Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia., Part 28

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 28

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Philip Dalby in same paper, gives notice of his tavern, which stood on East side of Loudoun Street, below Cork, with the sign of the house in a rude picture at the head of his advertise- ment.

Many odd advertisements appear in both papers, and show who many of the business men were immediately after the Revolutionary War. And for this reason, they are entitled to brief notice : James Ridley had a factory "to manufacture stays (corsets) for ladies to suit any figure."

The Winchester Hemp and Flax Factory was started on Piccadilly Street, and able to fur- nish linen threads, ropes and bolting cloths.

Jonah Hollingsworth and George Mathews offer their fulling mill, at Abraham's Delight southeast from Winchester, for work in their line. Book- binders were operated in connection with one of

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the newspapers. Archibald Magill has large as- sortment store, among many articles mentioned- "a large stock of patent medicines."

Philip Bush Jr., at the sign of the Golden Urn, opposite Mr. William Holliday's dwelling house, was jeweler and goldsmith. Robert Wells ad- vertises to make watches and repeating eight-day clocks. The following is suggestive. Who can locate the mills mentioned? Richard Gray "wants all kinds of country produce, and will receive all grain delivered at fifteen mills, in the sur- rounding country, viz. : Morgan's Brown's, Helm's, G. Bruce's, Hite's, Perkins', Stroop's, Gibbs', Lew- is', Bull's, Snicker's, Wormley's, W, Helm's, and Wilson's. Daniel Norton & Co. offer "Fall goods just imported in the "Dado," Capt. James Gray- son, Master." This store was on the corner of Loudoun and Piccadilly Streets. Miss Maria Smith offers her services to teach English studies and "Dresden Embroidery." John and James Mc- Alister opened a store at the sign of the Tobacco Hogshead opposite the bridge in Winchester. This was one of the largest stores in town, and aside from their regular grocery business, bought large- ly "leaf tobacco, genseng, deerskins, military cer- tificates." They also secured privilege to erect a building South of the old clerk's office for a nail factory. Court required them to make it of "heavy stone and shun risk for fire." Doubtless the old building can be seen at East end of alley where it enters the county property. The court ordered the old stone shop called McAllister Nail Factory to be removed many years ago. The order was never executed. Subsequently it was used for a bakery house by Mr. Ganslen. They were Revolutionary soldiers. The late Peter Kurtz possessed the bound copies of the old pa- pers, from which these notes are taken. On the inside cover was written "This binding is the property of James McAllester." Query. Where is now the old "binding?" John Hite, Jr., adver- tises his "new and elegant mill on the Opeckon." J. G. Dowdal, a merchant, offers, silks, linens, rum, wine, bar-iron and steel. Robert Sherrard's new store "offers a beautiful assortment of spring goods." Col. John Peyton orders a muster of the Militia of Frederick County. Thomas Eagan of- fers for sale "a valuable and convenient stone house opposite the Church on Loudoun Street." (The Episcopal Church) J. H. Jones "thanks the public for patronizing his school so liberally. Wil- liam Holliday offers for rent "his elegant two story stone house," and in same adv. offers for sale "a likely Negro woman, with two children and a sign for a tavern keeper." Adam Kiger reduced his price "for making suits of clothing to twelve shillings." Archibald Magill had a fine grocery, liquor and hardware on corner of

Loudoun and Piccadilly Streets. Adam Hock- man puts himself up "as post rider from Win- chester to Staunton-Will carry letters and pack- ages and deliver to Newtown, Stovers Town, Mil- lers Town, (Woodstock) New Market, Rocking- ham Town, Keesel Town, etc. Fifty-nine letters remained in the Postoffice held for postage- twenty-five cents due on each," and person re- ceiving required to pay postage.

Meshach Sexton established an oil mill and hemp mill, 1788; Daniel Miller and Hank Calvert offer to make suits of clothing for twelve shill- ings; John Kean offers merchandise at his store adjoining McGuire's tavern. Rewards are offered by Hamilton Cooper for the return to him of his servant man Dennis Wheelen. James Rumsey, inventor of the first steamboat, describes several of his runaway servants, one of whom, Francis Murray, had his eyebrows shaved and wore an iron collar. The next advertisement appeared at the same time, which may startle some readers : "Just received from Cork, and to be disposed of for ready cash, or crop of tobacco on short credit,

A few healthy men and women who have from three and one half to four years to serve under indentures. Among the men are laborers, wait- ers, weavers, shoemakers, taylors, whitesmiths, coopers, plasterers and tilers, hair dressers, shin- ers and breeches makers. The women are wash- ers, seamstresses, etc. HOOE & HARRISON.

