A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia, Part 52

Author: Martin, Joseph. ed. cn; Brockenbrough, William Henry
Publication date: 1835
Publisher: Charlottesville, J. Martin
Number of Pages: 1278

USA > Washington DC > Washington DC > A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia > Part 52
USA > Virginia > A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia > Part 52

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MORGANTOWN, P. V. and seat of justice, 293 ms. from R. and 215 N. W. by W. of W. in lat. 39º 40' N. and long. 2º 50' W. of W. C., situated on an elevated level, on the right bank of the Monongahela, 35 miles below and N. N. E. of Clarksburg, and about 60 south of Pittsburg, Pa. Morgantown is a flourishing and wealthy village, hold- ing out incalculable advantages to the manufacturer and mechanic. healthy situation on the bank of the Monongahela river,-the various productions of the country by which

handsome and spacious brick build-

* The Trustees of the Monongalia Academy were incorporated by the legis- lature in 1806. In 1827 or 8 the legisla- ture passed an act authorising said trus- tees to raise $10,000 by lottery for the benefit of this Academy. This sum was raised, and about one-half of it expended. in building a large and commodious brick building. The balance was put out at in- terest for the benefit of the academy. In 1830 the Legislature passed another act, allowing the trustees to raise $20,000 more by lottery for the same purpose. The scheme has been sold, and it is expected the whole amount of the above sum of $20,000 will be raised in a few years; which added to the balance left of the first lottery, will make an endowment sufficient to render the Monongalia Academy a free school. It is now one of the cheapest aut best conducted semina- ries of the kind in the United States.

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ing, pleasantly situated ;- 1 private (and sometimes those of a larger size) school (female,) in which are taught for six months in the year to this the languages, painting, drawing, &c., place; and if the contemplated im- 2 temperance societies, (1 male and 1 provement goes into operation of female,) 1 sunday school, I bible and cleansing the river, and establish- 1 colonization society, l poor asylum, ing slack water navigation, by dams and locks, this town and county will at no distant day rank among the most flourishing and prosperous in 7 mercantile stores, I apothecary shop, 2 houses of entertainment, 2 manufacturing flour mills, 1 fulling and dying establishment, I windmill Virginia. manufactory, and 1 printing office County Courts are held on the 4th Monday in every month ;- Quarter- 2 tan yards, 2 saddlers, 4 boot and ly in March, June, August and No- cember. from which is issued a weekly paper, shoe factories, 3 wheelwrights, and chair makers, 5 cabinet makers, 1 JUDGE FRY holds his Circuit copper and tin plate worker, 1 red Superior Courts of Law and Chancery on the 8th of April and September. PALATINE HILL, P. O. 289 ms. from R. and 211 from W. and stone ware manufactory, 4 tailor shops, 3 hat manufactories, 2 gun smiths, 1 wagon maker, 3 smith shops, and 1 plough manufactory. SMITHFIELD, a small village 10 miles from Morgantown, on the road to Clarksburg. 'The United States mail passes thro' this village 3 times a week. Popu- lation 650 persons; of whom four are WHITE DAY, P. O. 283 ms. from R. and 205 S. W. by W. of W., situ- ated in the eastern part of the county, resident attorneys, and three regular physicians. The Monongahela river is navigable for small steam boats, 10 ms. E. of Morgantown.

MONROE.

MONROE was created by act of Assembly in the year 1799, from a por- tion of Greenbrier. It is bounded N. by Greenbrier,-N. E. by Allegha- ny,-E. by Bottetourt,-S. by Giles, and W. by New river, which on that side separates it from Giles. Its mean length is 31 ms ; mean breadth 18}; and area 614 sq. mns., extending from 37° 22', to 37° 45' N. lat., and in long. from 3º 16', to 3º 54' W. of W. C. The general declivity of this county is westward from the summit of the Alleghany mountain. Green- brier river crosses the northwestern angle of the county, and unites with New river to form the Great Kanawha, at the point at which Giles, Lo- gan, Greenbrier and Monroe all meet. The mouth of Greenbrier river has been found by actual admeasurement, to be 1,333 ft. above the level of the ocean, and the county of Monroe being still higher and declining to this point, is probably from 1,400, to 1,700 or 1,800 ft. above the ocean. Population in 1820, 6,620, 1830, 7,798. It belongs to the 16th judicial cirenit and 8th district. Tax paid in 1833, 81,123 94-in 1834, on lots, $56 85-land. 8301 30-124 slaves, $106 00-3,640 horses, $218 40- 21 studs, $173 00-11 coaches, 829 50-15 carryalls, $15 00 -- 7 gigs, $3 60. Total $1,280 69. Expended in educating poor children in 1832, $395 40-in 1833, 8232 24.

