Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1922-07-07
A LETTER..

pen Of Hon. John \. Ewart, of Al
dcrSon. Mr.. Ewart has taken Il
great interest in farming and fruit
growing and was for years mem
Der of the State Board of Agricul-
lure. In order 10 stimulate an in
tercst in intensive farming and fruit
growing in Grecnbrier county, MIR.
Ewart has consented to write a few
articles for publication showing the
possibilities of Grcenbrier county
and what may be done to develop
industry in the County. His first
letter is as follows which is merely
Introductory:
I'm complying with your request
for my views as to the agricultural
possibilities of Grccnbricr county,
it might be of interest TO you to
know how | came to be an adopted
son of West Virginia. In the fall of
1888, | disposed of my interest in
a lumber business and decided that
l would take Horace Grecly's advice
and go south and grow up with the
country. With this idea in view,
left Warren county, Pennsylvania,
In September TO investigate what l
believed TO be a new country. |
planned, in my mind, to leave Pitts
burg by boat, come down the Ohio
River to Point Pleasant and up the
kanawha River to Charleston, w.
Va, but owing TO low water, had
to reach Charleston by rail.
On my way down the Ohio River
fell in with friend on his way
to Raleigh county. He gave me
such glowing account of its posi-
bllltieS that l headed for there. NV
original plan was 10 leave the C.. &
o. at Ronceverte, then go across
the country to Belington or EIkins,
but fate decreed otherwise. At
Charleston, after good nights
rest, we headed for that land of
great possibility, crossed the ka-
nawha River on a ferry boat and
at the station was informed that
there would be no passenger train
leave until the next day. Our dis
appointed look and unavoidable
strange appearance, appealed to
the railroad agent, who said he
could put lis on coal train which
would get us there some time or
land us in New River. Any thing
was better than to hang over for
another day.
We boarded the train, seated our
selves in the observation parlor-
the caboose-and arrived at Prince
tired and hungry, with feeling
that we were persuing pleasure
under difficulties. But that father
~ look Of VIM. Prince Dieter known
as Bub Prince) soon made us feel
at nome. The next morning we
were informed that unless we Doss-
csscd the physical ability to climb
old Bat-off Mountain, we would be
doomed for another disappointment
Our past experience in walking led
us to believe that we were equal
for the occasion. Crossing New
River by the usual way on payment
Of the usual toll, we were soon on
our way. When we had crossed
Pincy Greek there was another de-
mand for toll. We got mighty deaf
at that sound Of toll" but we did
near the man say something of the
great country where We were going
in words we do not recall.
When we pulled up (walkcd) al
the Old Bat-oif grist mill there was
another demand for toll. We de-
cldcd that this was the country the
man at Pincy bridge spoke of.
Mr.. Editor, in our next we will
cndcavor to show YOU that West
Virginia is not as bad as it is paint
ed by some people.
J. A. EWART."
NOTE: Mr.. Ewart went to Raj.
cigh long before any DEVELOPMENTS
therc. He located in that part of
west Virginia, remained there, has
been one Of its greatest boosters.
as well as for all West Virginia. He
engaged in farming and dairy bust
ness, IS the owner of mineral land
and now after years of fruitful OK
pcricncc has located in North A.
dcrSon, Grccnbricr County. Not.
wlthstanding he is now uD in wears
ne IS yet young in mind and is low
al to every interest in The dcvcJop-
mcnt OF Yves Virginia in her varied
possibilities.