Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia., Part 27

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

USA > Virginia > Frederick County > Frederick County > Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia. > Part 27

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Since the introduction of this new supply, the question of sewerage has agitated the public; and at this writing, an engineer has been engaged to make surveys and measurements; and upon his favorable report, the council may proceed to sup- ply a much needed luxury to the inhabitants. It will be a desirable change from the cess-pools and surface drainage-the former a constant menace to health; the latter a trial to pedestrians.

In this connection it will be well to say that, as far back as 1813, the town authorities had some negotiations with Mr. Edward Smith, who owned a tract adjoining the western suburbs of the village, where the C. V. R. R. station now stands. This tract adjoined James Wood on the West. Smith sold 41/2 acres of this land to Major Wm. Davidson and John Richardson, and mentioned that in their use of the spring at this point, they should observe contracts made by him with the mayor, and also certain private owners. Smith and Richardson erected a mill and distillery at that point, and made provision for the private owners to convey water by pipes through their lots on the run below. In 1819, Hugh Holmes and Joseph C. Baldwin purchased the 41/2 acres together with the mill and distillery thereon, subject to the contracts previously made. Holmes conveyed his interest to Baldwin, who continued as owner until his estate was settled in 1826, when Nicholas Fitzsimmons, trustee, sold it to James Stackhouse. The deed describes accurately the 41/2 acres and the buildings, con-

sisting of a grist mill, distillery, stables, dwell- ing, etc. Mr. Stackhouse added his cabinet- maker's shop, lathes, etc., and must have dis- continued the distillery, for nothing further is said about it in subsequent transactions with coterminous owners, relating to water pipes. All speak of the mill-race. James Stackhouse was succeeded by his son Stephen, who sold the en- tire property to the railroad company. He then had removed to Florida. It will be seen that other writers have erred in stating that Col. Wood erected the first mill during the Colonial period, and that it was the first mill in operation in this locality. Col. Wood's grant from Fairfax em- braced this mill site. The provision for securing water from the spring at that point for the in- habitants of the town, are fully set out in the grant dated 1753; and when Mary Wood and her son Robert in 1797, conveyed 37 acres of their land including this mill-site, the same reservations are recited in the deed to Edward Smith. (These may be found in Deed Books of the old District Court, county clerk's office).

About the year 1850, Chas. Welch and George Legg erected a large mill known as the "Steam Mill." This was on West side of Market Street near the town run, and was in successful opera- tion until destroyed by Federal troops during the War. The firm succeeded in securing a rail track down Market Street, connecting their mill with the W. & P. R. R. depot. The next mill is that on North Market Street, established by Wm. B. Bak- er since the War and popularly known as the mill of Baker & Co. Mr. Baker's two sons, Messrs. Albert and Alexander Baker, inherited the prop- erty, and have for many years maintained its reputation.

Illuminating Gas Introduced into Winchester

The Winchester Gas Company was a prosperous corporation organized by Act of Assembly, March 2, 1853; capital stock $60,000; shares $50. The gas house on East Water Street was and yet re- mains the generating power-house. The stock was purchased 1905-6 by a new corporation, known as the Winchester Gas & Electric Light Com- pany. The streets are now lighted by electricity furnished by a corporation which, a few years ago, built great dams across the Shenandoah, and from their immense power-plant near Mill- ville, are able to turn the wheels of large fac- tories, mills, etc., and are now arranging pre- liminary plans for an electric car-line to connect Winchester with Washington City.

In 1827, a Medical College was inaugurated in Winchester, continuing only a few years. It was again, under a new charter, put in operation in 1847, and remained in successful operation until

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the beginning of the Civil War. In 1862, its buildings, which stood on the northwest corner of Water and Stewart Streets, were burned by the Federal army, because the college contained the dissected body of the son of John Brown of Harpers Ferry notoriety. Mr. Chas. L. Crum purchased the lot and erected the handsome resi- dence seen there now, occupied by his widow and her two daughters. The faculty of the col- lege, as it existed in 1859, was: Hugh H. Mc Guire, Prof. of Surgery, Bushrod Taylor, Prof. of Materia Medica, J. Philip Smith, Prof. of Medicine and Obstetrics; Hunter H. McGuire, Prof. of Anatomy, etc.

