USA > Virginia > Frederick County > Frederick County > Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia. > Part 42
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was created several miles South. This has been known as Star Tannery. Near this point, which is on Upper Cedar Creek, the voting precinct of Dry Run was established; and the leading spirits of that vicinity soon threw down the gauntlet to the old Dumb Furtle chieftains, showing a disposition to divide honors with the old bosses, as to who should control Back Creek Magiste- rial District. The challenge was accepted; and from that day, the Cover mountain sides have been called upon to send their dwellers to the polls-their great Captain well equipped with munitions, and supported by stern mountain men, soon gained a reputation for well-fought battles, for victory often perched on his banner. A pleasant rivalry still exists, though the old Captain and his old hosts are only observers now of the younger set, as they keep up the ri- valry. Star Tannery, as may be supposed, de- rived its name from the largest tannery ever operated within the present limits of Frederick County. This enterprise grew rapidly under the skillful control of Mr. Thomas Cover, who, with his associates, found a dilapidated tan-yard there a few years subsequent to the War, and discovered its advantage of location, being in the center of the greatest chestnut-oak bark re- gion then known in these parts. The success of the new tannery was assured. The little vil- lage gradually arose, and for many years during the lifetime of the plant, was noted for its thrift and prosperity. A few years ago, the bark sup- ply was exhausted, and the beautiful little mount- ain village felt her days were numbered. The splendid institution finally closed its doors, but the citizens did not succumb; they rallied on the firm foundation made by their philanthro- pist and capitalist, and are maintaining the good name of "Star Tannery."
Following Cedar Creek in its Eastward course, we find on the North side, several miles away, the village of Marlboro, near the site of the famous Marlboro Iron Works, commonly called "Old Forge." Here Isaac Zane, the iron-found- er as he was called, manufactured many arti- cles useful in families, such as the old ten-plate stove, and plate castings for the large open fire place common in those days, a sample of which can be seen in the hall of the Sarah Zane Fire Company. That large plate once formed the siding to an old fire-place in "Homespun," the ancestral home of the Cartmell family, the home of Mathias Miller since 1854, near head of Opec- quon, and now the property of his nephew, Dr. A. D. Henkel. Mr. Miller, in changing the interior of the old stone house many years ago, removed the plate from one of the fire places, and later presented it to the Sarah Zane Com- pany. The mill, good country store, post-office,
a few good residences in close proximity to two churches, and it being the voting place Old Forge, the place is mentioned with some license as Marlboro.
Kernstown. This town should be treated dis- tinctively. It has been mentioned by magazine writers as a small town lying East of the Old Opecquon Presbyterian Church. It is mentioned in old court records as Hogue's Ordinary, being the place where William Hoge conducted his tavern, or ordinary. About the Revolutionary period it was mentioned as Karnsville, in refer- ence to opening a road. Later on it received its present name Kernstown. Several families of this name owned land comprising the site. This town was celebrated in early days as a tavern- stand. Two taverns were successfully conducted there for half a century or more. The old cov- ered wagons traveling the Valley Pike, which is its only street, made the place famous as their stopping place. The taverns did not always maintain the good reputation they once enjoyed. Many violations of the law, by the hilarious, were duly noticed by the old courts,-names of the offenders given and offense named. Owing to the too frequent occurrence of such disturb- ances, the tavern license was revoked; and from that period the town has been noted for its de- corum. Notwithstanding the large distillery started there by L. E. Savage, about thirty years ago, and conducted since his death by his son Joseph H. Savage, under whose skill and man- agement the great plant is not known to en- courage use of its products in the village, the passer-by fails to discover the objectionable fea- tures usually found around common distilleries. Three-fourths of a mile further South on the same road, is the Kernstown railroad station and postoffice. At this point also the village store is kept.
