davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-31
l.. D. MYERLY & co.

About one mile south Of town is located
distillery which, through its product, has
become widely known throughout large
scope of country. We are unaware as to
how long it has been in operation; we SIM
ply know that the present firm. composed
of L. d. Myerly and Louis Eisenman was
formed about one year ago. The firm have
a branch house, both wholesale and retail,
at Charlottesville, and reports reach us to
the effect that its business is in most ex-
cellent shape. OF the product of the dis
tillery there is but one opinion expressed
by those competent to judge-it is rated
rs IA No. l." and from the sample SUBJ
mitted to the writer we are not disposed
to otherwise adiudge it. The distillery
has mash capacity of about 80 bushels.
Myerly & Go. are also extensive dealers
in cattle. sheep and hogs. buying and ship
ping, and they also fatten a considerable
number of hogs at the distillery. The
time and capital of the firm are alike en-
pl0yed in successfully prosecuting bust
ness affairs of Importance, and their live
stock operations and their distillery coll
stitute important items in the sum total
OF the trade of Staunton.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-31
P. WILSON,.

One can hardly throw stone upon
| Main, Augusta or New streets without
hitting grocery and provision dealer
there is no lack of competition in these
lines of trade here, and, so far as we
have been able to learn, each and all Of
our leading houses are doing WE'LL
Among the number is the establishment
Of Capt. P. E. Wilson, located at No. II
South Augusta street. His business is
| not one of the oldest established here,
nevertheless it ranks with the first and
it certainly deserves recognition at our
hands.
Capt. Wilson is, like the majority OF
his fellow merchants, a native of this
county, his birth place being about sew
en- miles from this city. He was raised a
farmers boy, and his real initiation into
the. actualities of life dates from the time
when he entered the Confederate service
as private in the 5th Virginia (Stone-
wall brigade). When the brigade was
reorganized he received promotion to
Ist lieutenancy, and in the latter part of
1868 he was commissioned Captain. He
saw service from the beginning to the
close of the war, and at Appomattox his
military career ended. One souvenir
Of the war he doesn't forget was wound
received at the battle of the Wilderness.
and it would be impossible to convince
him that the Yankees didn't shoot
straight. After the war Capt. Wilson
found himself possessed Of an unenviable
reputation; hewas reported as dan
gerous character" although, as Shake
speare says; he was "as mild manner
ed man" as any rebel we can name. All
the same, under the circumstances, he
wasn't anxious to interview" the federal
or partizan authorities then regnant at
Staunton, so he became student at Ro-
anoke college for couple Of sessions.
From there he removed to Richmond,
remaining there eight years, in the COM
mission trade. In 1875 he sold fertili-
zers, etc., through this section; in rs he
located in Staunton, and in Octocer, ~.
he began business here; buying out Din
KEEL & Pitzer. Since then Capt. Wilson
has continued the same business as now.
1t has been his aim to cater to and SUD-
ply the'needs of people in both town and
country SO far as regards whatever ap-
pertains to his lines of trade. He adj
mitted to us that a large per cent. of his
custom comes from the farmers herea-
bouts, and he further said that his trade
generally was of class that he could
not reasonably find any fault with. Oc-
casionally patron was somewhat slow
in paying up"-but that was the excep-
ton rather than the rule.
In addition to his general grocery
and provision trade, we may make note
OF the fact that Capt. Wilson makes a
decided speciality Of tobacco, as either
wholesale or retail buyers can ascertain
by inquiring selling rates.
We fancy that Capt. Wilson has everv
reason to be satisfied with the growth Of
his business-truc, it has not been phe- |
nomenal, but it has been steady, and old
friends don't forsake it and stray after
false gods.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-31
w. M. ALLEN & BRO.

