Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia., Part 52

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

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stantial brick residence East of the Pike now owned by R. M. Henry. After Mr. Hahn's death, the mill and old house property on the hill became the share of Robert Hahn; and, by some misunderstanding with two purchasers, R. M. Henry and Saml. M. Chiles, the old "Mill- town Mills" was worn to a frazzle in our courts, so far as Robert was concerned. Mr. Chiles prevailed finally, and is now the owner of the historic mill site. The brick house on East side of the Pike was Mr. Hahn's residence during his latter years. Festus Hahn was miller at this mill during the Civil War; and often told the writer his experiences and observations of the movements of both armies passing this place, and of several severe engagements in the old mill yard between cavalry scouting parties. Mr. Hahn amassed a snug little fortune subsequent to the war, when milling was profitable. The ! large brick mansion, just South of the mill, now the home of Mrs. Annie Hack and daughter, was the residence of Isaac Hollingsworth, and was built by him long before he built the stone mill. He operated the old Parkins mill, which stood closer to the mill dam; his widow and son Isaac surviving him many years. The son mar- ried Aleinda Gibson, of Clarke; and there at Wil- low Lawn reared their family. Mrs. Hollings- worth and her family removed to Cumberland af- ter they sold the property to Andrew Hack, of Baltimore. Isaac, Jr., in his lifetime, gave the old homestead a reputation for Virginia hospitality; and his accomplished wife was fitted for any of its demands. Willow Lawn during the incumbency of its present owners, has had many attractions added; and their guests' enjoyment while under its roof-tree, affords pleasure to the mother and daughter, who know so well how to bring out all the charms of their typical Virginia home. Isaac Hollingsworth, son of Zebidae and Lydia Allen, born Nov. 6, 1771; died Nov. 24, 1842. He married (first) Hannah Parkins, Jany. 10, 1799. She was born 1781, died 1824. Their chil- dren were: Eliza, born 1800; died 1860-married Alfred Parkins March 14, 1820.

(2) Joseph P., born 1802; died 1870; married (first) Louise Holliday, 1823; second wife Ann E. Osborne, 1856.

(3) Eleanor, married David Hollingsworth 1833; died 1846.

'(4) John, born 1807; died 1860; married Dor- athea Ayres.

(5) Mary P., born 1809; married Aaron H. Griffith.

(6) William, married Caroline Tuck; died 1878.

(7) Lydia Ann, married James Richards in 1835; died 1845.

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(8) Isaac Milton, is mentioned elsewhere.

(9) Cyrus, died 1860-no issue. Charles, Hen-

ry C. and Alexander, unmarried, and long since deceased.

Isaac Hollingsworth had two sons by a for- mer marriage; one Joseph, who lived on his farm near the Glebe lands mentioned. He mar- ried, and by said marriage had a daughter and son. Harriet was adopted by Mrs. Isaac Hol- lingsworth, Sr. She married twice,-first, Mr. Sowers, second, Mr. Culler. Joseph married a second wife. She and her two daughters sur- vive him and resided in the large stone dwelling on South Main Street, Winchester. James the son married Miss Gibbons, of Dayton, Ohio.

Isaac Milton, the other son, married Mary Pritchard, and lived for many years near his father, as fully shown in sketch of the Cartmell family.

Isaac Hollingsworth married a second wife, Harriet Holliday in 1828. She died May, 1873. She had one son Isaac, born 1831; died 1873; married Alcinda Gibson, as shown elsewhere- six children by this marriage, viz: Hattie, Gib- son, Boyd, Ida, Delia and Holliday. Hattie mar- ried Glisson Porter, 1877; Gibson married Chloe Birch, 1880; Boyd married G. Lemley.

