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

vens, a native of N. c., and a graduate OF
Oberlin University, Ohio, is ably conduct
ing the classes formerly taught by Miss
Mitchell. Those who do not believe that
colored pupils can learn are invited to visit
the schools and see for themselves.
MORTALITY.
In consequence Of an epidemic of a ma
lignant type of scarlet fever, the year 1888
shows a larger death rate than usual. But
Notwithstanding the presence of this fatal
malady among us, the death rate was but
little over l per cent. There were ia
deaths, of all ages, during the year. but
this number includes not only til; residents
of Staunton, but those of West End and
the suburban sections Immediately ad-
jacent to the city. OF the causes Of death,
scarlet fever heads the list with 80; con-
sumption, ID pneumonia, 81; typhoid fever,
A ; dropsy, 3, and SO ON down.
INTERNAL REVENUE COLLECTIONS.
In August last, the Office of the Int. Rev.
for the 9th District of Virginia was moved
to Stanton, the districts having pre-
viously been consolidated, and VIM. E.
Craig appointed Collector. Since that date
the collections through the Staunton office
has been as follows
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-31
anon Springs Jno Waldrop, Buffalo Gap

anon Springs Jno Waldrop, Buffalo Gap
Thos. j. Diamond, Churchyille.
Middle River District N Gentry
New Hope; J A Weaver, Mt. Meridian
K B Komer, Red Mills A 7 Grooms, Mt
Sidney G M Parkins, Verona.
South River District.-J B Roden,
Waynesborough G A Gully, Fishersville
Jno B Hunter, Sherando Fl Stump,
Barterbrook.
North River DISTRICT w Sitter, Mt.
Scion Jno w Crist, Sangersville J r
Trout, Spring Hill; P H Wheeler, Centre
vile :; J II Sillings, Parnassus.
Riyerheads District. -Jno B Smith,
Greenyille; G T-Jordon, Middlebrook T
M Smiley, Newport J A Spencer, Mid
+ d. s
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-31
Y. M. BICKLE.

The same business stand, upon West
Main street, has been occupied by Mr.
Bickle as a furniture house ever since he
began trade upon his own account in 1866.
1t is anything but a handsome building.
but it has been the central point for large
business transactions, and though the edi-
fee possesses few attractions, the same
cannot be said of it's contents.
Mr.. Bickle has had long experience in the
furniture trade. He served apprenticeship
with A. d. Chandler, and, as boy and man
worked at the bench as practical cabinet
maker for twenty-five years. Since open
ing his present house in 1866, his time has
been occupied in generally supervising his
business. The undertaking department.
especially calls for his personal attention.
Though usually called manufacturer, Mr.
Bickle makes but small proportion of the
goods he sells, and what he does make is of
the medium and low priced class. The
other and better grades he buys of other
manufacturers whose facilities enable them
to produce furniture cheaply.
Referring to his trade Of last year, Mr. i.
Bickle said that it had proved decidedly
better than that of any year for some time
past. He also intimated to us that he was
thoroughly Disguised with the credit sys-
tenn, and that he intended to adhere to the
cash plan as closely as possible hereafter
To which we may add: such policy, pur-
sued by our merchants. generally, would be
productive of decided good to- all concern
ed
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-31
S. M. WILKES.

