USA > Virginia > Frederick County > Frederick County > Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia. > Part 50
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gation of such claims proved that the Gordons held the same views entertained by the Morgan and Sheperd immigrants at their settlements near the Packhorse Ford. The Gordons lost, for the Tomahawk right did not apply to the Valley Section. Their old log houses remained, however, as landmarks for many years after Snapp acquired the property. Then Nash Gor- don purchased land adjoining the Glebe, near where Joseph E. Funkhouser lived for many years, and finally absorbed by the Sexsmith tract, known for many years as the Hollingsworth Farms.
Winter Hill, the large brick house now oc- cupied by N. B. Clagett's family, standing near the Cedar Creek Grade, was erected about 1811 by Capt. Charles Brent, who owned a large tract of land extending towards the Creek. This was the home of his large family during the first half of the 19th Century. His widow survived him for many years. She and one single daugh- ter were the last of the immediate family to hold the property. Henry M. Brent, cashier of the Old Valley Bank, a son of Capt. Brent, became the owner at the death of his widowed mother. Later on his son Edwin S. Brent became the owner until his removal to his present residence near the Big Spring. Casper Rinker Esq. hav- ing purchased Winter Hill, lived there until his death, and there his widow resided until her death a few years ago. The property was de- vised by Mr. Rinker to his daughter Mrs. Anne Clagett, subject to her mother's dower. Mr. Clagett took charge of the large farm during Mrs. Rinker's life, and successfully conducted its many interests.
Leaving Winter Hill, going South, we come to the well-known locality "Old Forge," "Marl- boro," or "Cedar Creek" as it is variously called. The principal attraction nature presents is the "Big Spring," gushing out great volumes of cold water from the many prominent limestone ledg- es of enormous proportions. Casting a glance over the wild, romantic surroundings, the be- holder is apt to feel that there can be nothing here but a rock-ribbed surface resisting all ef- forts of cultivation. Soon, however, the eye falls upon the many comfortable homes compris- ing the scattered village of Old Forge. In ap- proaching this point from Winter Hill, we pass near by the once hospitable home of Mr. Elijah Shull, where he and his happy family dispensed old Virginia hospitality long before the Civil War. His daughter, Mrs. Dr. Cherry, became the fortunate possessor of the homestead in the partition of the estate. One of her nephews, Elijah Shull, is the village merchant. A short distance South from the Spring, can be seen the
remains of the once celebrated Marlboro Iron Works, commonly called The Forge,-a term ap- plied when Isaac Zane the owner, undertook to utilize the product of his smelting-furnace in the manufacture of stoves, and also small cannon for the army in 1777. We have very reliable traditionary history to establish this claim. Pre- vious to this, "Stephen Fort" stood near the site of the iron works. The large stone mansion standing on the roadside about one-fourth mile North, now the property of Briscoe C. Shull and family, formerly the home of Eben T. Hancock, was built by Philip Swann in 1850, where he lived with his large family until it passed to Mr. Hancock. The mill on the Creek nearby, is an important feature of Old Forge, occupy- ing the site of one of the first mills in the coun- try, once known as Froman and Hites. Prior to 1755, Indians in their raids, annoyed the own- ers by taking corn-meal. Prior to the Civil War it became the property of Henry Wisecarver Sr. Passing from his family, Mr. Geisleman pur- chased it, and used it in connection with his large distillery. Mr. Dorsey Brill, the present owner, has wrought a revolution by using all modern mill appliances, resulting in satisfactory profits far beyond his expectations.
Spring Hill the home of Edwin S. Brent and wife, with its large lawn extending to the wall of "Big Spring," is rich in historic incidents of the 19th Century, including the Civil War and Reconstruction periods. Of the latter, fuller no- tice will be given in family sketches.
