Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1875-10-02
A Trip to Back Creek Valley
MARTINsBURG, Sept. 2sth.
TO the Editors of the Lrdepe1denf

Creek Valley. 1t was the pleasure
and duty of your correspondent to dc
so on last Saturday, the 18th instant
starting at the Back Greek bridge
west of Hedgesyille, and following
the grade the entire distance as faIl
as Shanghai, where met the County
Grange in monthly session.
! was much gratifled to see the i'm.
proyement visible ON every hand
farms are in a beautiful and high
state of cultivation fences clean
and thrift prosperity, and supposed
happiness in each family is exhibited
on every hand. To one who has not
been in that neighborhood for ten or
twelve years, changes for the better
and improvement is evident on every
hand.
| find Tomahawk Spring, where
the honored family of Col. II. V.
Snodgrass, now deceased was raised.
under the systematic farming of 10.
seph Kitchen, Esq, in splendid
state OF cultivation, and although no
immediate improvement is visible in
the buildings around the old home
stead, yet in the general condition of
| the farm, thrift and prosperity under
judicious management is plainly to
be seen. 1T is hoped on the part OF
the writer that the worthy owner OF
the property will see his way clear to
make improvement in the old land
mark and homestead.
find an old and worthy friend
James Jack, Esq. Engaged in mer-
chandizing at this ploce, ana hope he
finds it to his interest and pecuniary
advantage, as | know the neighbor-
hood appreciates the benefits they de-
rive by having source of supply for
family purposes SO convenient for
their general wants.
AT Jones' Spring, a place when /
last visited it, consisting of a mere
name, with one dwelling and store
house OF one-story, is now quite vii
lage of some eight or ten houses, wi,A
a fine two-story store-room, and hey
ing every evidence of successful bu-
sineSs operations in the place.
find that my old friend, Abraham
Homer, Esq, is engaged at the bust
ness of coopering, besides conducting
the mercantile trade. He is worthy
of success, as fair, honorable gen.
tleman and good citizen.
Following up the grade, evidence
OF thrift is exhibited on every hand.
| cannot name the different farms, as
they came in view, but ON every
hand, it is clearly seen, that the far
ming community of Back Creek Val
ley are successful class; and, living
retired from immediate contact with
the general trade of the county, they
yet are an important element in the
interest of our county. 1t is doubt
full, in the mind of the writer of this,
if the Sheriff ever has to call the Sc
cond time upon any landowner or
direct farmer of that section for tax.
es; and If any one desires to live in a
good country, surrounded by good
neighbors, and make himself really
comfortable, he cannot do better
than locate himself in this valley.
Progressing still up the creek / soon
arrived at Shanghai, where find my
worthy brothers of the order of Pa
irons of Husbandry, have erected,
nearly opposite the church, "a spacious
Granger hall. The lower story be-
ing district public school house,
and the upper story used as Granger
hall. My arrival was just at that
time Of day when man feels that
to live he requires to be fed, and
upon landing | was met by that
worthy and urbane gentleman who
is made up of old Virginia hospital
ity, Hon. M. S. Grantham, with the,
" why, you are just in time, our sis
ters are preparing the tables for the
FEAST | Immediately repaired to
the Grange hall, where found my
sisters and brothers ia session, dis
cussing questions of interest to
every farmer, and where, L should
like to see every one who wishes
prosperity to our country, and an
advancing system of farming inter
est taught and practiced, would
throw in their presence, and aid in
the good work. You. Messrs. Edi-
tors. cannot imagine the pleasurable
emotions of the heart which appTe-
eiateS the great benefits already real
lied in our community by this inter
mingling of brothers and sisters,
identified in farming interest. Short
ly after my arrival announcement
WAS made, that our presence was de-
manded; an adjournment was called
for, and upon passing down, we
found two tables loaded and groan-
ing under the"weight of their eata-
bles prepared iii such style as to
meet the approval of I'LL, and especi-
ally of one who by a horseback ride
of fifteen miles, was prepared fully
to appreciate good sound meal. /
cannot refrain mentioning, amongst
all the good things which appeared,
was the native wine made by our
respected friend, Arch Myers, Esq,
which was really superior in its char
acter and quality, as were also the
grapes which appeared upon the
board. Everything passed off pleasant
and agreeable.
The meeting of the County Grange