Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1902-05-30
The c. W. In Pocahontas County.

Last week Mr.. E, w. jackson. chief
engineer, and Mr.. r. 8. Turk, counsel
Tor the z W Rv., visited Pocahontas
county. W. Va, and in company with
MI. d: ID. Jackman, engineer in charge
OF the locating party in that county.
VINO Joined them at Marlinton, went
over the proposed line from Marlinton
to Williams river, thence returning
went up Knapp's Creek to Frost, from
Eross to Clover Lick, and over the
Glover Lick Gap to Big Spring, and
down Elk to the junction of t1e two
FORKS at VIM. Sharp's. The chief en-.
glneer found the route from Frost as
Tar as Marlinton very satisfactory
down Knapp's Greek, but through
Marllnton and to the head of Williams
river by to means so inviting. Much
difficulty will likely be experienced in
getting through Marlinton no matter
which survey ls adopted On one route
tunnel would be necessary on the
point of ridge in the town, on the
other high establishments, bridges and
tressels to avoid the waters of Knapp's
Greek, and to reach the bridge neces-
SarY over Gfeenbrier river at that
point must be built.
From MarlintOn to the head of Will.
Hams river the work is heavy for II
miles, one tunnel through ridge being
required. The rights of way up this
line have proven very costly and as tie
line has been shifted somewhat from
Its original location, it is presumed the
rights of way will be still advanced
when they should be applied for. On
the whole the outlook for that line is
unIavorapie unless local advantages
overcome the absolute difficulties.
The Clover Lick line is also heavy
from Frost to the Big Spring-but in
as much as the mountain at the head
OF Clover Lick is sharp a tunnel of
3OOO feet can be driven there, and the
work on both sides much reduced in
cost, and the grades held down to the
minimum: Rights of way from Frost
10 clover Lick have already been taken
at small cost. and those from Frost to
pig spring will be practically a gift,
mus making considerably in favor of
tnat line. The territory claimed by
the b. y .. and g. & o. will not be
touched on by going down Elk which
also makes In favor of the Glover Lick
route.
The Engineer is anxious to reach
that portion Of the county for the line
which presents the greatest prospect
Tor business, and on this subject the
company would like to be fully inform
ed. Or course directness, grade, cost
OF construction, &C., will enter largely
into the problem. Pocahontas has a
great opportunity in this scheme which
II pushed to completion will place her
on through line, instead of on
branch, as she now is. By the Glover
Lick route a possibility exists of OBJ
tanning some of the freights of the W.
Va. Pulp & Paper Co., or as it is
known in POcahontas the W. Va
Spruce Lumber Co. A connection
with the Coal & Iron R. R. at nnrhin
would also be made with ease, all of
which presented themselves with great
[orce to.Ghe mind of the Chief Engi-
1 1eer. II coal is found near the old
W m. Sharpe residence, on Elk, as is |
claimed 10y MAJOR A. G. L. Gatewood
ana others, the fact that Elk river cuts |
through to the limestone, thus insur-
ng all coal seams to lay above water
evel, Elk would be a most inviting
stream down which to build road. as |
every pound of freight would be made |
feach such a road by gravitation. The |
coal over such line would also be |
somewhat nearer the seaboard than by
any other route.
1t is to be hoped, therefore, that the
people of Pocahontas will assist the
company in pointing out the advanta-
ses OF the various lines with reference
% timber. mineral resources. &C., and
10 what they can in gathering samples
u ores for inspection during the sum-
ner. Ii any of them know of coal or
ron veins they would do we'll to meas.
Ire their thickness and send their To-
'atlon and samples of the ore and coal
0 some point where the company NAV
lave them shipped to New York for
analysis. All this will help the indi-
'ldual and the company at the same
lme. The history of the county bv
he Rev. W. T. Price, has given val
liable aid, but as this was written
nore to describe the people than the
eology OF the county, aid from other
ources will greatly assist.