Capt. Chas. Brent was its founder. Passing from him to Capt. R. M. Sydnor his son-in-law, in 1826, when from that time it was popularly known as "Captain Sydnors;" his office as com- missioner of revenue bringing him into constant intercourse with people in every section, made his home familiar to all tax-payers and to the large family connection and numerous friends who gathered there to enjoy the well-known hos- pitality of Spring Hill-before the family circle was broken, or the war-clouds had lowered over this peaceful hamlet. The old residence has un- dergone many desirable changes since Mr. E. S. Brent's grandfather laid the foundation. The major part of the old structure remains. The writer, in the sketch of Cedar Creek Church, has given brief mention of the grounds, etc.
Want of space forbids further notice, not only of the old place, but of several others belong- ing to the early part of the 19th Century, that have been pointed out between Cedar Creek and Opecquon.
In sketch of Paul Froman and family, it will be seen that the property occupied by J. H. Cleaver-for many years the home of Dr. Hite
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Baldwin-was an important point in the Colo- nial period. In sketch of the Snapp family, it will be shown where the pioneer settled.
Greenfield, now known as the Greenfield Farm of Mr. Thos. N. Lupton, is entitled to special mention. In the partition of the old Cartmell grant between the sons, this tract embraced about 600 acres, and was assigned to Thomas Cartmell about 1770 by his father Nathaniel in his life- time, where he raised a large family and died in 1808. The widow and several unmarried chil- dren remained there until Sept., 1811, when the farm was sold. John Lupton a son-in-law, pur- chased 26 acres of the North end at 219 pounds and 14 shillings; and Isaac Hite of Belle Grove purchased 400 acres, including the old residence, and paid $25 per acre. From this place went the Cartmells who settled in Kentucky and Ohio. John Lupton acquired the whole tract later on and raised his first set of children there-John, Nathaniel and a daughter. After his death, the property was sold in 1835 under decree of court, when Jonah Lupton the father of the pres- ent owner, became the purchaser. There he lived for several years prior to his death. During that period, Thos. N. Lupton built an addition to the old Colonial building, the former occupied by his father and the old building as his own residence until about 1855.
The Cartmell family set apart a small plot of ground due West from the homestead, for a family burial-ground. There Thomas the found- er, his wife, and several unmarried children lie in unmarked graves, as well as quite a number from the neighboring families. The place was crowded when the writer saw the last interment there, a Mrs. Wright, in 1850. Since then it has been abandoned, and for many years has noth- ing to mark the sacred place but a clump of trees standing in an open field, that sometimes reminds the ploughman that the place repre- sents something of the past; and he leaves it, doubtless with some wonder as to what it means. Formerly the old graveyard was enclosed with a durable fence, but for the last fifty years, all has gone. In sketches of the Cartmell family, "Greenfield" branch will more fully appear. Lest there be some confusion, the writer will state here that Mr. Jonah Lupton spent nearly all his life at Rock Harbor, now the property of Rev. Dr. Jonah Lupton, to whom he gave this farm when he removed to Greenfield.
Retirement, the home of Mr. John Wesley Lar- rick, was founded by Nathaniel Cartmell in 1769. This was part of the old Cartmell grant. He acquired title for 200 acres from his father Na- thaniel of "Homespun." The tract adjoined Green-
field on the South and East. Nathaniel Jr. sub- sequently purchased other tracts, enlarging the boundaries to embrace about 1200 acres at one time. This was reduced, however, to about 600 acres prior to 1820. Since then, no transfers oc- curred. The writer's father, M. B. Cartmell, be- ing the only child, inherited the estate at his father's death, and there reared his large fam- ily. The devastation of the War 1861-65, denud- ed it of many natural attractions, as well as all fencing and some out-buildings. Changed con- ditions induced the family to part with the old homestead. Mr. Abram Polhamus of Pennsyl- vania, purchased the entire estate in 1868, where he and his large family lived for upwards of twenty years. When his estate was closed, Mr. Larrick became the owner. During his incum- bency, the once famous estate has been restored to its former beauty. Under Mr. Larrick's good management and successful operation, the pris- tine features have been eclipsed. Large and at- tractive additions to the Colonial building in- crease the charm of Retirement; and travelers over the Northwestern Turnpike have a full view of this magnificent estate. The mansion-house, surrounded by the vast acreage of well-tilled lands, with several fruit orchards laden with blossoms in Spring-time and luscious fruit in Summer and Autumn,-produces a picture grate- ful to the only survivor of the Cartmell genera- tions who enjoyed the homestead for more than a century. And in this connection, he is pleased to state that in all the renovation, the Colonial structure was not demolished. Mr. Larrick is to be congratulated for preserving the walls and other features that point to days of the 18th Century. The property has many natural ad- vantages: Sheltered from Western storms by the brow of Little North Mountain, the numer- ous springs of good water-flowing rivulets that find their way through the large tract from ev- ery direction, and the "Cluster Springs" near the mansion house-ever ready in themselves to cheer the thirsty ones of bygone days-the old stone dairy built before the Revolutionary War, give out tender memories. It is hoped this land- mark will remain, and that maybe some pilgrim will come and revive some incidents of the shad- owy past.
