The Evolution of
1780
to 1945
___________________
Describing the Sources
and Developments of the Water,
Light, and Power Systems.
The Trustees and Old Laws
of 1780
The First Mayor and
Council when Incorporated 1849,
and Succeeding Mayors
The Various Additions and
Extensions
The City's Financial
Standing and Official Census
BY "TOMMY" K.
S. BASSFORD
Copyright Eric Thornton & Tim Bassford
____________
1 9 4 5
OLD BIG SPRING
First part of wall around spring erected 1798.
Top wall and
large canopy top erected 1832.
Removed when
Square was paved in 1906.
THE EVOLUTION OF
1780
to 1945
After being interviewed by several prominent citizens, who
expressed the opinion that owing to my life-long stay and my associations with
elderly persons, perhaps I. possess facts about
The youngest of nine children I was
naturally thrown into companionship with my father. I never tired of listening
to him, as well as a number of old Confederate companions, among them being
Crawford Strayer, Samuel R Sterling, William Billhimer, and Gambill Sprinkel. On one occasion he and Mr. Sprinkel
were arguing the question of the earth's composition. Father argued that it
consisted of three principal matters, animal, vegetable and mineral, and that
none could be destroyed, not even a drop of water nor a grain of sand, and that
no animal or vegetable life could exist without water, and a portion of mineral
matter. Mr. Sprinkel argued that when water was formed into steam and
evaporated, that was the end of it, and when a ton of coal or cord of wood was
burned, that was the end of that also. Father replied, "Why, Gambill, if
that were so the world would have ceased to exist centuries ago." Mr.
Sprinkel replied, "Thomas, you are the most contrary mortal who ever put
his foot into a shoe, and if you should fall in Blacks' Run during a freshet
and drown, they would look for you upstream, as you are too darn contrary to
float down."
In listening to the
arguments, plans and experiences of these older men I gained a lot of
historical information which I have endeavored to put into print from time to
time.
I will try to cover the two principal
subjects as briefly as possible. Starting with the water question-springs,
wells, and cisterns, followed by the water, electric and other systems as they
were installed and improved.
Probably only a small percentage of the
present day citizens are. aware that “water” was one of Thomas Harrison's strongest points when he went before
the Assembly in Richmond to have Harrisonburg declared the county seat of
Rockingham, and besides being almost in the center of the County, he had already
laid out a large tract of almost thirty acres in the center of which he laid
out a large "Square", and in the southwest corner of which was a
large spring, whose volume
of flow was sufficient to supply water
for a town the size of
Keezletown was also
an aspirant for the county seat, having been a settlement before
"Rocktown", the nickname of
The date having been
set for the hearing of petitions of several settlements for county seats by the
General Assembly, Capt. Thomas Harrison, and Mr. George Keezle (grandfather of the late .George B. Keezle), both started horseback for Richmond,
traveling over the present Spotswood Trail. Both stopped at "Cuckoo
Tavern" for the nights rest and refreshments. Something happened to Mr. Keezle’s horse, and Mr. Harrison
continued on, riding well into the night. The following morning he succeeded in
having a "Rider" attached to the bill incorporating the town of
Kerchival, in his
early history of the Shenandoah Valley, mentions Keezletown as being at the
southwestern slope of the
After a thorough
search of the oldest County records, there is no trace of when the wall, of the
spring was completed and the large canopy, or dome of the structure, erected.
They may have been among the records burned by the Federal forces during the
Civil War.
Recently, however,
Mr. D. W. Thomas came into the possession of a number of loose
pages of the minutes of a meeting of the then "Trustees" of the town.
These are dated
Mrs. Carr, in her booklet (1823) speaks of the
I have heard my
father relate that when he came here back in 1840, the woodwork and upper part
of the stone wall appeared to be practically new, possibly ten or fifteen
years, but the lower part of the walls looked older. The walls were forty-eight
feet in circumference. The large dome top was supported by eight large columns,
with .arched opening over four stone steps down to the water. This was probably
built by David Jones & Son, David Jr., "who built the
When the town was
incorporated
Several persons were
treated to impromptu baths in -the old spring. On one occasion Mr. Jno. C.