The furniture and undertaking business
of Staunton constitutes an important in
tereSt, and, as a representative of it, we
make reference to the house of S. NJ
Wilkes, which was established by it's pres
ent proprietor thirteen years ago. Mr.
Wilkes, who Isl native of Charlotte coun-
ty, located in this city IN 1871. He came
here stranger, and there were then two
OF three furniture houses already doing
business here. Though competition prom
Used to prove very active, he felt that "a
good opening existed, and he acted upon
that belief. That he has had no occasion
toiregret SO doing is evident from the large
trade that has been attracted to the house
and from the fact that Mr.. Wilkes finds
himself compelled to provide larger and
more suitable quarters than those now oc-
cupied. tits his intention this coming
spring to move the building Nos 80 and
80: west Main street, to the rear of the lot
and erect bricllblock, 40 feet front by so
feet depth, three floors. The present
building will then be used for storage and
manufacturing purposes. When this i'm
provement is completed Mr. Wilkes will
have, not only one of the handSOmeSt places
of business in town, but he will then be
enabled to properly display the extremely
large and elegant line of goods at all times
carried.
Inquiry as to- prices that rule in differ
ent styles of parlor and. chamber suits, re-
suited in the following information. The
house sells chamber suits at widely differ
emit prices. You can buy very pretty and
substantial cottage suit, of ten pieces,
for 500, and, if SO inclined, can secure an
elegant suit in black walnut, at $3.50. Be-
tween these two extremes almost any taste
or purse can be consulted. In parlor suits
the lowest priced goods shown are $50, and
from that range to $135 more expensive
goods are rarely called for, and if they are
the house makes special orders for them.
Those classes of goods known as 'medium''
and Cheap are, as a matter of course.
carried in full stock. Undertaking is also
speciality, and the services of the house in
this department are called for fyom radius
of twenty miles or more from the city.
A very considerable iobbing or wholesale
trade is held, especially in the iron manu-
featuring districts, and Mr.. Wilkes is al
ways prepared to fill orders at wholesale on
terms that cannot but be satisfactory. In
brief, he is doing his full share towards
developing the trade interests of Staunton.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-31
MARRIED..

On the 3d. at the residence of the brides IA
Their, in Sherando, by Rev. Grouse, Miss Berdie,
daughter of Mr.. VIM. Grass, and Mr.. e. p.
Groome, of Gordonsville, Va. l...-,
On Dec the 26th, 1888, by Rev. j. NJ Hedrick,
at the residence of the clergy, Mr.. John d.
Swisher, of Rockbridge, to Miss Alice S. john
son of Augusta.
At the residence of the BRIDES parents, Janu-
auy 1st, by Rev. J. NJ Hedrick, Mr.. Jacob Run
kle to Miss Letitia j. AIeheart, all of Augusta
county.
ron Jan. 18th, at the residence of the clergy
man, by Rev. j. M. Hedrick, Mr.. John N. Greg
ory to Miss Julia A. Troxhall, all of Augusta
county. IN
On the 18th instant, at the residence of the
brides parents by the Rev. Leroy A. Wanger,
Mr.. VIM. Wiseman and Miss Mollie Melton.
Jan. Is, 1884, near Pleasant Valley, by Rev. W.
T. Price, Mr.. Frank Deputy and Miss Margaret
Stone, daughter of Isacc Stone, Esq, all Of
Rockingham co.
On Wednesday, Jan. 1884, at the residence of
the brides parents, by Rev. b. r. Carnahan,
Mr.. George D. Wise, of Mt. Crawford, Rocking
ham county, to Miss Maggie S. SHELTON, of
Weyer's Cave, Augusta co.
At Port Republic, Rockingham, Jan. 21st, by
Rev. s. r. Snapp, Saml M. Jones, of Montgon-
cry county, and Mrs. Annie E. Bateman.
Near Ottobine, Rockingham Jan. 10th, by
Rev. Geo. w. Wine, Aaron Sellers and Eliza j..
Bateman. ri
In Rockingham county, January 10th, by Rev.
P. Zigler, Frank H. Cunningham and Mary +.
Bull.
In Harrisonburg, Jan. 22d, by Rev. ]. Arm
strong, Nick. w. Snyder and Mary Holmes.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-31

There has been decided improvement in the
price of wheat since our last ISSUE and this, too,
under greatly impovished supply The de-
mand, however, has been steady and strong,
and at the figures quoted the cry is ''more." In
the opinion of one of our most careful and sue
cessful commission merchants wheat has reach
ed high-tide, and there is no telling now how
soon decline will have to be recorded. The
quotations yesterday were as follows: Flour
family. So; Extra, 81 go; Super, IS 81: Wheat;
81 O5 to 81 OS; Corn, s. to 7O OATS 40 to ~; Hay
$40 to So; Glover seed, S. rs to Sc 90. In Rich
mond, wheat, 81 OS to 81 Il; Baltimore, 81 OF to
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-31
Some Facts about the City.
THE YEARLY RECEIPTS AND.s ExPENDI-
TUREs- SCHOOLS, sc.

