Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia., Part 26

Author: Cartmell, T. K. (Thomas Kemp), 1838-1920
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: [Winchester, Va.] : [Printed by the Eddy Press Corp.]
Number of Pages: 607

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sides of the second story of the market house planked up."

As already stated, the old building's annexes, or wings, were badly damaged, but not entirely destroyed. The following extract from proceed- ings of the town council, after peace was de- clared, may be of sufficient interest to justify its appearance in this connection.

Oct. 30, 1865. "The Bill for appropriating money for the repairs of the Market house proper, was taken up as the unfinished business of the last Council, and after it was discussed, on motion of Dr. McCormick, the blank was filled with two thousand dollars and on motion the bill was read a third time and the Committee on Markets and Market House, to- wit: That said Committee proceed forthwith to cause said Market House proper (the brick structure as it now stands) to be well and per- manently repaired And if said com- mittee deem it expedient to do so, they are in- structed to cause to be erected a shed on West side of said Market House to its full extent dur- ing the present fall and ensuing winter. The records show that the improvements were made as fast as the strained Treasury would justify. A long and substantial wing was built from the North end along Court House Avenue, furnish- ing ample accommodation for years.

We find the "Blue Lodge" survived the shock of war. The following extract from the Common Council's records may be of sufficient interest to some readers to justify entry here:

Dec. 7, 1865. "A communication was received from J. B. T. Reed, John Kerr and Wm. R. Denny, on behalf of the Order of Free Masons, having reference to the improvement of the Market Square, and erecting buildings thereon, etc. Re- ferred to Committee."

Jany. 8, 1866. The Committee for Improvement of the Market Square, etc., made their report: "The Committee of Council and the Committee on behalf of the Masonic Fraternity of Winches- ter have met and have had a free, full and har- monious conference." This resulted in the Coun- cil agreeing to build pillars and place girders under the North end of the old brick building, and then under certain conditions, the Masons were to construct their hall on the arches, and thus have a new home on the old site. These agreements were complied with by the parties concerned; the market house put in good order; and the Masons occupied their new lodge room until the Masonic Temple "On Loudoun Street," was dedicated July 22, 1868, the corner stone was laid May 29th, 1867. The old lodge room was not abandoned, however, until the old market house was condemned, to give place to the city

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hall erected on part of the old site. The Council again occupied their renovated quarters on the second floor. The market continued for about fifteen years, gradually falling off in patronage by producer and consumer; the market regula- tions relaxed, and the retail business found its way to shops, etc. in different sections of the town. The old abandoned market space was used by county people as a hitching yard. The old building, from disuse, became an object of de- rision for years; the city using it-partly for police quarters, in the South end; the remainder occupied by farm implement dealers, sheds, etc. for the debris, wood, etc., for the city's uses. This occupancy was much criticized and cen- sured; and all were glad to see the old walls and rubbish disappear during the Spring and Summer of 1900, to give place for a building that would adorn and benefit the town. The average citizen who desired the change, often delighted in recounting the incidents that belonged to the old market house and space. Nearly all the old actors on that stage where the Old Market Drama was enacted semi-weekly, have passed to the great beyond. The survivors are growing few, and ere another decade, there will be none to tell of the interesting history of the Old Winchester Market.

The engine houses referred to, are next in or- der. The common council at a meeting held Oct. 28, 1825, passed an ordinance, appointing Beaty Carson, John Bell and Saml. H. Davis a committee to erect an engine house fronting on Water Street, in the corner formed by the walls of the Episcopal Church yard and the court house yard-the said walls to form part of the building, and the new walls to be of brick. This doubtless occupied the ground where the Bantz shoe store building now stands, inside of the church yard wall on Main Street to Water Street corner; "the space from the engine house to be gravelled to Water Street," and was the first engine house erected by the town. The first fire engine was stored for several years prior to this date in other buildings, the owners re- ceiving rent for same. This ordinance provides for the erection of a new engine house. Tradi- tion has it that the first engine house occupied some other point-location, however, not fixed. Mr. Russell thought the engine house built in the Church yard in 1825, was the first. This building was removed in the Summer of 1829 to accommodate Jacob Senseny, who had become the owner of the old church yard, and desired the space for his new buildings. We have rec- ord evidence for this in Ordinance of Council, Oct. 1, 1829, from which the following extracts are taken : "Mr. Heiskell, Mr. Sherrard, Mr.

