Martinsburg W Va evening journal. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1913-1920, 1920-04-05
MEMORIAL TO FOUNDER OF MARTINSBURC
BY WILLIAM HENSHkW CHAPTER, D. A. R.

In one corner of the Boydvle estate facing the pub
lie highway and not far from it, is broken pile OF stone
This is the grave of General Adam Stephen in most
dlapdated condition. General Stephen prior to the
Revolution performed important services in terminals
ing the French and Indian War, and most active in
defending the coonists of the Virginia frontier and
those of South Carolina from the attacks of the Indians
He in many important battles of the Revolu-
tion having command of of the Virginia regiments
early as December, 1775.
In TIT, after many promotions in rank, he was
made Major General.
A heavy fog and blunder at Germantown, Novem-
Der 177 resulted in General Stephen being relieved of
his command 1t is the consensus of opinion among his
torians that General Washington unnecessarily
we're consideration of the valuable services he had UNI
stintingy given to his country
On his return to civil life he was chiefly instrument.
al in having the county of Berkeley created by an act
of the General Assembly. In IT'S Martinsburg laid
ON 100 of land granted by General Stephen for
that purpose and he first High Sheriff of the Coun-
ty.
General Stephen member OF the Virginia AS
semby which adopted present Federal Constitution,
and made able patriotic and eloquent speech in
favor of ratification For this alone we owe him much
He died here in 1791
The William Henshaw Chapter d. A. r., feel that
General Stephens grave should longer be left in
condition bringing reproach to them and to the town. In
1915 request came to Senator C. j. Faulkner from the
State d. A. r. to appear before the County Court OF
Berkeley County asking to assist In the repairing and
completing the memorial to General Stephen. He did
So suggesting it could only be done by authority of the
Legisature-the County Court concurring in the pro-
priey Of such appropriation had bill passed granting
it the authority which it exercised. Nothing further
was done about this matter until recently when through
the efforts of the William Henshaw Chapter plans and
specifications have been about completed, and work on
the Memorial will begin at 1t is hoped to finish 1T
by June 14th Flag Day. when suitable exercises will be
held at the unwilling of tablet in which the entire coun-
ty and city will be interested Judge g. B. Faulkner APP
peared before the County Court short time ago re-
mnding it of the appropriation, and upon his motion
$500 was entered Senator Faulkner has most gracious
~ offered to make the necessary changes in his fence
line and to otherwise assist Mr. II. c. Brooks has also
volunteered his services superintendent OF the work
without pay The foundation after it has been restored
and improved, will be sumounted by large boulder OF
our native limestone marked by suitable bronze tab
let an iron fence placed around the plot to protect it
from desecraton This is project in which all loyal
Martinsburgers and Berkeley CONTAINS should be deep
~ interested not only in spirit of civic pride but asa
long neglected patriotic duty to one OF our great Revolt
tionary soldiers The D. A. r. Chapter has gone thus
far-who will assist them in this worthy undertaking?