The writer has on his table a genealogical memoranda of the Hollingsworth family prepared especially for family use, that is remarkable for its systematic plan: and the traditions of the family are adhered to,-that the son of Valen- tine Hollingsworth the emigrant, who settled in Pennsylvania, and who first appeared in Freder- ick County, Va., was Thomas; and that he died near Winchester in 1732 or 1733. This is only given as family tradition. No record evidence appears of this. The location of the mill just described, is mentioned in other pages of this volume as being on Abrams Creek. A short dis- tance below stood what was commonly called the Nathan Parkins Mill. Nathan was the young- est son of the Isaac who founded the mill men- tioned. His home, now occupied by Geo. W. Hillyard, is one of the oldest buildings to be found South of Winchester-certainly the old stone part. Mr. Parkins was an honorable and upright man; and attained an old age, leaving two children surviving him, Jany. 5, 1830: John Henry, died in Augusta County, Dec. 26, 1901; left eight grown children, seven of whom are now living, as follows: (Children of John Hen- ry Parkins and Ella Moorman his wife.)

(1) Nathan Parkins, farmer and lawyer, Staun- ton, Va.

(2) Thomas M. Parkins, physician, Staunton, Va.

(3) Rosabelle, wife of Ernest Keesel, of Rich-

mond, Va. They have one child, Thomas, born Aug. 10, 1905.

(4) C. V. Parkins, Fort Defiance, Va.

(5) Mary E. Parkins.

(6) Roberta Parkins.

The two daughters live with their mother near "Willow Spout" farm, the home of their father at his death.

(7) John H. Parkins, Jr., Chemist with Comr. of Agri., Richmond, Va.

The Nathan Parkins Mill was destroyed by Genl. Hunter during the Civil War; rebuilt by Jacob Keckley 1872-3, with turbine wheel power. This failed, and system changed to present style.

Thomas T. T. Fauntleroy lived in the old Par- kins house for a number of years. There he and his happy family enjoyed the many advan- tages of the old homestead until his elevation to the Bench of the Court of Appeals of Virginia.

On the Opecquon Creek, several miles below, was the home of Alfred Parkins, known as "Par- kins Mill," though the homestead name has always been Frederick Hall, where he reared a large family. All are now dead except Milton, who married a sister of the late Capt. Van Fos- sen. Had only one daughter, who married Free- man Birthright, living in Washington.

One of his sons, Rev. Alexander, died from wounds received in Battle of Bull Run. He was a brave Confederate soldier. A daughter Caro- line, married David J. Miller, long since dead. A son, Parkins Miller, lives in St. Joseph, Mo., with a large family.

Second daughter Maria, married Capt. J. Har- vey Bitzer, who organized a company of scouts for Genl. Jackson, but was disbanded before see- ing much service. The writer knew Capt. Bit- zer well. He and his wife died many years ago. Their young family struggled with broken for- tunes for several years. At this writing, how- ever, the surviving children are well-to-do. Rev. Geo. L. Bitzer. pastor of Presbyterian Church, Corsicana, Texas; Dr. J. Harvey Bitzer, a den- tal surgeon, in Alexandria. The former married Miss Ralston, and after by second wife had three children. Dr. J. H., married Miss Turner, and has two sons and one daughter. The two daugh- ters of Capt. Bitzer, the Misses Annie F. and Eliza P. never married; live at Tacoma Park. The latter conducts a profitable stenographic business in Washington City.

One son, J. William Parkins, lived and oper- ated the Parkins Mill for many years, ending his upright life near the old place not many years since. He had two daughters and one son: Maggie was the first wife of Jno. M. Sil- ver; died several years ago; the other, Carrie B., is the wife of Jesse R. Bailey, 1880, who

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HOMESTEADS AND BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES

purchased the old mill property-all of which is so changed that the passer-by could scarcely real- ize that the writer remembers when it was one of the most profitable mill properties in the Coun- ty. J. Walter Parkins survives both parents, and lives in Loudoun County, and married.

Joseph, second son of Alfred, died with lock- jaw; left widow and two children. The widow married Mr. Heironimus, merchant, in Win- chester. Both dead.

Alfred, son of Alfred, Sr., married Miss Wal- ter, 1867. Children: Robert B .; Geo. W .; Al- fred; Henry D .; Eliza H .; Albin L. and Neil R. The father died in 1887, at Tacoma Park, D. C., their home.