At a very early period in the history of Win- chester, we find special attention was given to the fur trade. The pelts of animals received such treatment by the old skin dressers, that won preference in the far-away markets. This was a noted place for the tanning business; and for one hundred and fifty years, the town could boast of one or more tanneries. They were land- marks of the town. Streets were opened to the tan yards, and surveys to lots made respecting the rights of the tan yards along the old town run. The old bark mill and vats were curiosities to school boys, and proved very remunerative to the owners and operators. We could name several who amassed what was in those days considered fortunes. All have disappeared; and at this writing not a vestige remains of the once lucrative trade. Glove making has, for many years, been quite a feature in the town. The large factories of W. C. Graichen on N. Market Street, the F. A. Graichen factory on Water Street opposite Frederick Plaza, and D. H. Anderson on South Main Street, are successors to those who were here early in the 19th century, when Seemer, Brown, and others laid the foundation for the reputation which the products of the present operators still enjoy. The output from these factories is immense; the W. C. Graichen Com- pany being called upon to supply the demand from the home and abroad, with its foreign trade steadily increasing.

For many years prior to 1900, the manufacture of boots and shoes on a large scale, attracted the attention of local capitalists; and the Winchester Boot & Shoe Company was organized. Business was started in the large brick building, corner Main and Cork Streets; but the project was not remunerative. Competition was too strong; and after many fitful struggles, it was sold to pri- vate parties, who later on reduced the force. The owner finally closed his doors, sold his lasts, and entered Government service, receiving a lucrative salary in his declining years. We al-

lude to Henry Schneider, who is still a resident of Winchester.

The manufacture of stoves, plows and mill machinery, was successfully conducted prior to the War by George W. Ginn, who amassed quite a snug property, and supplied a great home demand. His cook-stoves and the old ten-plate were his specialties. The writer remembers well when the first cook-stoves were sold in the sur- rounding country, through which Daniel Chap- man, with his wagon loaded with the new device for cooking, could be seen frequently, using great persuasion to induce the good housewives to take one on trial. The old-time colored cooks rejected the stove for a long while, preferring the old fire-place, with its spit and ovens.

The Snapp family of Winchester for many years conducted similar works. They own the only foundry now in Winchester.

Clippings from the Winchester Virginian, pub- lished by Robinson & Hollis, March 5, 1834.

Election Notices. Notice is hereby given that an election will be held on Monday the 30th June inst. at the several places appointed by law in Frederick County, to choose three fit persons to represent the County of Frederick in the next House of Delegates, viz: at Winchester, under direction of Sheriff, at Berryville, Middletown, Stephensburg, at Geo. Ashby's, Pughtown, and Moses Russell's. THOMAS BUCK, Sheriff.

The candidates were Maj. James Gibson, Rich- ard W. Barton, Jno. B. D. Smith, Jacob Heironi- mous, Wm. Castleman and Dr. James Hay. The county then included Clarke and Warren terri- tory.

Lewis Eichelberger advertises his Angerona Institute, as a young ladies' boarding and day school.

A. C. Smith has a lengthy advertisement of Smith's Seminary for boys and girls-all branches taught. Jacob Senseny, trustee, offers for sale a coach-makers shop, blacksmiths shop, coach house, and, in Wood's addition, lot No. 7 on South side of Water Street. Lloyd Logan offers 50,000 Spanish segars for sale, and Tidball's mix- ture snuff. Geo. and Tilden Reed say they had just covered the new dwelling house of Col. Joseph Tuley with tin. Brome and Ball offer a piano and suitable music for sale. Stewart Grant has general merchandise, hardware, china, etc. Isaac Pennington manufactures bar iron at his works on Capon River 28 miles from Winchester, for sale at $100.00 per ton, delivered at any point within 60 miles from his forge. J. Harrison & Company are one door South of Taylor Hotel, and have clothes, etc. Thos. Philips & Co., Brome & Bell, and Wm. Miller have garden seeds.