Usually drug store is an attractive
place, and the establishment of w. M.
Allen & Bro. is no exception to the gen
eral rule. Recently intent upon secur-
ing items for this review, we took occa-
sion to more than casually inspect the
premises occupied by the house. They
are furnished and equipped in excellent
taste, and the array of drugs, chemicals,
medicines, toilet articles and druggists
sundries generally, as we'll as of paints,
oils, artists materials, etc., is somewhat
bewildering. In the arrangement and
display of stock, the firm virtually real
lze and illustrates the maxim that "there
is place for everything" and, as a re-
suit, everything is kept in its place. In
brief, in its appearance, its resources, its
ability to meet the diversified wants it is
called upon to fill, the house takes rank
among the leading mercantile enterprises
of the city.
There are, as the firm style would in
dictate, two co-partners, w. M. and P. L
Allen. We will not undertake to trace
the history of the house to its source
suffice it for our purpose to say that the
firm of Allen & Bro. succeeded to the
retail and prescription drug trade OF
Tyree, Martin & Logan on the 18th OF
September last year-the old firm now
being engaged exclusively in the whole
sale trade, reference to which is else
where made.
The Messrs. Allen are the only gen
tlemen in the city whom we have met
whose former home was on the Pacific
slope. They came here from California
about eighteen years ago, and the senior
member of the firm, Mr.. w. NJ. Allen,
has been connected with the drug trade
here ever since. At first he was an en-
ploye with P H. Trout & Co., and he
did not begin business for himself until
October 1882, when he became part
ner in the house in which he had so long
clerked, the firm style becoming Berke-
ley, Allen & Co. Upon retiring from
that firm he and his brother, P t. Allen,
who had been drug clerk five or SIX
years, engaged in business upon their
own account, and, so far as we can
Judge, with good results, for it is appa-
rent to any observer of trade affairs in
Stanton that Allen & Bro. are control
ing a trade of goodly proportions.
Scarcely the quarter Of year has yet
passed and from such a brief premise it
is hardly fair to draw conclusions, yet
we do so, because we know something
of the house and of its standing in the
trade. From all we can learn, the bust
ness of the firm has been beyond the
expectations formed; while it is true that
competition is active, yet steady, pro-
gressive, onward march Of trade has
been maintained, and the co-partners, as
is very. natural, are glad of the fact As
practical pharmacists and as representa-
tives Of the drug trade Of the city we
can unhesitatingly refer to the firm as a
reliable. pains taking and progressive
one. Further than this we need not say.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-31
HILB & RUTHERFORD.

AS we have elsewhere remarked, New
street is the scene Of business activity
and Of large mercantile transactions.
One Of the firms of the street that is
prominently aiding in carrying on the
good work is the one whose name heads
these paragraphs-Hilb & Rutherford,
clothiers.
The co-partners are S. H. Hilb and
John Rutherford; their partnership
dates from about five years ago, when
this firm style succeeded to S. H. Hilb.
The firm have pleasant and roomy
quarters at No. "a New street, and, du
ring a recent visit to the store we were
impressed with the appearance of neat
ness and good taste that characterizes
the display of stock. We had Just com
plimented Mr.. Rutherford upon the or
derby manner in which this stock was
kept, but he interrupted us by saving
that affairs as they existed were not up
to his ideas, by any means. More or
less confusion of stock attendant upon the
late holiday sales was not yet straight
ened out, but everything, he said, would
soon be In "apple-pie order" All the
same II the present arrangement Of
stock is disarrangement commend us to
1t. The goods don't have the appear
ance OF having been paved over by a
generation of men-nothing appears
shop-worn. either, and there is reason
therefor. The house commands an ac-
tive trade; it is a trade of the best class.
with the best class of people, and the
improving demand for the best class of
goods is evidence of this. But all the
stock carried by the house is not high
priced. One can buy a suit of mems
clothes for as little as $3.50, and Hilb &
Rutherford will guarantee that there is
no wool in them-if found, purchase
money will be refunded. Prices range
from this sum through the whole gamut
up to $45 the suit. Inspection Of this
stock shows that the styles are modish
old styles don't accumulate, and in
ordering from the manufacturers in Bal
timore, New York and elsewhere, Messrs.
Hllb & Rutherford aim at all times to
secure such goods as they can unhesi-
tatlngly recommend to their customers.
A word or two regarding the co-paIt-
ners: Mr.. Hilb has been connected with
trade interests here ever since 1850. His
partner, Mr.. Rutherford, who is origi-
nally from Jefferson county, w. Va has
lived here since the surrender, but
though identified with mercantile affairs
did not engage in trade for himself until
this firm was formed.
Each of the co-partners gives person.
al attention to the business, Mr.. Hilb
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-31