During the writer's life, old Retirement was known for its unlimited hospitality and happy family circle. These conditions changed after the soldier's bier rested in her halls. Sadness and gloom would creep in! Out towards the great highway is seen a memorable spot that was considered as part of the life of the old family. There is the Family Graveyard, founded before the old brick church was erected. Just
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to the North of this plot, is the site of the old School-House, which afforded ample opportun- ity to the youth of the neighborhood for many years. The old building was razed during the Civil War, and every vestige of it carried to the camps of Genl. Custer's Cavalry Command during the Winter of 1864-5, then in winter quar- ters in the vicinity of Dr. Jno. S. Lupton's resi- dence on the Northwestern Turnpike. The old foundation can only be traced by a very few,- the writer being one. Few are the survivors of the school-day life at Old Round Hill. The old masters have long since passed to the Be- yond; and memory of the birch-rod and rigid discipline has grown dim! The Presbyterian Church standing nearby the places just men- tioned, and the old grove of oaks, received at- tention in the Church Sketches, and those of the Civil War. The School-house lot embraced one-half acre, conveyed to trustees Jany. 24, 1835, by M. B. Cartmell and wife. No consid- eration, except that the ground be used for no other purpose than for school purposes, and that the grantor reserved all trees standing on the lot. The deed for the Church lot of 14 acre was executed Aug. 22, 1845, by same parties, and work on the church building started promptly; and in the Autumn of 1846, the large brick build- ing now seen was dedicated. The family grave- yard was dedicated October 19, 1833, when Wm. C. Cartmell, infant son of M. B. and Eliza Cart- mell was placed in the first grave. The next interment was that of Ann Eliza, another in- fant from Retirement, May 14, 1846. The next was a grandsire, Wm. Campbell, April, 1838.
In December, 1863, Capt. M. B. Cartmell was the next from Retirement to be interred here. This gallant young soldier had been killed in battle Dec. 17th, and carried from the field by his faithful com- rades to the East bank of the Shenandoah at Berrys Ferry, and thence borne to his old home by the writer and his brother N. M. Cartmell, where a few friends had gathered to await the arrival near the midnight hour. The next day, Dec. 22nd, solemn services were held, undisturb- ed, at the Old Church and graveyard, though the country near Winchester was within the lines of the Federal army. The family circle-now
so rudely broken-yielded to increasing trials, and one by one were laid away in the sacred spot. Modest marble slabs show their resting places. The other mounds in this plot will re- ceive notice in Personal Sketches of the fami- lies represented here.