Morrison was in the act of scooping a bucket of water
from the lower steps. Mr. Long was backing his wagon of empty barrels, one of
them fell off and rolled down the steps, knocking Mr. Morrison into the spring.
On another occasion the late Samuel Brannum slipped on the icy steps and fell into the
cold water. He was pulled out, soaked and shivering.
Carl Ney, as a youth, while playing around the spring
fell from the wall into the spring. Mr. Charles Chandler, who was sitting on the porch of the old
Effinger home, fully clothed, rushed over and jumped from the wall, and,
assisted by others on the steps, brought out a thoroughly soaked and near
drowned youth.
When the Square was
paved, the "City Fathers" decided
it was in the way of traffic, and ordered
the Superintendent of Public Works to remove it and level the walls down. All
that remains now to show where the spring once was is the circular manhole near
the Court yard walk. Much indignation was expressed, but owing to the fact that
the
The waters of the old
spring were responsible for the location of the large tannery. The immense
amount of water required and the certain properties in the spring water were
beneficial in tanning. At one time the pay roll was the largest of any
enterprise here. The entire plant and products in process of tanning and
finishing represented almost two million dollars. There are few cities the size of
As previously stated,
the water was piped from the spring down the branch to
Tests proved that in
extremely wet spells surface water was being filtered into the clear flow.
When the second wing
of the Kavanaugh Hotel was being constructed, in digging the foundation at the
western end, a crevice about four feet wide between solid rock ledges was
struck. Sounding were taken and proved to be more than 75 feet deep to an
underground stream. Permission was granted by the fire zone authorities for the
erection of a metal covered frame ten foot extension, with heavy braces to
support same. The crevice was covered and cemented. A short time later a
cave-in occurred in the next block north in the rear of the present Sisler lot
and Campbell Hotel, which had to be arched over, and the rear part of both rest
on this arch.
When the artesian
well on
of several hundred feet, a large stream
was struck, pumping machinery was installed and a pipe line laid to the old
reservoir on Red Hill: In a comparatively short time cloudy conditions
appeared, several tests proved conclusively the well was tapping the Big Spring
stream. Costly pumping and the constant leaking of the reservoir caused a
movement to secure a better and purer source of water supply. This later
resulted in the first installment of the present gravity system of which I will
speak later. For the first time in the history of the old spring it ceased to
flow following the continued dry spell of September- and October, 1944. Late in
October Mr. Clarence "Zeke" Baugher, a near-by resident noticed the flow to
a pool in the rear of the old Waterman home, had ceased. A small pipe runs from
the pool up to the spring. On removing the cover to the manhole over the
spring, he discovered the flow had stopped. After several hard rains the flow
started again, but today is only a shadow of what it was 50 years ago.
In recent years,
after heavy rains, the flow into Blacks Run increases and is muddy, showing
increased surface tendencies.
THE OLD BIG SPRING
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1 It is to my heart most dear, The old beloved spring; That only lives in memory And is an unseen thing. |
6 No sign is there to mark the place That once did bear the name, And any thoughtful folks declare It is a down-right shame. |
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2 In times remote before it e're Had quenched the white man's thirst; The Indians and panting deer, Drank from its waters first |
7 A pity 'tis, they say to thus Hide from our view at last, A spot so rich in history, And blessings of the past. |
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3 In later years, when soldier boys Of North and South alike, Who followed Grant Marched down the Valley Pike |
8 A spot where famished man and beast From o'er the country wide; Were often refreshed, when drought Prevailed on every side. |
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4 They often gathered 'round the spring Foot-sore, tired and weary From its refreshing waters drank And then to death marched on. |
9 The place where way-worn travelers Have often strength renewed And then with joy- and springing step Their onward way pursued. |
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5 The reader may perchance recall How when a child, with joy They watched the tad-poles gad about And with delight grew wild. |
10 The Old Big Spring, the dear We look in vain for thee Thy sparkling waters bubbled once Where highways now we see |
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11 Of thy passing, myriads deplore, Ten thousand voices cry: “Return and bless us, dear Old Spring, As in the days gone by.” |
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JOHN R. SAUM . Born in |
I clearly remember
eight other nice springs in the limits of the town. In a previous booklet I
mentioned the first stone house was built over a spring supposed to have been
to secure water if there was danger from the Indians. Some of the older readers
will remember it as the law office of Gen. John "Ed" Roller. Old records show that several Hall
families resided there. Later David Jones, the father of Gen. John R. Jones.
