many as being the Homeopathic lata.
The Isopathic law is the prescribing of a medicine for
the cure of a disease that was caused by the same medi-
cine. For example, if a man is poisoned by arsenic he
will be given more arsenic to cure him. The homeo-
pathist, in treating such conditions will give an emetic
and proper antidotes. This is based on chemistry and
can only be treated chemically.

Accessory treatment is that branch of therapeutics
which is not medicinal, and people must not think that
this treatment belongs to any school of medicine, for they
are based on chemistry, physiology, hygiene and mechan-
ics. Mechanical or operative surgery and obstetrics are
the same and do not belong to any system. Let this fact
be remembered, that homeopathy differs only from other
systems of medicine in medicinal treatment. Many have
the small dose of homeopathy as an objection to the sys-
tem, which varying from drop doses of the pure tincture
to portions of a drop or grain at frequent intervals, thus
avoiding the sickening, weakening and grave physiologi-
cal effects produced by medicine when given in large
doses. "How does so small a dose act?" it is asked.
" How does a large dose act 1" Neither can be explained,
for it cannot be told how they act. Who can tell how
the miasm, an unseen influence, the product of decay, or
putrefaction of animal or vegetable substance pro-

432 Biography of Business Men.

duces intermittent fever, (the so called malaria,) or
the infinitesimal germs too small to be seen with the
microscope, yet a fruitful source of disease ; or who can
tell how the child inherits the much-to-be-dreaded scrof-
ula, or the tendency for consumption from a parent? Yet
such is known to be the fact in many instances, but it
cannot be explained like the first question. How does
the small dose act? or many other facts in science.
The small dose has cured and is curing where the large
one utterly fails. Under the observation of a conscien-
tious, intelligent and devoted class of physicians the
dose needs no defense, for it is established beyond con-
tradiction both in theory and practice.

In disease the small dose of medicine will assist na-
ture, because nature is trying to remove the cause of
disease from the system, therefore the homeopathic
remedy, by assisting her efforts, removes the disease,
where the larger dose of medicine will weaken the
system and thus retard recovery. The healthy eye can
endure a very bright light, while the diseased eye will
have to be protected, showing that it takes a far less
quantity of medicine to have an effect on the diseased
body than on the healthy, because the one acts in unison
with nature's law, while the other acts contrary.

THOMPSON & TABLER.

Mr. James F. Thompson, senior member of the above
well-known firm, was born in Martinsburg, W. Va.,
(then Virginia,) September 15th, 1859. He is the eldest
of the thirteen children of Samuel J. and Sallie Thomp-
son — a quiet, industrious couple. When the war closed
and the school system was in its incipiency, James en-
tered the old Third Ward School, on John street, and
began to drink deep at the fountain of knowledge. He
was naturally a bright boy, but his father's family was a
large one, and rather than throw the entire burthen of its
support upon him, James worked hard during the sum-
mer months and studied earnestly and late during the

BiograpJiy of Business Men. 433

long winter niglitg,— laying the foundation of a good
business and general education. He was ambitious,
however, and soon left Martinsburg to work with his un-
cle, Jno. W. Dalgarn, in the office of the Spirit of Jef-
ferson, at Charlestown. Here, for over three years he
worked at odds, steadily advancing from "devil" to com-
positor and assistant editor, and winning a splendid
reputation for business qualities, earnestness and sobriety,
and making numerous influential friends. But he loved
old Martinsburg — the scene of his boyhood, the hope of
his future. Once more, working hard and persistingly
for a livelihood in the humblest spheres of labor, (but
still attending the Grammar School during the winter,)
he won the commendation and esteem of the watchful
public of his native town. His energy and determina-
tion were not lost sight of by business men. When
Louis Bouton opened his large store at the now Berry
stand, young Thompson was employed by him. A hard
man with whom to get along, James retained his position,
while old clerks went out and new ones came in every
month. He remained with Mr. Bouton about two years
and a-half. Then Mr. H. N. Deatrick obtained" his ser-
vices. "Jim" stood up to his pew avocation, and soon
became the leading salesman in town. Persons knew he
would not deceive them. He remained with Mr. Deat-
rick until he closed out his stock, after which he sought
more suitable quarters and went in with Mr. David
Weil, in the clothing business, occupying the confiden-
tial position of manager of the store in the Staley Build-
ing. By dint of carefulness and push, he advanced in
the estimation of Mr. Weil to such an extent, that in one
year he held a partnership in the business. His success
was phenominal. Soon afterwards Mr. Weil retired, and
James, or "Jim" as the boys familiarly call him, con-
tinued the business, taking in as a partner Mr. M. G.
Tabler, a clerk under the old firm, and a pushing, watch-
ful young gentleman. These two worked up an enor-

to

434 Biography of Business Men.

mous trade. Their quarters grew too small, and the
stocks was removed to their present handsome location
in the Homrich building, on Queen street, where pros-
perity has followed them. Mr. Thompson is a self-made
man — the success he enjoys is the result of years of at-
tentiveness and toil. No man in Martinsburg has an
equal knowledge of all the details of the clothing busi-
ness. He seems to be a part of the business. He is a
good judge of material; has a quick insight into the
markets, — knows when to recommend, — keeps the best
makes of clothing, and treats poor and rich with equal
courtesy and attention. "Can't" is a word not to be
found in his dictionary ; and business tact is a family
trait. With the spheres of his usefulness ever widen-
ing, he enjoys the confidence of the entire community,
and lends a helping hand to every laudable enterprise.
He was mainly instrumental in establishing the celebra-
ted See Chair Factory here, and when the company went
out of organization, in company with Messrs. H. C. Berry
and Dr. L. A. L. Day, he purchased the business, and
will spare no means or time to push it to activity and
paying advantage. Mr. Thompson was married to Miss
Minnie S. Ray, of Shepherdstown, on February ?8th,
1888, and now resides on West King street, in one of the
DeGrrange buildings.

Mr. M. G. Tabler, the junior member of the firm of
Thompson & Tabler, is the eldest son of James W. and
Amelia Tabler, of Berkeley County. His father is an
enterprising and thrifty farmer, and instilled within the
very being of his son, the essence of thrift and push that
made his own life so successful. Mayberry "was born
November 8th, 1862, in the neighborhood of Darkesville,
and spent the days of his early manhood on his father's
farm. But he felt that his sphere of usefulness was too
limited on the farm, and when eighteen years old, came
to Martinsburg and entered the Berkeley Academy.
Here he applied himself diligently for two years, winning

Biography of Business Men. 435

the esteem of Prof. Dieffenderi'er, and going to the front
in his class. His teacher said: "Tabler had an origi-
nality of conception, an acute insight, was energetic and
attentive, and had every indication of possessing the
essentials going to make up a good business man." He
was quiet and industrious, watchful of the small things,
and thorough in his work. After leaving the Academy,
he entered the services of Mr. D. Weil, then conducting
a flourishing clothing business in the Staley building.
Here he met Mr. Jas. F. Thompson, and formed those
mutual ties of confidence and friendship which finally
united the two young men in the business they now so
successfully pursue. Mr. Tabler is careful and honest.
His face is an index of his character, and a warrant from
Mm, as to the quality of goods, is as good as gold. Being
a young man and possessing a large circle of acquain-
tances, he has done much to make the business of the
firm stable and permanent. The country people feel that
in him they can depend. Under the careful training of
his more experienced partner, and possessing natural
qualifications for the business, he has developed into a
safe and careful salesman, and an efficient business man.
None complain of his dealings. Having made, moulded
and fashioned his own character, winning his deservedly
popular name of " fair dealer," he goes on quietly in the
even tenor of his way, contented to see his patronage
increasing and his customers satisfied.

The business of the firm is steadily increasing. The
store room is one mass of handsome novelties, fine suits,
and the general concomitants of the business. Conduct-
ing a large "made to order" feature with the well-known
firm of M. Friedman & Sons, of Baltimore, Md., the suits
they turn out are perfect in fit and material. Theirs is
undoubtedly the soundest and best trade in town. Sat-
isfaction always follows the sales, and their patronage is
not limited to counties, states or ages. The growth of

436 Biography of Business Men.

the business is the result of the old saying : ' ' By indus-
try, true worth thrives."

CHARLES H. BOWERS.

Mr. Bowers, one of Martinsburg' s enterprizing citizens
and business men, is a son of Jno. A. Bowers, Esq., and
was born in Martinsburg in 1857. He received his educa-
tion at the common schools of his day, and in 1872 enter-
ed the B. & O. R. E,. machine shops as an apprentice,
where he remained four years — serving the required
time and acquitting himself creditably. Shortly after-
ward he was called to Garrett City, Indiana, where he
commanded an excellent position in the B. & O. shops.
After remaining about one year, he was compelled to
leave on account of ill health, and returned to the shops
at this city. In 1885 .he established himself in the
merchandise business on North Queen Street, and has
continued to the present day. His store occupies the en-
tire floors of a two-story building,, wherein an enormous
stock of goods is kept and a success full business trans-
acted. His stock consists of staple and fancy goods,
groceries, canned meats, fish, fruit, vegetables, imported
and domestic pickles, sauces, choice teas, coffees and
spices, relishes and other condiments and delicacies, in
fact all the necessaries and luxuries of the table, as well
as the latest novilties in the dry goods line, including
the most popular dress patterns, imported and domestic
hosiery, underwear, ladies and gentlemen's furnishings,
trimmings, embroideries, sewing materials, white goods
and notions. His present location is on North Queen
Street, near B. & O. R. R. crossing. Mr. Bowers is a
shrewd business man, energetic and industrious, and of a
genial and clever disposition. He takes considerable
interest in various enterprises, and has won the respect
and esteem of his people.

HANSON T. MORROW.

Mr. Morrow, one of Hedgesville' s enterprising and
energetic business men, is a native of Jefferson County,

BiograpJiy of Business Men. 437

is a son of James W. Morrow, Esq., and was born in
the year 1846. His advantages for an education were
those offered by the common school of his day. At an
early age he entered the milling business under his
father, and remained for a period of about seven years.
Afterward he returned to school, attending during the
winter season and milling during the summer months.
In 1864 he entered the military company under Captain
Robt. Baylor, in Company "B," 12th Regiment, Vir-
ginia Cavalry, and served until the close of the war, a
period of about one year. After the war he followed the
pursuit of farming for about two years, when he entered
the silversmith business under Wm. Johnson, of Fred-
erick, Md. Here he remained two years and gained
every advantage offered in the business. In the spring
of 1887 he opened up in Hedgesville, and from that date
has continued until the present day in a successful busi-
ness. His present location is on Main street, and con-
veniently arranged for the benefit of the general public.
Mr. Morrow first opened in the silversmith business and
afterwards added the saddler business, repairing of ma-
chinery and sale of flour and feed. In his trades he is a
skilled workman of talent and energy, and is doing a
thriving business. Considerable amount of repairing on
jewelry, watches, etc. , is sent him from the larger cities.
Mr. Morrow can well be termed a self made man, and as
an industrious and clever gentleman, holds the highest
respect and esteem of his people.

SAMUEL W. HOPEWELL, (COL.)

Mr. Hopewell represents one of the energetic, clever
and industrious colored citizens of Martinsburg. He is
a native of JeflEerson County, W. Va., and was born at
Shepherdstown, December, 17th, 1826. He was a son of
Henry Hopewell, Esq., who was well known throughout
Jefferson County for his sobriety, and uprightness.
During Samuel's early days the advantage for an educa-
tion was very limited with his race, and consequently he

438 Biography of Business Men.

obtained no other learning tlian that given him by his
friends. He was employed on a farm, where he remain-
ed for nearly twenty years, and made many warm friends.
He afterward acted as a caterer and carried on barbering
for a number of years. During the late war, in 1863, he
Avas conscripted by the Eastern Maryland Regiment-
However he served but a short while, and was exempted
from service on account of ill health. He then returned
to Martinsburg, from which place he went to St. Louis,
Mo., and remained until after the surrender at Rich-
mond. Mr. Hopewell is well known throughout the
community, and takes an active part in business affairs.
With his race he stands high in their estimation, and
has won the respect of a large circle of acquaintances.
During the past twenty years he has successfully follow-
ed barbering, and continues at the present day on East
Martin Street. As a tonsorial artist he cannot be sur-
passed in hair cutting, shampooning, dying and shaving.
He employs two skilled workmen regularly, and has his
shop conveniently arranged.