Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1916-02-29
Pack Horse Ford CHAPTER D. A. R.

Pack Horse Ford Chapter OF the
Daughters of the American Revolution
was organized at Shepherdstown Tues
day -Washington's birthday
az the home of Mrs James S. Phillips ur
der most ausplcious circumstances,
Twas good day for good deed, and
happy elimination of a long cherished
ambition of Mrs. Phillips. She has been
working indefatigably for many months
on this project, delving into ancient re-
cords and tracing out family trees, and
has gotten an eligible membership of
eighteen, with 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 invl-
tation assembled at the home of Mrs Phil
lips. The rooms We're beautifully and
SUP gestively decorated with flags and
bunting and patriotic emblems, and even
the famous cherry tree and the Ratchet
were in evidence. Ragent Mrs. Philips
was in charge of the exercises. and form
ally organized the chapter, the full ritual
of the d. A. R. being used. Mrs Phil
lips had most pleasing address appro-
pirate to the occasion, in which refer
ence was made to interesting historic in
cldents connected with Shepherdstown.
By invitation of the hostess, H. L. Sny-
der 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 Chapllne
Philips.
Vice-Regent-Mr Mary Ella Butler
Gibson,
Recording Secretary-Miss Louise
Jane Smith.
Corresponding Secretary Mrs. Har-
rlet Somerville Hale Miller,
Treasurer-Mrs. Elizabeth Brscoe
Hall Hodges.
Registras-M Julia Lane Reinhart.
Historian Anna Jacqueln Nor
gan Getzendanner.
Chaplain-Mrs Virginia Ann Strider
Harrison.
Delegates to Continental Congress
Mrs Anna Latmer Chapline Philips,
Mrs. Charles A. Johnson; alternates, Mrs
Mary Ella Butler Gibson. Miss Grace
Darling Chapline.
AT the conclusion of the formal exer-
clses refreshments were served and de-
gh; jcialful Lour followed. Every body
seemed delighted that Shepherdstown
has live working chapter of this nation
ally renowned patriotic organic atlon, and
Mrs, Phillips was heartily congratulated
upon the complete success of her effcr.s
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'. Al
ready Suggestions have been made that
may result in considerable public benefit
The name Pack Horse Ford" Chapt-
er is very appropriate for this society.
This famous crossing place of the Po-
tomac river near Shepherdstown was at
the broad and shallow ford WHICH for
centuries was the highway between the
North and South The buffalo and elk
and other creatures of the plain and for
est used il; it was on the main trail Of
| til Indians; twas the gateway through
which the first settlers found their way
into the Valley of Virginia and these emf.
grants gave it 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 com
pany of soldiers from south of the Po-
tomac TO be greeted by General Wash
ington at that city; and it was here, in
1862, that great army of modern times
crossed and recrossed, for General Lees
forces used it going and retiring from the
bloody battle of Antietam and it was ov.
er this strategic point that a brief but
san2uinary battle was fought few days
after the battle of Antletam. This an
Gent town was known in its earliest day
as Pack Horse, the name later being
changed to Mecklenburg, and then in
1862 rechristened Shepherdstown. 1t IS
strk nQly filing that its first and most
significant name should be now perpetu-
ated by the descendants of its early set
tiers.
We hope that the new chapter may
flourish and enlarge its borders until it
shall be an important section of the $780,
900 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 welcom.
ed to neutrality-suspicious. Reg
lister,
40 head of thrifty shoats at Harry per sale
March Z.
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