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J. Kean, C. C., has a number of legal ads. The old Massie Tavern offered for sale by Isaac S. Lauck. Danner's Hotel and Stage Line Office, adjoining Middletown, offer inducements to the traveller,-just opened. Trustee's sale in front of Taylor's Hotel of tract of land 2 miles East of W. & P. R., near Seever's Tavern. James Castleman, trustee, will sell in front of court house several valuable likely negroes. James Haney has his tailoring establishment in front of court house. This paper contains a spirited correspondence between Col. Josiah W. Ware and citizens of Winchester, in relation to a divi- sion of the county, so that a county should be formed East of the Opecquon. This controversy was brought about by what was presented to the General Assembly in the form of petitions. The citizens of Winchester resented the action of Col. Ware, and published what they styled a manifesto. Col. Ware, in defending his position, charged the town justices with unlawfully and unjustly using the county levies to pave the mar- ket square and represents that the sections of the county remote from this market, should not be taxed to improve the town of Winchester; and that the section East of the Opecquon, where he lived, received no benefits. This culminated in bitter feeling, that increased; and that section waged a fight for the new county, and succeeded in having the county of Clarke taken from Fred- erick. This feeling found its way to the country people, and for years the contention between town and county continued. Both corporations were confused as to their respective rights and obliga- tions. The town authorities generally appeared before the County Court, and secured permission to erect certain buildings and lay certain pave- ments on the "public lotts." The court, as shown in the first pages of this sketch, never relaxed its control. The contention existed, however, for many years. As time wore on and the town became stronger, the council felt constrained to take action in regard to her public improvements, that often savored of a disregard for the coun- ty's jurisdiction. Such, however, were always settled to the satisfaction of the County Justices. The Civil War coming on in 1861 obliterated for a time all rights, and contentions subsided. The entire population was too much absorbed with the sweeping devastation of both private and public rights and property, to advance any claims as to who should rule. The first few years sub- sequent to the War were full of trials to an im- poverished people; and all struggled together to repair the waste places. The writer recalls with sincere pleasure his recollections of the harmony of effort manifested by the survivors of the great conflict. Then the social life began to revive; and

while all struggled to get a firm footing once more, he has never known so much social inter- course to exist in the community. But new con- stitutions and new laws came that wrought many changes. The Pierpont government assumed the right to take possession of the State buildings in Richmond, in the Spring of 1865. Military Government asserting control, the Civil govern- ment had little to do. The Military re-organized the courts. Then followed the celebrated Under- wood Constitution, with sweeping changes. The old courts gave way to the County and Corpora- tion Judge system.

Court Trials

In the range of litigation, Winchester has had her full share; and several very important and interesting suits could be mentioned, if space permitted.

Winchester derives much comfort and many advantages from the enterprises that were usher- ed in with the Twentieth Century; notably, the Winchester Ice Plant, has filled the place of the natural ice-dealers, Geo. W. Hillyard & Sons, who for many years in stentorian notes apprised the citizens that Summer had come and along with it also their ice. This old-style luxury has been supplemented by the large crystal blocks of ice. Added to this plant, just North of the B. & O. R. freight station, are cold storage buildings, where fruit and food stuffs are preserved for months, awaiting better prices, etc.

The telephone system came earlier, but not so satisfactory, until the Bell System was inaugu- rated about eight years ago. The United and Bell companies now supply the city with wonderful advantages, both in business and social ways; while both systems have connections throughout the Valley.

The Winchester Creamery, located on South Kent Street, Jacob W. Haldeman, owner and manager, makes butter by the most modern methods, producing this table delicacy in large quantities and in most attractive styles; the far- mers for many miles around supplying rich fresh milk, which being treated by large separators, gives the creamery a daily supply of cream un- surpassable.

We may properly mention at this point a char- itable institution, that was established by the county and town as a home for indigent persons. This was called the Poor House, and stood boldly out on the western suburbs. A lot of five acres was conveyed to Richard K. Meade and others. Overseers of the Poor for Frederick County and the Corporation of Winchester by Christopher Fry, Nov. 6, 1793. The recital in this deed says "For a lot at the West end of Piccadilly Street,

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on the West side of the Warm Spring Road, being an out-lot containing five acres, adjoining the land of Genl. Wood. On this lot was erected a large brick building to accommodate the desti- tute poor and insane persons. This building was used for this purpose until 1821. In 1820 an Act of the Genl. Assembly passed Feby. 9th, empower- ed the Overseers of the Poor to sell this prop- erty, and reinvest the fund for similar purposes. The property was sold to Fleet Smith for $4,000; the overseers having purchased from Fleet Smith, of Loudoun County, two tracts of Land, which he conveyed by deed dated Jany. 1820, to the Overseers of the Poor, viz : David Ridgway, Phil- ip Burwell, Wm. Campbell, Bennet Hall, Robert Bryarly, Obed Waite and others, Overseers of Poor of Frederick County and Corporation of Winchester. The two tracts of land were near the Round Hill, adjoining Weaver, Glaize and Campbell, containing in the aggregate 3211/2 acres. This land was formerly owned by Wm. Holliday,