item, for we don't wish to terrorize the
soul Of newly married man-there's
enough expense ahead without counting
in one hundred dollars for crockery.
Mr.. Somervile further informed us
that he sold quite number Of dinner
sets at SIS the set each year, but the
chief demand in china, was for less ex-
pensive sets, still the house had to keep
even higher priced goods Another item
he mentioned was to the effect that the
house sold nearly or quite five car loads
of stoneware during 1883, and this state
ment was supplemented by another,
when we asked how the business for '83
compared with 81, to the effect that the
trade had greatly improved, several of
the months showing increase of fully 100
per cent. When we asked about sewing
machines, the reply was that upwards Of
100 were sold by the house last year
(and it was the first year in that line):
this year the house will keep a solicitor
travelling through the county, and large
ly increased sales are anticipated. By
the way, to those who know nothing Of
the domestic" or New Home" ma
chimes we may say that they are two Of
the most reliable machines manufactur-
ed, and money invested in them is GER
tainly put where it will do the most
good"
The house to which we thus refer at
this length was originally established
about the year 1872 by ]. S. Lipscomb.
In 1875, Mr.. Somerville, who is original
ly from Culpeper county, bat who had
for some years been travelling, for a
wholesale house CA H. Mott & Co.-then
of Alexandria but now Of Richmond,
came here and formed partnership with
Mr.. L., under the firm style Of Lip
scomb & Somerville, and on the 1st of
May, 1882, the present firm Of c. B.
Somerwille & Co. was formed Who
the eco" is we don't know. The active
management of the entire business of
the house rests with Mr.. S.
Though Somerville & Co. transact a
considerable jobbing trade, both in orig
inal and broken packages, yet we be-
lieve the house does no travelling, the
wholesale orders being made in person
or by mail. Such bills, however, are
promptly filled, and the fact that very
considerable wholesale trade is held
without the intervention Of travelling
statesmen illustrates the fact that the
house can and does sell cheaply and fills
orders satisfactorily.
By way Of conclusion we way add
that in all that goes to constitute an es-
Enlistment representative one, that Of
c. B. Somerville & Co. is lackig in moth
ing, and the VALLEY VIRGINIAN is
heartily glad to refer to its deserved
prosperity.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-31
B. F. STOCKTON & BRO.

On the 5th of January, 1882, the firm
of which we now write was formed and
as soon as possible thereafter began bus
mess as founders and machinists. They
secured buildings upon Lewis street
which promised to meet their necessities
for time, but they now feel the absolute
necessity of larger and more convent
I ent quarters, and it is more than proba-
bic that Stockton & Bro, will, early the
coming Spring, build shops that will
meet every requirement.
The special work of the firm is not
easily defined, except in very general
way. They manufacture portable saw
mills, boilers, portable and stationary
engines, derricks, hosting machines, mill
gearing, shafting, and all kinds Of heavy
work of this class, are prepared to fill
borders for architectural and other cast
ings, and they also make a number of
the well-known Livingston Plow"-a
pillow that has been in use for quarter
of century or more, and which enjoys
most favorable reputation throughout
this section.
I The force of workmen employed by
Stockton & Bro. numbers twelve usu-
ALLYN fact larger number cannot be
worked to advantage with existing ia
cilithes. As we have stated, however,
change will be effected in this respect.
All the same, the machine equipments
are ot the best class, and any order en-
trusted to the firm will receive prompt
attention and be filled in the most
thorough, workmanlike manner-the
shops have given too many evidences in
that direction for this statement to be
doubted. In saw mills, Stockton & Bro.
control large trade; in this State and
in West Virginia, many of their mills
are busily at work, and from each the
firm has received the most satisfactory
reports.
The co-partners are men well calcula-
ted to make lasting success of such an
enterprise. Mr'B. F. Stockton is ma
chinist by trade, and he has had about
fifteen years experience, ten of which
have been passed here. His brother and
partner T. ]. Stockton, is pattern ma
ker Of some eight or ten years expert
ence. Each works; each is persuaded
that opportunity exists here for extend
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-31
f. DECONIN.