Want of space forbids further mention of this family, who belonged to the first settlers.

Greenwood Mills, the home of the McCalister family, located on Abrams Creek, has been men- tioned in previous pages. The large woolen mills in this vicinity, have also received attention. Here was the residence of Aaron H. Griffith, who intermarried with the Hollingsworth family, his wife being Mary P. Hollingsworth. The at- tractive old homestead bears its early name "Brookland."

The residence and part of the plantation is owned by the family.

Aaron Griffith was a Quaker of the strictest class; maintained his enviable reputation for in- tegrity and charitable acts throughout his long life. The writer recalls many of his generosi- ties. He rigidly adhered to the customs and style of the Sect of Friends. Friend Griffith reared a large family.

(1) Elizabeth B. became the wife of H. B. Bailey, of Ohio, 1856.

(2) Hannah P., died 1839. J. Clarkson, mar- ried Mary R. Dilks of Philadelphia, 1859.

(3) Martha, became the wife of Henry O. Ott, of Wheeling, W. Va., 1864.

(4) Harriet H., became the wife of Wm. T. Ellis, of Massachusetts, 1865.

(5) Isaac H., married Katie Cochran, 1879.

(6) Aaron H., born 1843, died 1863.

(7) Richard Ed., married Viola Hunt, of Ind., 1887. One son Richard Edward, born Dec. 24, 1886.

(8) Mary A., unmarried.

(9) John, unmarried. The Griffith family have innumerable relations in Frederick County, in direct lines of descent from brothers and sisters of Aaron H .; and by the marriage in the Hol- lingsworth family. They start with the cele- brated Steer family, that filled the Lower Valley with their descendants. Joseph Steer appeared in Frederick County with the first settlers. His children intermarried with the Jackson, Saxton, Parkins, Lupton and Hollingsworth families; and we find in studying the genealogy of this fam- ily, the second generation produced men and women who became important factors in the development of the material resources of the old County. We find the second generation inter- marrying with the Baldwin, Burnett, Mcveigh, Walker, Brown, Robinson, Taylor, Sowers, Richie, Harlan, Rood, McPherson, Moore, Hough, Wood, Russell, Haines, Whitacre, Lovett, Wil- liams, Roberts, Shields, Burden, Randall, Patter- son, Wright, Clevenger, and many other well- known families. Want of space forbids fuller mention of these families. They show a good history. The voluminous notes of the writer may tempt him to furnish sketches of the second and third generations of the families referred to.

Mr. R. Ed. Griffith, son of Aaron H., resident of Winchester, has in his possession some valu- able genealogical matter ;- so much so, that he has been urged to contribute it to the Handley Library Collection, when its shelves are ready. Mr. Griffith is a graduate of Swarthmore Col- lege, once Old Haverford, and has considerable literary talent. He has been identified with Win- chester affairs for nearly 55 years, and was City Postmaster at one time. Although he had the misfortune to lose an arm when a lad, he has never ceased from the activities of the busy man. He resides in Winchester.