Berryville. This is one of the towns estab- lished many long years previous to the erection of Clarke County. It was then known as Battle- town, a name given it as the tradition goes, because of frequent altercations between boister- ous gangs who had imbibed too freely; and the story has it that Daniel Morgan deemed it his duty to quell all such, and frequently took a hand in the game. The future general soon won distinction ; and was regarded as the man to bull the bully. His fame went abroad, and more than once he was called upon to measure strength with some of the hardy toughs from the Ridge settlements. The Old County Court of Fred- erick examined into several of those battles. Daniel sometimes had the fines to pay. Later on the town was granted a charter Jany. 15, 1798, and incorporated and named Berryville
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for its founder Benjamin Berry. Twenty acres of land, the property of Benjamin Berry and Sarah Strebling, was taken. ' Clarke County was formed March 8, 1836; Berryville was chosen as the county seat, where the first court was held March 28th. The Justices who were ap- pointed by the Governor, were duly qualified to sit and hold the terms of the county court. They were John W. Page, Nathaniel Burwell, Francis McCormick, Frances B. Whiting, Ed- ward J. Smith, David Meade, James Wiggen- ton, Philip Smith, Geo. H. Norris, John Hay and Jacob Isler. John Hay was elected Clerk of the Court; John E. Page was chosen Com- monwealth's Attorney; George H. Norris was first Sheriff. Many members of the Winchester Bar were present and admitted to practice law. Order made to purchase lot and provide for erection of necessary public buildings. The lot chosen was owned by Geo. S. Lane. The court provided ample space for prison bounds-ten acres, and planned to embrace the Hotel of Treadwell Smith. This may appear significant to the no-license town of Berryville to-day. Da- vid H. McGuire succeeded John Hay as clerk in 1852, holding the office until 1865. Lewis F. Glass was elected, and held office for about four years, when his son George was appointed by the Military government. Served until 1870, when he was appointed by Judge White, who was the judge elected by the General Assembly un- der the new constitution. Major Saml. J. C. Moore was chosen Commonwealth's Attorney, and Robert P. Morgan sheriff. John E. Page succeeded Judge White in 1872, the latter having resigned. Judge R. A. Finnell elected in 1880; Judge Giles Cook, Jr., in 1886. The first circuit court was held July 30, 1836, Judge Richard E. Parker, presiding, Hugh Holmes Lee being Clerk. Since his retirement in 1852, the county clerk performed the duties of both courts. In 1875 Capt. John M. Gibson began his long term. as county clerk. He was succeeded Jany. I, 1906, by Mr. Samuel McCormick, Capt. Gibson becoming deputy. In January, 1882, the charter was amended-limits extended.
Berryville has always taken front rank in every effort to promote the interests of the growing town-her citizens are intelligent and ambitious. She has been well supplied with churches and schools, to afford proper culture and training. Grace Episcopal Church having received the special care of Bishops Meade, Wil- mer, Peterkin and Whittle. The Presbyterian, Baptist and M. E. Church South, are all attrac- tive places for worship. (See Church Sketches for fuller notices.) Three Colored Churches- Free Will Baptist, African M. E. Church and one other-
The public school system adopted by the State 1869-70, has received cordial support from the town and county. The public schools of Berry- ville soon offered unrestricted facilities to all classes. The Shenandoah University School, so ably conducted by Capt. Wm. A. McDonald for many years, offered a high course of edu- cation for young men, and was well patronized by them. Able and competent instructors con- tinued the school for many years. The Graded School Department of the Public Schools, su- perceded the private institution. The Shenan- doah Female Academy is in a prosperous con- dition. Several secret societies have good work- ing lodges in Berryville,-the Masons, Red Men and Good Templars being prominent.
The Bank of Clarke County was organized Jany. 22, 1881. With sufficient capital and good officers, it affords accommodation for the large business interests of the place. The Phoenix Carriage Works, established 1867, was success- fully conducted for many years by Mr. Geo. C. Thomas. The planing mill was once a feature of considerable interest for years. The firm of Ogden and Thomas had such successors as Wm. Baker, L. R. Dettra and others. The town was always noted for the old-time tavern, with such proprietors as Smith, Castleman, and others- all now virtually succeeded by a large, modern hotel, the Battletown Inn.
Berryville is an important shipping station on the Norfolk & Western Railroad, 40 miles South of Hagerstown, 60 miles N. W. from Washing- ton City, 10 miles East from Winchester.
