Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1879-09-13
THE SHEPHERD GRADE.


expressed or sincerely uttered desire,
than for the immigration to our commu-
nifty of gentlemen of wealth and public
spirit. Boosting as we do in this section
of country, of our fertile soil, beautiful
scenery and healthy climate,we are mind
full too that it requires means to develop
and make proper use of these natural adj
vmtages. Hence hearty welcome al
ways awaits those who are thus able tc
benefit and improve our locality. But to
induce the investment of capital in our
midst, demands on our part some evidence
of appreciation, and some recognition OF
the obligations we owe those who thus
favor us. In this respect we are constant
" liable to make mistakes. We are toe
apt to see and hold up some things in
strong and prominent light, to the appar-
cnt neglect of others of equal, or even
greater Importance to us.
We offer these reflections, as IN some
measure an apology for any tardy, or
seeming lack of appreciation of the de-
serving private enterprise of our valuable
fellow citizen, Mr.. Henry Shepherd.
As our section OF country does not
abound in good roads, so the direction i'll
which Mr.. 5. has chosen to eXpend part
of his means, becomes the more 4 subject
of congratulation. Nothing is more need
eel in our community, adds more to the
value of property, contributes more to
the comfort of the people, saves more in
wear and tear, than good roads.
The subject Of this article was formerly
a common country dirt road leading from
town TO the farms,-now owned by Mr..
:. The lands have always been there,
hut not always the handsomely improved,
finely cultivated, land thoroughly equipped
farms they are now to be found. So with
this road, it has long been there, but the
grade of to-day, beyond comparison with
anythingin the vicinity, unsurpassed by
anything in the State,-iS the result OF
the enterprise and expenditure of Mr.. 5.
alone. Ii you want to take pleasure
drive, try the grade. The road is delight
ful, and the premises it leads to, the most
attractive in our community.
Bat this magnificent thOroughEare has
not been thus perfected without its cost
and constant care. The work of grading
was work of patience, and the havoc OF
frost and frcshetS year after year, has
brought oft recurring demands for more
have been promptly responded to by Mr..
s., and the recent finish and dressing Civ
en- il, now preSentS-THE GRADE, AT IT'S
BEST,
Though it has cost Mr.. S. large outlay
Ofneans III its construction, he has there
by generously contributed so much to the
support and maintenance of the families
of those whom he thus afforded employ
ment in these years of financial panic and
want. And in addition to his now shar-
ing in its enjoyment himself he has also
set such an example ofliberality, not only
in this but in various other directions, as
is worthy the attention and imitation OF
many more of our citizens.
In return for about $1,000 expended on
this road by Mr.. s., we learn that he has
received, all told, the comparatively
small sum of 5000, paid by the county sew
cral years ago. We call the attention OF
orr county authorities to consideration
Of what is due by the public in this mat
ter. Some appreciation ought to be shown
and some encouraSemcntg given to private
enGcrpriZe. \ tender OF some rccOmpense,
or partial reimbursement ought 10 be
made, or the least that ought to be eX-
pected, would be, an offer to take charge
of and keep this road in its present fine
condition and repair. We believe that
the influence of such course would be
beneficial, and the effect OF such public
recognition of Mr.. SIS liberality, would
be StiluulOus TO others to do likewise.
We regard the grade, Il credit to our
community. We tender Mr.. :. the thanks
eli our people for it, hope he may live
long to enjoy it, and that the mantle OF
his spirit may fall in broad folds upon
many more men of means like him.