From the interesting review which we
present to-day of the business houses OF
Staunton, the reader may CLEAN fair idea
of the more important interests OF the
city. There are some prominent business
houses equally deserving Of notice which
are not mentioned. This we regret more
than the parties Immediately concerned.
Our idea was to give fair and complete
presentation which should embrace all the
more prominent enterprises, but in the in
stances omitted we were unable to secure
the information in time.
In order that the general reader may
form some idea of the government OF the
city, late of taxation, public school ad-
vantages, healthfulness, &C., we present
in addition to the general review upon an
other page, a few facts which may prove
of interest.
THE CITY GOVERNMENT
is vested in the mayor and twelve council
men, who are elected every two years.
The present offices are as follows Mayor,
J. A. Cochran Councilmen, Ward No. l,
r. w. Burke, president, l. Witt, G. &.
Gooch, Jno. Burns, J. D. Crowle, and }.
w. Todd Ward No. 2, G. NJ. Cochran,
Jr., J. w. Abby, F. B. Berkeley, DIR. N.
Wayt, j. c.. Marquis and p. H. Trout.
Mr.. N. Argenbright is clerk to the Coun-
Gil.
In addition to these the city officers are
Judge of the Hastings Court. w: q.
Smith Attorney for the Commonwealth
r. p. Bell ;Clerk of the Hastings Court,
N. Argenbright; City Treasurer, J. M.
Carroll Chief of Police, J. H. Waters
Policemen, M. Hounihan, VIM. Simpson.
Jos. Newman Commissioner Of Revenue,
G. H. Hudson; City Sergeant, VIM. N.
REYNOLDS Constable. Geo. A. Hutchinson !;
Magistrates, w. B. Kayser, G. D. Pear
man. w. c. Straughan, B. F. Terry.
FINANCES.
The total valuation of real estate i'll the
city is 81 ,S27 .s37 Personal property, $751;
179. The rate of taxation is $l.25 on the
$4,000 worth of property, upon an ex-
tremely moderate assessment basis.
/ The receipts and expenditures for the
wear ending Jany 1st, "a, rs reported by
Mr.. ]. M. Carroll, the efficient city treas
urer. were as follows:
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-31

