Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1905-07-20
Vast Wealth in the Panhandle.

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geologist at Morgantown, W. Va, hai
just issued statement in which he
declares that Jefferson and Berkeley
counties are destined within the next
few years to become the richest coun'
ties in West Virginia through the de-
velopment OF their natural resources.
The statement of Professor Grlmsley
is based upon knowledge obtained
through three-weeks survey Of BeIke-
ley and Jefferson counties at the In
stances of the State Geologist, when
he made an exhaustive examination
of the limestones, clays and dement's
that he declares are the richest OF any
he ever saw, and to be found IN such
vast quantities as to make the supply
mere question of speculation. In
speaking OF his researches in this Gee
ton, Professor Grlmsley says:
For years past the biologists con-
nected with the State Office have bad
their eyes on the Eastern Panhandle,
where they have known that enor-
mously rich deposits of limestone,
slate, clay, etc, are to be found. This
work, however, has been compelled
to await the development of other
sections, particularly the coal lands,
but at the last session Of the Leglsla-
ture sum of money was placed at
the disposal of the State Geologlst to
prosecute the work OF investigation IN
Berkeley and Jefferson counties, and
l am already of the opinion that this
will prove to be the best investment
the State has ever made along this
line.
"Of course, the limestone deposits
are already famous, and may say in
this connection that this stone has no
superior anywhere for the purpose
for which it is now used in great
quantities-that or fuxing in the
manufacture Of high-grade steel. But
while the limestone industry has been
a great one in Berkeley and Jefferson
counties, the work already accom-
phshed is a mere bagatelle compared
with what is sure to come III the course
of the next few years.
But it is not to the limestone de-
posts alone that these two equities
are to look for their future wealth,
for find here another deposit that
will prove to be even a greater source
Of wealth, and which will make pos
slble the working Of the limestone
lands on a gigantic scale for many
years to come. | mean the enormous
deposits of that shale which mixed
with limestone of certain degree OF
purity, forms 1he very highest grade
ot Portland cement, the best in the
world for ordinary purposes and a
ready seller in all the markets.
Il find this shale on the surface OF
the ground and covering vast tracks
of land in sections east and south OF
Martinsburg, and in close proximity
to the railroads, Is an item of consId-
cradle Importance when 1t comes to
the manufacture of cement. This
shale, or slate as the people Of this
county have termed it, lies loosely
on the surface and goes down to the
depth Of 50 to 100 feet, where it be-
comes hard and fit for use of build
ing purposes and for articles Of manu-
facture. 1t is not only ola very high
grade and of vast quantity, but it lies
in close touch with the richest lime
stone deposits in Berkeley county.
"To the manufacturer Of cement
this fact OF close proximity Of both
limestone and shale is of the utmost
Importance. In nearly every case
the manufacturers of cement erect
their plants near limestone deposits
and then ship the shale from other
points, paying enormous sums Tor
freight as consequence. Here are
found both the chief Ingredients OF
Portland cement within few feet of
each other, so that the limestone could
be taken in one side of d plant and
the shale in the other, cutting oil the
big freight bills.
"These shales and limestones have
both been tested in the laboratory Of
the State of West Virginia, and they
are found to bejust the right quality.
Government geologlsts have also ex-
amined this section recently, and their
opinions closely coincide with mine as
to the value and extent Of the depos-
its. "
Professor Grimsley s opinion Is back
ed by that of State Geologist l. C.
White, who declared before the last
Legislature that the natural wealth Of
Berkeley county is greater than that
of the richest coal county in the State.
Professor Grimsley will return In
month or two for further investigt-
ton OF the clays in this section, when
the result of his work and that Of DR..
l. G. White will be incorporated IN a
report to the State Legislature and
to several syndicates OF capitalists
who have had their eyes on this sec
ton for the past year.