Bell and Mr. Gold appointed to superintend the erection of house of the dimensions of twenty- one feet by twelve at the southwest corner of the jail wall, for the reception of the fire engine, and there be erected upon the same an additional story of the height of eight feet, with three win- dows to be well secured with iron bars, which said additional room shall be used as a watch house, or place of temporary confinement for all vagrants or other disorderly persons, who may be legally taken up by patrols * * *; and the said committee to ascertain from competent work- men the expense of erecting a house of similar construction and dimensions of the one lately oc- cupied as an engine house which was removed for the accommodation of Jacob Senseny, and to receive from the said Senseny the amt. as- certained to be the value of said building." This new building occupied twelve feet of the space between the old jail wall and the tobacco ware- house, leaving an alley way from Water Street to the Market Square, 12 feet in width. This building is not mentioned in the records as an engine house again until 1843, when it is desig- nated the "watch-Tower" building, in payment of incidental expenses, such as fuel and furniture. Mr. Russell and several other well-informed old men stated that the "Sarah Zane" engine, when changing its domicile on the Senseny lot referred to in the foregoing pages, was taken to the ground floor of the new engine house near the jail. Mr. Russell thought this use was of short duration, until other quarters could be prepared.

By a resolution adopted by Council Feby. 18, 1843, it was "Resolved the Fire Engine called the 'Star' Engine be put under the charge of Ed- ward S. Anderson, Captain of the Star Fire Com- pany, and the said Company be allowed to oc- cupy the room in the house on Water Street ad- joining the jail wall, to keep their engine in." It will be observed that the Council does not speak of it as the Engine house; and it is rea- sonable to conclude that part of the building, if not all, was used by Council for such public pur- poses, until they later on erected another and a larger building. To dispose of the house on Water Street, see Minutes of Council, July 6, 1844. "The President of Council is directed to sell for the best price that can be had, the brick engine house near the remains of the old jail * * *. " A short life! The order for its erection Oct. I, 1829, and for its removal July 6, 1844.

We notice next a building that was famous in its day, and a subject for contention between the town and county authorities throughout its en- tire existence, and of much criticism from nearby property owners-generally called the "Golden Temple." The first record concerning this build-

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ing will be found in proceedings of Town Coun- cil, Spring of 1832; and in County Court, June 4, 1832. An application was made by the Council to the County Court for permission to erect a building on the northwest corner of the court house square, "to be used for containing a fire engine." This was promptly granted. There seemed to be no exception taken to this building, as it was intended for the new fire engine pur- chased just subsequent to this action. The county court made an appropriation towards the purchase of this engine. Council became slightly inflated by the good start. Exhibited some extravagant ideas at their meeting June 25, 1832; and decided to erect a building for many purposes. Appointed commissioners, to contract for and superintend the erection of a building on the northwest corner of the public square, of the following dimen- sions : 23 feet on Loudon Street, in a line with the present wall which encloses the public square, and running back forty-one feet with the avenue leading from Loudon Street to the market house, and running back 23 feet into the court house yard. To be two stories high, and to be built of brick." This plan was changed by Ordinance of July 1I, 1832: "The building to be 38 feet long, and 30 feet wide." This building had two rooms of equal size in the lower story, both fronting on Loudoun Street, with a door leading into each room. These rooms became the engine houses for the two fire engines until 1849. A gate was made in the wall of the court house yard, "front- ing the Isaac Hoff building (now Farmers and Merchants Bank) to admit entrance of engines into Ct. House Yd. for protection to Ct. House in case of fire." It seems strange the gateway was not enlarged at the main entrance from Loudoun Street to the court house. The change of plan provided for a portico to be erect- ed on the South side of the building, with stair- way from the ground floor to the second floor of the portico; and the second story divided into two rooms, with doors entering same from the portico. The order provides that one of the upper rooms shall be used for a clerk's office. The records show that the room in East end, on the second floor, was in use as the office for the corporation clerk, and also contained the records of the town in 1840: and had been so used for several years. We find this record in the county court, June 4, 1838: "Ordered that Jacob Senseny and Daniel Gold a committee to confer with the corporate authorities of the town * * * about the removal of the brick building on the public square now used as a clerk's office for the Corporation Court, and to take such meas- ures, etc." This building, which was erected 1832-3, soon became troublesome to the county