COUNTY CoURT-Ju Judge Hudson pre-
siding commenced it's January term on
Monday last. The following lisa summary
of the proceedings
Roads. Upon the petition Of H. P. Dick
erson and others, a change in the Barter
brook road in Beverly Manor was made,
allowing land damages to Rev. j. G. Wheat
Of $11s.75. Upon the petition of Samuel
H. Alexander and others, change of road
in Middle River District was established,
allowing damage to Mrs. Eliza J. Humph-
rey of $50 and to ]. A. Grove $25. Upon
the petition of S. J. CARRIER and others, a
road was established in Middle River Dis
trict, allowing damage to G. j. Dickerson,
$40 Gideon Barnhart, Trustee, SIS; and
James Borden, SIS. Cost of construction,
$50. John A. Hartman was appointed sur
veyor of road precinct No. Al, Beverly
Manor, and D. B. Weaver of No. 81. South
River District. That portion of public
road, precinct No. IA South River Dis
trict, from Harner's farm to Jno. n.
Koiner6 ford, was discontinued upon the
application of ]. J. Harner. VIM. Schoon-
over and others for road near Craigsville.
A commission was awarded contestant, J.
A. Craig. composed of A. S. Young, Jno.
d. Ewell, DR.. D. Bashaw, G.. w. Nc
Cutchen. r. N. Wallace, and were re-
quired to act Monday, Feb. 18th.
Probate. The will Of Richard G. Valen-
tine was admitted to record. The will Of
Reuben A. CARRIER was admitted to record;
with Milton H. Shaver as executor. J..
III. Parkins was appointed a committee for
Thomas T. Norman. John A. johnson
was appointed guardian of Mamie Nc
Kenny. Administration was granted Mr..
David M. Kerr on estate of Mr.. Thornton
Berry, decd. An authenticated copy of
the will of Hayward M. Hutchinson, late
of Washington City, D. c., was admitted
to record with Robert L. Parrish as adj
ministrator c. t. a. Administration was
granted to J. T. Hunter on estate of Jacob
Meyers, decd. The will of Charles Berry
was admitted to record, with g. J. Berry
DIS cXeCuUOE. ILoUdICO VI MID IAbly A'
Noon and Mrs. Martha Ann Christian,
were committed to Sheriff for administra-
ton. The powers of J. w. Stout, as adj
ministrator d. b. n. C. t. a. of Z. X. Meni-
fee, were revoked, and estate committed
to Sheriff for administration.
Personal powers of John Sullivan
as Constable of Beverly Manor District
were revoked, and Thos. j. Hartman APP
pointed in his stead.
David A. Bell was appointed Deputy
Treasurer for Beverly Manor District.
The resignation of John A. Stuart as
Justice of the Peace in South River Dis
trict was accepted.
The application of Anderson Green to
retail ardent.spirits at Bolivar, near Staun-
ton, was docketed and continued till next
term.
The application of S. II. Hunt for liquor
license at Lynnhurst, was overruled. The
applicant appealed.
Registrars Beverly Manor District =
Saml Brown, Hebron; w d Anderson,
Sandy Hollow; Harper Hartman, Bolivar ;
w A Burnett, Peacos Mill J G Whit
lock, Folly Mills.
Pastures. -Jno Guy, Deerheld; G. s.
Craig, Craigsville; A Y Vanfossen, Leb-
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-31
Amount held by Sinking Fund
Committee .....................$ A, 1854

| OF the bonded Indebtedness $113, 800 is
n per cent bonds. These bonds readily
command a premium of 80 per cent when
offered on the market, but so desirable are
they that none can be purchased. the hold
ers regarding them as about the safest and
most profitable investment that could be
made. The remainder of the bonded debt
bears interest at the rate of per cent,
and these bonds sell at premium Of 8
per cent. AS fast as the s per cent. bonds
become redeemable, they are called in and
substituted by bonds bearing less rate of
interest. The bonded debt was incurred
principally by a subscription of 100000
| to the capital stock of the Valley railroad
and $1O7, 300 to the construction of the
city water works and purchase of land con-
nected Herewith.
| PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
| Of the public schools Of Staunton our
citizens should feel justly proud. The SUI
perintendent, Mr.. w. A. Bowles, is a
thorough educator.and has gathered around
him an efficient corps ofiteachers.
There are in operation 20 schools (classes),
IL for white children and 8 for colored,
taught by II teachers-10 in the white
schools and in the colored. The total
enrolment to January LIST of this session.
is sol white pupils and 1923 colored, total,
924. These. figures show that so per cent.
Of the white and 81 per cent of the col
ored school population of the city. all those
| between the ages Of and 81, are in at
| tendance in our public schools. For white
and colored the percentage is 81, which
compares most favorably with that of ana
city in the State.
The percentage Of attendance of the pu-
pills enrolled has been largely increased by
rigid enforcement of the regulations
adopted by the city School Board pertain
ing to the attendance of pupils upon the
schools.
The funds upon which the schools are
working are derived partly from the State
and partly from the city. This session
they receive from the city. S., 900, and from
the State So FOG. 9s, an increase from the
State of $426.57 over the.amount received
session 1881 's2. Inaddition to these sums,
5000 is realized from private. tuition.
The health ofsthe children and the gen.
eral condition of the schools are excellent.
The superintendent and teachers invite
the patrons and all interested to visit the
schools.
The session averages 'about nine and
half months. The cost Of tuition per cap
tia is a little more than "a cents per
month.
The high school taught by Geo. P. Perry,
ESQ.,, is in very good condition. 1t con-
tains an excellent set of pupils, above 40
in number, the most of whom areIfaithful
in their work and exemplary in their gen.
eral department. Mr.. Perry is a:good dis
ciplinarian and born teacher. and conse-
quently is very popular with his pupils
and patrons.
At all Of the buildings. the teachers are
required to move continually among the
pupils during the recesses, and no pains
are spared which tend to the. promotion of
the general moral tone of the school.
The experiment of colored teachers in
the colored schools this session has sue
ceeded very satisfactorily. Geo. E. Ste
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-31
The Opera House.

