Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1920-12-23
Interesting Bits of Local History.

Ford Chapter, Daughters OF the Ameri-
can Revolution, in Shepherdstown, the
following interesting paper was read
by Mrs II. c. Getzendanner, of Charles
Town, formerly Miss Anna Morgan, of
Shepherdstown:
We are nearing the close of another
year and we; feel there has been little
accomplished in an historical point of
view. The reasons are many and va
ried; interruptions have prevented us
from enlarging upon our field for work
in research.
Since you conferred upon me the
honor of being your historian, it has
been my aim and desire to discover
some important event not yet given to
the world, and thus make my term OF
Office one of use and interest, but find
that our own Jefferson county, so full
of historical events, has taken her
place in the annals of many good
writers and historians, and their
works, descriptive and otherwise, are
without a doubt accurate to the let
ter.
A few short years ago our little
town was asleep, so far as historical
and research work had been establish
ed. Facts and events took place and
passed out Of sight and out Of mind
''in the land where we were dreaming"
and then DanSke cambridge, that gift
ed poet and writer, became interested
in the old papers and documents care
fully preserved by her progenitors, and
after much labor and getting together
useful data from sources of the most
reliable character, she brought forth
he valuable books so filled with in
terest to our community and a real
treasure to posterity.
But our real awakening came when
the clarion call of our ex-regcn, and
now gifted and most able Registrar
General awOke us to our duty and to
he fact that our little county and
the town in which we were born haa
no mean part in the history and forma-
ton OF our government.
Then our little Pack Horse Ford
Chapter, d. A r., sprang into birth.
continuing until today, and while the
busy world moves on we are quietly
wa ching and waiting for any op-
portunIty to be useful in the cause of
humanity that may present itself.
In establishing events of Importance
we are apt to allow things of seeming
lesser merit to be forgo ten, and soon
they are enShrouded in oblivion.
These little occurrences, coming in
10 our everyday existence, NAV in
some future time prove itself useful in
establishing some really important
event
How many of us remember the first
railroad engine run over the old
Shenandoah Valley Railroad and into
ohepherdstown? | clearly recall the
day. We children had all gone down
10 inc crossing 10 witness the pass
ing OF train in our quiet locality. We
sat upon the gate near by and hurrah-
ed until we were hoarse. That engine
was named the Fairfax, and il was
operated as well as can remember bv
fentz Ziler, who has but recently
passed away. The Register has given
very clear and interesting account If
Mr. Ziler and his engine.
Once, when was a girl, and dur
ing the political campaign of HAYES
and Wheeler on the Republican side
and Iilden and Hendricks of the
Democratic choice, there was a big
pole-raising in Shepherdstown, and the
tall shaft rose majesticaIlv from
oheetz's corner on the main street. A
Dig demonstration took place, and ev-
eryoody was happy at the thought Of
Democratic President and admins
tration. There was a wonderful IA.
rade at night and the drum and fife TO.
geiher with the sounding of horns bv
many bystanders, almost made the
night hideous. think the pole re-
NAMED until Mr.. Hayes was elected TO
the presidency, and then it was quiet
ly removed
Here is little reminiscence that
Will give. did not lind in any of the
chronicles of Mr.. Knott any remem-
orance of poor Old Teddy Keyser, but |
am sure you al remember him, am
as he was one of the landmarks of the
town. we don't wish him forgotten
Where are all those old veterans tina
once every Fourth of July gathered al
he old '76 spring, with drum and hlc
paying as if tor Lear lite the "WeaI