USA > Virginia > Frederick County > Frederick County > Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia. > Part 41
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102
yet in Old Frederick. Orders of court define a new road leading through a village to Stephens' Mill, before Berkeley was erected in 1772; and the same Stephens and others had some conten- tion in court about water rights, several years previous. License was granted for an ordinary at the same time. In 1778, Martinsburg was established by law. The Act of Assembly says: "Whereas, It hath been represented to this pres- ent Genl. Assembly, that Adam Stephen Esq., hath lately laid off 130 acres of land in the Coun- ty of Berkeley, where the Court House of said County now stands, in lots and streets for a town, and hath made sale of several of said lots to divers persons, some of whom have since settled and built thereon, etc." The language determines the fact that the court house was built and in use some time previous to the date of charter. Quoting from the Order Book of the Court at its first session, we give the following extract : "Ber- kely County, S.S.
"Be it remembered that at the house of Ed- ward Beeson the 19th day of May, 1772, a Com- mission of the Peace and a Commission of Oyer and Terminer, from his excellency Lord Dun- more, dated the 17th day of April in the year aforesaid, directed to Ralph Wormley, Jacob Hite, Van Swearingen, Thos. Rutherford, Adam Stephen, John Neville, Thos. Swearingen, Sam- uel Washington, James Nourse, Wm. Little, Rob- ert Stephen, John Briscoe, Hugh Lyle, James Strode, Wm. Morgan, Robt. Stogdon, James Seaton, Robert Carter, Willis and Thos. Robin- son." The Justices were duly sworn, and pro- ceeded with the duties of their first term. Wil- liam Drew was the first clerk, Adam Stephen, sheriff, Saml. Oldham, Depty., Alexander White, Depty. Kings Atty; James Keith (Clerk of Fred- erick Co.) John Magill, Geo. Brent, Geo. Johns- ton, Philip Pendleton and Alexander White, at- torneys, were admitted to practice. The gentle- men whose names are mentioned, are entitled to fuller notice, which the author hopes to give in biographical sketches. The minutes of the court clearly indicate that sessions of court were held in the Edward Beeson house, until the following November, at which time Adam Stephen pro- duced authority from the Secretary's Office, to adjourn the court to Morgan's Spring. The court then adjourned to meet where directed by the writ, and held court in the house of John Mit- chell, where sessions were held until 1774, when court adjourned to the house of Isaac Taylor. Traditions are rife with mystery relating to this place of holding court. The "Morgan Spring" mentioned in the writ, has never been located near this village. There were then, as now, sev- eral springs, and branches bearing the name of
233
PRINCIPAL TOWNS OF OLD FREDERICK
Morgan, but none near where John Mitchell lived. The name, therefore, is calculated to dis- turb some readers; but this is very plain, the court was held in the village for several years, and was there when the first court house was ready for use, the latter part of 1779. Kercheval says there was serious contention between Stephen and Jacob Hite, who was a large land-owner in Berkeley, concerning the location of the county seat; and when Stephen prevailed, Hite became disgusted and left the country. (See sketches of the Hite family.) During this period, the country had become involved in revolution against the op- pressive rule of England. Then it was that strong men were needed to direct affairs in the Valley; and Berkeley County furnished her full quota. Of these we will speak later. Col. Samuel Wash- ington, who was County Lieut., resigned to enter the Continental Army. One of the files of the old court contains the will of Major Genl. Charles Lee, once famous as an avowed enemy of Genl. Washington. The old document savors of the man's peculiar and sordid temperament. After many bequests of the large estate owned by him in Berkeley County, he closes with the following: "I desire most earnestly that I may not be buried in any church or church-yard, or within a mile of any Presbyterian or Anabaptist Meeting house, for since I have resided in this country, I have kept so much bad company when living, that I do not chuse to continue it when dead. I recom- mend my soul to the Creator of all Worlds and all Creatures, who must from his Visible Attrib- utes be indifferent to their modes of Worship or Creeds, whether Christians, Mahometans or Jews, whether instilled by education or taken up by reflection, whether more or less absurd, as a weak mortal can no more be answerable for his per- suasions, notions or even skepticism in Religion than for the color of his skin."
The American Cause of Freedom suffered no loss from his relations to Genl. Washington, that forced him into private life. (Further notice may be given this strange character.)