court. Frequent notices for several years, how objectionable it had become, on account of its "general uses and prominence on the court of the court house grounds." The Council had evi- dently exceeded the limit for space granted them by the county court, to build an engine house. The room fronting on Loudoun Street had been converted into a hatter's shop-and other pur- poses. One of the rooms on the first floor was reserved for the engine; and the other rented to some parties, who soon converted it into an objectionable place-using it as an eating house, bar-room, etc. Several ordinary keepers (who were afterwards hotel men in the town) pro- tested to the court and urged its discontinuance. The Court was so goaded, that finally an order was taken at the August Term, 1840-just seven years after the building was erected-which shows the mood of the court: "Ordered that Taliefero Stribling, Joseph G. Gray, and Robert T. Baldwin be appointed a committee to examine the records of this court and ascertain upon what authority the Yellow brick building on the northwest cor- ner of the public square was erected by the cor- porate authority of the town and report to first day of next court." This committee made a re- port that shows the position of the Council. They refused to take any steps toward removing the Yellow building. The court added Wm. Stephenson and Richard W. Barton to the com- mittee, with instructions to enforce the court's order. Council stood upon the right granted them by the court in 1832, and continued the uses objected to. On July 19, 1841, Council, by a resolution adopted, shows the authorities had troublesome tenants, to-wit: "Resolved, That the Treasr. do take such measures as may be deem- ed necessary to collect or secure the rent of the house on the Northwest corner of the public square, which was rented from the first day of January last to John P. Bentley, and to employ

one or two attorneys, if necessary *

*. " On

Dec. 31, 1841, action was taken as follows: "Re- solved that the Treasurer be a committee to rent out on tomorrow at public renting for one year the building on the N. W. cor. of the pub- lic square, commonly called the Golden Temple

* * *. " Later on the committee reported the building rented; and it appears that up to this time, the rooms intended for the fire engines had not been used for that purpose; but that all the building had been rented except the room used by the Clerk of the corporation court. The fric- tion between the authorities continued for many years; the county court insisting through its com- mittees that Council did not need the building for engines, as they were not yet moved from the Tower House on Water Street near the jail

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wall. The Council at their meeting, March 12, 1842, for the first time took action for the removal of the engine; appointed a committee "to have such alterations made in the Southern room of the building on the northwest corner of the pub- lic square, for the safe-keeping of the Sarah Zane engine and hose carriage and such other apparatus as may be convenient to deposit there." It will be remembered that the Tower House was used in part as an engine house until 1844, when it was made untenable by the burning of the old jail in January, 1843. A change of the Coun- cil in 1845, brought about a better state of feeling between the authorities. A new committee from the Council, to-wit: Jos. H. Sherrard, Geo. R. Long, and Wm. G. Russell, conferred with the committee from the court; and they determined upon the removal, and so made their reports in harmony. Council, at their meeting June 23, 1845, directed the Treasurer to notify all the ten- ants in occupancy of the Yellow building, that their tenancy as tenants and sub-tenants would cease on the first day of Jany. next (1846). On June 29, 1846, Mr. Sherrard asked leave to in- troduce an Act to remove the brick building on the northwest corner of court house square, and to cause two engine houses to be erected. Then again Sept. 24, 1846, the Act to remove the brick building in front of the C. H. was again taken up; then a committee appointed to select a site for the erection of two engine houses. The coun- ty court during this time was not idle; and often had their committees to appear before Council, and urge the removal of what had become a nuisance to the public-the court going so far as to offer another space for fire-engine house strictly. After repeated failures to have the ob- noxious building removed, Council at a meeting held Oct. 26, 1847, decided to move the building, and to erect two fire engine houses. We find at their meeting Dec. 9, 1847, Mr. Logan asked leave to introduce an Act to repair the engine house building on corner of Ct. H. Square. The county court became very impatient; and at the Feby. Term, 1848, when Mr. Streit made his report, showing that Council would remove the building when suitable houses could be obtained for the fire engines, the Court accepted the proposition. Council, at a meeting Mch. 11, 1848, appointed a committee "to see no harm was done to their fire engines from any quarter claiming a right to the ground upon which the engine house now stands * * *. " The old Golden Temple was nearing its close. Council offered as one reason for holding on to the building, because they had no place for a clerk's office. So we find Council in their meeting April 22, 1848, answering a communication from the county court in refer-