Aspen Shade, the home of Perry C. Gore dur- ing the latter part of his life, was founded by William Campbell about the close of the 18th Century. About that time he built the stone house as an addition to the wooden building still standing, but added to by Mr. Gore and family. The writer's mother was born in the stone house May 8, 1805. The location was chosen by its founder because it resembled his old home in County Derry, Ireland, where the landscape was similar. The Round Top and Smoky Mount in Derry had their counterpart in old Round Hill and Little North Mountain. The young Irish- man brought with him sufficient means to pur- chase his home; and his energy and intelligence soon made him a conspicuous figure as a pros- perous business man, becoming the owner of several good farms, and leaving a valuable estate at his death in 1838, consisting of several fami- lies of negroes and other property. This landed estate was parceled out between his sons, his widow and youngest son James Harrison Camp- bell taking this homestead, where they spent their lives. During that period, the old homestead was a great gathering place for the large connection. Many grandchildren enjoyed the warm hospital- ity of "Ole Mistus," as the young negroes called the grandmother. After her decease, the Uncle endeavored to maintain the reputation of the old place; his early death and the Civil War wrought serious changes, but the estate has nev- er passed out of the family. Mr. Gore married Laura C., the oldest daughter of James H. Camp- bell. She inherited the property after the death of her mother Elizabeth C. Campbell. After Mr. Gore's death Jany. 19, 1904, the widow and her two children Thomas Walter and Lena C., re- moved to Winchester, where the mother died June 26, 1905, thus leaving two of the great- great-grandchildren of William Campbell the founder, owners of the homestead.
CHAPTER LII
Homesteads and Biographical Notices
Walnut Grove (so called in 1804) is now the property of Jno. S. Lupton, who purchased it from his father-in-law Mr. Patrick Smith, who was son-in-law of the founder Joshua Lupton, who died about 1845 at the age of eighty-six. Tradition, however, gives this place an interest- ing antiquity: That the founder was Joshua's father, John Lupton, who settled the place in 1750, and that he was on friendly terms with the Indians who frequently visited his fine spring, and never molested him during all the Indian massacres. Be this as it may, Joshua spent his entire life at this place, and had the credit of being the builder of the stone house which was an addition to the Colonial log house that was in good repair in 1880. The present owner re- moved the old log building and erected on its site the handsome stone addition with bow win- dows. John the father of Joshua, lived on this tract which he acquired in 1754. His mansion- house that is mentioned in his will, was situated near a spring "on the edge of a meadow" just Northeast from the present barn. The old house has long since disappeared. It was pointed out to the writer as one of the old land-marks. The will disposed of a large tract of land; Joshua falling heir to the homestead in 1805, which em- braced nearly 600 acres, upon which he then re- sided with his family. In 1845, Joshua by his will, divided his estate between his three chil- dren, Amos taking the stone house and 259 acres, John (familiarly known as Quaker John) tak- ing the tract of 143 acres where he resided dur- ing his long life, N. W. from the homestead; the daughter Sarah, wife of Patrick Smith, tak- ing 176 acres to the Southeast. Mr. Smith was then living on the Cloverdale farm, but removed to their own place and there lived until he ac- quired the home tract after the death of Amos Lupton. The latter, in his incumbency of the home place, erected a large barn West of his residence, and entered largely into the production of silk. His many mulberry trees, cocoons and silk-worms, were the wonder of the neighbor- hood for many years after his untimely death. He was survived by his wife and four young children, viz: Mary Janney, afterwards the wife of Thos. N. Lupton, Joshua, Nathan and Henry. The sons when young men found homes in Ohio.