Miss Josephine Kelley appeared for the
first time in Staunton, in the drama "Pyg-
mafion and Galatea, vat the Opera House
last night. This mystic tale Of art and
love and human passion is very difficult
to produce, for however cleverly the actors
may carry their parts, unless there is that
vague, indefinable air of mystery prevail
ing each MotipRfand word, the plaE. ,be-
comes verxfat. Isnt Miss Kelley and her
support were equal to every requirement,
and gave a very pleasing performance.
which eli cited the heartiest expressions of
admiration from the audience.
Tonight the Company give that master
piece Romeo and Juliet, "and the finest
dramatic entertainment our citizens have
witnessed may be expected. # we may
judge from the flattering notices OF the
press, and the excellent impression made
last night. the performance will heartily
enjoyed and long remembered Mr.. DIV
Ter received kilograms from cities in which
the company has appeared, commencing
it in the highest terms as worthy of the
largest audience that can be crowded into
the house, and we heartilyendorsealltthey
say. The first scene last night was worth
the price of admission.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-31

In the review which we here close, men
ton has been made of illustrations.
We had secured some most admirable
wood cuts of the Seminaries, the Insane
Asylum, the Valley Mutual Life Associa-
ton building, the Deaf, Dumb and Blind
Institution, etc., and intended to have
printed them--the only reason we did not
was because the space allotted was already
more than filled by articles written we.
have even had to trespass upon the regular
local columns AID even then find much
memoranda upon our notebook unwritten
notably G. Berkeley & Co., L. Witt &
Bro, j. E. Graham & Bro, Alexander
Hart, M. P. Funkhouser and others. We
have, for the same reason, made no men
ton of tine hardware trade, harness max
ing, photographing, &c.: many grocery,
clothing, fancy goods, millinery, confec-
tionery and other establishments, several
contractors and builders, and, in fact,
scores of mercantile and manufacturing
concerns are necessarily omitted. 1t
would be foolish to designate this as a
resume of the city and its trade
it has been the effort of the VALLEY VIR-
reporter to make it as complete as
the space allotted would admit.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-31
THE COST OF LIVING

THE COST OF LIVING
in Staunton is as low as in any city of sim
liar size. Comfortable houses for families
can be rented at from $3.50 to $3.50 per an
mum. Flour sells at from 1915 to SIS per
barrel, according to quality. Beef, NUT
ton and pork at from to 5 cents per
pound; the cost of groceries and fruits,
owing to the active competition, is reduced
to a minimum of profit to the seller
Wood retails at from So to $50 per cord :;
bituminous COAL So; Anthracite, 81 to
$50.
TO SUM UP,
Staunton has everything that could be de-
sired, except manufactures. That is
what she needs, and needs badly. We
have everything to make investment in
manufactures profitable-railroad facili-
ties, abundance of raw material, cheap
labor and cheap living and all that is re-
quired is that the plants be made and the
work commenced. The opening is tempt
ing one, and they who take advantage of
it will reap rich reward.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-31
7-7-'---7---=-= @l1.| '-7---77-----7---
Staunton and it's Trade.
1.-THE following articles were excluded
from the extra sheet of to-day's VALLEY
VIRGINIAN because Of lack of room.
HUNTER g. co.