Another spring was in
the corner of the front yard of the old Isaac Hardesty home on the north side of
As willow trees only grew
on wet places, there was an immense willow tree below, the spring. The large
stump is still standing. The youths of that section made whistles from branches
when the sap was running.
On the south end of
the Robert Gray farm, now the Garber Addition, in the rear of
the old home of Judge Allen C. Bryan, the father of Pendleton “Pent” Bryan, and later the home of Wm. J. Points, was "Mulberry Spring", named
for a small grove of mulberry trees there. In summer it was the trysting place
of moon-struck couples.
North of it on the same farm, about
half way down from "Hill Top" the old home of several Gray families,
(the rear part was the birthplace of Lucy Simms, for whom the colored school was named),
was another nice spring. This was enclosed with a stone wall. When "
As previously
mentioned, a crude pipe line was laid down the hill to the Philip Liggett home, the grandfather of the late Winfield
Liggett. Just a short distance north of the old
Ice factory, now the Ney junk yard, was a never-failing spring. The building of
a large sash and door factory was due to this spring, for supplying water for
the boilers. Later, a spoke factory, then a paint factory located here. All
three proved failures. The buildings remained vacant for a" period and
probably became the victim of a fire bug; being totally destroyed. Purchased by
Pankey Brothers, the first ice factory was established,
using water from the spring.
There were several
springs in the Collicello section. The largest was in the northeast corner of
the large lawn. Enclosed with a stone spring
house, with a pool, part of which was
used for cooling milk, butter, and other family supplies, not only for
Collicello, but quite a number of nearby families, the Gays, Klooneys, Witts,
Millers and others.
Another spring house
was in the rear of the old stone house of Mr. Jacob Rohr, on
There was another
spring on the "Billy" William Miller lot on the north side of
Another spring was
only a short distance from the
Of all the small
springs mentioned, only two show any, signs of their former useful flow. The
old
In one of my first
booklets, I briefly mentioned Rawley and
A large number of
families here used
The late Wm. Henton and his brother, Sam, operated a water route
here, also shipping water to cities in barrel lots. in competition with other
spring waters of medicinal properties.
My earliest
recollection is that there was an old log house a short distance north of the
spring, the home of the grandfather of the Henton boys. My paternal
grandfather's farm was a short distance northwest, now one of the Boyers'
Orchards.
Much of the summers of my
boyhood were spent there. There is an old saying, "Time and weather make
no change in Old Taylor."
Too much praise
cannot be given the late James R. Lupton, through whose efforts the re-named
"Massanetta" was developed and stands as a monument to his worth and
generosity in establishing and bequeathing one of the foremost religious
institutions in the U.. S. Before the advent of the present world war delegates
and. representatives came from almost every state and a few foreign countries
to the conventions and lectures.
The waters of Rawley
Springs were not used by the families here to any great extent as the distance
and hauling were greater.
At one period before
the opening of seaside resorts, mountain resorts were popular with a large
number of city residents. There were three large hotels and a number of
Cottages with what at that time was considered up-to-date conveniences, running
water and baths. A splendid orchestra and band gave concerts and dancing on one
of the largest ball rooms south of
The opening of the seaside
resorts resulted in. the gradual diminishing number of the patrons, and loss to
the stockholders. Several disastrous fires occurred. The only trace of the
former resort is the large foundations and the spring.
WELLS
AND CISTERNS
Before the first water
system was established, besides the .springs, wells and cisterns supplied a
large number of families, hotels and some plants. I clearly remember the three
"Public Pumps", as they were called, with large octagon-shaped wooden
pumps with iron handles.
One on
H. Gambill on
Some of the residents were of the opinion
that cistern water was superior to spring or well water not contaminated by
drainage or surface water. This theory was exploded when microscopic tests
disclosed hundreds of bacteria, especially if left standing any length of time.
Some of the homes had two small cisterns,
one for catching winter water for drinking, the other for culinary and laundry
purposes. They were equipped with a switch cutoff. There area number being used
for laundry use.