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. TOWNS, VILLAGES, POST OFFICES, &c.

GWINN's Mill, P. O. 222 ms. from) Thesecelebrated waters are situated R. and 277 S. W. by W. of W.

in lat. 37° 30' 25" N., long. 3º 14'

NEW RIVER, P. O. 237 ms. from 50" W. from Washington. They are R. and 296 S. W. by W. of W., situ- 38 ms. from the White Sulphur, the ated in the western part of the county, 26 ms. westward of Union, the Coun- ty Seat, on the margin of New river, 10 ms. above the mouth of Greenbrier river, and 5 below Indian creek, on the main post road leading from Giles' C. H. to Kanawha Salt Works .- Though called a village it is simply a post office. The face of the sur- rounding country is mountainous, the issues from various fissures, in a stra- bottomns are narrow, but very fertile, tum of soft slate stone, within a space of about 24 by 8 ft. Heretofore, they were but partially collected, three- fourths having been permitted to producing in abundance, wheat, rye, Indian corn, oats, hemp, flax and garden stuff's. The principal staples are peltry, hemp and Indian corn : for waste; but the present proprietor hav- the latter a ready market is found at

same distance from the Sweet Springs, and 16 ms. from the Salt Sulphur. The valley in which they. rise is formed by two mountains, running from N. E. to S. W. They receive ' their name from a deposite of a rich crimson color. This deposite rests on another of white, and is itself of a gelatinous consistence. The water

ing, in the autumn of 1833, opened all seasons at the Red Sulphur the native stone, and obtained a vast Springs, distant 10 ms. Emigration increase in the quantity, has collected to this neighborhood within the last them in two fountains of white mar- few years, has been considerable.

ble. 'The temperature of the water is precisely 54 deg. of Fahr .; it is ly impregnated with sulphuretted hy- drogen. Hundreds of persons now living can bear testimony to its extra- ordinary effects in the cure of pulmo- nary disease: it is therefore superflu-

PETERSTOWN, P. O. 249 ms. from R. and 294 S. W. by W. of W. This peculiarly pleasant, though so strong- village was settled, some 40 years since by Christian Peters, from whom it derives its name, and established as a town by act of Assembly in Janua- ry 4th, 1804. It is situated on a stream called Rich creek, which takes ous to offer farther evidence of its va- its rise in Peters' mountain, about 7 lue in checking that frightful enemy ms, above, and passing through the of mankind. We may refer the read, town, discharges its waters, 2 ms. be- er to the work of Dr. Bell on baths low into New river, at the head of and mineral waters, and to a pam- the Great Kanawha, affording one of phlet lately published on "Consump- the most advantageous sites for water tion and the Red Sulphur waters," by Dr. Huntt, a distinguished physician of Washington City. Invalids are earnestly recominended to read this last little work. " It remains that we power in western Virginia. It con- tains 20 neat dwelling houses, 1 com- mon school, 1 saw mill, 1 grist mill, and a wool carding machine, 1 mer- cantile store, 3 tanyards, 1 saddler, 1 . blacksmith, 1 gun smith, 1 tailor and * A short time before the illness of the late Mr. Wirt, the proprietor received from him a letter respecting these waters, and the pamphlet above mentioned, which we here beg leave to subjoin. 1 wagon maker. Surrounded by a wild and romantic country, abounding with every description of game; the pursuit of which, constitutes the prin- Washington, Feb. 8, 1834. DEAR SIR, cipal sport of the inhabitants.

RED SULPHUR SPRINGS, P. V. 240 ms. from R. and 282 from W.

In answer to your letter of the 29th ult. I have much pleasure in stating, that I was highly gratified by my excursion to

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That these waters are most singu- larly efficacious in uterine diseases, and in restoring the health of delicate females is a fact too well established, to admit of controversy, and one which we deem it peculiarly important rial action. There can be little doubt should be known, as these are proba- bly the only mineral waters in Vir- ginia that are suited to such cases.

should notice its effects in other dis- eases, and here we must express our astonishment, that physicians have turned to so little account the know- ledge of its powers in pulmonary com- plaints, and in the reduction of arte- that the remarkable influence it exerts in pulmonary complaints is mainly dependant on its sedative quality, and it seems to us strange how it has been overlooked by medical men, that so important a curative principle, could not have been limited to one disease.