1t is comparatively seldom that we meet
a gentleman who is entitled to write the
prefix Prof. y to his name engaged in the
dull routine of trade. But nearly all rules
have their force from the exceptions
noted, and in the case of the gentleman to
whom we here refer there is presented a
notable exception. Of French birth, and
thoroughly schooled in that which apper-
tains to educational matters, Mr.. DeConin
followed, for years, the profession Of teach
ing in some OF the most noted schools of
this country; as theoretical and practical
chemist he is recognized as an authority
by those best qualified to judge. and his
knowledge of chemistry has been put to
good use. SO far as agricultural interests
are concerned. This has been made mani
fest in the fertilizers he compounds,
adapted to different soils. climatic condi-
tiOns, etc. In other words, Mr.. DeConin
is not wholly a theorisJ-On the contrary
he is an eminently practical man, and.
since he has been one of the fraternity of
commission and produce merchants of this
city he has given abundant evidence of the
fact.
Mr.. DeConin, who is pleasantly and CEN
trally., located in the Picker building:
north Augusta Street. makes specially
of different articles. He is an extensive
buyer of produce of nearly every conceiva-
bic kind-he purchases and ships grain,
flour, poultry, butter, eggs, potatoes, etc..
and his poultry purchases alone constitute
business of goodly proportions. He has
aided very much in making Staunton a
desirable market. and his shipments to
New York, Philadelphia. Baltimore,
Washington, Richmond and other points
constitute an important item in the gen.
eral trade of the city.
Mr.. DeCOnin has been a resident of All
gusta county for the past five years, and
for three years he has lived in Staun-
. ton. During these three years he has
carried on his present business. He
has worked with a will toward tits
up-building, and the best evidence
of his success is to be found in the fact
that his operations for 1883 were consider
ably greater than for the previous twelve
month. In his attempts to advance his
own and his patrons interests Mr.. De-
Uoninhas spared no honorable effort; he
has made friends of his customers, and he
has demonstrated the fact that an educated
man can drop the role of teacher, assimi-
late his views with those of the public
generally. and make success of mercan-
tile venture, if he is the fortunate pos
SCISSOR of what is sometimes called "a level
head" That +. DeConin owns and wears
such a caput is beyond question, and,
either as teacher or merchant, we can un-
hesitatingly designate him as "a level
headed man." and one who is doing all in
his power to promote the commercial i'm
pOrtance of his chosen home.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-31
VALLEY VIRGINIAN
IQHN M. HARDY.

At the corner of Main and Market
streets is a carriage factory that for many
years has been recognized as one of the
leading enterprises Of its kind in the in
terror of the State Established in I848
by R. w. Hardy and man named
Marsteller, (the first named gentleman
being brother of the present proprie-
tori the works have been continued ever
since, and have supplied the people of
this and adjacent counties with almost
numberless vehicles. Mr.. John M. Har-
dy became an apprentice in the factory
at about the time its business began, he
learning the trade of "body maker On
the 23d of October, 1855, he became pro-
prietor of the works. The original shops
were upon Market street. and in 1854 or
1855 Mr.. R. W. Hardy built new shops
upon Main street, the main building be-
ing 56x28 feet, with L 20 feet square.
In 1862 the old shops were burned.
The corner building, 4. e. at the corn
err of Main and Market. is one Of the
landmarks Of town, having been put up
in 1905 as residence for Mrs. Nc
Gonigle. Subsequently it was converted
into a store and was successfully occu-
pied by Phillip Hopkins, Elijah May
and others, and now, barring Office room,
is again used for residence purposes by
Mr.. Hardy.
As we have said, MIR. John M. Hardy
began business for himself as carriage
maker in 1855. During the war the fac
tory was operated by the Confederacy,
Mr.. Hardy filling the position of Super
intendent; after the surrender he turn
ed his attention to other pursuits. Du-
ring the years 1867 $3.50 he was vari-
ously employed-tanning distilling and
milling occupying his time; on the 9TH
of January 1870 he returned to his "frsi
love"-in other words, resumed the bus:
mess of carriage making, which he has
since carried on.
Mr.. Hardy employs from seven tc
eight persons, and turns out large
quantity of work each year work that
for the most part, ranges in price from
$I25 to $3.50 and $3.50 the job. 1t !:
and always has been his aim to product
the best, most reliable class of work, anC
he has always worked for what may bt
called home market, comparatively
few vehicles being sold outside of Au
gusta and Rockbridge counties. Hi
work is recognized as being thoroughly
reliable, and Mr.. Hardy evidently be
lieves in the AKIN: "prove all things ant
hold fast to that which is good" al
illustration we mention the fact tina
twenty-six years ago he began using tn
"Phineas Jones wheel, made at Newark
N. J., and he has been so thorough,
pleased with it that he has ever sine
given it preference over all others
though he has experimental with hal
hundred makes he. retains this becaus
of its intrinsic excellence. And SO c
all the material he uses. Inferior art
cles are not in demand at "Hardy's oil,
reliable carriage factory" the result ha
been reputation that the work don
warrants.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-31