Millwood was one of the old Colonial vil- lages, where the Burwell family owned fine es- tates. One of the oldest mills in that section was started by the family; though tradition gives Daniel Morgan credit for building the first, nothing can be found to sustain this. Evi- dence has been found that a mill was located at Burwell's Spring prior to 1760. The old war- rior was more given to riots at that period than to mill building. The churches of the village have received notice in other pages. The female seminary, conducted by representatives of old Clarke County families, has been prominent for years. Millwood has always been distinguished for its high-class society. Surrounded as it is by rich and influential land-barons, the Colonial homesteads are numerous, and will receive fuller notice under proper head.
The railroad village of Boyce, a short distance West on the N. & W. Railroad, has attracted a large volume of the business that Millwood once enjoyed. Boyce is the shipping point for this highly improved section; and the village presents a scene of activity. Several excellent stores, farm-implement ware houses, etc., attract the
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attention of every visitor. Mr. John Sprint, one of the old land-marks of that section, has entertained many distinguished visitors in his day, and more than once the author has enjoyed his fascinating reminiscences. The reader should visit this interesting character, and learn much more of the olden times of the far-famed little Clarke County before it becomes too late, Mr. Sprint being now an old man.
White Post. This little village derived its name from a post that Lord Fairfax erected during his sojourn at Greenway Court. Many of his Lordship's visitors were often confused con- cerning the roads through the virgin forests leading in the direction of his Court; and this guide-post was erected and painted white, with directions to plainly indicate the direct route. The post has been renewed several times by some persons who desired to perpetuate the idea of the old Baron. Its use as a guide-post was long since abandoned, except to point out the place of the straggling little village, where good residences, two churches and stores are found nestling in part of the yet virgin forest. White Post village is about 12 miles S. E. from Winchester.
(This closes notices of the towns found in that section of Frederick. We will return to other sections of the Old County, beginning with those of Jefferson.)
Harpers Ferry. This famous town was distin- guished in Legislative Acts from other villages on the Potomac, as the "Village at the Falls," and thus was styled "Shenandoah Falls, at Mr. Harper's Ferry." This continued until after the Revolutionary War, when the Potomac Improve- ment Company was chartered. As was well known, the Robert Harper Ferry was a point on the River, and was supposed to be above the Falls; and as the point affected by the Legis- lature was near the confluence of the two rivers, it was necessary to designate this point; and we find the name Sherando appears frequently. But the villagers adhered to their familiar name; and later on the town was incorporated as Har- persferry, March 24, 1851. It was of slow growth. The site was not inviting-the hillsides too steep to offer inducement to builders of homes, and the narrow low grounds uninviting because subject to overflow. When the U. S. Government selected the place for the manufac- ture of army muskets, owing to its natural water power, the General Assembly of Virginia granted permission for its location. 125 acres of land was purchased, and options on two other tracts obtained; and the work of erecting suitable equipments for an armory was started in 1796. During 1799-1800, the place was used as a camp
of instruction and drill for a body of troops concentrated there. On the table-land overlook- ing the armory, Genl. Pinckney established Camp Hill. The place has retained its name, and became a place of note during the Civil War. One of the officers of that Command, Capt. Henry (mentioned in another chapter) being a political enemy of Mr. Jefferson, was guilty of an act that connects his name with the place. The first superintendent of the Ar- mory was - Perkins. He was succeeded by Capt. James Stubblefield in 1810, and held the position many years. Succeeding him was John H. Hall, the inventor of a breech-loading gun. He was put in charge 1819. A Col. Dun succeeded him in 1830. He was killed by one of the artisans named Ebenezer Cox. The poor fel- low, from all accounts, was justified in the eyes of his friends, but the law made him pay the penalty. He was executed August 27, 1831. Genl. George Rust then became superintendent, and held the position until succeeded by Edward Lucan, in 1837. His successors were Maj. Craig, Maj. Syming- ton, Col. Huger and Maj. Bell. In 1854, the sys- tem of management was changed from the mili- tary rule to the Civil. Mr. Chas. J. Faulkner then in Congress from this District, secured the Act of Congress; when Henry W. Clowe, an expert mechanic, secured the position. Under his skill, the armory obtained its best results, until politics appeared and brought the appoint- ment of Alfred M. Barbour. His office was close by the property. Falling into the hands of Vir- ginia in 1861, the Arsenal was seized, and arms and machinery were removed South, under the management of Mr. Clowe, who proved himself useful to the Confederate Government Col. Clowe spent his years in Winchester, and died highly respected by his numerous friends. In 1869, the Government having abandoned the uses of an arsenal at this point, the property was sold to an unknown syndicate. Mills were to appear, but none came; and the property finally became absorbed by the B. & O. Railroad Company and private persons. All has given way to the pro- gressive age. John Brown's famous fort is marked by a shaft. The Railroad occupies the ground with improved tracks and station houses. A massive steel bridge spans the river far above high water-mark; and no longer does the rail- road suffer damage from floods that annually wrecked the old bridges. Harpers Ferry was a great sufferer by the War; but the waste places are no longer seen. Handsome churches and good residences, with good stores, produce an agreeable change. The Catholic, St. John's Epis- copal, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and two M. E. Churches have good congregations. The Storer College up on Old Camp Hill, for the education
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of negroes, has flourished for many years. It was endowed by two citizens of Maine, Storer and Cheney. This school is principally used to educate and prepare negroes as teachers in schools of the South, for their race. Congress granted the ground and such buildings located thereon, formerly used for government purposes.