The writer hazards the opinion that it will be found no less efficica- cious, in calming nervous irritability, than in reducing arterial action. Ile has experienced this effect in his own person, and has witnessed it in others. One of the most remarkable cases of Neuralgia we have ever witnessed was that of Henry Brown, esq. of Lynchburg. He had been afflicted many years in an extraordinary de- gree, had visited Europe, consulted the most eminent physicians, tried all the other mineral waters in this re- gion, but with little benefit. Last August he visitted these Springs, and was so much pleased with their ef- fects, that he remained until the 1st of January.

He regretted not having visited the Red Sulphur some years sooner, and believed, if he had, that in all proba- bility, he would have been entirely restored to health,

the Red Sulphur Springs last season. It was my first visit to that place, and I was so much pleased with the water, the enter- tainment and the scenery, that my stay was protracted, with enjoyment, for nearly three weeks.

I send you a pamphlet just published in this city, on the virtues of these waters, by which. you will see that they are rising in- to deserved celebrity. The author Doctor Huntt is a distinguished physician here whose opinions are entitled to the utmost respect and confidence, and I hope he will be instrumental in extending the knowledge of these valuable waters,

With every wish for your success, I re- mained dear sir, very respectfully and tru- ly, yours, WM. WIRT.

The writer is of opinion, that the tonic property of these waters is con- sequent on their sedative property :-. , They do not belong to the ordinary class of tonics; they do indeed, invig- orate the stomach in a remarkable manner-a fact which is clearly pro- ved by the rapid increase of weight, many persons gaining from one to two pounds a day for several successive days; but whilst they effect this, they are most usually producing one or two evacuations a day, and acting free- ly on the kidneys and skin. From what has been said, it may be per- ceived that we believe the water to be directly sedative, indirectly tonic, al- terative, diuretic and diaphoretic.

It has been found efficacious in 'all forms of consumption, scrofula, jaun- dice and other bilious affections, chro- nic dysentery and diarrhea, dyspep- sia, diseases of the uterus, chronic rheumatism and gout, dropsy, gravel, neuralgia, tremor, syphilis, scurvy, crysipetas, tetter, ring-worm and itch; and it has long been celebrated as a vermifuge. That there are many other diseases, to which its medicinal properties are applicable, there can be. little doubt, and we can state one fact highly important, which is, that we have never known it to do a positive injury. If the patient has gone away in a worse condition, it is because the disease had progressed so far as to be incurable, or the failure may be clear- ly traced to some imprudence on his own part. It is a lamentable fact that many of the persons who visit the Virginia Mineral Springs are alto- gether ignorant of their properties, and consequently are tempted to make experiments on themselves. Some

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think that the greatest good is to be larly the use of opium. The latter derived from the greatest quantity, interferes very much with the action of the water. It may be useful at the commencent, to prepare the system by two or three blue pills, and when the water becomes altogether diuretic, it will be proper to turn it on the bow- : els, which may be done by a little ep- som salts or some other simple me- dicine. When persons laboring un- der diarrhea use the water it some- times happens, that the evacuations become more frequent and acrid, for two or three days.

and therefore use them immoderately. Others think that, as charity hides a multitude of sins; so the water justi- fies a multitude of indulgencies. They entirely lose sight of the object of which they were in pursuit, after having made some progress towards its attainment ; and if, after indulging their appetites, or being guilty of some other imprudence, they relapse to their former condition, they imme- diately blame the water. The writer has had some experience in the use of Patients in this situation sometimes think that the water is doing them in- jury, when, in fact, it is expelling the exciting cause. To such persons we recommend perseverance and caution in diet. There is a singular effect produced by this water which we the Red Sulphur water, and does not hesitate to say, that in his opinion, its efficacy is impeded by all stimulants. Ardent spirits, strong coffee, strong tea, meat diet, especially at night, should be avoided. 'The patient should live on a strictly vegetable have never known produced by any other mineral water. About the 10th day, usually, but sometimes much earlier, the patient is taken with a sensation of fullness in the head; he feels indolent and sleepy, and we have even known the pulse to get be- low the natural standard. We have never seen this symptom productive of any injury ; on the contrary expe- rience has proved that it is an uner- ring omen of amendment. Whenev- er we hear of this symptom we have strong hopes, that the patient is in a fair way of recovering his health, if he will do justice to himself by perse- verance and prudence. Visiters to these waters frequently expect inira- cles. They suppose that chronic dis- eases of several years standing should have, indeed, sometimes seen wonder- ful changes take place in a few days, but if a man laboring under an obsti- nate disease desire permanent benefit, he must give the water time to expel from his system every vestige of the exciting cause,

diet. Milk, maple molasses, cold bread, buckwheat cakes, rice, rye mush, bread-pudding, stewed peaches and various other articles of a similar character are best suited to the action of the water. These combined with its judicious use, moderate exercise, and a calm mind, afford the best pros- pect of a cure. We are of opinion 'that most persons should begin with six or eight tumblers a day, and gra- dually increase to twelve. We be- lieve this quantity to be sufficient, ex-

