Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1880-02-14
BzENIlElM-M. L.. VAN DOREN.

view of the country for many miles,
stands gothic cottage OF handsome
architectural design, now occupied by
Mr.. VI. L. Van Doren, the only son OF
/ the late Jacob Van Doreu, and son-ln-
law Of the distinguished Commodore
Matthew L. Maury. 1t is the mansion
house OF tract of land the name OF
which is "Bieuheim," and it is noted
from The fact that it was for many years
( the residence of Andrew Stevenson, a
| former member of Congress from the
Richmond district, and Minister TO Eng
land during the administration OF Pres
ident Van Buren,.
The history of the place is interesting.
I 1t was originally embraced in patent
! for 10000 acres, stretching from the Ri
wanna 10 the Hardwar river. This pat
ent was issued to King Garter, in his
day the largest landowner in Virginia,
aud thus became the family estate OF the
Carriers of upper Vrginia.one of whom,
of Charlottesville, was born there. By
various alterations the tract OF land en-
Jraced in the patent was reduced from
time to time to about five thousand
acres, which finally, about the year 1920,
became the property of James Ross, OF
Fredericksburg, the father OF our we'll
known fellow citizen of the same name,
who resides the University. Mr.. Ross,
Sr.. was noted in mis- day as the owner
of the finest blooded horses in Abe
marie.
After the death Of Mr.. Ross, which
occurred about the year lS42 or 1913,
the plantation was subdiyided and sold
to various parties. Mr.. Jno. o. Harris
purchased portion, and Mr.. Stevenson
bought the central part of the tract, IN.
cluding the improvements then stand
ing. The original dwelling having been
destroyed by fire, Mr.. Stevenson had
erected under his supervision the cot
tage to which we have referred, which,
although not an expensive building,
presents hOmelike aud handsome APP
pearance. Blenheim was celebrated in
Mr.. SteyensOn'S day, not only for the
general fertility Of its soil, but Tor the
extent and variety of its fruits, which
were probably not excelled by the pro
duets of any farm in Albemarle. The
interior OF his modest rural home was
adorned with rare paintings and exquls-
ite works of art, gathered while he was
in England, and no man dispensed hos
pitaIity with more cordiality or Ill more
conrtly style. ,
The former distinguished owner of
Blenheim was man of splendid per
sonal appearance and highly polished
manners. lie made q fine impression
in England, and indeed acquitted him
self with great credit in every public
position he was called to fill. Mr.. Ste
venson was born, if we are not mistaken,
in Spotsylvania county. He was thrice
married. His first wife was a Miss
White, who was the mother OF Ex-Goy.
Stevenson of Kentucky. Mr. Stevenson
resided at Blenheim until his death, in
1867. After his death Blenheim was
sold to Mr. Jacob Van Doren, OF Berke-
ley county, a most worthy man, whose
death occurred about year since, ard
whose son, as before stated, now resides
on the premises.
Mr.. Stevenson went to England as
Minister Plenipotentiary Of the United
States Just before the death Of William
", and witnessed the coronation Of the
present Queen. lie not only represent
ed our country with dignity and efficl-
ency, but it is said that among all the
ambassadors from foreign countries he
was favorite-especially after the ac-
cession of Victoria. Possibly this was
due TO circumstances which occurred
before the crown was placed upon her
brow; for it is said that upon one occa-
sion he attracted her attention in man
ner that she subsequently remembered.
The story is that while riding out with
some friends, Mr.. Stevenson and his
companions met party OF ladies' and
gentlemen, to him unknown, and with
that scrupulous politeness which charac-
terized the man, rose in his stirrups, un.
covered his head, aud bowed profound
~ TO the ladies. His salutation was
returned, but after the party had pass.
ed Mr.. Stevenson's friends expressed
surprise at his boldness. The ladies he
had ventured to salute were no less
roval personages than the Duchess OF
Kent and Princess Victoria. Mr. Stew.
cuson simply remarked that it was his
habit always to speak to ladies, and he
felt assured he had given TO offence, as
his salutation was returned. In that IT
seems he was not mistaken, for on a
subsequent occasion, after the Princess
had mounted the throne as Queen of
the realm, it was his privilege TO join
the royal party in an afternoon horse
back excursion and he was graciously
permitted to ride beside her Majesty.
The Queen on this occasion rode
high melted aud feetfooted charger,
and the story goes that the American
Minister, not so well mounAed, could
not keep pace with mischievous "little
Vic" and much to his chagrin, and TO
the amusement Of his noble friends, was
compelled TO follow at a respectful dis
tance in the rear Of the entire party.
After his return TO Albermsrle, MT.
Stevenson did not forget bis friends at
the Court of st. James, and az token
OF his remembrance shipped to her
Majesty the first barrel of Albermarle
pippins that ever crossed the Atlantic
Charlottesville Chronicle.
The German element in Wisconsin
has served notice on Se5stor Matt. Car