deceased; his heirs, Robert, Wm. M., James W. Holliday and Wm. Davison and wife, having conveyed their undivided interest to Fleet. On this land the overseers erected the brick build- ing used at this writing, on what has been called the Parish Farm, at a cost of $4,000. In the Summer of 1821, the inmates of the Ange- rona Poor House were removed to their new quarters; and from that time the property has been continuously used for charitable purposes; presided over by a superintendent and matron. Some of the superintendents have been John Harman, Caspar Rinker, Findley Geo. W. Chris- more, James H. Canter, M. H. Albin, and the present incumbent James H. Affleck, with his efficient wife as matron. In 1828, Wm. Daniel conveyed to the Overseers of the Poor, 517% acres of wood land West of the Poor House.

The Angerona building, erected in 1794, forms part of the handsome mansion now occupied by Thomas Cover.

CHAPTER XXIX

The Newspapers of Winchester

The first newspaper published in the Shenan- doah Valley was shown the author several years ago, from which he made many notes that after- wards appeared in the history written by Mr. J. E. Norris. The paper referred to was the "Virginia Gazette and Winchester Advertiser." The first number bears date July 11, 1787, with the announcement that the proprietors Henry Wil- cox & Co. will supply the "latest information from the seats of government, statements of the markets, etc.," and offers it columns for corre- spondents to furnish the public with reliable news." The editor announces to his readers, that he is prepared by experience in the foreign cities to give the readers such publications as will win their respect and support. The lengthy and force- ful "salutatory" declares for such style and prin- ciples as would ornament some periodicals of to- day. Doubtless the survivors of the Revolution- ary struggle needed strong food; for the coun- try had not recovered from the direful effects of the war. Just why the Gazette changed its firm name, we are not told; but we find that August 29th Bartgis & Wilcox announce the change. Bartgis seemed to be an enterprising publisher, for we find in a notice Jany., 1788, the firm is Bartgis & Co. The success of the Gazette en- couraged a similar enterprise; for April 2, 1788, Richard Bowen & Co. issued their first number of the Virginia Centinel. The rivalry that exist- ed between these newspapers, furnish interesting matter for sensational readers; but we have not space to justify a copy of many notes in the writer's hands. An advertisement appears in one of the Weekly issues, that we can afford to enter, which indicates the spirit of the period. The full text will not be given as it appeared May 4, 1786. After giving the authority granted by Act of the Genl. Assembly to certain citizens of Winchester for holding a public lottery, for the purpose of raising a sufficient sum to furnish the German Lutheran Church in Winchester, two thousand tickets at $3.00 apiece were offered for sale, and the names of the managers given to-wit: Col. Chas. M. Thruston, Mr. Edward Smithy, Maj. Thomas Massie, Col. Joseph Holmes, Col. James G. Dowdall, Mr. John Peyton, Rev. Christian Streit, Mr. Lewis Hoff, Mr. Philip Bush, Mr. Geo. Kiger, Mr. Harry Baker, Mr. Adam Heiskell, Mr.

Geo. Linn, Mr. Peter Lauck, Mr. Frederick Haas- all representative men regardless of denomina- tion. Note how they regarded the undertaking! Part of the advertisement reads: "It is hoped the pious purpose of this lottery, will be a suffi- cient recommendation, and the friends of all Religion, of all denominations, will cheerfully help to promote it by becoming adventurers." The result must have proven satisfactory. The follow- ing appeared in the issue of the Centinel of May 14, 1788: "Last week we had the pleasing satis- faction to behold the old roof of the English Lutheran Church, in this town, taken off for the purpose of replacing it with a new one. This was much wanted, as divine service could not, for sometime past be performed there without endangering the safety of the congregations. While we congratulate our fellow-citizens on the prospect they have of worshipping their creator in this commodious edifice, we are happy in pro- nouncing that the public spirit in this town, tho' situated in the woods, is equal to that of the most populous towns or cities on the Continent."

The Gazette of July 23, 1788, has this advertise- ment "The subscribers for the purpose of building the Presbyterian Meeting House in the town and borough of Winchester, are requested to meet at the house of Mr. John Donaldson, on Saturday next, the 26th inst. precisely at 3 o'clock P. M. in order to adopt and fix upon a plan for erect- ing the same, where all persons of undertaking to build said church will please attend with their plans and estimates.

