The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1922-03-25

Dryued II in 1892. and he sold 10
Backus for $3.50. as before stated, the
v mole tract. then embracing 297 acres,
while Blennerhasset six years later, in
the spring OF 1898. agreed to pay $4,000
tor 10 acres above the narrows. II
was not TIL in January OF 1893, how
ever. that Blennerhassett obtained his
deed
Scholar and Dreamer.
II was In 1877 that Bleunerhassett
and his brilliant wife. possessed Of
$lO0. 900 or so, had tioated down from
Pittsburgh in a kcelboat after a gay
season in New York City following
their arrival from Tngland Blenner-
hasSett was OF Irish nobility. but re.
publican in spirit seemingly like
many citizens OF The Emerald Isle to-
day hence his departure for overseas
10 this land OF liberty and OF oppor-
tunity. Cultivated. guIleless, scholar.
Greamer-what more natural than
that he should become the ready vic.
tim OF some thrifty land dealer. The
winter Of 1889 was passed ut Mari
eta. and in the spring the Blenncr.
hasScttS. with their young son. moved
10 the island occupied temporarily an
old Indian fort or blOCkhouse. Soon
ConStruC tiOral operations were begun
and Ill 1900 Mr.. BlennerhaSSett com.
pletcd what afterward was termed his
mansion. But it scarcely rose to such
dignity. since the central portion OF
two stories was only 52X30 feet. How
ever. on either side were Semi-Ctrcular
wings. connecting the central building
with twOStory structures on the north
and south sides. both facing east like
the main portion. and each @6X20 feet
deep.
The entire edifce was in the form
OF an eiipse. with Il frontage OF lOi
foot. Tie right wing was devoted TO
4 library and study. The left 70 ser
wants, the central portion To the home.
All was OF wood for safety during
rarthGuakeS. of which the emotional
Elcnncrnas was abSurdly afraid.
The houGc was richly and elegantly
furnished. with ceilings handsomely
ireSCOcd and some OF the furniture
coming direct from London. Tapes
tries were OF the COStlieSt, and upon
The house B.cnnerhaSSctt Is said TO
have expended nearly 100000. Several
acres Of carefully treated lawn ex-
tended TO the river in front. Ten
slaves belonged to the place and skilled
gardeners also were employed. \
stately stone gaTeway marked the en-.
trance from the landing. which was
ri nhin Ci1p
Of the island. perhaps a quarter mile
down from the head. IN those days.
now TO years ago o. more, tho river
wholly uncontrolled. At times was dan
gcrOuslv swift. hence III" landing must
be on tho side to enable craft coming
down 70 round TO with bow upstream.
Lived in Stately Fashion.
Here In this fanCiful homo lived the
Rl"nnrrha%&crts in stately fashion and
with lavish hospitality from 1900 to
1907. They were fascinating enter
rainCrs. their plaC" altogether the
greatest center OF culture in all the re-
ZION far roundabout. No notabics came
To Marietta, ParkcrSburC or TO Bolprc
who were not handsomely introduced
nv .hese affahle folk The lord OF the
manor PLAYED the viOl and yiolonCelIo
admirably. himself wrote music. dali
lied with the natural sciences, expert.
mpnfing in chemistry and electricity
in manner easy. courteous. social
obliging. irGulcrut. His wife also vas
musical, poptiZcd with grace. and tiled
The role OF hostess with all the capt.
yutFrp charm that III. ght naturally be