ing their sphere of work to much great
er extent, and each is disposed to act
accordingly. They are well satisfied
with their trade thus far; it has been be-
yond the expectations they had formed,
and they take this fact, as they have a
right to, as a good omen of the future.
The repair business has been and con-
tinues to be large, and Stockton & Bro.
are prepared to fill orders in this depart
ment well and faithfully. In brief the
business prospers, and the VALLEY VIR-
GINIAN records the fact with unfeigned
pleasure.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-31
c. BARGAMIN & co.

Upon an inside page we had occasion to
refer to the firm of H. E. Loving & Co.,
plumbers. Since that article was written
and put in type, Mr.. Bargamin has bought
out Mr.. Loving, and since has formed
partnership with Mr.. Emmett Guy. one of
the well-known attorneys Of town. Mr..
Guy will abandon his profession. and unite
with MI. Bargamin in advancing the in
terests of the house in fact, we may say
that the new firm propose to give Staun-
ton the most complete plumbing estab-
lishment in the State. They are also about
to establish branch house at Lexington,
which will be under the immediate charge
of Mr.. VIM. Burke, who is temporarily
in charge at the old stand of II. E. Loving
u Co.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-31
c. B. SOMERVUI.E &CO

The largest and in many respects the
handsomest salesroom in the city is the
one occupied by the firm whose name
we have just written. The premises con
sist of substantial brick block, Nos
Io2, 1914 and 100, west Main street, hav-
ing frontage Of 38 feet with depth of &C
feet, the structure being two floors and
basement in height. The basement and
1st floor are required for the business Of
the frm,-the ed floor contains the w.
U. telegraph and other offices, cigar
factory and Lodge rooms. These prem
ises were built by the firm of Lipseomb
q Somerville in I88o-'SI.
The business of C. B. Somerville &
Co, briefly defined, is that of china,
glass and queensware, lampware, silver
plated ware, stoneware and house furn-
ishing goods. The firm are also exclu-
sive agents for Augusta county for the
Domestic" and "New Home" sewing
machines. Within the large salesroom
one can find countless articles of interest.
The goods are displayed in most eff
fective manner, and as we glance at the
contents of counters and shelves and
show cases we see some of the highest
triumphs of the potters' and silver
smiths arts. AS a matter of course
there is carried large stocks of the afti-
cles pertaining to the trade which are in
everyday demand. Crockery from the
leading English potteries, and some from
American manufacturers abound glass
ware is in profusion, and we notice a
wonderfully attractive display of Bohe-
milan and crystal wares. Then there are
sets of gold-band, decorated and plain
china ware, such as tend to make house
keepers hereabouts fracture the 10th com
mandment-they can't help coveting
possession Of such dainty articles, and
we don't blame them. The silver ware
shown is all of the famous "Rogers"
make, than which there is none better.
We had the curiosity to know some
thing about the cost of a crockery "out-
fit and Mr.. Somervills. fairly leaked in
formation upon the subject. Said he:
GLOW much will a fairly complete outfit
cost? Well, 500 will buy a right good
one" Whew," said we, "You don't
mean to say that newly married cou-
pie can't comfortably begin housekeep-
ing without spending a Century" or
more on crockery and glassware ?'
by no means. | equipped couple
the other day very comfortably for
$3.50, and such cases are by no means
We were glad to make note of this
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-31

Cone his extended practical experience
qualities HIM to satisfactorily execute any
order, however delicate, for work in this
line, and the growth of his business, both
in the sales and repair department tells
how well he is appreciated.