Alexandria, Oct. 23, 1788."

Since the "startled reader" may be perplexed for an explanation of this, we add at this point, that this peculiar condition of domestic affairs of the old settlers, prevailed throughout the en- tire colony, and found necessary in the develop- ment of the Country, was sanctioned by the Crown at a very early period, and a record kept by the Colonial government. And we find the State of Virginia, after the Revolutionary War, recognized the trade in indentured servants. So far as the custom relates to the Old County, our old records furnish the proof. And the reader is referred to the old Court Order Book for brief mention of the fact of such importations. And if he be curious and patient enough to learn who composed the class of citizens arriving, to be- come in later years in many cases useful and even prominent citizens, let him open some of the mouldy files of that period, and see many names that are familiar in our population now- the descendants of many of whom the author has had occasion to trace. No disgrace should be attached to the class referred to. They had heard of the Liberty over in America; and being with- out means to pay their transportation, were will-

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ing to endure the terms required by men and masters of the sailing craft, and thus work out their own freedom. Lack of space and other reasons forbid insertion of their names in these pages.

The following is given as a matter of refer- ence: Order Books, Oct. 5, 1779: "James Wil- son came into court and made oath that he in partnership with Samuel McChesney, Imported into this State twenty-seven Indentured Servants in the year 1771. Said list to be recorded; And same Ct. James Wilson and James Kelso and Samuel McChesney Imported into this State twenty-one Indentured Servants in 1772; and James Nelson and James Kelso Imported into this State One Hundred and Thirty-Six Inden- tured Servants in years 1772-3-4 and '75." Same Ct. James Kelso came into court and made oath that he in the year 1777 brought into this State his family consisting of twelve persons in num- ber; Same ordered to be recorded."

The Kelso family have it settled in the brief minute, the date of their arrival in Frederick County. They became citizens of Hampshire County. The author was once called upon to show, if possible, the date of their arrival, and gratified one of the descendants, then a resident of Wyoming, with a copy of the minute.

The two old newspapers give extended notices and editorial comment on an election held in Winchester on Tuesday, March 4, 1788, the only voting place for all the county, embracing what is now Frederick, Clarke and Warren. The County was entitled to two delegates to the Convention which was to convene in Richmond, to consider the ratification of the First Federal Constitution. Four candidates were in the field; ratification was in the air; 541 votes were polled, and resulted in John S. Woodcock receiving 191 votes, Alex. White 162, Charles Mynn Thruston 71, John Smith 117. The first two were favorable to rati- fication. The Gazette notes in its issue July 2, 1788, that delegate White had sent a letter to Frederick by the hands of Col. R. Humphreys and Col. E. Zane, informing his constituents that Virginia had ratified the Constitution. It then devoted several columns to its report of the de- monstrations that followed. Capt. Heiskell's Company of Infantry joined in a parade with the citizens and the organized societies of the place, all under the marshalship of Maj. Mc Guire; and the McGuire tavern gave supper to representatives of all organizations, where toasts were drunk to the number of thirteen, in honor of the thirteen States forming the first Federal Union. And it would seem that all had indulg- ed in sufficient demonstration to give the Union a start on its future course. But the Centinel,

in its issue of July 9, 1788, gives an account of the Ratification and Fourth of July Celebration, and says the Village could not satisfy the demand for hilarity: "That all the crafts of the town, the citizens and Military commanded by Capt. Heiskel, with Maj. McGuire, Chief Marshal, marched in procession through the streets to the Federal Spring at Genl. Wood's home, and there, were served with a Barbeque dinner."

The newspapers furnished much that would show many features of society and mode of liv- ing in that day; and we have endeavored to make a few selections that help to picture the old Town in that day, showing who were then in ac- tive life, and some of their vocations. But we must lay aside such old notes and take up an- other line from the old records of the county, and show what others did.

The old records referred to have been drawn upon to furnish matter in preceding pages, which brought us to the period mentioned in the old newspapers. Lack of space forbids much more that could have been added.

