Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1891-05-08
4 Munifcent Gift.

II.
a grandson of the well-known Mr.. K.
ID. Shepherd, decd, of this county,
by deed of the 2sth ult., conveyed
the handsome and valuable grounds
and buildings, known as the "Shep-
herd College property" in this town,
to Messrs. Henry Shepherd, Geo. NJ.
Beltzhoover and John II. little, trus-
tees, and their successors forever,
lin trust, to manage the said property.
and to allow it to be used at their dis
erection for whatever purposes they
deem best for the interests OF the town
of Shepherdstown and the commuhi-
tv. with full power in the said trus-
tees to lease. but not TO sell or convey
the said property, or any part theron
and if anv income be derived from
said property it shall be reserved as a
fund for the benefit of the property,
in the way of repairs, improvements
and insurance. Upon any vacancy
occurring in said trustees, by death,
resignation or otherwise, his successor
shall be appointed by the Circuit
Court of the County of Jefferson, upon
motion and nomination made by the
surviving trustees, but ten days notice
of such motion and nomination shall
be given in writing, to the Mayor and
Recorder Of said town of Shepherds
town
This property, situated i'll the centre
of the town-an elevated site, l6S IT.
front by 206 feet deep. surrounded by
a cut-stone wall and improved by a
fine modern building which cost
about $50, 000-has long been justly re-
earded as one of the ornaments and at
fractions of our town. Hence, the ii
dings of this very generous act on
the part of Mr.. Brooks came as a
happy surprise to our people, and
there is generally expressed, as is well
deserved, hearty thanks and gratitude
therefor.
The public has for years past en-
loved the liberality of Mr. Brooks in
being permitted to use this property
ever since 1872, under lease TO trus-
tees, at merely nominal rent, for the
purposes of Shepherd College and the
Normal School for which it was ad-
mirably adapted, and which has
proved of such untold benefit to the
Young people not only Of this section,
but to many from other sections who
have shared its opportunities. The
school, we take it, will not in any
way be interfered with by this gift
but rather from 1t receive fresh im-
petus to still greater efficiency and
usefulness Our obligations for these
past favors we fully acknowledge
and return thanks therefor.
But the browning act of Mr.. Brooks
liberality, is his now voluntarily and
gratuitously donating, not onl y linn
tied use. but actually the whole prop
erty itself for the perpetual use and
benefit of the town and community.
This places us under new aud lasting
obligations to Mr.. b. and we sincerely
hope they will be ever so met as to
prove his favors to have been worthily
bestowed.
And never could the gift have come
at more opportune season. In the
midst of the active and earnest efforts
now being put forth by few enter
prising citizens to awaken the town
to spirit of true progress and i'm
provement, an act like this comes as
a stimulus and encouragement that
surely ought to greatly quicken the
public pulse, and to arouse all our
people to more liberal and progress
i've spirit.
No higher appreciation of Mr..
Brooks generosity can be shown than
by united effort not only to properly
utilize and preserve the property, but
to soadd and improveits surroundings
that they be put in thorough keep
| ing with it, and thus become still
more a centre Of interest and credit
to the town. May the aim be, ever to
keep the whole premises and vicinity
in entire readiness for the personal
inspection of Mr.. b. himself, should
he at any time find it convenient and
agreeable to once again visit our
heaven-favored valley, which we cor
daily invite him TO do with assurance
of most hearty welcome, and the
freedom" of the best hospitality the
place can afford.
On behalf of the town and commu-
nifty we return sincere thanks 10 Mr..
Brooks for this muniiicent gift, and
but feebly express the earnest hope
of all, that it may long stand, cher
ished and protected by greatful
people, as living useful memorial Of
the kind and generous donor.