Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1918-04-25
A Famous Old Toll Gate.


The Norfolk virginian- Pilot OF recent
date contained the following interest
ing account Of one Of the old toll-gates
on the famous Valley turnpike:
With the razing of the Hillman Toll
Gate House at Winchester there passes
one Of the most historic landmarks in
the lower Shenandoah Valley. This old
building was located two miles south of
Winchester, and was known as Gate No.
! onthe Valley turnpike, which stretches
from Winchester to Staunton, and was
the first road Of its kind built in the
State Of Virginia. 1t was constructed
in 1910, and since there were no rail-
roads in this section at that time, il was
used as part of the thoroughfare from
the State Of Tennessee to Alexandria,
Va, and often twenty TO thirty wagons
could be seen in line making the trip
to and from the boats to Alexandria.
At the completion OF the turnpike
toll-gates were established at various
points for the collection Of toll from
those who used the road. The first
toll was collected at Gate No. by
Simeon Hillman, from whom the gate
derived its name, and on July 10, lS4l,
a record Of deposit OF toll receipts in
the Valley Bank of Winchester was
made. Before and during the con-
struction Of the dollhouse Mr.. Hillman
and his family lived in nearby shanty.
Simeon Hillman collected toll until
his death in 1860. From 1860 to 1862
the gate was kept by his widow, Char
lotte Hillman, when, on account Of war
conditions, it was abandoned until 1865.
The house was struck by bomb shell
just prior to the battle of Kernstown,
which tore hole through the fireplace.
During the battle the keeper and his
family had to fee for safety.
II was at this historic gate that Char
lotte Hillman, who was considered a
beautiful woman, held up Sheridan's
army and insisted on the usual tribute
Of toll. When General Sheridan and
his staff, leading the army, reached the
toll-gate the toll-pole was down and was
guarded by Mrs. Hillman, who demand
ed toll. The General paid the regular
toll and his staff followed his example.
But" said Sheridan as he passed
through the gate, 81 cannot vouch for
my army" When the common soldiery
came up Mrs. Hillman raised the pole,
but stood at her post of duty all the day
long, cutting notch in the toll-poll for
every 10 soldiers that passed through
the gate. After the war was over she
counted the notches and sent the bill
TO Washington, and pay was promptly
received for the same.
General Sheridan also passed through
this gate on his ride from Winchester
TO Cedar Greek, made famous by the
poem Of T. B. Read. Gen. Stonewall
Jackson, in his Valley campaign, fire.
quently went to and fro through this
gate and paid the toll demanded.
After the death Of Charlotte Hillman,
in 1892, the gate was kept by her daugh-
ter, Mrs. Mary E. Harmer, until her
death in 1899, after which the keeper
was her son, Tyson T. Harmer, until
May s, 1917 Three generations have
been faithful to their post of duty at
this historic spot, but owing TO the i'll
health of Mr.. Harmer and the old toll
house crumbling to decay, change was
made in keepers ard modern dwelling
with neat proportions has been erected
in its stead.