Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-11-28

Much OF the timber used in the construction
of the forts over on the Bowen road came from
this estate, for which Mr.. Young now has q
claim before Congress
The Youngs were cultivated hospitable peo-
pie, and their house was the resort of promi-
nent men In the OLD days. Henry CLAY and
other celebrities of his time were frequent
visitors.
An eccentric character named Tom Law.
whose place, called Retreat" was near Silver
Hull, used TO meet Mr.. Clay here. Many anec-
dotes are related Of Law who seems to have
been an odd genius. He was interested in
many patent schemes. Forsetfulness was one
of his characteristics. 1t was no uncommon
thing for him to run over to Youngs in the
dead Of night for pen and ink with which to
record some new idea that had fitted
across his mental vision 1t is told
OF him that upon one occasion.
when he appeared at the post Office and asked
for his mail. he had forgotten his name when
tnterrogated by the clerk and left the building
greatly embarrassed. friend meeting him
outside refreshed his memory by Calling his
name and he was thus enabled to secure his
mail
The pleasant-looking house on the opposite
Or west side OF the road was built by Mr..
George Washington Young (Mr. Joseph n.
foungs father about 1862, when he removed
TO this point from Giesboro', the latter place
having been taken possession of by the govern
Denman
Advancing. the District line is soon crossed.
three-fourths of mile beyond being Oxon
run. which is spanned by a wooden bridge. The
stream has pebbly bottom and at this point
runs through meadow land. West of the
stream You ascend hill well covered with
timber.
Reaching the tableland beyond. a pleasing
put contracted view greets the vision. Thrifty
looking farms and cheerful dwellings abound
sUITLAND.
Arriving at Suitland which is the center OF a
rich agricultural section, you turn to the right
on Oxou Hill road, tarrying a moment, how
ever. to take in the situation and gather facts
about the place.
The village comprises one house. a rather
ciapidated one-story frame. which was once a
CROSSROADS store and tavern "a beer sign is vet
over one of the doors), but Uncle Sans post
Office Is now the sole occupant of the premises
a short distance southwest of this building in
neat Enclosure. Is the residence of the late =.
Taylor Suit, after whom the villageSs named
The land around here was originally owned
BY the Barry family and was then known as
starvation Farm"
suitland is about two and three-fourths
miles from Anacostia bridge by the Suitland
road and about three and one-fourth miles by
way OF Silver Hill.
The Suitlsnd road which was opened by the
late s. Taylor Suit in 1873 has good, hard sur
tece, ana though there are no far-reaching
views along its course the surroundings are
generally Of a pleasing description, the land
scape being diversified
SILVER hill
One mile is the distance from Suitland 10
Silver Hill, by way of 0xou Hill road. This
road has soft clay surface, and is usually
rough The scenery along its course is not
very attractive as a general thing but at A
Few points interesting views are presented
Teaching Silver Hill you are pleased with the
thrifty appearance of things. This Il a village
OF dozen houses and the population is exciu.
siyeiy white There are two stores two black.
smith shops and post Office 1t is pleasantly
situated on an elevated. undulatine plateau
and gets its name from rather trivial incl
dent Away back in provincial DAYS tradition
informs US, surveying party was sent GU,
here to ascertain distances and make meas.
urements in the vicinity. At this period in our
history the knee breeches and fow-cut shoe,
with silver buckles were the prevailing style.
While engaged in the work Of surveying one OF
the party lost one Of his shoe buckles Ii wa.
found after somewhat protracted search on
This hill. near the spot where a kilometer stake
bad been driven in the ground by the party
The spot was then christened ''Silver Hill, /" q
name that IL has retained to this day. 1t j,
said that the surveyors stake referred TO stood
near the site Of Mr.. Havenners blacksmith
shop
post ONCE was first established here in the
early years Of the late war. Andrew Messel
being the frst postmaster. He held the Office
nm IVA vhea b vas succeedsd By Mir