We are not sufficiently informed to give details of their families. Thomas N and his wife Mary Janney had two children, Jonah and Alice. Jonah died when a child; Alice married Rev. W. H. Woods, D.D., and is the mother of the follow- ing children: Leslie, Mary and Joseph.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith reared an interesting family of five daughters on the old homestead : One daughter Margaret married Dr. Jno. S. Lup- ton the present owner. She has been dead for sev- eral years. They had four sons; only two sur- vive: Lucien S., and Edward Lupton. Lucien S. represented this District in the Virginia State Senate two terms. Dr. John S. the father is a confirmed invalid at this writing, about 79 years old. Lydia the second daughter married H. R. Lupton. Both died several years since. Two children survive, Harry and Nellie. Both live in Winchester. Harry is married. Mr. Smith after the marriage of his two daughters and the death of his wife, changed his residence in 1861, to the home opposite the Cumberland Valley R. Rd. station, where his two lovely daughters Sarah and Mary died with dyphtheria shortly thereafter. Mr. Smith soon followed, and the other daughter Elizabeth married Jno. W. Brown. Both died many years ago, leaving no children. In this connection, we may properly extend a sketch of this branch of the Lupton family. The name has been so numerous in the County, that much difficulty meets the enquirer. The most reliable information gathered, places the family name in the Valley about 1743. Joseph Lupton coming from Pennsylvania, secured what has been termed a minor grant for a large tract of land West of the Village of Winchester, and then brought his wife and eight children and settled near the homestead before mentioned; and from this family has sprung all the Luptons found in the Lower Valley. A brother of Joseph settled on Capon River a few years later. Joseph had a son John, who was the founder of the branch we have already mentioned, married Sarah Frost. By this marriage he had seven children. We have already mentioned his son Joshua, who married Lydia Reese. John the son of Joshua married Margaret Smith sister of Patrick. They had the following children : Joshua S., John R., Margaret B. and Thomas. All are now deceased
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except Thomas; he owns the father's homestead. The three sons were faithful soldiers, members of the 39th Batt., scouts, guides and couriers at Genl. Lee's headquarters. Only one of the family married; this was Joshua S., who married Margaret daughter of Genl. Josiah Lockhart. She died many years ago, leaving three children : Ida, married James Cather, no children; John E., married Mamie daughter of M. Harvey Albin. They have one child Bessie. Charles married a sister of John's wife.
Having briefly mentioned all of Joshua's branch, we will take next his full brother John Lupton, who married Elizabeth daughter of Thomas Cartmell, as already shown in notes on Greenfield Farm, and where he lived. By this marriage were John, Nathaniel C. and one daughter.
John lived on the hill near the Round Hill Presbyterian Church; married Rebecca daughter of Wm. Campbell. They had six sons. Only one member of this family is living to-day : Wm. M. the oldest was a successful physician; mar- ried Josephine Kerfoot-both long since dead. Three children survive: Madge, William and Ker- foot; 2nd, Hal. R., married Lydia Smith, both dead; two children survive, Nelly and Harry. 3rd, John C., died in Richmond Hospital during Civil War, buried in R. H. Graveyard. He was member of 39th Batt. at Genl. Lee's headquarters. 4th, Nat C., died from heart trouble about 1863. 5th, J. Frank, married Emily Shull and moved to Missouri. She died leaving one son. Her husband was a member of the 39th Batt .- has been an inmate of the Confederate Veteran Home in Mo. 5th, Robert M., died several years ago.
Nathaniel C. Lupton married Elizabeth Hodg- son. They lived and died at their home on the Northwest Turnpike about two miles from Win- chester. They had eight children, all dead: Ist Rebecca A., married and died childless; 2nd, Abner W., died when about 30 years of age; 3d, Samuel R., practiced his profession in Rom- ney and died there many years since. Two children survive him, Fred and Mrs. Kate Shaffer. 4th, Elizabeth C., married Jas. H. Camp- bell; two grandchildren survive, Thos. W. and Lena Gore. 5th, Nathaniel C., married Ella Allamong; both died several years ago leaving two children. 6th, Dr. Frank, married Louise Blue-both dead. John of Greenfield Farm was married three times. After the death of his first wife (Miss Cartmell) his second wife, Miss Williams, was the mother of Joshua, William and Marinda. Joshua married Mary Hodgson. Marinda married Thomas Morrison. They left four children, Silas, Mick, Snowden and a sis- ter, who married Henry C. Glaize. The three