Most of the Cisterns were equipped with a
porous brick flue in the center. The water seeping through was supposed to be
purified and filtered. Chain pumps were mostly used, also a few “pitcher”
pumps. There was a never failing well at my birthplace, southwest corner of
North German and
There were several on
High Street, one at the John H. Reagan home, corner
There were several in
the eastern section. A deep well .at "Stoneleigh," the home of Rev.
Reed, the father of Walter Reed. .This was equipped with the traditional
"Old .Oaken Bucket," with windlass arid chain. Another well was at
the Andrew Hockman Home.
The first foundry
here was established by the three, Bradley Brothers, Nelson, Schuyler, and Philo. Old records show the old
"Brewery" lot was purchased in the early 1850's, at one time just
outside the town's southern limits, now Bruce Street. At the foot of the .hill was a spring used to get
water for their plant. After several freshets of Black's Run which flooded
their casting room, the site was abandoned. This is now the site of Rockingham
Mill. The buildings were then erected on the hill. One of the brothers went to
After a considerable depth water was struck and the well was walled up: A large
iron pump and iron kettle were installed, and to my personal knowledge, both
have been in use over 60 years. I was employed there as a "skimmer
boy." The old well has always furnished cool drinking water for employees
and for sprinkling purposes. At present, the plant is conducted by two
grandsons and one great-grandson of Philo, who was one of the presidents of the
First National Bank. At one time there was a large cistern at the south end of
the main building, which furnished water for the boiler.
It was related that a
prominent citizen on one occasion used the cistern to prolong a spree by Mr. X. The wife, going on a
short vacation, instructed the colored man-servant to try and keep Mr. X from
going down town. That morning he suggested they had better clean the cistern as
it was practically dry. A ladder was procured and lowered. The man went down
with a bucket and rope. Mr. X promptly dropped the rope, pulled up the ladder
and went down town.
Later that evening a
neighbor on coming home heard a strange noise, discovered the man’s plight, put
a ladder down and out came a hungry and chilled servant.
When the first water
system was installed, a few cisterns were used for cess pools, when the sewer
system was gradually extended these were condemned and filled in.
ARTESIAN WELLS
These wells were
supposed to be immune from contamination or pollution from surface drainage
sources. A number were dug or bored, for corporations and private homes. The
theory of purity was exploded when tests .proved some surface indications. A
number were dug by Mr. "Cooney" Conrad Heatwole, and his brother. Two for the J. P.
Houck Tannery , due to the gradually diminishing
flow of the
The
area along this railroad, now the Southern, today is the busiest section of
.Harrisonburg, with the balance of the "Boom" covered by the largest
residential section. The original
tracts were owned by Foxall Daingerfield and Capt. Lenning.
A number of other
artesian wells were dug. One for J. H. McGlaughlin on
Next will be the
Light Question as I have Witnessed it.
The first artificial
light in our home was by candles made by my mother. Two sizes were made, one
for carrying around the home, and a large size for mantels. At my grandmother's
there were two home-made iron, saucer-shaped grease lamps with a short spout
from which protruded a large wick. These were smoky and often foul smelling.
Most of the grease was butter and waste fat. Also there were no stoves. The
cooking and heating was done in fireplaces. The one in the combined kitchen and
dining- room was eight feet with a heavy iron bar across from which was
suspended the cooking utensils. Cornbread was the favorite with occasional
wheat biscuits.
At matches were
scarce and expensive, .lots of fires were started by the flint and steel
method-striking a piece of flint rock with a piece of steel, which sometimes
required a lot of patience. Live coals were often carried from house to house
and all waste paper was used-to roll lamp and candle lighters.
The next lighting of
homes was done by what was called rock oil, almost in its crude state. Later,
after refinement, coal oil, then kerosene.
The several surface
drains and out-door toilets were the prime cause of yearly epidemics of
typhoid. Especially was this so at the drain from Sibert's corner (now the site
of the First National Bank) down to
MAYORS AND ITEMS FROM COUNCIL MEETINGS
An act of the General
Assembly to incorporate the town of
Mr. Isaac Hardesty was elected Mayor. Councilmen: St. Clair
Sprinkel, Major L. W. Cambell, Jos. C. Braithwaite, Emmanuel Royer, William Stevens, William Reherd, and William Wartman. Samuel R. Sterling was elected Clerk, and St. Clair Sprinkel, Treasurer. Abram Smith was Justice of the Peace.