4 cept where it is necessary to act more immediately on the kidneys. In this case we would advise a light supper, and three tumblers of water after get- ting into bed. Walking exercise is of vast importance in making the wa- ter alterative. We would therefore be eradicated in a few days. We strongly recommend early rising, and as much exercise as can be taken without fatigue. There is frequently a fog in the morning, in these moun- tain regions, but nothing is to be ap- prehended from it. It is in fact, al- most invariably, the forerunner of a fine day. It is highly important to Improvements, invalids to lay aside the use of all me- The proprietor of this property 'dicines if possible, but more particu- came into possession on the Ist of

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October, 1832. He has ever since the White Sulphur, 22 from the Sweet been busily engaged in erecting buildings and making other improve- ments for the accommodation of visi- tors. In addition to the spacious ho- tel erected last year, he is now erect- ing a range of one story buildings 198 by 24 ft., and a two story build- ing with a double portico, 112 by 30 ft. All the old cabins will be fitted up in a more comfortable manner. Cold and warm baths will be provid- ed. Extensive stables and carriage houses are erected and every thing liberally provided which can promote the comfort of the guests. The ac. commodation will be ample for 250 persons. The establishment is con- ducted by Major Wm. Vass. A tri- weekly line of stages is now running through this place to Newbern in Montgomery county, where it con- nects with the southwestern line. The roads in this neighborhood are greatly improved, and two companies

Springs, 16 from the Red Sulphur, and 60 from the Hot and Warm? Springs .- It is generally acknowledg- ed, that this quarter of the country has its full share of medicinal waters, and in greater variety than any other country of the same extent. 'The cli- mate, too, during the warmer months, is the best in North America. The thermometer in the months of June, July and August, ranges in the day time from 65° to 80°, and the nights are so refreshingly cool as to permit the delicate to sleep under one, two and three blankets. To judge from one's feelings, the barometer would stand very low in this favored country, and show an uncommonly light air, but they are scarce in this portion of the state, and there happens to be none at the Salt Sulphur Springs at this time. Here, under the blessings of providence, "the blind, the lame and the halt'' may venture to hope for re- are incorporated to make a turnpike lief. The fine, refreshing climate, the road from the White Sulphur, to this cheerful company, passing and repass- place, by way of the Salt Sulphur. ing from spring to spring-and such It is expected that the mail will ar- rive here daily, next season, in stages. a variety of medicinal waters, as the world no where else affords-added Red Sulphur Seminary .- This In- stitution was opened on the 15th April last. The studies at present pursued are the Ancient Languages and Mathematics. The number of scholars is limited to thirty. When that number is engaged a teacher of Modern Languages will be employed. The advantages possessed by this Institution will readily suggest them- selves to the minds of those who have boys to educate. It has the undivid- ed attention of Wm Burke as prin- cipal, and James Macauly as assis- tant. to the novelty of mountain scenery, it seems to afford sufficient inducement to entice both the young and old, --- the robust, to seek new pleasures, and the infirm man, bowed down by dis- ease, and weary of life, to alleviate his sufferings, and endeavor to repair his shattered constitution. The con- trast between winter and summer in this region, is, as may be supposed, very great. During the cold months, as the country is thinly inbabited, all appears desolate and dreary-the hills arecovered with snow, and the streams with ice-as soon, though, as the sea- son well justifies it, the prospect be- comes more inviting .- About the lat- ter part of May, und the first of June, the poor victims of disease, from north and south, east and west, are seen in these places to try the healing powers

SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS, P. O. 216 ms. from R. and 270 from W. The mineral waters known by the name of the Sah Sulphur Springs, rise in Western Virginia, in about 371º N. lat. and 5° long. W. of Phi- ladelphia-are distant 25 miles from of these natural medicines. Soon af-