The Court had never up to that period been confronted with trial of murder cases. Though crimes of grave character were disposed of by the Old Justices with deliberation and prompt- ness, it was not until 1791, that they were called upon to pass the death sentence. At the August Term, 1790, James Medlicot was tried for the murder of William Hefferman on the night of July 29th. His trial was brief. He was convict- ed of murder in the first degree, and sentenced to be hung. The sentence was executed after some delays, occasioned by the efforts of counsel for prisoner, to obtain a new trial. The day of execution cannot be given. An order of court in Spring of 1792 appears for the Sheriff to pay Edward Smith and Isaac Miller £1.10.0 each for erecting the gallows, showing that the execu- tion took place shortly prior to that court.

The second murder trial in the old county court, was called at the June term, 1798, for the trial of Ralph, a negro man slave, the property of James Strother, for the murder of said James Strother and Elizabeth his wife, on the 5th of May last "by administering to them the seed of a certain Noxious and Poisonous Herb called James Town Weed." The Court was composed of Charles Mynn Thruston, James G. Dowdal, Thomas Buck, Gerrard Briscoe, Matthew Wright and Charles Smith, Gentlemen, Justices. Mr. Archibald Magill was assigned as counsel. The prisoner was found guilty and condemned to be hung on the 20th of July next, at the usual place of execution. This sounds as if there had been executions more than one; but as no evidence appears of but the one, we must conclude the

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court adopted the language found in the old book of forms. This matter is entered in con- nection with notes on Winchester, because the executions occurred within its jurisdiction.

The newspapers published in Winchester may properly here receive notice again. The two ri- val sheets, referred to, passed under the control of Richard Bowen, who started the Centinel. And he for many years just prior to and after 1800, published one paper, The Gazette. The office was on Water Street in the old stone build- ing (second floor) corner of Water Street and Lutheran Church Alley. He was succeeded by Mr. Collett, and he successively by John Haas, John Heiskell, Freeland, Eichelberger and several others. John Foster and James Caldwell publish- ed the Constellation about 1810, and also con- ducted a book-publishing house. The Constella- tion passed into the hands of several successors; Mr. Cashell, J. G. Brooks, S. H. Davis, then to Gallagher and Towers. Peter Printz issued first copy of the Winchester Republican in 1824. Jo- seph H. Sherrard (Judge Sherrard) started the Virginian in 1827, which appeared weekly. Dur- ing this period Lewis F. Eichelberger was editor from about 1834 and for several years thereafter, when E. C. Bruce became the owner, and later sold out to J. J. Palmer, the last owner. This was always a Jeffersonian Democratic paper. The Republican changed owners several times; Geo. E. Senseny being the accomplished Whig editor for a number of years. He was succeeded by Nat. B. Meade a year before the Civil War, and was the owner when Banks' soldiers destroyed the plant in 1862. For three years during the War, Winchester had no one willing to venture on the news line. In the Summer of 1865, Geo. R. Henry, and P. L. Kurtz, practical printers, with H. K. Pritchard as editor, started the Win- chester News, and conducted a useful weekly until 1888, when the plant was purchased by Bailey & McAuliffe. During that period, Mr. E. Bruce gave much interest to the paper through his at- tractive editorials. In 1888, Dr. J. F. Ward and Robt. M. Ward purchased the plant, and started a book-bindery enterprise in connection with the News. They had several associates as managers and local editors : B. M. Wade, then John M. Silver, and C. H. Purcell. The plant changed hands and continued for several years by G. F. Norton. On Jany. 12, 1895, the City was sur- prised by the appearance of the first daily news- paper-the Evening Item, a sprightly single sheet, launched by John I. Sloat, who sold his interest to the Ward Bros. They sold the entire outfit to Mr. Norton, who gave it a start as the Win- chester News-Item. Mr. Sloat, July 4, 1896,

started the Evening Star. This proved a success; and the two dailies flourished for several years.

The Winchester Times first appeared in 1865; Goldsborough and Clark editors and owners. Clark soon sold his interest, and Goldsborough and Russell became owners. Maj. Robt. W. Hun- ter succeeded to the control of this paper, and produced an attractive weekly. Henry D. Beall, afterwards of the Baltimore Sun, purchased one- half interest, and for several years Hunter and Beall conducted a strong Democratic organ, and continually sounded keynotes for the rally of the party that reconstructed the country. Capt. E. G. Hollis succeeded Beall, and with Hunter and Hollis, many remember the excellent paper issued by them, and can recall many interviews had with the genial Hollis. Hunter afterwards sold his interest to T. W. Harrison (now our circuit Judge). R. E. Byrd purchased a half interest, and Wm. Riely became manager and local editor. In 1883, the Winchester Times Publishing Com- pany was established; and with R. E. Byrd as editor, gave the public such additional newspaper advantages as no other point in the Valley en- joyed. In 1902, the Times purchased the Evening Star; and then a lively contest continued between the dailies, much to the edification and amuse- ment of the many readers. This contest ended in 1907, when the Times Publishing Company pur- chased the News and Item plant and good will from Mr. Norton. The latter continued his job press work, and added a large stationery supply business, which he conducts in the old Star of- fice-the old stone building on Water Street, op- posite the clerk's office.

