Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1879-09-02

casioually, to blow our own trumpet once In
while and to trace with pride our progress
and Improvement as tho years roll by. And
first, as it is nearest our hearts, let US look
awhile at
OUR TOWN,
In "Yirginia, It's History and Antiquities, -
written by Henry Howe, and published ia
1915 by Babcock & Co., VIC End the follow
ing in relation to our home town:
- Charlestowp, the scat of Justice for JEFF
ferson county, was established in October,
1886, aud named from the Christian name
of its first proprietor, Col. Charles Washing
top, brother of George Washington
Eighty lots were divided into lots and streets,
and the following named gentlemen were ap-
pointed Trustees Jno. Augustine Washing
ton, William Drake, Robert Rutherford,
James Crane, Cato Moore, Magnus Tate,
Benjamin Rankin, Thornton Washington,
William Little, Alex. White, and Richard
Ransom. The town is Furnishing and con-
tains Ii mercantile stores, branch of the
Bank of the Valley an Academy, newspaper
printing Office. L Presbyterian, Episcopal
aud Methodist church, and population of
about 400"
Between ls45 and 1879 long gap inter-
venes. In that time how many changes have
taken placo-how many of those who then
walked our streets now sleep beneath the
green hiHocks in our gravcyards, how many
families have been broken up-soattcred-
come even in that timo have disappeared al
together, and in their places new Corners have
settled in our pleasant town. In that time
We have passed through civil war, and it
WIS in that trying time that our town>iolks
showed the metal they were made of. Loyal,
with very few exceptions, to the Southern
cause, not only did we give best, the
flower Of the flock, to bear the brunt of the
battle, but '' the boys in gray always found
warm welcome here the houses of our cit
liens werethTown open, and our women-Go cd
bless them-wcre always ready with their
sweet and tender ministratons to the sick
and wounded of both armies.
We cannot name our dead heroes here.
Enough to know that in very many of our
homes the memory of one who fell beneath
the stars and bars is proudly and tenderly
cherished. Tho war over, our people 40
cepted the situation nanfully. They went
20 work to rebuild the waste places, to gather
together their scattered resources, and on the
ruins of the old to build tho new. And this
without any mourning or waiting, without
moment wasted in rcgrettiDg the past, they
turned with earnest cndea7ors towards the
future.
But not only were our people left bare and
poor BY the war. but after the bloody con-
test they "fell among thieves" and were
robbed Of all the rights and privileges of
citizenship. This prescription and oppres-
sion was particularly hard upon our section
the Radical party here was the scum party
that had driitcd to tho surface-an eager,
hungry, starved set of low ours that fed and
fattencd for while upon the body polite;
but even beneath the heavy weight Of this
incubus our little town prospcred. IF our
people could not vote, still they could work;
if :hey could not legisate, still they could
plan and bidc their time. At last, the dogs
having had their day, the stolen banquet
suddenly ended, and with a mighty up
hoaral our State hurled from power those
who fed upon ;ta vitals, 0ud started in upon
IN era of goodwill and better times. For a
while all was fair sailing business prospered,
the work upon tho new railroad brought men
and money to our town, and just then like a
clap of thunder from clear sky the crisis
eamo, and our little town shared in the ruin.
To day, in 1870, after all its ups and downs
after :weathering many storms-how stands
our community? We now have population
of about 1000 We have four white
churches Presbyterian, Methodist, Episco-
pal and Baptist-all we'll attended, and hav,
ing at the helm earnest and able Christian
pastors; also two colorcd churches-Metho>
dist and Baptist. Doth of our free schools
are we'll attended, and tho private schools
offer facilities for home education. Thus our
parents avoid tho expense and danger of
sending their children away from homo to
school. Our academy, under the efficient
care of Captain liable, has become insti~
tuition of learning that we do we'll to be proud
of, and as preparatory school, is second to
none in the State. In the way of public and
private improvements, our people haVo done
very much since the war Nearly one huns
bred and seventy buildings have been erected
IN tho last ten years, and about fifteen of
these inside of tho last twelve months. Our
rounty.buiIdings are unsurpassed by any in
the State; our courtroom is beautiful room,
and admirably adapted for The purpose for
which it is intended. All who visit us are
surprised at the beauty and richness of this
room. Our jail is largo and handsome
building -roomy, secure, and, We are glad to
say, nearly empty. And We arc blessed with
town hall that surpasscs those of all of our