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ter, the throng is much increased by kind need be apprehended .- On an daily arrivals of gay and fashionable examination of the country around the waters, the limestone will be found people, looking for amusement or a more genial summer climate than the frequently to contain magnesia-the one they reside in. This time of ani- formations, too, are all secondary .- From this circumstance, in all proba- bility, these waters contain magnesia and the newly discovered mineral call- ed sodine, so generally found in ma- rine productions .- The proprietors of these waters have themselves a high confidence in them and are becoming more and more solicitous for a correct analasis of them, which will secure to them their entire value and nothing morc. mation continues until the middle of September, when the visitors mostly leave for their homes .- A few, how- ever, frequently remain much later- these, though, are real sufferers, who seem unwilling to leave as long as there is any thing to hope for. There are two fountains at the Sait Sulphur, each giving out a very different wa- ter .- The first one used is distinguish- ed as the Salt Sulphur, and is orna- mented with an appropriate building resting on twelve large pillars .- The other spring rises about 600 yards up cellence of the accommodations, and the ravine, and was discovered about a year since in an attempt to convey some sulphur water in pipes to a bath house .- The laborer in blowing a rock to afford a way for the pipes, opened the spring to his great alarm, as he thought he had struck on the source of the spring from which he was conducting the water. The tem- perature of the two springs is the same at all seasons of the year (50° fah'r,) and both of them contain a portion of sulphuretted hydrogen .- 'The Salt Sulphur, too, has soda, it is believed, in an uncombined state-'This perhaps! is the mineral that acts so happily as a corrective of acid and the oily eruc- tation that attends a diseased stomach. The different waters give a copious precipitate by first adding to them salt of iron, and then precipitating it with carburet of potass-of course the precipitate has been considered a pre- cipitate of iron .-- If any reliance can be placed on this indication, the newly discovered fountain will have the rare property of reducing a quick pulse as some few other waters are said to do. 'The more active ingredients in the Salt Sulphur might interfere with those invalids who would wish to reduce a . quick circulation, but with the newly discovered spring, no difficulty of the materially to the comfort of the visi-

This spring is celebrated among all the visiters to the springs for the ex- the polite and obliging dispositions of the proprietors. These buildings are very extensive, and still increasing- in the season of 1835, they will pro- bably be able to accommodate 300 persons.

SWEET SPRINGS, P. O. 204 ms. W. of R. and 263 S. W. by W. of W. This most ancient of any of the watering places in Va., is situated in the county of Monroe, in a fertile valley of the same name .. . They are distant 29 ms. from Fincastle, 22 from the Salt Sulphur, 37 from the Red, and 18 from the White Sulphur Springs. 'The spring, which is so copious, as to turn a mill at the dis- tance of 200 yards from the source, rises at the lower end of a small hol- low or valley, from which the ground gradually swells on either side. The houses and cabins, of which a large number have been erected within a year or two, are sufficient to accom- date from 250 to 300 persons. By far the greater number of these ca- bins are built in rows adjoining cach other, though some are delightfully situated among the groves of oak trees. 'There are two perennial rivu- lets from the mountains, meandering through the dale, which not only adds

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ters and the cleanliness of the place, between the two in other respects as but refreshes, enlivens and beautifies the surrounding prospect. Nature indeed has not been sparing in em- bellishing with her choicest beauties this enchanting spot. Every object that can gratify the eye or please the fancy is here pourtrayed in its bright- est colors. The wild scenery of the crude analysis of Bouelle, one quart mountains with the gentle landscapes, of the water of the Sweet Spring con- tains- the shady groves and arbors, care- lessly scattered over this delightful Saline substances in scene, invite the young, and the gay, general, 12 to 15 grains. Earthy substances, 18 to 24 Iron ¿ to 1 and the admirers of nature to con- template her under these charming and picturesque aspects.

well in the abundant evolution of carbonic acid gas as in the earthy and saline matters held in solution. In the Virginia Spring however iron has been detected, whereas the Bristol Hot Wells has none in its composi- tion. If we can rely on the rather

The saline substances are sulphate of magnesia, muriate of soda, and muriate of line with a little sulphate of lime. The carthy substances con-

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A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia, Part 52

Author: Martin, Joseph. ed. cn; Brockenbrough, William Henry Publication date: 1835 Publisher: Charlottesville, J. Martin Number of Pages: 1278

Author: Martin, Joseph. ed. cn; Brockenbrough, William Henry
Publication date: 1835
Publisher: Charlottesville, J. Martin
Number of Pages: 1278