The Press was to the front at an early day. The Berkeley and Jefferson Intelligencer and Northern Neck Advertiser, published by John Alburtis in 1902, indicates from bills paid by court for legal advertisements, that this was not its first appearance. The Martinsburg Gazette was also dispensing news prior to 1811. About 1830, Mr. Edmund P. Hunter, combined the Gazette with the Public Advertiser; and thenceforth the country around Martinsburg witnessed lively scenes in the newspaper business. The Press kept well abreast of the times, up to the present writing. The first daily made its appearance in 1907.
The Martinsburg Academy was in successful operation prior to 1812, with Rev. Jno. B. Hoge as teacher of languages. The churches have always been a feature in Martinsburg life (more fully treated under head of churches). For many years the B. & O. Railroad had extensive shops there, the principal portion of which has been re- moved in recent years to Brunswick, Maryland. The city of to-day can show the visitor several manufactories in successful operation-the large Knitting Mills being one. Berkeley developed other towns: Darkesville, Hedgesville, Falling Waters, Bunker Hill, Shanghai, and several others of more or less note, will not be mentioned further now. The city is noted for its large com- mercial interests. Merchants, tradesmen and pro- fessional classes are in evidence in their fine busi- ness places.
Hedgesville, about 7 miles Northwest of Mar- tinsburg, near the North Mountain B. & O. Rail- road station, was a recognized village 150 years ago. A prominent family, named Hedges, set- tled there about 177 -; and for several years it was spoken of as the Hedges Villa. The married members of the family gradually added new build- ings, and thus the village grew apace. The town of to-day shows but little to mark it as one of the towns of the Valley, yet it has its attractions- good society and beautiful location. (The family who founded it will receive fuller notice.)
Darkesville, situated on Mill Creek in Berke- ley County, and on the Martinsburg Turnpike, had many struggles to secure its well-accepted name. Genl. Buckles owned a fine estate near this point. Many people in the section often called it Buckles Town; but this name gradually gave way; and for many years, the little village holds to the name given it in honor to Genl. Wm. Darke of Revolutionary War fame.
New Market. This town located in Shenan- doah County, on the Valley Turnpike, was the next to receive a charter. This is traditionary, however. The statement made by Howe in his History of Virginia, fixes the date 1784. The author fails to find the Act of Assembly verify- ing this statement, but submits it without fur- ther comment. The town has a national reputa- tion, by reason of the valor displayed by the Ca- dets from the Military Academy of Lexington, in a hard-fought battle on the plains of New Market, during the Civil War.
Charlestown was established by an Act of As- sembly in October, 1786, upon the application of Col. Charles Washington, brother of Genl. Wash- ington. (Charles had acquired a large tract in that section through the knowledge of the sur- veyor, his brother.) He was authorized by the
234
CARTMELL'S HISTORY
Act to lay off eighty acres of his land, in such manner as he might deem best "into half-acre lots, with convenient streets, which shall be and is established a town, by the name of Charles Town." The trustees in the Act to hold the said lots, etc., were John Augustine Washington, Robt. Rutherford, Wm. Darke, James Crane, Cato Moore, Benjamin Rankin, Magnus Tate, Thorn- ton Washington, Wm. Little, Alex. White, and Richard Ransome-most of whom had rendered distinguished services, and others become famous, in their several careers as public men. They were of that splendid type of citizens, that have held sway in the grand county of Jefferson to the present day.
Charlestown became the county seat of Jeffer- son County upon its erection from Berkeley in 1801. The first court was held Nov. 10, 1801, in the house of John Mines. Here again we have an array of men who were the Justices compris- ing the first court. Their names indicate they were peers of the founders of the town: George Hite was their first clerk, Wm. Little, sheriff, John Baker was qualified as Deputy Atty. for the Commonwealth. Wm. McGuire, Edward Chris- tian, Lewis Elsey, Mathew Whiting, John Dixon, Samuel Reed, Elisha Boyd, Wm. Tate and Hugh Holmes were admitted to practice the law. At the December Term, Archibald Magill was an attorney also admitted to practice. The first court house was built in 1807-8. In 1836-7 a sec- ond court house was built. This was the build- ing where the celebrated John Brown trials were conducted. This was destroyed by soldiers dur- ing the Civil War. Charlestown has had its his- tory written so often and so attractively, by reason of its fame where Brown and his confed- erates were so justly tried and condemned; and later the scene of the orderly and perfectly con- ducted executions, though the entire country was stirred to its depths. Charlestown has had the benefit of sound doctrine taught her citizens through her press, schools and churches. Of these sources of education, much has been said under head of churches. The Press was first represented in 1808, when the Farmers Reposi- tory appeared. The Virginia Free Press was pub- lished by John S. Gallaher in 1827. This able paper was edited in later years by his sons. The paper had taken an active part in the early days of the Civil War, in its dissemination of Southern principles. The entire plant was destroyed by some fanatics who came as Federal soldiers. The Spirit of Jefferson appeared in 1844. famous as a Democratic paper. One or two other papers have at times been published.