ence to this building, and appointing a committee to confer with committee from the court upon the subject of procuring a site for the corpora- tion clerk's office. The court, at its March Term, had offered the site referred to. At the June term, the court extended the time agreed upon for removal until Sept. 15 next (1848), and leave given Council to erect suitable buildings for fire engines on any part of the public square, ex- cept on the West or northwest of the court- house. It may be added here, that the building was not removed by the 15th Sept. It was still standing at the March term, 1849. During that Spring, the records of the court were placed in an office near the extreme East end of the Far- mers and Merchants Bank, then occupied by Mr. W. L. Bent. There the corporation clerk's office remained until in 1850, when the Council purchased an office, of one story, on courthouse avenue; and the office was continuously kept there until the new office was prepared in the city building. Mr. James B. Russell purchased the then old office, and on its site erected his present one.

The author offers a word in explanation of the extended notice given the old brick buildings formerly occupying the ground known as the Public Lotts. This pen picture of the old public property, as it appeared prior to 1850, has been given at the request of many citizens of Winches- ter, hoping thereby to secure a brief history of it. Careful and patient perusal will show the reader, that every building and site here treated, answers numberless questions asked the author and others in these latter years, which could only otherwise be answered accurately by reference to the hun- dreds of minutes entered in the records of the public offices. The facts are briefly given, and the rough draft of the picture is submitted, in the hope some readers may be enlightened, and learn the value of the old records, preserved by the painstaking fathers who, having performed their duties, trustingly committed their records to succeeding generations.

We must mention another fact in connection with the old court house yard, which has always been enclosed. A stone wall formed its protection for nearly fifty years. It was changed to more mod- ern style in the Fall and Winter of 1829, when Jacob Senseny, desiring to improve his property adjoining the square, entered into a contract with the court, to remove the old wall which had been in bad condition for several years, and substi- tuted a brick wall two feet high, with a wooden railing thereon, all the timbers of which were to be of locust. He also secured permission to widen the pavement on Loudoun Street, falling back from the old wall seven feet,-thus account-

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ing for our wide pavement. Then it was that gates were placed on the front, and in the wall between the East end of the court house and the old graveyard wall. The wall on the South side was removed, to allow the first brick build- ing erected by Senseny, to occupy the foundation for his North wall. This is treated more fully

elsewhere. This wall, Mr. Russell informed the author, was very ornamental, and Mr. Senseny's work was highly approved. (See orders of county ct., Aug. term, 1829). This wall was in time removed, to give place to the present iron fence seen on the three sides. It was erected prior to the Civil War.

CHAPTER XXVIII

Water Supply, Etc., Gas, Electricity, Manufactures, Etc. Some Criminal Trials, Etc.

The next matter of interest may be styled, the water supply of the village of the Eighteenth Century and city of the Nineteenth and Twen- tieth Centuries.