The destructive floods at this place have been numerous and disheartening, resulting in loss of life and property. The citizens have always ral- lied, and in time rebuilded. From authentic sources, we give dates of some notable cases. One in 1804, again in 1815; one in 1837; while that of 1852 is well remembered for the sweep- ing away of mills, houses, bridges, railroad tracks and canal property. The Summer of 1870 wrought untold horrors. This was caused by a sudden rise in the Shenandoah. The loss from Harpers Ferry along the river, as far as Front Royal, in life and property, can never be fully estimated. This was repeated in 1889-caused by floods in both rivers. Persons who witnessed the havoc, mention it now with horror-stricken countenances. In recent years the destruction has not been so great. As will be seen in chap- ters relating to the Civil War, scenes were enacted there that have become renowned throughout the continent; and thousands of tourists visit the place to gaze upon historic spots, and never cease to admire the quaint little town and its wonderful environments. With this partial description, we pass to the other towns of Jefferson, not already mentioned.
Bolivar. This might properly be considered a suburb of Harpers Ferry, being about a mile distant from the river. It is an incorporated town, however, with less than 500 inhabitants ; and for this reason it was embraced in the former sketch, being part of Camp Hill.
Halltown is a small village on the road to Charlestown. The Virginia Paper Mills are located here.
Duffields Depot on the B. & O. main line, is six miles West from Harpers Ferry-Churches, stores, etc., good residences and enterprising citizens, make it a village worthy of note. Lee- town is noted for the remarkable spring of water found there, and as the home of Genl. Charles Lee, of whom more will be said. Kabletown, 7 miles South of Charlestown, is on the Bull- skin. While it is surrounded by some of the most productive farms in the County, it has made but little growth since Daniel Kable found- ed it in the 18th Century. Rippon is about six miles from Charlestown. This, too, is a small village, situated on the Bullskin. The Episco- palians and Presbyterians have good churches there. Summit Point is on the Winchester &
Potomac Railroad, five miles South of Charles- town. This is a growing village.