The assessed value of
real and personal property was $182,500.00. A tax rate of 7c per $100 levied. A
poll tax of 25c was also levied.
The salary of the
Mayor to be $50.00, and the Clerk to receive $25.00 per annum. The first public
improvement was ordering a stone bridge over the
As previously stated
Mr. Hardesty was the owner of considerable land east and southeast of town. The
first plot of
Mr. Hardesty built
his home on one of the lots laid out by him on the north side of
March 29, i852: Mr. Henry T. Wartman elected mayor, Samuel R.
April3, 1854: Mr. T.
Maupin elected mayor. New rate of taxes established
at 14¢ per $100; Slaves, 75¢; Dogs, 40¢; Watches, 20¢; Clocks, 15¢; Horses,
15¢; Buggies and carriages, 50¢.
Dec. 6; 1863: George
S. Christie elected mayor.
The extending of the
town limits caused an amendment to the charter. John H. Rolston, surveyor for
August 25, 1868:
Steps taken to ,erect street lamps at , suitable points to be lighted with coal
oil, and Mr. O. P. Helphenstein ;ordered to submit one for the inspection of
the council, with four glass sides and heavy grade tin tops. Each to hold half
gallon of oil.
Price & Hockman
contracted to furnish sixteen locust posts eight and one half feet--long by six
inches square, dressed and cornered.
J. Melton White, town's public work foreman, ordered to
erect same.
November 20, Mr. White reported lamps
erected and lighted.
Court yard as plans shown. The lower part to be used by the fire company, the
upper for meeting room of the council and Mayor's offices Foxall Daingerfield elected town adviser. Four extra lamps ordered
for Square.
Mr. Jones' death
occurring, Thos. H. Yancey elected pro-tem.
The hand pumper did
valiant work in fighting a number of smaller fires, until the first water works
system was installed. What was once shining copper and brass, and polished
mahogany is now a neglected shadow of what it once was. I might add that it
also did valuable-service to both
An extra street lamp
ordered placed at fire house. On
The first fire zone
was established. Bounded on the east by
issued to be for brick or stone,. except for outdoor toilets
or bath houses: These to be one-story not over eight feet in height.
The first permits
issued were to J. L. Sibert; D. Morgan Switzer and Benjamin E. Long, all on the south side of the Square.
Later permits were granted to Jas. L. Avis, Weaschie Brothers, and Joshua Wilton.
During a special
meeting,
Ordinance passed:
"That the hitching of horses to the wooden fence around the Court Yard
declared a public nuisance and menace to the health of the citizens, and a fine
of not less than $1.00 or more than $5.00 for each offense. B. Ney, allowed to open a free-hitching yard in
rear of his store.
July 1, .1875 A
proposition of J. S. Griffith to
construct a system of water works and lay pipes for supplying water to the
citizens and for fire- protection. This was referred to a committee for
investigation.
The sum of $700.00
was appropriated for the purchase of. a
suitable "Town Clock" for the new County Court House recently
completed. Andrew Lewis appointed to supervise purchase and erection in tower.
Large public meeting at Court House to formulate plans for new building on South
Main street, to replace old "Institute" building, as classes in old
"Bee Gum" on North Main were discontinued. Committee from prominent
citizens and Council appointed.
January 3, 1880:
Privilege to J. C. Staples and John Wallace to
place a water ram under the West Water street bridge near the hydrant; and run
a small pipe line up the drain on West Water street, across Main street to the
old Revere House, now the site of the Masonic Temple, and over to Mr. Staples'
livery stables, now the shirt factory site.
September 6, 1880:
Permission to erect a large 40 foot pole near the east gate of the court yard
for hanging a flag and banners of Henaricks and English, candidates for
President of the United States. Guard appointed to guard pole from
November 18, 1884:
Jasper Hawse and J. C. Staples appointed to ascertain the probable cost of
artesian wells and wind engines (commonly called wind-mills), to supply water
for fires and other purposes. Report received and rejected. Committee appointed
to further investigate the question thoroughly.
