Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1916-02-24
Pack Horse Ford Chapter, D. A. R.


Pack Horse Ford Chapter of the Daugh-
tiers ofthe American Revolution was organ
lied at Shepherdstown Tuesday afternoon
-Washington's birthday at the home 81
Mrs. James S. Phillips under most auspi-
cious circumstances. Twas good day
for good deed, and happy elimination
of a long-cherished ambition OF Mrs.
Phillips. She has been working indefat-
igably for many months on this project,
delving into ancient records and tracing
out family trees, and has gotten an eligible
membership ofeighteen, with ten more on
the way.
The twenty-second Of February was
regarded as patriotic and appropriate
time to organize the chapter, and SO the
members-elect and few friends by inyl-
tation assembled at the home OF mrs.
Phillips. The rooms were beautifully
and suggestiyely decorated with flags and
bunting and patriotic emblems, and even
the famous cherry tree and the hatchet
were in evidence. Regent Mrs. Phillips
was in charge of the exercises, and for
mally organized the chapter, the null nit
ual of the D. A. K. being used. Mrs.
Phillips had most pleasing address ap-
propriate TO the occasion, in which rel
erence was made TO interesting historic
incidents connected with Shepherdstown.
BY invitation of the hostess, H. L. Snyder
read the striking poem by George Alfred
Townsend on "Pack Horse Ford"
The following officers for the ensuing
year were chosen:
Regent-Mrs. Anna Latimer Chapline
Phillips.
Vice-Regent-Mrs. Mary Ella Butler
Gibson.
Recording Secretary-Miss Louise Jane
Smith.
Corresponding Secretary-Mrs. Harriet
Somerville Hale Miller.
Treasurer-Mrs. Elizabeth Briscoe Hall
Hodges.
Registrar-Miss Julia Lane Remnant.
Historian-Mrs. Anna Jaquelin Morgan
Getzendanner.
Chaplain-Mrs. Virginia Ann Strider
Harrison.
Delegates to Continental Congress
Mrs. Anna Latimer Chapline Phillips,
Mrs. Charles A. Johnson alternates,
Mrs Mary Ella Butler Gibson, Miss Grace
Darling Chapline.
AT the conclusion OF the formal exer-
cises refreshments were served and de-
lightful social hour followed. Everybody
seemed delighted that Shepherdsiown has
a live, working chapter OF this nationally
renowned patriotic organization, and Mrs.
Phillips was heartily congratulated upon
the complete success her efforts. Much
interest was manifested, and we have no
doubt, from the spirit shown. that our
community will be edited and helped by
the efforts Of these ladies'. Already sug-
gestions have been made that may result
in considerable public benefit.
The name "Pack Horse Ford" Chapter
is very appropriate for this society. This
famous crossing place OF the Potomac
river near Shepherdstown was at the
broad and shallow ford which for centu-
ries was the highway between the North
and South. The buffalo and elk and other
creatures OF the plain and forest used II :;
It was on the main trail OF the Indians {;
twas the gateway through which the first
settlers found their way into the Valley
OF Virginia, and these emigrantS gave 1t
the name OF Pack Horse Ford =; by this
route that famous company OF patriots,
organized here at Morgan's Spring, made
their "bee-line TO Boston" and had the
honor OF being the first company OF SOL
diers from south of the Potomac to be
greeted by General Washington at that
city; and it was here, in 1862, that a great
army OF modern times crossed and re-
crossed, for General Lees forces used il
going and retiring rom the bloody battle
OF Antietam and it was over this strategic
point that brief but sanguinary battle
was fought few days after the battle Of
Antietam. This ancient town was known
in its earliest day as Pack Horse, the
name later being changed TO Mecklenburg,
and then in 1852 1echnstened Shepherds
town. Ii is strikingly fitting that lis first
and most significant name should be now
perpetuated by the descendants oflts early
settlers.
We hope that the new chapter may
flourish and enlarge It's borderS until II
shall be an important section OF the l2O,-
600 patriotic and progressive women OF
the United States who are working in the
good cause. All persons in Jefferson
county who are eligible will be welcomed
to membership.