Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-05-06
A TRIP In THE VIRGINIA MOUNTAINS.
SOME SIGHTS AND EXPERIENCES OF
HORSEBACK TRIP-AND SOME RRTLEC-
TIONs.
BY THE REV. WIN. T. PRICE.


HORSEBACK TRIP-AND SOME RRvLEC-
TI0Ns.
BY THE REV. VIM. T. PRICE.
The scene opens at Maple Manse, Rock
ingham, Va, in view of the Blue Ridge.
twenty Ave miles from Staunton, Va
Thence to Beverly, West Va, one hundred
and ten miles, at the base of Rich Noun
tain, the last one Of the ranges that form
the system, believed by the Indians to be
backbone of the world. As to travelling
outfit the writer and his son, youth of ,fif-
teen years, occupied a two-wheeled vehicle,
drawn by stalwart farm horse more than
twenty years old. The way led through
scenes of a most diversified character, plea
SAINT valleys, rugged ridges, precipitous foot
hills and towering ranges whose sunbright
submits seemingly mingled with the sky.
Then let the region traversed be called the
Virginia and West Virginia land of the sky.
Among the villages passed was Mcdowell,
prosperiDg in one Of the most picturesque
localities IA Virginia. If the poetic senti-
ment, ga thing of beauty lisa joy forever" !"
be true, then joy perennial is the good for
tune of the hospitable residents Near. at
hand is one of the most remarkable ohalyb-
cate springs in the known world for volume,
icy GOODNESS, and refreshing tonic properties.
Monterey, the county seat of Highland,
Va, is another very inviting place. 1t is
higher above the sea than any other village
in the State. Springs rise in the corporate
limits that form part Of the sources of the
James and Potomac rivers. A weekly news
paper is published. 1t would be difficult to
find locality where cottages appear to
more advantage. Five miles farther west
is the princely home of Washington Hev-
ener, ESQ.,, whose kindness to guests knows
no limits. On his premises is the famous
barn upon whose roof the rain-drops sepa-
rate on their way down from the clouds,
some for the Potomac, others for the noble
James. Thus is pointed useful moral, H.
Illustrating the wide divergence little causes
may bring about.
Near the crest of the main Allegheny, a
dozen miles on the way, there is mountain
abode possessing the blended notoriety of
post-ofice and toll-gate. Here the writer
called in to pay toll and mail postal card.
The lady in charge was very apologetic.-
Had she only known such nice-looking peo-
pie were on the road she certainly would
have put on her shoes and nice clean dress
and been able to have made a much better
appearance.
'sMy dear madam says the stranger in
his blandest tone, "you need make no apol-
ogies or excuses. You look like you are out
of the bandbox. No sooner said than her
repartee: II know that, sir, know look
like was out of the banGbox, and [ know
that look like l was never in one too :"
There was nothing more to say on the c,m-
PLEASANT travellers part, convulsed as he was
with irrepressble laughter. The card was
mo lnd fha fo1l L.
his gleesome journey.
Cheat Mountain and its foothills make up
the wonderland of the West Virginia sec.
ton of the Appalachian system. If geolog-
ical interences be true science, it would
seem this remar kable region is not fully up
as yet with tine rest of the world, Judging
from the ferns, MOSES and stu pendous pines
that abound in such astonishing profusion.
On the summit party of forty or more per.
sons were occupied in gathering blackber-
ries. There were men, women, boys and
girls who had encamped the previous night
on Cheat Bridge so as to be near the berry,
grounds early in the morning. The black
berry of Cheat is free from briers. The
cones are smooth and the fruit can be gath
cred without fear of scratched fingers or
rent clothing. In the recesses of this re-
motely wild region lives Robert Kerr. When
youth he was so imbued with he spirit oi
adventure that he spent years in the fal
West, visiting most of the new States and
Territories lie worked as miner, teamster
carpenter, farmland, cowboy, brakesman
and rancheman.
Upon realizing considerable means his
yearnings for bis native mountains were sc
intense, that be returned, and purchased
/, 700 acres of the Cheat wilderness. He
has now most inviting stock farm. Much
If it is meadow and meadow-like pastures
The whole is enclosed with a nice board
fence. Mr. K. is handsome bachelor, but
like Robinson Crusoe he seems to have
found congenial society among his devoted
cattle and affectionate focks. TIE writer
voice was drowned by their clantorous at
tentions to their kind owner, and there was
difficulty in holding brief conversation
with this friend Of his early youth.
Upon reaching Huttonsville, located in
the charming Tygart's Valley, Randolph
county, it was found that every preparation
was made for a stated meeting of Lexing-
ton Presbytery. The cougreg alton at this
point has for its pastor Rev Plumer Bryan,
grandson of Rev. DR.. Plumer of blessed
memory. The house of worship is rare
gem of architecture, and is, perhaps, the
most elegant church building in West Vir-
ginia. The Sabbath spent at Huttonsville
by members of the Presbytery will be long
remembered.
1t was scene of surprising interest to
observe the people assembling. For miles
it looked as if there we're so many process
sions on the three roads conveiging at the
church. About six hours were passed in
the varied exercises Of the occasion.
At Beverly the writer heard a sermon OF
SURPRISING power on sSowing and Reap
ing" preached by his esteemed ministerial
friend, Rev. D. A. Penick, pastor of "a church
near Lexington, Va. The afternoon wore
away, and at P. NJ, Brother Penick and
his friend, with spanking team, went
whirling away towards Huttonsville, which
place they had left in the morning. Just
as the setting sun was about to disappear
Huttonsville in sight, a mule team was met
age, in which there was Rev. Mr. Painter,
missionary to Honchon, China, along with
Ruling Elder Youell, member of Presby-
terry. They were on their belated way to
Beverly, ten miles distant, to meet an ap-
pointment for lecture on missions. AS
neither had ever been to Beverly, your cor
respondent at once concluded to get into
the ambulance with them. and play the role
Of chaperon. The missionary prot. sted
vehemently there was no use in it. 1t was
ridiculous to think that man who had been
to China ten years could not find the way
to Beverly, and take care of himself in ad-
dition. To make matters pleasant, the
writer beseechingly observed that the plea
sure of being with a missionary would be
motive enough to justify his return to
Beverly. 1t was quite late when the party
reached Beverly, and after hasty prepara
tion they set out for the church.. Some of
the impatient audience were met upon the
street, but returned upon being told the
missionary had arrived in town. A very
instructive lecture was delivered in the pres
ence Of large and greatly interested au-
dience. This was the first visit ever paid
this church by live missionary.
Preliminary to the lecture some one sang
as solo the touching words:
Repeat the story o'er and DER
Of grace SO full and free,
/ love to hear it more and more,
Since grace has rescued me.
Mr. Painter thinks the difficulties in the
way of evangelizing the Chinese are ex.