CHAPTER LIII

Old Homesteads and Families in and North of Winchester

Hackwood Park, is now the property of Mr. L. R. Fay, formerly of New York State. Since his purchase, the famous old homestead has been improved during the few years of his ownership; the old style of the 18th Century having been well preserved, while the delightful transforma- tion proceeded. The massive stone structure was always imposing; and sixty years ago was one of the most attractive homesteads in Fred- erick County. The natural wonders of rock and water added much to its curious style, and the surrounding acreage entitled it to the early name of "Smiths Spring Park." The present owner, with the aid of ample means in money and skill, has utilized every bit of vantage ground to pro- duce the magnificent home he now enjoys. May his spirit of improvement never wane-while his many friends and neighbors partake freely of his hospitality. This old property became famous during the Revolutionary War, as the palatial home of Genl. John Smith. Kercheval, in his quaint History of the Valley, likens him to "Nestor of old;" and dedicates his book to him. The exact date of the building of this huge stone structure has been a matter of conjecture by several writers; and some confusion results from the difference in dates; and this applies to the date of the General's birth. Norris, in his His- tory of the Lower Valley gives the date of his birth "being in the year 1747;" while another fixes 1744 as the date. This discrepancy led the writer to diligently seek what might be a so- lution. The copy of the family register made by Genl. Smith, is now on the writer's table, kindly loaned by Miss Jacquiline Davison, a lineal descendant, who has carefully preserved the Augustine Smith and Sarah Carver records of Shooters Hill, as well as the Purton register found in the Bible of the General's niece. Genl. John Smith states that the copy is made by him- self. The line of John Smith and Mary Jacque- lin of Shooters Hill, copied by Mr. Edward Jacquelin Davison, of Kansas City, from the old Shooters Hill Bible, is before the writer. They all state that John Smith was born ye 7th of May, 1750, about 5 in the morning. Old Com- mon Law causes in the County Office show that Col. John Smith had litigation with two men who had contracted to build the stone house by the

square foot. This suit was in the courts several years, during the period embracing the Revolu- tionary War. The building was ready for oc- cupancy in the Summer of 1777, for then he signed his reports to the Governor "In my stone Hall in Hackwood Park." Lt. John Smith was member of House of Delegates from Frederick County 1779-83. Col. John Smith was State Senator 1792-95; re-elected 1796; was Member of Congress 1801-1815. In previous pages it is shown that he was in active service, and held the commission of Brig. Genl. in 1801 and 1811, promoted and held commission of Major Gen- eral until his death, and received large land grants for his services. It has been shown that as County Lieutenant, he received the exiled Quakers and held them as prisoners, and also the Hessians and other military prisoners, and removed the latter to Fort Frederick in Mary- land.

Genl. Smith married in Berkeley County, Feby. 10, 1781 Animus Bull, second daughter of Genl. John Bull. The author has in hand an interest- ing sketch of Genl. Bull and this daughter, writ- ten by Miss Jacquelin Davison. Miss Davison, now in her 80th year, told the writer that this comprehensive manuscript is not intended for publication. The descendants of these illustri- ous families mentioned, should hasten to pre- serve the valuable work that she has spent twen- ty years in preparing. The scope of this volume will not admit it fully, else the writer would gladly produce it verbatim. The date is relia- ble, and the style unique and attractive. Norris says Genl. Smith died in 1837 in his ninetieth year. The family record says he died in 1842, and that "he and his wife were buried at the family burying ground at Hackwood Park," which was desecrated by Federal troops during the Civil War. In 1890, their great-grandson, Edward Jaquelin Davison, of Kansas City, had them, with others buried there, removed to a lot in Mt. Hebron Cemetery, Winchester, Va.

The children of Genl. John Smith were :---

(1) Martha Maria, born Jany. 23, 1782.

(2) Eliza Barnwell, born Feb. 10, 1784.

(3) John Augustine, born Jany. 30, 1786; died

1806.

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(4) Edward Jaquelin, born Dec. 30, 1787; died in infancy.

(5) Augustine Charles, born Apl. 5, 1789.

(6) Peyton Smith, born 1792.

(7) Edward J. H., born 1793.

(8) John Bull Davison, born 1803.

