Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1883-09-22

is considerably the largest in the city,
and, having been built expressly to
meet the wants of the house, its conye-
niences are of the best.
In the life of the house-in its history,
there is nothing Of startling moment to
record. But one change in proprietor
ship has occurred, and but two changes
Of location--its business career may be
likened to the placid surface OF some
land-locked body of water--occasional-
Iy ripple disturbs its surface, nothing
more.
Mr.. u. w. Timberlake, now farmer
of Jefferson County, was the founder Of
the house. He established the business
in the summer OF 1867, occupying the
s'Hoge corner upon the public square.
From there removal was made TO the
premises now occupied by Emmert &
Fiery, and in 1872, to provide himself
with suitable quarters, Mr.. Undertake
built the premises since occupied. The
building is substantial brick block,
three floors and basement, affording a
sales room about "a by So feet.
On the 25th of August, 1882, a change
in proprietorship of the business occur
red, ID. w. Undertake beng succeed
ed by II. Il. Timberlake Il Co. The co.
Of the firm is Mr.. s. ID. Iimberlake, one
of the leading merchants of the neigh
boring State Of Virginia. He is located
at Staunton where he carries on one of
the great mercantile houses of the coun-
try; great not only in the area of prem
ises occupied but in the extent of an
nual trade done-a house that confess
eddy stands at the head Of the list of en-
terprises Of this kind in Staunton. He
visits Martinsburg at infrequent inter-
valS-some two or three times each
year--and so the active supervision of
the business here falls upon his part
ner, Mr.. X. +. Timherlake.
This last named gentleman is origi-
nally from Culpepper County Va. He
first entered mercantile life as u clerk
in large dry goods house in New York
in the year 1869: the following year he
entered the employ Of a dry goods store
in Charlestown, W. Va, in 1871 he came
to Martinsburg; was with ID. w. Tim
berlake until some time in 1873, when
he went to Staunton, where he remain
ed in the employ of his present paftner
until the formation of the firm Of r. f.
Timberlake Il Co.
The ''etcher'' of the INDEPENDENT
has had frequent occasion to visit the
house, and he has had abundant oppor-
tunity to form pretty fair idea of its
ability to meet the ordinary demands
of trade; we have also made some what
extended inquiries, and the result in the
one case as in the otheriis wholly to the
credit of the enterprise. TO the most
casual observer it is apparent that r.
Il. Undertake Il Co. carefully study
even the possible needs of the trade that
certers here. Espesiallyisstf THIS true I'll /
the department knowna rs dress goods
Instead of being at least one season be-
hind city styles the house keeps abreast
OF them, and in the finer fabrics they
find few articles too good for this mar
ket. Their trade in silks, laces, velvets,
etc., is exceptionally good, and each
season witnesses marked growth
therein.
The general specialties of the house
are dry goods, notions and boots and
shoes. 1t is close classification of
trade, and each department offers spec
ial inducements.
Mr.. II. +. Undertake gives the bust
ness personal attention, and he requires
the services of three salesmen: Mr.. G..
u. Harwcod, (who has been with the
house most Of the time since il was es-
tablished) }, Mr.. James l.. Tmberlake
aud Mr.. Nj. 5. Undertake. These gen.
1emen appear to vie with each other in
courteous attentions to customers and
their efforts TO srll bills Of eoods--it
constitutes species OF emulation that
loses nothing TO the house, and we hope
SGch may ever be the case.