Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-11-25
southern Augusta Octosenarians.

o. .ha Nortbern slopes of the water shed
vbicb crosses The central Valley plateau in the
cor,horn and of Augusta county. amid wind
inc va,es and rolling hills, is the thriving town
ofGreepville: an old Valley village it was. but
now having the advantages of a trading CEN
tire on the Valley Railroad. strikes out on 9
new career 1t is the centre of rich agricul-
turai region with fair share of mercantile
bons,s and manufacturing establishments in
and around 1t.
of this section nothing need be said to those
who know it but a word the benefit of the
stranger who perchance. may tarry within
its gates, is proper.
Successful agriculture in the mixed produc-
ton of wheat and corn and hay, and real1ne
livestock are carried on. The valleys, as well
as the soil on the high gray hills. produce ad-
mirably, and the pasturage is wonderful under
the improving era which is making the grasses
contribute leading share in our industries
The heavy clay substrstum underlying the hill
lands, as well as The valley s, would hardly be
supposed to exist on the high points-certainly
the fancy farmer, not accusiome d TO judging by
appearances in the rougber Iorms, would say
Lot. The great heavy forests OF giant oak, wal
nut, hick CRY. etc. attracted the early settlers
who knew such growth could come from
poor base support. The sturdy scotch-Irish
and d good snare of the care III German eleme u l
Ia ing possession of the wild domain, planted
their instltu tons and engrafted their habits
aud thrifty ways upon the country with an en-
during seal.
A little way out from Greenville, on diverg-
ing roads, reside three octogenarians, who are
esteemed and rever.d, not only tor the great
ages which they have reached. but also r
their worth sterling men and valuable citi
Tnn A with lar
dclton C me within the circle of those Whose
pleasure it is to recount virtue and to offer
tributes of respect and affection. Jon Its
rolls, without an interval through its .oug'x
tst5nce of sixty -thr-e years, The names of thes.
three venerable gentl. men have had thell
place. We doubt it any other n ewspaper in the
world eau Say that for slxly-three y ears, al the
same postoffice, and residing in the same COM
munity and continuously, there are three per-
sons who sustain such relations to any other
journal We name them in the order of senior
lily: Mat hew Pilson, Sc in December; James
Bumgsrdner, IS in April; and David Black
wood. 81 ears of age.
During the recent County Fair, Mr.. Bumgard-
ner was in town, and we had the pleasure OF
an interesting conversation with him on 1h'
grounds where were displayed SO many ev-
licences of The thrift and progress OF the county
is his annual custom, and during his brief stay
gave something of his interesting observations
during his long life. Last Wednesday, MIR. PHI
son called, and dropping the pen and putting
aside every thought. we desired only to listen
to him as he sketched scenes and incidents
through the long and eventful vars since he
reached mans Is ate.
Fifteen years more than the allotted span o.
human existence have been granted unto these
venerable men, who ara loved and honored by
all. The SPECTATOR claims to mingle its trib
ute in the expressions of pleasure which greet
age and usefulness. for it realizes companion
ship, and will preserve it in its records.
To each of these aged gentlemen. the follow
ing lines of the poet are applicab e.
Age sits with easy grace upon his yisage,
And worthily becomes his silver locks;
He wears the marks of many years well spent,
OF virtue, truth well tried, and wise expe-
rience"