Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1883-09-29
!" ETCHINGS.'
IN WHICH THE INDEPENDEIT
Attempts POrtraying the Varied inter-
esiS and Industries Of
Martinsburg.
NUMBER VII.
J..N. THATCHER g. BRO.

On Martin street, afev doors from
Queen, the "etcher'' finds the imple-
ment, phosphate and coal house of j.
N. Thatcher & Bro. We can honestly
add that the firm is one that doesn'tsaf-
feet any style in their Office surround
ings, but, really, they are not doing ex-
actly tie square things When it be-
comes necessary for the book keeper to
leave the office and seek shelter under
the awning during rain storm, it does
seem as il something was waiting. All
the Z. same, this unpretentious (and
leaky little office is the central point
for extensive trade operation, and so
we improve this opportunity to refer to
the firm.
The ce-partners are ]. N. and C. T.
Thatcher, their partnership dating from
this spring. The business is olde.. es-
tablished, however, MrsJ. N. Thatcher
havingsengaged in it in 1876. The broth
ers are natives of this county, and they
belong to a family that has been s'para-
graphed'' throughout the country be-
cause of the fact that the average height
of the five brothers is in excess of six
feet each.
j. N. Thatcher g. Bro. handle varie-
ty Of agricultural implements, among
which we may name the Walter A.
Wood new mower and binder. This
machine is evidently in high favor here
abouts; Thatcher Il Bro. have sold Al
this season-a number that almost
seems incredible when we consider the
composition that exists. Other ma
chimes sold by the firm are, the + lckeye'
spring .cultivator, Buckeye ands Will
loughby drills, Buc .eye forcea pump,
the .ssRoot" plow, Gaar, Scott Il Co.
thresher, etc. BY the way, the first
Gaar, Scott & Co thresher was sold in
most effective work, and those who
have required. its use or know of its
work are not slow to praise it.
The "W ebster' wagon is another
speciality of j. n. Thatcher 4 Bro; so,
is the Shutter wagon, and either or
both well deserve the praise lavished
upon them. Another feature of the
trade of the firm comes under the desig-
nation of "black diamonds" Both am
thracite and bituminous Goals are
handled, aud the yearly sales comprise
InuHN tpuSs w Oou3 lOl ititt
purposes, also constitutes consider
able item of trade.
The phosphate department of the
firms trade is worthy of special men,
ton because of several facts: 1t can
not be charged to the account of j. N.
Thatcher & Bro, that they has in
creased the mortality rate by talking
any one to death upon the subject of
'phosphate." Since the house began
business it has handled II. j. Baker &
Co.'S phosphates; Mr.. Thatcher selected
this make out of scores of others be-
cause he personally knew of it excel
lence, and he has sold it with increas-
ing confidence from year to year, every
report being favorable. The firm, in
the language Of Mr.. j. n. Thatcher,
shave vet to hitch a trace for the pur-
pose of drumming up n phosphate
trade. They have not inflicted farmers
by personal visits, but they have extern
ded a most cordial invitation for all
farmers hereabouts TO visit them, aud
they trust to the merits of the article.
This season the firm have found it al
most impossible to keepup with the de-
mand, and, indeed, each department OF
the business has been all that could he
hoped for.
Personal comments upon the firm are
unnec essary. The co-partners are
known and liked--they hold the conf
dence ofthe people, and they deserveit.