Middleway-(Smithfield). This town has quite an interesting history. Some confusion exists as to its name. It is better known as Smithfield to many persons, and to many others as Wizard Clip. It was laid out by its founder, John Smith, in 1794. Previous to this, the quaint little village, located in a rich section of country, attracted many settlers from other sections. And now came the beginning of trouble to some of its citizens. One of the newcomers was Adam Livingston, who purchased desirable property in the vicinity of this village, and established his home there a few years before the town was laid out as Smithfield. The notice given this man and an incident in his life, by several writers, gives the impression that the quiet villagers were much disturbed at the occurrences, which savored strongly of witchcraft. We give the story for what it is worth, showing that even at that time, the old superstitions were not entirely extinct. Livingston is reputed to have been an exemplary protestant, and a man of strong mental charac- ter; but had a few grains of prejudice towards the Romish Church; and none were surprised when he refused shelter to a stranger after dis- covering that he was a Catholic. No induce- ment by reason of sickness of the belated stran- ger, could remove the prejudice; and under pro- test he took him in only for the night. The sick stranger, being conscious of his extreme con- dition, requested the services of a priest. Liv- ingston was horrified at the thought of his house being converted so suddenly into a confessional. So he informed the dying man that there was no Catholic priest to be had-none in his region; and besides, no priest could cross his threshold. No importunities offered by the faithful Roman- ist could move the bigoted Protestant; and amid such gloom, the unshriven soul of the stranger was launched into the great Beyond. The dead stranger was released from his earthly woes, while his host was left to encounter the woes that resulted in the destruction of his earthly home, and perhaps weakened his faith relating to his future. Strange scenes are chronicled, as they appeared to some who were keeping watch over the bier. Flickering and dis- appearing lights, mysterious footsteps and mourn- ful noises, awakened emotions that could not be suppressed, and the watchers had all their super- stitions aroused. Each succeeding night brought new wonders-the steady tramp of horses around the house; the furniture displaced by unseen hands, warnings from strange voices, soon affect- ed the stalwart Livingston; but he firmly held out in his denunciation of all evil spirits. When the strange visitors, however, introduced their
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clipping programme, the old Englishman weak- ened when he beheld the destruction to his clothing and bedding, all in ribbons, the tails of his animals clipped, and nameless other woes. Other persons suffered similar losses, until, driven to despair, he was apprised of a mode of relief, revealed to him in a dream: He must seek help from one who could stay the mysterious work of the spirits. He called on Father Cahill, a Catholic priest who was then at Shepherds- town. The priest was a willing listener; and proceeded at once to the scene of all this woe; and by faithful prayers and free use of holy water, the wizard was appeased and driven out of Smithfield, as good St. Patrick once drove the snakes out of Ireland. Then it was the new name appeared; and from that day, it was known as the Wizard's Clip, abbreviated sometimes to Clip; but the generations as they came and went, heard the story; and the present genera- tion shows a few who wag the head when the subject is mentioned, and relate much more than the writer has given concerning this story of the last appearances of wizards in the Lower Valley. The writer has seen extended notices carefully prepared by intelligent Catholics, who credit the work of Father Dennis Cahill.
The present thriving and beautiful town is well supplied with churches, schools and mer- cantile wares, and is noted for its sociability.
Jefferson has other villages well founded and deserving of special mention, if space permitted; but several towns in the two old counties of Shenandoah and Hampshire should have place among the towns of Old Frederick.
Three places in Hampshire may be mentioned. Taking Bloomery at the North end of the County, we find a straggling village now. The writer remembers the place as one of activity, with its flour mill, woolen mill, and an iron furnace famous for its pig iron, operated by the Pancoast family, who only closed down about 1856. One of the largest stores in the country was to be found there. A large landed estate was owned and operated on an extensive scale by the Genl. Sherrard family. Bloomery is mentioned in early records; was the scene of battle during the Civil War, between the old militia and U. S. Troops. It is on the old North Frederick and Hampshire Turnpike, about 30 miles N. W. from Winchester.
Capon Bridge is a village on Big Capon, 19 miles from Winchester, where the Northwestern Turnpike crosses this stream over an iron bridge. For many years the old covered wooden bridge was a distinguishing feature in all that section. About twenty years ago, a tannery was started on the West side of the river by Mr. Zepp, passing from him to Thomas Cover & Son, who
enlarged it considerably and derived much profit from the investment. Ownership changed again, when Cover, Drayton & Leonard operated it, until, with other tanning interests owned by them, it was sold to the American Leather Trust, at fabulous prices. The town is growing, with several large stores, good hotel, kept for many years by the John Smith family; shops, etc., which give the place an air of exceeding pros- perity.
Watson Town Capon Springs.
This place is so well located and so popular as a mountain resort, that it needs no notice here. In former chapters, it is mentioned for its location. It was chartered in 1787, as Watson Town, and trustees were appointed to protect the property and collect a tax from visitors, to aid in the improvement of the place. A lottery scheme was authorized by the Act of Assembly, 1830, to secure funds to make a road from the Springs to a point on the East side of the Big Mountain. This was accomplished in time; and for years a good mountain road has offered easy access from the Valley on the East. Capon Springs is 22 miles S. West from Winchester. In addition to the hotels and cottages, there is a Union Church, large store, post-office, etc. In the Act of 1830, the name of Capon Springs Baths first appears, as being in the town of Watson. Skipping over the mountains to the Southward, we will briefly notice several towns in Shenandoah that have not received special mention.
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