Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1891-07-14
The Town OF BerryyHIe.

Mr.. Editor You were pleased to
publish in your last issue my impress
lsions of Berryville during my visit
there on the 4tli inst. Il hardly had
my full say in that briet communities
tion, so i will resume my pen for a
little more small talk. At the close
of the winter of 1S47, more than A
years ago, a young itinerant with his
better half, whose bridal robes were
yet fresh, drove into Berryviile an
hour or two after nightfall. The
night was very dark. Tired and
weary from drive of 80 miles, the
latter half through mud and mire, he
stopped in front of small dwelling
on Main street where bachelor and
his maiden sister lived and asked to
be entertained for the night, for /
had learned that it was their good
custom in the kindness of their hearts
to welcome Methodist preachers to
their home, going to and from con-
ference. They took us in, made us
comfortable and would receive moth
ing in recompense but thanks. The
name of the persons referred to was
Noble. / stood before that same
house on the day of my late visit and
felt like uncovering in memory of the
worthy and now sainted ones who oc-
cupied that humble home. Strange
to say, Mr.. Editor, that little piece
of property became the cause of pro-
tracted litigation between the two
great Methodist churches of the coun-
try and was finally awarded to the
Northern side.
My friend Shipley likes fine
horse, and that he has one this scribe
gives his hearty assent. He bought
him after he came to this section of
country, and is training him just to
his liking. wouldn't be surprised
to learn that he will get Dandy (for
that is his name) to know his beck
and nod, and understand his horse
talk most intelIigently. He gave me
a drive in the country, and how he
handled the ribbons-a la Grant or
Bonner. We visited our mutual
friend Rev. Mr.. Engle, who lives a
mile beyond the center of the town.
His farm of more than two hundred
acres lies on the railroad and Mill
wood pike, close upon the southern
suburbs. From the enhancement in
value of real estate in such close
proximity, L believe the farm, bought
ten or more years ago, if sold to-day,
would double the original purchase
money. So YOU see, Mr.. Editor, now
and then a preacher strikes boz
nanza. Well, l am glad of it. /
take it to be so that the town has in
creased largely in population in the
last decade. A guess on my part
would give fourteen or fifteen hum
dred at least, and this will receive
further accretion in the near future
from the expected newcomers rem
dered necessary to man the manufac-
turing plants to be established
Already the Thomas Carriage Fac
tory has been in operation for years,
its workmanship attaining celebrity
for nicely of finish and durability of
wear unsurpassed. The making OF
brick is carried on extensively and
building material of wood gotten out
for frame structures, if preferred
The Bank of Berryville has been sue
cessfully conducted for years, giving
financial facilities TO large and
prosperous community. 1t seems to
me as the march of progress FORCES
ahead, and the population of the
county seat increases, the pride OF
the good people of Clarke would be
provoked, and a new courthouse,
with clerks offices, be built in mod
ern architectural style, an ornament
to the place, instead of the present
contracted and q ask pardon for
writing) uncomely building. / have
the belief that public buildings, both
civil and religious in their finish and
style, indicate the aesthetic taste and
prosperity of communities.
TIMOTHY.
Charlestown, July 10, 1891.