The schools of learning have always been fos- tered and well supported by the citizens of the
town. We have evidences of the Classical School having been well patronized more than one hun- dred years ago, and a seminary for young ladies in 1810. Charlestown was one of the boom towns, during the period which stirred the people of the Valley from the Potomac to the James, some years since. Speculative citizens laid out an ad- dition, started manufactories; built a large and handsome hotel, etc. In recent years, the latter was converted into a college. This school has also flourished. In the organization of West Vir- ginia, Charlestown was chosen for holding one of the United States District Courts, and from this distinction has received material support. Two railroads skirt her suburbs, affording many advantages.
Gerrards Town was the next town in the Lower Valley established by law. This was in 1786. It had been previously known as the village Mid- dletown in the County of Berkeley. Rev. David Gerrard, a Baptist Minister, Wm. Henshaw, James Haw, John Gray, Gilbert McEwan (McKown) and Robert Allen were appointed Trustees.
Frankfort was chartered in 1787. The little village in Hampshire County was conspicuous at a much earlier date. The trustees appointed by the Assembly were: John Mitchell, Andrew Cooper, Ralph Humphreys, John Williams, Sr., James Clark, Richard Stafford, Hezekiah White- man and Jacob Brookhart. 139 acres of land, owned by John Sellers, was taken for the site.
Front Royal was established by an Act of the Genl. Assembly, 1788. From the language of the Act, we have the evidence before us of the exist- ence of a village there prior to that time. As mentioned in a previous chapter, the village must have been formed by a number of families for mutual protection some time prior to the Revolu- tion, locating their houses on land purchased from the original owners Solomon Vanmeter, James Moore, Robert Haines, Wm. Cunningham, Peter Halley, John Smith, Allen Wiley, Original Wroe, Geo. Chick, Wm. Norres and Henry Trout,-be laid out into lots and streets. Trustees were ap- pointed to hold and control said town, subject to the requirements of the Act. This control continued for many years, enlarging its borders as population increased; and when Warren Coun- ty was erected in 1836, it was chosen as the county seat, and has remained as such to this day. The location is one to attract the visitor- the lofty mountain peaks, fast-flowing river,- "Laughing Waters"-formed by the South and North Rivers and their tributaries,-presents a stream picturesque and sublime. The work of spanning the water ways in the vicinity by the railroads, and other causeways for general coun-
235
PRINCIPAL TOWNS OF OLD FREDERICK
ty use, has been a serious problem to the authori- ties responsible for providing crossings of the rushing waters when at flood tide.
Churches, schools and general business give an appearance of a prosperous town. We hope to say something of the men who have figured in the upbuilding of Front Royal. We may add that, agreeable to some interesting traditions, the old village enjoyed several names, to distinguish her from other villages formed in Old Frederick. Some readers have heard of the incident of the "Royal Oak," once a landmark; and of the Mi- litia Captain giving his famous order to one of his companies to "about face and front the Royal Oak," and that waggish bystanders caught the spirit of the day and, abbreviating the military order, laid the foundation for the present name. Their cry was "Front the Royal." Judge Giles Cook's father related this incident to the writer, stating that his father was a member of the Com- pany and remembered the incident well.
The town is situated about 18 miles Southeast from Winchester, within a mile of the Blue Ridge. It may be well to add here, that Shenandoah County once embraced a strip of the territory in the vicinity of Front Royal; and the titles to many tracts of land South of the North River are traceable through the records of that county ; and when Warren County was formed, the new county included this section and, together with the strip taken from Frederick County on the North side, produced some confusion, as her land titles are to be found in three counties. The writer, as clerk of Frederick, has experienced this inconvenience. Many of the present-day people are unaware that the Shenandoah courts contain such records, covering the period from 1774 to 1836.