Martha Maria married Maj. William Davison July 21, 1800. Chas. Augustine Smith, 5th child of Genl. Smith, married Elizabeth D., daughter of Col. Charles Magill; died 1843; was promi- nent as a lawyer, soldier, educator and citizen; served in the War of 1812; obtained rank of Major and Colonel; prior to 1836 was principal of the Old Winchester Academy; resigned to accept charge of the Female Seminary of Colum- bia, S. C., returned to Winchester in 1840. He reared II children, all of whom became well known in several states. Those of whom the author had personal knowledge will be mention- ed. Drs. John Augustine and Chas. Magill Smith became prominent physicians in Louisiana; Au- gustine J. Smith was President of the Maryland Agricultural College. Archie Magill Smith was once principal of the Winchester Academy, when it occupied the site of the Winchester Inn; suc- ceeded Rev. Dr. Wheat as principal of the Epis- copal Female Institute, Winchester. Va., which he resigned, yielding later to Mr. Marshall a few years ago. Professor Smith retired to his stock farm in Fauquier County. One of the daughters of Col. Augustine C. Smith became the mistress of Belle Grove as Mrs. C. B. Hite; one married Dr. L. E. Swartzwelder; one mar- ried John Marshall, Esq., of Fauquier County; one became Mrs. William A. Morgan of Jeffer- son County, Va .; and one was Mrs. G. W. Jack- son, of Waco, Texas.

Jordans White Sulphur Springs. This popular resort was originally in the Littler grant. The sulphur springs were carefully guarded by the Catawba Indians. Annually they gathered at that point, and performed many mysterious drills, dances, and used the water. It was during one of these annual dances, that our old friend (pre- viously mentioned) Patrick O'Riely, the Opec- quon tavern-keeper, appeared, and being denied his usual privilege to use the sulphur pool for one of his guests, resented the Indians' insult. The altercation grew serious, calling for the at- tention of the Court in 1747. The Indians from that time abandoned their old trysting place, with its mystic spells. The Sulphur Spring tract be- came the property of Rezin Duvall, who enlisted the services of Dr. Williams to develop its med- icinal properties. This resulted in considerable patronage of the place. Several cabins were erected, and the pool or dam as it was called, was enlarged; and invalids from various sec-

tions found relief. The property was purchased by Allen Williams, a brother of the Doctor. Branch Jordan, being one of the early visitors, saw in the place a prospect of increasing its pat- ronage. He became the purchaser in 1834, and erected the first brick house, and bath house and several cottages; and for many years the place became famous as Jordan's White Sulphur Springs. Succeeding him later on came Edwin C. Jordan as the purchaser from Robt. M. Jor- dan, etc., heirs at law of Branch Jordan. When Williams sold to Branch Jordan, he reserved sev- eral lots that had been previously sold to Rob- ert Page, Burr Harrison and others. E. C. Jor- dan, Sr., was the proprietor prior to his pur- chase in 1867; then he refurnished the houses and conducted the resort in an attractive style until his death in 1889. Mr. Jordan and his ac- complished wife were popular with their guests. E. C. Jordan, his only son, conducted the busi- ness on a larger scale; and erected the present large hotel after the old brick house had been destroyed by fire. While the accommodations had been increased, the patronage fell off; and Mr. Jordan, after serving the County in the Vir- ginia Legislature for two terms, sold out to his brother-in-law, Harry H. Baker, now Mayor of Winchester, and removed his family to Cape Charles, Va., where he is profitably engaged in oyster planting in that vicinity.

Burnt Factory was once known as a village, laid out in town lots. The factory was known then as "Carters Paper Mill." James Carter, son of Joseph who owned the Spout Spring prop- erty, manufactured a good grade of what was known as "printer's paper." The enterprise prov- ed unprofitable, and it was subsequently con- verted into a woolen mill. Arthur Carter, a nephew, succeeded James. The paper mill and factory are unknown to the present generation.

Glengary was the home of John R. Cooke, the accomplished lawyer who practiced in all the courts of the Lower Valley. He was father of thirteen children. Private letters reveal the in- terest he had in his large family and estate, and his desire that his sons should "learn the, arts of the husbandman during vacation days, and roam daily over the fields and through the woods." Doubtless the life he desired for his gifted sons in their school-days, laid the foundation for that inspiration we find in their literary work. These sons, Philip Pendleton and John Esten Cooke -- the former at the age of 17, while a student at Princeton, found time to write of the "Forest and Glen", the green heather, and his steed Silver Main; while the latter gradually devel- oped the genius of literature that was destined

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to sparkle as a rare gem amid the vales of the Shenandoah !