sons married three sisters daughters of Martin Snapp. 2nd : William son of John, married Miss Snapp; both dead many years ago; two sons survive them : John and Joseph. Both were good soldiers in the 39th Batt. at Genl. Lee's head- quarters. John married; left one William Lup- ton surviving him. Joseph is a highly-respected citizen of Winchester. The third wife of John was Mary Williams. She was the mother of two sons and three daughters, none of whom married; and only one, Thomas, is living; he is about 80 years old. John the father of Joshua and John, mentioned above, after the death of his first wife Sarah Frost, married Mrs. Ann Rees. By this marriage they had two children Elizabeth and Jonah. Elizabeth married Joseph Carter and lived North of Winchester; they had three children: Jonah, married Miss Smith, sis- ter of Patrick Smith. It will be understood that Jonah was the half-brother of Joshua and John, and lived at his home Rock Harbor. Children of Jonah and Mary .(Smith) Lupton were (1) Margaret A., (2) Sarah J., (3) Thomas Neil, (4) Mary, (5) John S., (6) Millicent, and (7) Jonah W., Thomas N. and John S. have been mentioned in this connection. Margaret A. mar- ried Clark Cather. Their home West of Win- chester is now owned by their son James Cather. The latter married Ida Lupton as previously stated. Next son Jonah married Fanny Cather. They have several children, John, Howard and Russell. Annie, married Jno. W. Lupton son of Nathaniel C. Lupton; Betty married James W. Whetzel; they have several children. Clark married twice-two sisters, daughters of David Shaull. One son by first marriage, David, is a surgeon in the U. S. Navy. Harry his other son is home. William Cather a brother of James died recently. Sarah Cather married Mr. Leather- man; live in Winchester, and have two sons and one daughter. Another brother Howard died several years ago. Sarah J. and Mary, daughters of Jonah and Mary A. Lupton, married two brothers, J. Richard, and John H. Simpson, of Loudoun County. Children of Sarah J .- Jonah L., Blanche, Jno. S., Emily, and Sarah wife of Dr. Jennings of N. Y .; Margaret married J. Wesley Larrick. They live at Retirement, where they have raised a large family. Children of Mary: Jonah, Lucy, Julia Henley, and Floyd. Millicent, the fourth daughter, married J. How- ard Cather son of James Cather-both long since dead; no children. Jonah W. the youngest child, married Julia R. daughter of Rev. John McClus- key, D.D., of Penn. He is familiarly known as Rev. Jonah Lupton, D.D., a Presbyterian Min- ister. His first service was rendered to the Old Round Hill Church during the closing period
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of the Civil War and Reconstruction years, also assisting Rev. A. A. H. Boyd, D.D., in the Lou- doun Street Church; next a long term at Lees- burg; then at Clarkesville; then returned to Leesburg, and now, having retired from active work, resides in Winchester with his second wife who was Mrs. Lottie Eichelberger. Dr. Lupton with his highly-esteemed wife Julia, spent several years of their early-married life at Rock Harbor the home mentioned in connection with Greenfield Farm. There several of their chil- dren were born. Children of Rev. Jonah W. and Julia Lupton: (1) Mary Hall now the wife of Rev. J. T. Cannon, D.D., Pastor of Grand Ave. Pres. Church, St. Louis, Mo. They have three children, Julia, now the wife of James Smith of Ill. (the mother of Elizabeth) and John and Mary. (2) Wm. Bailey, married Mary Hender- son of Tenn., and live at Franklin. (3) Carrie L. now the wife of Rev. Walter L. Caldwell, pastor of 3rd Presbyterian Church, Memphis, Tenn .; have one child Paul. (4) James S. mar- ried Imogene Smith of Clarksville, Tenn. (5) Henry McC., married Emma Higgins; live in Clarksville, Tenn; have one son Henry 12 years old. (6) Stuart K., unmarried; in Consular Ser- vice in Chile. (7) Millicent L., now the wife of Rev. C. T. Caldwell, D.D., pastor of Ist Presby- terian Church, Waco., Texas. (8) Julia L., died at the age of 25 years. (9) Lydia McC., at the age of 5, and John McCluskey at the age of 3.
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