Front Royal is becoming quite an educational centre. The Randolph Macon Academy, whose imposing building on elevated ground, adds much to the attraction of the place. The Eastern Col- lege and graded schools under the supervision of Mr. Roy, the well-known superintendent of public schools ofler advantages to every class. The six white and two colored churches seem to emphasize the fact that the beautiful town has many features to recommend it as a home for the cultured.
Riverton so nearby, with its population of about 3,000, teeming with enterprise, might be consid- ered part of the city gradually forming at the confluence of the two mountain rivers. The Hagerstown Division of the Norfolk and West- ern Railroad, and the Manassas Division of the Southern system, afford unlimited facilities for present needs and greater development.
Middletown is situated in the Southern part
of Frederick County, twelve miles from Winches- ter, on the great Valley Turnpike. It has be- come so prosperous and prominent in recent years, that very few persons stop to enquire of its early history. As a village, it was known for years as Senseny Town. Dr. Peter Senseny being owner of a large tract of land in the vicinity, ap- plied for a charter to lay out a town as early as 1796, called Middleton; and in 1878 it was regu- larly incorporated, and is governed by a mayor and common council.
The old town is entitled to recognition as a manufacturing point. Clocks made at Middletown as far back as 1786, were noted timekeepers, and were in demand far and near. Quite a lucrative business resulted from this single trade. The old wooden wheels were first used; then brass was introduced, and the artisans were able to produce the eight-day clock in attractive pattern. Some are in use to-day. The same enterprising clock makers also controlled the watch trade for many years; and strange to say, manufactured outfits for surveyors, producing a compass that gained enviable reputation. Doubtless the reader will be astonished to learn that the present County Surveyor, A. J. Tavenner, Esq., uses a compass manufactured by Jacob Danner at Middletown. Mr. T. purchased this old compass at a public sale several years since as a curiosity; and when he needed a new compass, sent this old instru- ment to an expert in a distant city, to have him determine its value. He was informed that the compass was of the type that had become rare, and was valuable, and the reputation of the maker was well established, and that the Surveyor could secure none better. This evidence of what the little town did in other years, is deemed worthy of preservation.
The first successful effort to produce a machine to supplant the flail and threshing floor, to thresh wheat from the straw in this county, had its start in the same town. Some old men of to-day re- member the one manufactured by James Ridings, about 1817; and then the Mckeever. These in- ventions were wonders in their day. When it was discovered that it was possible to beat out one hundred bushels of grain in one day, farmers grew suspicious. Such threshing instruments served their day well. The writer remembers their marvellous work; and has watched this line of progress up to the time when the steam thresh- er has made it possible to separate wheat from straw-the former ready for the mill, and the latter perfectly ricked by an automatic ricking attachment. We might enquire what may not happen in this branch of industry 'ere the first half of the 20th Century is passed.
236
.
CARTMELL'S HISTORY
The progressive spirit has worked in her cit- izens through many decades; and that was the cause of the entire community becoming enthused a few years ago (1889) to such an extent, that projectors of schemes were numerous. The town borders had to be enlarged, to admit of the pos- sible developments.
New Middletown was laid out on the Western suburbs. Lots, streets, parks and other public places appeared on the greensward and in corn- fields. People from far and near subscribed for shares of stock, purchased corner lots, and watch- ed the coming of the "plants." And as the foun- dation was laid for the proverbial Hotel, and the carriage manufacturing plant, stockholders watch- ed eagerly the progress of the great building down near the station. The staid business men of the village elbowed with the sturdy and pros- perous farmer, all bent upon rapid work, to make ready for the throngs then wending their way thence from the frozen North. The home peo- ple hurriedly organized, and soon all were stock- holders, presidents, secretaries, directors, bankers, treasurers. All had lucrative offices in prospect. All waited for the crowds. No matter if the crops did suffer. No time now for anything but development of the New Town. Alas, however!
Some one pricked the bubble; and many of us have been seeking amid the debris of this ex- plosion, for the returns promised by the promot- ers. This was a strong term then; and even now some feeling prevails among those who know, that it is desirable the term be no more applied to the Middletown Boomers. With the explosion, went the many wild schemes; and to naught went the accumulations of years of toil. Prosperous farmers saw their fine farms pass beyond their grip; and men who had enjoyed comfort and even affluence for a generation, bent under their weary load, and their last days were not as the former. But we are able to say that the old town has come to the front again; and the desert will soon again blossom as the rose. The churches have been mentioned in another chapter. General business is in a healthy condition; her stores are above the average found in county towns. Wag- ons, carriages and other vehicles are made to or- der by such competent men as Wm. H. Everly.