The Glengary of to-day is the property of John Nicodemus, a notable farmer. He has largely planted apples and other fruit, and is successful in his efforts. While the original Cooke plantation has been reduced by several subdivisions, the old dwelling-house has under- gone very little change. There is some evidence that it is one of the old Colonial houses. The homestead was owned at one time by Rev. A. H. H. Boyd, D. D. He succeeded the Cooke family. Dr. Boyd never lived there, however, and sold it to James Lewis, who held it until his death after the Civil War. It changed hands temporarily until purchased by its present owner. Its location, two miles North of Winchester on West side of the Martinsburg Turnpike, made it a mark for desolation by the Armies as they camped and fought over every acre from 1861 to 1865.

We could enumerate many more old home- steads in the County, and then not include some places of interest to many readers; but we must for the present turn aside and mention a few old landmarks in Winchester. If the writer were to follow his inclination, he would make free use of the volume of notes prepared by Mr. W. G. Russell about twenty-five years ago, which now lies before him. But the scheme of the present work is not to give minutely such evidences of old buildings as have withstood the ravages of time and the fad for modern changes; but simply to point out here and there some places in which the passer-by may have some interest.

Bell's Corner, at the intersection of Main and Water Streets, became the property of John Bell, Sr., the grandfather of the Bell Bros. of to-day, in 1815. At that time there was a long one-story building in which the elder Bell had conducted his mercantile business for some years, as his old advertisement of "fine dry goods, books, stationery, &c.," indicates. John L. Bowen inherited the property. Mr. Bell, the new owner, erected the present building, which in all these years, has undergone very little change. In the rear of this store on Water Street, Richard Bowen had his printing office ;- later on used by Collett, Haas, John Heiskell, Freeland Eichelberger, Judge Sherrard and others. These offices were in two long build- ings. Mr. Bell married a daughter of Robert Sherrard. She was the mother of John N., and Rev. Robert Bell, a Presbyterian minister, who lived in Rappahannock County; also of several daughters, one of whom married Rev. Mr. Brown, and one William H. Streit, the merchant.

John N. Bell, previously mentioned in this vol- ume, was one of the old Kent Street Presby- terian elders. His father was one of the elders in the Old Presbyterian Church on the hill. John N. married twice. His first wife, Miss Miller, was the mother of John and Samuel Bell, the well-known occupants of the old store, Dr. Wm. A. Bell, the physician, and Robt. Bell, the young Confederate soldier who was killed. Mr. Bell's second wife was Marguerite Brown, of Baltimore. She was the mother of Stewart, Harmon, and the Misses Maudie and Sarah Bell.

The old stone house on West side of Lou- doun Street, nearly opposite the old Presb. Church, was the home of Robert Sherrard. He erected it prior to 1800, and lived there. He was a merchant and soldier of the Revolution- ary War. His children were Mrs. Bell, Robert B. who removed to Bloomery. Robert was Genl. Sherrard, the father of Robert B. and other children. Genl. Sherrard's widow married Rev. Mr. Harris, and was the mother of Rev. Joseph Sherrard and probably Jno. B.

Passing from Loudoun to corner of Cameron and Piccadilly Streets, we find on the corner a large stone house occupied by Chas. F. Eichel- berger at the time of his death. The writer knew this as the home of Dr. Robt. T. Bald- win long before the Civil War. The previous owners were, first, Dr. Grayson who moved to one of the Eastern counties; then it became the property of the distinguished lawyer Jonathan D. Carlisle, ancestor of the well-known John S., a member of President Cleveland's cabinet. The old stone structure has undergone many changes, but the old walls remain. South from this corner was the home of Rev. Dr. Hill; then of Lemuel Bent. The next for many years was known as the home of David W. Barton and his large family, now the Lutheran Parsonage. This was once the property of Alfred T. Ma- gill, whose father erected the first house on the site, part of which comprises the large build- ing now seen,-the addition being made by Mr. Barton. South of this was the home of Col. Chas. T. Magill, the lawyer, and for many years president of the old Valley Bank.

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Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia., Part 52

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