May 19, 1886: After
opening bids the contract was awarded to A. L. Jones, of Philadelphia, for installing water
works with reservoir on "Red Hill" with a capacity of one million
gallons, also for drilling an artesian will with eight-1 inch casing, on a lot
selected by the committee on North Main street, laying specified size mains on
streets as per plans, installing
branch lines to 28
fire plugs where designated for the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars.
Work on water works
started
John W. Taliaferro, keeper of the town clock at $50.00 per
annum.
John Southwick appointed light keeper. Committee on electric
lights for streets report proposition from the I. P. Houck Tanning Co., on installing
and completing same with poles, cross-arms, lamp hangers and lamps, as follows:
Eighty incandescent
lights to be placed in such position and locations on the streets and corners
as designated by committee from council; seventy-six to be 25 candle-power and
four to be thirty two candle-power. All to be suspended from chestnut poles of
regulation size of sufficient height to be out of the way of traffic. The
contract price was $750.00 per year. New globes to be installed when necessary.
All to burn nightly, except when the moon is actually full, and not cloudy. All
accepted.
The first electric
light previously in
Mr. Dulaney was a
former resident here, being associated with Jos. K. Smith in
editing the "
hand lever press, printing one sheet on one side at a time.
When the electric
lights were installed most of the old coal oil lamps were sold to a small town
in
The late John E.
Kelley had one of these lamps, also one of the
revolving gates of the court yard. The iron fence that replaced the old wooden
one around the court yard, is now used on property near Daphna.
Petition for Dr.
Reeves Tatum and Samuel Loeb to
build and operate a street car on the streets of
Jehu Long appointed Chief of Police.
1200 feet of new fire
hose ordered for the four reel companies.
Thos. W. Bassford retiring, John R. Saum was unanimously elected Chief of Fire
Departments.
Ordinance passed
against cows running at large on streets of
Petition of John
Yancey for privilege of. telephone exchange in the
town.
W. N. Bowman elected Superintendent of Public Works and
streets.
March.7, 1893:
Committee of three, John P. Burke, J. Henry Bassford and William Dean, asking the privilege of using the
Council Chamber for meetings of the "Y.M.C.A.", until the room in the
At a called election
of citizens this was rejected.
Doctors Hollingsworth and Reeves Tatum ask for and receive permission to gallop their
horses in answering sick calls.
due to epidemic of small pox. Person from a number of them
must show doctor's certificate.
April 6, 1896: Order
from County Supervisors to remove the fire house and Council Chamber from the
northwest corner of the Court Yard, as contracts were let for the erection of a
new modern County Court House, and would clear the yard of the two old
buildings, the clerk's office and telegraph office.
September, 1896:
According to census taken the population was: whites, 2566; colored; 1064,
total 3630, an increase of 836 over census of 1890.
For the benefit of
those who have not read my previous book, I think it appropriate to sketch what
was considered the pride of
The only equipment
furnished the Company was old
The first Captain was
John Donivan; 1st Lieut, Oliver Brown Roller; 2nd Lieut., Jas. Hay; Quartermaster, Lukes Nicholas; Top Sergeant, Robert C. Bassford; 2nd Sergeant, George Gatewood. Three corporals and 34 privates. Capt.
Dunivan being transferred to the Revenue Dept. at Abingdon, Oliver B. Roller was elected Captain. The first trip was to
was a member. When the present Whitesel
building was erected the top floor was used for the Armory.
A special drill squad
of 24 with side- officers won many prizes, under the skill of Capt. Roller, a
graduate of V.M.I. Prizes were taken at Richmond State Fair, at the National
Encampment at
On
The company was
called out on four occasions by the Governor: twice to
When war was declared
against
The roster of the
Company was increased in
The writer retained
his membership until discharged by the disbandment of Company C; per
Shortly afterwards,
Company "H" was organized from most of the old members. John Paul was Captain; George Herring, 1st Lieut. On the resignation of Capt.
Paul, Herring was elected Captain, and Randolph Heneberger, 1st Lieut.
June 11, 1897: Due to
continuous, cloudy condition of water from the artesian well on North Main
street, an analysis proved it was contaminated by some surface water and
leakage from the reservoir, together with almost prohibitive cost of pumping,
it was decided to appoint a committee to view and ascertain the water shed in
the Rawley Springs vicinity, for the probable building of a gravity system from
there. At a special meeting .the committee reported favorably on the project,
and advised the employment of Mr. N. Wilson Davis, Engineer, and Mr. Jasper Hawse, to make surveys of the proposed fine
and an estimate of the cost. Also for a new reservoir on "Hill Top."