Middletown is situated on an elevated plain, from which one has full view of the great mount- ains. The scenery is surpassing in grandeur. The historic battle-field of Cedar Creek is yon- der to the West; and old citizens will point out places where Sheridan, Early, Wright and Rosser, with their battalions, strove to win the day.
CHAPTER XLV
Towns in Frederick County (Continued)
Gainsboro, the attractive little town, about 10 miles Northwest from Winchester, with its several enterprises, stores, shops and homes of good citizens, has its streets and churches. In the long ago it was known as Pughtown. In about 1770, it was founded by Job Pugh when a nucleus of a village was formed near the old Quaker Meeting House, then called a branch of Hopewell. The plat and charter of Pugh Town was dated Jany. 12, 1797; it was surveyed by or- der of Job Pugh. George Ruble of Frederick County and Jesse Pugh of Winchester were ap- pointed trustees. The houses were required to be not les than 16 feet square, with brick or stone chimneys. The order was made in a Superior Court held at Winchester for the counties of Berkeley, Frederick and Shenandoah. Adams Street is the main street. Other streets named by Job were Washington, Lewis, Stephens and South Streets. It became one of the voting places many years ago; and politics waxed warm in those days. Old Whigs and Democrats had many drawn battles. In that day, the rum counter played a strong part in her local politics. Many years ago there came a change; and quiet elec- tions are now held. The interest has subsided along with the rum. Some of the oldest settlers made their homes on Back Creek near this little town, of whom something will be said in Per- sonal Sketches.
White Hall, or Loop, as it was once called, is found on Applepie Ridge, 8 miles North of Win- chester. This, too, has been a voting place for many years. Surrounding this village is the cele- brated "apple belt." A good country road running Eastward, takes the traveler through Well Town (now Grimes post office), a small village of much local history. To reach this from Winchester, take the Martinsburg Turnpike, and then the Well Town Turnpike. Going East from the village, we pass Clearbrook, a station on the C. V. Rail- road, on the way to Brucetown, a large village noted for its flour mills, and Jobe's Woolen Mills, formed there many years ago and success- fully operated.
Neffstown is a Northern suburb of Winchester. The McVicar carriage and wagon shops are lo-
cated there, on East side of the Winchester and Martinsburg turnpike.
In the Western part of the county are the prom- ising little villages of Whitacre, Cross Junction, Shockeysville. The North Frederick Turnpike penetrates that section, and affords an outlet for the villagers to the Winchester markets.
Traveling West over the Northwestern Turn- pike, the store and postoffice 372 miles from Win- chester, marks the place of Chambersville. Eight miles out, we come to Hayfield, a thriving and beautiful settlement at the foot of the Great North Mountain. On Back Creek, twelve miles from Winchester, following the same road, is found the village of Gore, made famous as the location of "Valley Home" a mountain resort for city folk, who enjoyed the hospitality of Mrs. S. S. Gore. A half century ago, this vicinity was dis- tinguished as Lockhart's Tavern, a noted hos- telry in the early part of the 19th Century. Of its founder, Genl. Lockhart, fuller notice will be given. Parishville, further West, on same road, at the eastern base of Big Timber Ridge, owes its origin and growth to Mr. Geo. W. Parish, the enterprising merchant, stock-dealer, etc.
The village of Mountain Falls to the South, near the eastern base of the Big North, has much local history. A central point, where good farms, good flouring mills, a Fuller's Mill-type of the first settler, now, like the spinning-wheel-stands silently watching progressive events. Lying out towards the mountain, can be found the remains of the once prosperous Taylor Furnace, started in the long ago by Genl. Zane and Maj. Bean. To Capt. A. J. McIlwee must be given the credit for much that is seen at the present village. His large distillery plant and up-to-date store, were successfully handled by him for years subsequent to the Civil War period. The former he aban- doned several years since, and the latter with its lucrative trade, has passed to his son-in-law Mr. S. B. Pifer. This is and has been a famous vot- ing place, now known as Russells Precinct. Away back in the last century, politicians spoke of it always as a Dumb Furtle; and around this pre- cinct many notable contests occurred. Then it was the tactics used by Col. Washington in his election, were adopted and worked for all that was in them. As time wore on, another village
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.