The first Republican paper to issue in Winches- ter was called "The Journal," A. M. Crane, edi- tor. This also started in 1865. It was short- lived, and sold in 1869 to N. B. Meade, who started the Sentinel, a Democratic paper. After about two years circulation, publication suspend- ed. A third paper was too much for the com- munity. In 1884, T. H. Goshorn started another Republican paper called the Leader. It continued for a few years, under the editorship of E. D. Root, and then succumbed for lack of support.

The Republican newspaper project has never been a success here.

The City of Winchester, since the merger of the News-Item with the Times and Evening Star, has but one paper and that "The Evening Star," H. F. Byrd, manager, D. B. Conrad, local edi- tor. This is a Democratic paper, bold and ag- gressive, receiving spice and stimulus from the brain and pen of Richard E. Byrd, now Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. The Star enterprise is successful, the paper having an im- mense circulation for an interior city. The plant

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has been fully equipped, with every up-to-date appliance for a first class daily. The paper is now (1907) firmly planted in the large brick building on Water Street opposite the City Hall.

The old Virginian was once published on same street west of this point, and also on the second

floor of the old Senseny building, now the Bantz property, and the old Republican and Winchester News on second floor of the Henry Kinzel build- ing, on corner of Main and Courthouse Avenue, occupied now by the Farmers and Merchants Bank.

CHAPTER XXX

Educational Developments in Winchester. Fire Companies

As briefly stated heretofore, the question of education received attention prior to 1787. We have evidence of the successful management of a classical school firmly established on Boscowan Street near Cameron, at that time; and so many conclude that it was the nucleus of the Winches- ter Academy. Certain it is that steps had been taken then to establish the Academy. An Act of the Genl. Assembly, passed Dec. 9, 1789, seems to settle this. The language of the Act is given as a matter of proof :

Sec. I. "Whereas it is represented to this pres- ent Genl. Assembly, that the mode directed by law for appointing trustees of the Winchester Academy is found from experience highly incon- venient," etc. The Act then provides that the Trustees of the Winchester Academy holding office on the first Monday in Feby. next, "shall be and remain trustees of said Academy until they shall be removed by death, resignation; inability or refusal to act." * * * and for the better sup- port of said Academy." Then the Act goes on to set apart certain school lands for that purpose, Ist, a certain lot or half-acre of ground in town of Winchester of which a certain Adolph Strole died seized-a tract of land in the County of Frederick, 200 acres that James Hamilton died seized, etc., and one other tract of 520 acres, late the property of Thos. Spear. This land was di- rected to be sold and proceeds to be used by the Trustees "most conducive to the interest of the Institution." Several places were pointed out to the writer many years ago where the "Insti- tution" or Academy conducted its course of learn- ing for the youths of that day, until its establish- ment on what was familiarly called for half a century "Academy Hill." This was an old land- mark until the Civil War terminated its further use. The old foundation is to be plainly seen on the hill West of the Winchester Hospital, and on the North side of that street, once called Acad- emy. Lane. The old building was an imposing structure of brick and stone.

From this school went men thoroughly equip- ped for the many places of trust they afterwards filled: The writer can recall the names of hun- dreds-honored in all the professions: the minis- try, law, medical and surgical, fine arts,-states-

men and jurists; whose voices and acts have made history, interesting for the whole land. The present populace of Frederick County and the City of Winchester shows many of the Old Acad- emy boys holding places in the esteem and con- fidence of their fellow citizens. The writer recalls many of his old class of 1855-8, who went down on the battle-ground, hard by the Old Academy hill.

A few years after the War, the property once owned by Bushrod Taylor, now the site of the Winchester Inn, was used as the Winchester Academy, principal A. Magill Smith, later on by Dr. Minor and Jas. B. Lovett. Mr. Richard A. Robinson, of Louisville, Ky., a native of Freder- ick County, devised a sufficient sum to endow what is now the Shenandoah Valley Academy, located on a still higher point to the Northwest, on the same ridge. A provision was made by Mr. Robinson, that Professor James B. Lovett should be principal; and that Frederick County and the City of Winchester should always be entitled to a limited number of scholarships,-all of which have been complied with; and the Acad- emy is in a flourishing condition. The feature of uniforming the students and requiring military drills, was inaugurated in 1907.

