Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-03-15

Special TO the keSlstei'
Parkersburg. W. Va, March 14-One
Of the Oldest landmarks in Wood coun-
" the home of General Jackson, is to
give way TO handsome new business
block The old homestead is located
on the corner Of Ann and Third streets
and was erected over sixty years ago.
BEFORE THE ADVENT
of railroads. when Parkersburg was but
a village. The Jackson homestead was
erected in a grove overlooking the
beautiful Ohio river. From its grounds
the river scene was particularly at
tractive-almost an unbroken view
from Meals Island to the historic Blen-
neThassett.
A well-known writer clothes the Old
home with touching sentiment; she
wonders if il is not a sentient thing,
imbued with the personality OF each
one who lived in and loved it, conscious
Of its every change and loss. So it
seems. now. the old walls that are be-
ing lowered to the ground must tell
their story, much Of the far away past,
something of the now sad present.
Within its rooms met the wise seer Of
church and state. For over forty years
this home was
THE EPISCOPAL RESIDENCE
of the parish, and Bishops Meade,
Johns and White haliowed it with
their presence. It's doors opened to
welcome the first priest Of the Church,
and the Ministers room was always
ready for its guest.
OF eminent statesmen, Chief Justice
Chase and Thomas Ewing, United
States Senator and Secretary of the
Treasury were favorite visitors. or
men of railroad fame John W. Garrett
enjoyed its hospitality. and to the
Southern hero and kinsmen, Stonewall
Jackson, it gave watchful care during
weeks Of serious illness.
Then we listen TO its tales Of merry
house parties. when such good times
were had without cards and dancing.
for while its young people were taught
dancing, it was not permitted in the
home out of respect to the views Of the
clergymen of the Church. But such di-
versions were not missed, judging from
the popularity of the entertainment
and beautiful girls from many States
often gathered there for
LONG. HAPPY VISITS.
The kind hospitality of the host, and
the sweet graciousness Of the hostess
gave to this house the full meaning Of
the word "home." In the long draw
ingroom the marriage vows were heard
and there, too, was the silence and
hush CT death. My memory brings to
me the death of the oldest slave
Aunt Milly, the aged member of the
servants quarters, and years later the
death of her honored master This
marked the break Of the old home, for
the one who was left had been so shell
tered and protected from the annoying
cares of management by her thoughtful,
loving husband, that she felt herself
untitled in heart and mind for keeping
the place as he had done.
Then, too. TIE changes Of sixty years.
The village of 1890 was merged and
lost in a town with railroads and city
improvements. and what once was
quiet residence portion Of the town
was surrounded by business traffic.
Gen. Jackson often spoke in his last
years of building a handsome home
place on Prospect Hill, keeping the en-
tire heights for his own use, realizing
the unftness Of the homestead locality
for its old home pleasures. And so to-
day is but a fulfllment Of his predic
ton that the site must yield TO business
purposes. and while to those who loved
and cared for it, its taking away means
too much for words to express, yet they
are glad to have it go with reverend
goodbye, the ground still owned by
one of the family, rather than have it
stand dismantled, or pass into the
hands Of strangers.
Farewell dear Home, where many a
day has past
n joys. whose loved remembrance long
shall last: