Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1895-04-27
Honor TO Whom Honor is Dee.
(coMMUNIoATED.)


1t is an undeniable fact that the
American people are indebted to the
foresight and energy ofmen who are
the prime movers in the principal
enterprises in our country, and are
too frequently paid in the unstable
currency of ingratitude for their
generous actions. Many such men
we have amongst us-men who have
the perception to formulate plans for
the upbuilding of our industrial in
terests, and thereby give employ
mcnt TO home labor. The same cass
of cnterprising citizens who devel-
oped the railroad world and other
stupcndous and equally benificent in
dustlies still eXist-men who look
beyond self and produce benefits to
the laboring classes by the judiclous
use Of talent, time and money, even
to sacrifice something in order that
the avenues ofadvancing civilization
may be more fully opened up and
higher ends may be obtained by the
establishment of more factories and
modes of employment in our midst.
By the removal of the railroad shops
from Martnsburg business became
paralyzed. A great source of reye-
nue. was taken from us. Thousands
of dollars which was circulated in
our city was withdrawn and a valua-
bic market for the. produce of the
country was destroyed. Hence it
was plain to be seen that some other
industry must be introduced to give
our people work and supply the
poor with bread and meat. Some
said, "Well, l have enough for my
wants. | did not depend upon the
railroad shops for my support. l
have good farm, town property or
interest bearing bonds. My family
won't suffer, | shall not bother my
head about anybody else's family
Not so with Fl. G. Berry, one of our
leading merchants. Mr.. Berry says
81 N in comfortable circumstances.
My table is we'll supplied. My family
is comfortably clothed and 1 am
doing a profitable business. But
let US look around and see if we
can't help others. A drummer "a
Mr.. Taylor,o Philadelphia suggest
ed a hosiery mill, business which
he had seen grow into huge proper
tions in other cities. Whereupon
Mr.. Berry, acting upon his sugges-
ton, opened communication with
Col. Hickman, of Philadelphia, a
man of considerable experience in
that line, and a plant was establish
ed which has developed into one OF
the largest industries in the State,
both factories Being operated under
the name of the Kilbourn Knitting
Mills. 1t is still growing, and since
the destruction of their works in
New Brunswick, n. j., the probable
ity is that their entire business will
be located here, giving employment
to not less than 1000 worthy people.
The credit for obtaining such val
liable boon for the willing workers
of our city should justly fall on the
shoulders of its progenitor. Fl. G..
Berry, and cannot be too highly es-
timated. No selfshness actuated
this worthy move, but purely to
keep our city in the line Of promo
ton and to foster and encourage in
dustrial pursuits. A few more pub.
lie spirited men like II. G. Berry in
any city or community will smother
out the Crackers clash of no work
and hard times, and promote health
and prosperity in all the land. | only
claim for Mr.. Berry the initiatory
steps in the enterprise and not the
establishment of the plant. He it
was who promulgated the scheme
sowed the seed as 1t were, which
terminated and produced the results
we so plainly see. Hence he is en-
titled to be called the Father of the
Kilbourn Knitting Mills industry of
Martinsburg, W. Va. G.