from the extra SneeG OF Jo-dayfS VALLEY
VIRGINIAN because of lack of room
HUNTER & co.
In the same block with the VALLEY
VIRGINIAN office is the book and station
cry establishment of Hunter & Co., and we
can refer to it as being one Of the most
completely equipped houses of its kind in
the State and the history Of it's growth since
it was established is one that any mercan-
tile house might be proud of.
1t has now been in existence about six
teen years. and its prosperity during these
years has been apparent to all who have
watched the city's growth.
Its founder was MI. G. w. Hunter,
native of Appomatt0x county. This was
an entirely new enterprise to him; indeed,
we are under the impression that his mer-
camille experiences date from the organi-
zation of this house, but it is a very pal
pable fact that under his management it
has developed ratio of growth that. will
compare favorably with that of any other
mercantile interest here.
Not only do Hunter & Co. command a
very large retail business from Staunton
and adjacent country, but they add materi-
ally to the volume of the wholesale trade
of the city, and like some of their fellow
merchants. are reaching out for the whole
sale trade that, by right, centres here.
The house is especially building I'D a
gratifying wholesale trade in West Virgin
ia, and the better to meet it they keep
commercial traveller on the road. That
the house is abundantly able to cater
to the needs of the trade is apparent to any
one who is familiar with the variety and
extent of stock carried, and it is equally
apparent that it's facilities are such that it
can successfully compete with similar
houses in the larger cities
During the late holiday season Hunter
81 Co.'S establishment was one of the bust |
est as well as one of the most attractive
places in town; more expensive goods were
sold by it than ever before, and Mr.. Hun |
ter, in expressing his satisfaction at the |
volume OF this holiday trade, added: ut |
surpassed that of the similar season in |
any previous year." He4also, in a general |
way, referred to the business of the house |
for the entire year of 1883 as having been |
very satisfactory. Like the majority of |
his brother merchants, he could mark 1913
as s'red letter. year.
Another thing we can say of this house:
it has proved i'll more senses than one, a
great public educator. 1t has fostered a
taste for that which is purest and best in
literature, and in this respect the house
labors hand in hand with the churches and
schools in moulding and strengthening
character.
1t affords the VALLEY VIRGINIAN
pleasure to thus refer to Hunter & Co. and
their business. We are glad to note every
evidence of the prosperity of the house for
1t is deserved, and we know that the pub
lie comedies with us in this expression.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-31

We direct attention to the notice of DR..
w. X. Smith To he found in another col
lmn. Some Of our most prominent ,citi-
Zelis have submitted % his treatment. and
are perfectly satisfied with the result. Per-
SONS suffering from the aggravatlng COM
plants mentioned. should ut once engage
his professional service. as he, certainly un
d'.rsIanaF sIGs bus mess Ills success in
some remarkable Chronic cases furnishes
conclusive assurance of his eminent
qualifications to pc rform what he under
to1
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-31

Mr.. Edwin Plots theyuntiring and eff
iicient agent of the Gem Organ Co., has
gone home to Washington, N. j., until the
sprngtime when he will return to this
county. In the mean time Mr.. James nj.
Kerr. at Fort Defiance,P. O., will act as
his agent and attend to his business in
the Valley. janl7-tf.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-31

REMOVAL OF SHoPs.-Staunton sustains
a pretty serious loss in the removal of the
Round House force to Clifton Forge. The
transfer was effected on Saturday. The
trade of quite number of workman will
thus be lost.t our merchants. 1t would now
be. in order for the r. r. Co.. to return the
land donated to it by the city, on condi
tion that shops be erected.