There were several other schools in the early part of the Nineteenth Century, justly entitled to special attention; but old notes have been mis- laid, and the author will pass them by for the present. Rev. Joseph Baker, a Baptist Minister, conducted a young ladies seminary on Fort Hill until about 1845.

The York School for young ladies, was on Mar- ket Street (the same building after the War was known as Fairfax Hall). S. P. York, the prin- cipal, by his strong Union sentiments and utter- ances in the early part of 1862, was induced to hastily abandon his school.

The Winchester High School was instituted and conducted by a Mr. Thorpe, at the West end of Piccadilly, then called "Angerona." It was very successful for several years until closed by the opening of the Civil War. Mr. Thorpe was succeeded by two other principals. The school never rallied after the War.

A young ladies seminary was successfully con-

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EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS, FIRE COMPANIES

ducted in the old Fort Loudoun property, subse- quent to the War, under the management of Rev. James B. Avirett, D.D., for several years. He was once Chaplain of the Fourth Ala. Regiment. His marriage to Miss Mary Williams, daughter of Mr. Philip Williams, identified him with in- fluential families. He was not only a successful educator but an eloquent preacher.

Fairfax Hall was founded by Rey. Silas Bill- ings and his daughters, in 1869. This school was ably conducted by these principals for many years; its reputation attracted a large attend- ance of pupils from distant sections. It was pop- ularly known as a denominational school,-Rev. Mr. Billings being a distinguished Presbyterian Divine. After his death, his daughters, the Misses Cornelia and Mary Billings, continued the school for many years. These accomplished ladies left the impress of their work and skill on the com- munity, that outlasts their useful lives. They were assisted by their brother-in-law, Prof. Geo. C. Shepard, who finally succeeded them; and to- gether with his well-trained and highly esteemed daughter, Miss Nina Shepard, maintained the high character of Fairfax Hall, until in 1902, inducements were offered Prof. Shepard to re- move to the Winchester Inn, where the school was continued for several years, and then dis- continued, regretted by many.

The Episcopal Female Institute was started in 1874 by the Rev. J. C. Wheat, D.D., as principal. This was an incorporated school. The Lloyd Logan mansion-house and grounds attached, on corner of Braddock and Piccadilly Streets, was purchased by the corporation. Dr. Wheat be- came famous as an educator; and worked the seminary up to a high standard. Mr. A. Magill Smith succeeded him, and for several years, as- sisted by Mr. Wm. Marshall and a competent corps of teachers, maintained its high standard. Mr. Smith, retiring several years thereafter to private life on his farm in Fauquier County, Mr. Marshall continued the system adopted by his predecessors; and thus by his peculiar fitness, is successfully conducting the institution at this writing.

One other school that grew famous as a ladies seminary, was started in 1866. Mrs. Ann Magill and her accomplished daughters, Miss Mary T., and Miss Eva, conducting it as a private enter- prise of high order, they soon attracted the at- tention of influential families, and it rapidly at- tained a reputation that crowned their efforts with gratifying success. The school was started in the large brick building on corner of Main and Cork Streets.

This first effort was simply to provide means of support-the fearful consequences of the War

having wrought such changes, that Mrs. Magill, like so many of the old families of Virginia, saw the necessity of taking up the burden; and by efforts never known to many of her class, this energetic and saintly woman was strengthened for her new trails. She lived to enjoy success in her undertaking; and her many pupils have risen at the mention of her name, in this writing, to call her blessed. The writer recalls with sincere pleasure, his impressions when viewing this body of pupils led by Mrs. Magill, as they entered the precincts of the old Kent Street Church on each recurring Sabbath morning; and can record here the feeling that others have experienced, that the sanctity of the place was heightened by the pres- ence of this remarkable woman. Her birth, edu- cation and associations fitted her for any high station. Daughter of Judge Henry St. George Tucker, one of the most distinguished men of his day; and her husband, Dr. Alfred T. Magill, the peer of any! The school was later removed to Angerona. After her death, her daughters con- tinued the school, until failing health required a cessation. Miss Mary Tucker Magill became the author of the history adopted by the Schools of Virginia. Other productions from her pen are well known.

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Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia., Part 28

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