Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1905-01-19
MONUMENT TO JAMES RUMSEY.


In his message to the Legislature Of
West Virginia Governor White en-
dorses the proposition for the erection
of a monument to James Rumsey. the
inventor of the steamboat, at Shep-
herdstown. He refers to the matter
as follows.
Application will be made to the Leg
islatu.e by an organization or proml-
uent citizens, requesting an appropria-
ton to erect suitable monument at
Shepherdstown to the memory OF James
Rumsey, inventor of the steamboat. A
beautiful site has been promised by the
Norfolk & Western Railroad Company,
on high cliff overlooking the stretch
of water in the Potomac where Rum
sey's experiments were brought to
successful conclusion, and the first boat
propelled by steam made its initial voy-
age.
Rumsey's claim of HI wing been the
inventor of the first successful applica-
ton of steam for the practical purpose
of navigation was championed by such
men as George Washington, Jefferson,
Franklin aud Patrick Henry, of whic h
there is abundant historical data.
In erecting monument to the mem
ory of this man the State OF west Nlr-
ginia would honor itself. 1t would
seem that State pride would impel us,
even at this late date, to do this simple
Justice to the memory of this great in
ventor.
Hon. Daniel B. Lucas aud Mr.. Geo.
NJ. Beltzhoover, Jr., Of this county,
have been persistently urging this
project for a number of years, and it
now looks as if its accomplishment is
near. When Governor White was in
Shepherdstown last summer he was
approached upon the subject, and then
gave his promise to h<lp along the
project. He has fulfilled that prom
iss, and will aid the enterprise in
every way possible. 1t is to be hoped
that the members of the Legislature
will favorably consider the matter and
make an appropriation to erect cred
liable monument. 1t is matter Of
State pride that recognition should
be given James Rumsey, and West
Virginia is now rich enough to take
up some of the things that appeal to
the finer side of our State life.
The following joint resolution, pre-
pared by Judge Lucas and Mr.. Beltz-
hoover, has been introduced in both
houses Of the Legislature:
Be 1t Resolved by the Senate and
House of Delegates OF West Virginia,
that the sum of IS, 900 be and the same
is hereby appropriated for the purpose
of erecting a suitable memorial, wheth-
err in the form of statue or other mon
ument, to James Rumsey, the Inventor
of the Steamboat; TO oe erected on the
banks Of the Potomac river in the town
of Shepherdstown, in the county of
Jefferson, on a site or location to be
designated by the Governor of the State.
The Governor is likewise authorized
and empowered to permit the erection
of said memorial under the auspices of
any corporation chartered for the pur-
pose under the laws Of West Virginia,
which shall likewise have authority un-
der the direction of the Governor to
receive by purchase or gift suitable
lot for the location of said memorial at
or near the spot above described said
corporation shall likewise have power,
under the directi' n of the Governor, to
receive by private subscription such
donations as may be rendered for the
purpose herein indicated.