WILLIAM HOLLIDAY, JAMES HOLLIDAY, ROBERT SHERRARD,

Managers."

The foregoing, aside from showing when the first newspapers were published, is of interest to the present citizens of Winchester, as it establishes and corroborates dates and incidents, mentioned in sketches of the churches, which were obtained from other sources by the author.

The two newspapers were favored with numer- ous and somewhat varied advertisements. For instance, the Methodists' Society gives notice in the Centinel August 26, 1788, "that they had es- tablished a Quarterly Meeting, which would be held at the house of John Milburne, on Satur-

152

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THE NEWSPAPERS OF WINCHESTER

day and Sunday 30 and 31st of August at II o'clock, each day."

The Gazette of Nov. 23, 1787, had this an- nouncement : "Notice is hereby given that the Winchester Dancing Assemblies will commence on Wednesday, the 28th inst. at the house of Mr. Edward McGuire."

(Signed) CORNELIUS BALDWIN, JOHN PEYTON, JOHN CONRAD, PHILIP DALBY, CHAS. McGILL, JAMES ASH.

One other notice appears that "Mr. J. Moriar- ity informs the ladies and gentlemen that he will teach Dancing in the Modern Method of Europe at Mr. McGuire's Ball Room.

The Gazette in its issue October 12, 1787, con- tains the following card, so significant, that it is deemed best to have it in full.

"Messrs. Printers: As the welfare of the borough of Winchester in a great measure de- pends on the exertions of its inhabitants, in guard- ing against the most dangerous of elements, by forming a Second Fire Company, in this place; it is earnestly requested, that those who wish to become members, will meet, at Mr. Edward Mc- Guire's tavern, on Saturday the 13th inst., at 5 o'clock in the evening, to propose rules and regu- lations for the government of the same.

Winchester, Oct. 9, 1787. CIVIS.

This card clearly shows that one other Fire Company was organized and already using its best efforts to protect the citizens; and it has been settled by investigation, that the first com- pany was supplied with ladders and buckets; and did not have an engine. A minute in the old order book, 1784, shows they were allowed space for ladders and buckets in a shed adjoining the old jail. The engine is spoken of in two other issues of the newspapers in the Summer of 1788; and doubtless this was the engine we have al- luded to in connection with the old engine house. Who gave it the euphonious name of "The Goose Neck," the writer cannot say. Suc- ceeding fire companies will be mentioned later on. We will dispose of other publications while the old newspaper notes lie before us.

Judging from the following advertisements of places of business, "The Tavern" branch of en- terprise claims considerable space. Edward Mc- Guire leads the list, "offering his services and his capacious tavern house for patronage to none other than gentlemen and ladies; that his hos- telry was open for "assemblies" and societies on notice, and his spacious Ball room at the disposal of dancing committees approved by him." This

hotel or tavern occupied the site where the Tay- lor Hotel now stands, and most probably erected just prior to 1770. It was once known as the Heth Tavern, Mr. McGuire succeeding Heth as lessee about 1765, when the house was remodeled and enlarged, and grew famous under McGuire's control until about 1800.

Thomas Edmonson appears in the Centinel with his announcement that his new and mod- ern tavern "has unsurpassed accommodations for travellers and other visitors," standing on his lot opposite Fort Loudoun, sign of the Big Ship. He also offers his ball table for the use of his guests "who are players of the ball and stick." "The Black Horse tavern" kept by John Walters on the "Marsh" (supposed to have been Water Street) presented his sign. So also Philip Bush with his "Golden Buck" sign, on Cameron Street South of Water. This famous house occupied a large space on West side of Cameron Street, South of the Town Run or Marsh, as it was then called, adjoining the property now the residence of Mr. Baetjer and others, formerly known as the Wm. Streit property. (The Streit property was the home of Rev. Christian Streit. Danl. Morgan and wife conveyed this property to Rev. Streit Feby. 17, 1787, and is described as on New or Cameron Street.)

When this property was yet owned by Mr. Bush's estate, the County Court secured quarters in a portion of the old building, to house the pris- oners taken from the jail that had been destroyed by fire; and later on the Presbyterian congrega- tion used it for Divine services, pending the build- ing of the Loudoun Street Presbyterian Church. It was at this hotel or tavern that the incident occurred between Prince Louis Philipe of France and Landlord Bush that caused the latter to cut down the sign of the Golden Buck. (This tradi- tion may receive further notice, if space permit.)

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Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia., Part 27

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