As may be supposed, the village had abundant water for the half century of its existence, drawn from numerous springs and wells. The former became objectionable, by reason of their natural drainage interfering with the streets; and fre- quently the old courts curtailed many privileges, which were finally willingly abandoned. There were several public wells sunk by order of court. Four were carefully guarded for many years, and stringent rules enforced for their protection. One of these wells was near where the Kerr school building now stands, and was called the Helphenstine well; one was on a vacant lot South from the old jail, which afforded supply of water for the public buildings. This received spe- cial attention, as also did the one on Piccadilly Street, near what was known for many years as the Dunbar corner. One, William Miller, who lived on the spot, exercised some control in 1756, and enclosed it with his lot. The court, upon complaint of many citizens, promptly ordered the enclosure torn away, and fined Mr. Miller for encroaching on the street. The writer was shown many years ago the location of this well, which was in the pavement, just West of the corner. The other was near the old wagon yard between Braddock and Main Streets, and South of the town run. There was a private well near the old tavern that stood near where the law offices now are due North of Market Square. Then there was the famous well at Fort Loudoun, sunk by the soldiers in 1756. As the population increased, the inhabitants had their private wells. We have no record of when water pipes were laid to conduct water from the springs, to supply the town. The late Mr. John N. Bell told the writer many years ago, he remembered that when the pipes were laid in Water Street in 1840, workmen found old logs, that were formerly used to convey water from the springs; and old men told him that these logs were first laid about 1810; and that an ancestor of the late Oliver Brown used some new device to bore them. (Note: Mr. Russell fixed the date as 1808.)

The court records show that Council directed commissioners to "allow the public hydrants to run constantly to overcome the foulness com- plained of." This was in 1826. Then in 1829, John Heiskell, A. S. Tilball, John Bell, Wm. L. Clark, and Henry M. Brent were appointed com- missioners to purchase iron pipes of six inch diameter to be laid from the spring to the jail, and other sizes for the streets. This afforded an ample supply, doubtless, for several years; in fact, no other mention is made on this score until 1836, when a question was raised about the purchase of the Tidball Spring. Some delay, from some cause, occurred in completing this purchase,-one being the necessary legislation to empower council to issue bonds, etc. In 1840 we have the following record in the old County Of- fice: Deed from T. A. Tidball, dated June 15, 1840 "To the Mayor and Commonalty of the Town of Winchester" for the spring and house, Tidball to forever have 1/2 inch pipe of water from same spring, etc. (Deed Book 68, p. 407). From that date the town was secure in her water supply, receiving an abundance of water by grav- ity system, for all purposes; and no one of that period in the history of the town, ever imagined the day would come when the Old Tidball spring would prove inadequate to supply the demands of succeeding generations. They little dreamed it would be necessary to resort to the expensive system now used to supplement the old. Of this new system, we will now speak, though somewhat in advance of other subjects to be given, that oc- curred at an earlier period. About 1890, Charles B. Rouss offered to the city a proposition .to in- crease the water supply that the modes of modern living demanded. That he would donate $30,000 for the purpose, if the City would appropriate a similar sum. The city accepted the liberal offer, and proceeded to first find a good source of sup- ply. After many efforts, the old Hollingsworth Spring was selected, and purchased at a high price, and then began the outlay and reckless expenditure of money to convey the water to a reservoir, on a hill West of the town. This was finally accomplished; engines and pumps were in- stalled at the Spring; pipes laid through the city; and in a short time, the town was enjoying an

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CARTMELL'S HISTORY

overflow of water. After several years exper- ience, it was found new and more powerful en- gines were needed, and of course, expense of running increased; and at this writing, the city is casting about to find soft water in the moun- tains West of it. If this be done, the gravity sys- tem can be used, and thus the cost of maintain- ing the present water supply, reduced. Some one was to blame in the adoption of the plan now in use. Ex-Governor Holliday, who was the con- fidential friend of Mr. Rouss, advised against any plan offered, that would prevent the purchase of the spring. So many well-informed men were compelled to yield, or abandon the project and thus lose Mr. Rouss's liberal offer. The water tax derived from the new system, is sufficient to pay all running expenses; but there is a demand for soft water that will be heeded, doubtless, by the city fathers. The present abundant supply of water has induced enterprising men to locate here,-two mills already enjoying its advantages. The first was the large knitting mill on Kent Street ; and then the Woolen mills, a little to the East. The large ice plant North of the B. & O. R. R. station, enjoys unexcelled facilities on this account.

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Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia., Part 26

Author: Cartmell, T. K. (Thomas Kemp), 1838-1920 Publication date: 1909 Publisher: [Winchester, Va.] : [Printed by the Eddy Press Corp.] Number of Pages: 607

Author: Cartmell, T. K. (Thomas Kemp), 1838-1920
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: [Winchester, Va.] : [Printed by the Eddy Press Corp.]
Number of Pages: 607