They were notified to proceed with the work. Mr. N. Wilson
Davis was employed to supervise operations and report
monthly as to progress.
Steps were taken to
issue bonds in the amount of $50,000 payable 30 years from date.
November 5, 1897:
Owing to numerous complaints from citizens it was ordained that it is unlawful
for the sale of live stock or horses on the streets of Harrisonburg, except on
East Water street beyond Federal street, in conjunction with the “Horse
Bazaar.”
The death of Mr. W.
N. Bowman occurring at the town quarry from an explosion. Wm. A. Slater appointed
Superintendent of Public Works.
June, 1898: City
water for the three railroads use in their locomotives contracted for at the
sum of $120.00 per year in advance.
June:20, 1902:
Contract entered into with the treasurer of the
August 1, l903: The
public pump on
After extensive
inspection of a number of locations it was decided that water was the most
economical and profitable investment.
that according to the report to Mr. N. Wilson Davis, water power be adopted. Negotiations
and committees empowered to purchase the present site on the
Contract let to
Building & Supply Co. for the erection of sub-station and offices of the
Superintendent of Public Works. Engineer
June,7 l907: The resignation
of Mr. William Fallis accepted, and John F. Noll elected Superintendent of Public Works.
October 20, 1908: The
death of Mr. W. Gladowell Leake ("Glody" to a host of friends)
occurring, it was found he had bequeathed his entire estate to be placed in the
hands of the Common Council of Harrisonburg, except a lifetime legacy to his
sister, Mrs. Detrick, for the erection of a hospital. As a tribute of respect,
Mayor Roller and four .members of the council accompanied the body, which was
interred in his native
Mr. Leake was a
“cross the railroad” neighbor of mine for a considerable number of years. Of an
eccentric nature he had many noble qualities. He owned what is now the silk
mill section and often spoke of that site as the Hospital Lot. The immediate
cause of his death was blood poisoning from a bruised foot.
Amputation might have saved his life, but
be would not consent.
The resignation of
Fire Chief John R. Saum accepted, and W. "Al" Braithwaite elected.
.July 14; 1910:
Oliver B. Roller reelected mayor.
December 5; 1911: Due
to illness Mayor O. B. Roller resigns.
Mr. John P. Burke elected by council.
September 1, 1913:
Communication from Mr. Rockingham Paul to
sell a tract of land at crest of "Hill Top" which is considerably
higher than the old site, and would add to the pressure for fighting fires and
water to a number of families. Committee report approved and empowered to make
purchase.
and to purchase additional equipment if needed.
At a called meeting
resolutions of thanks were passed to R. Glen Alexander a
former citizen and prominent businessman of
During the last ten
years engineers have been employed to investigate available mountain water
sources adjacent to, Riven Rock water shed.
Above the intake near
During 1932 a series
of pits were dug across the water shed to determine the dept of sand and gravel
overlying the solid sandstone. From these tests it was found practical to build a submerged dam.
On
November 1; 1935: The
old Effinger property on
June 1936: John W.
Morrison elected mayor, and R. Grimes Heneberger elected clerk.
Owing to the death of
Mayor Morrison, J. O. Stickley was appointed mayor pro-tem.
At a called meeting
Raymond C. Dingledine was .elected mayor.
and Reservoir lot, proceeds to be used for payment and , putting lot in order
for free parking.
At one of the
previous sessions of the Council, it was decided that City Engineer, Wm. Myers continue the duties of City Manager, which he
has been doing since the resignation of City Manager Woodberry.
“ANNEX”
As I have covered the
light, power, water, Mayors and incidents of Council Meetings, for the benefit
of those unacquainted with the growth and additions to
Due to the number of
additions and developments most were residential. The limits of the town were
extended from time to time.
As previously state
the tract laid out by Thos. Harrison was fifty acres, with boundaries as stated.
The first addition to it .was by charter, being laid out by Reuben and Robert Harrison north of town, consisting of twenty-three and
one half acres, laid out into lots and streets, and they are hereby added to
and made a part of said town to all intents and purposes, and that Thomas Scott, John Koontz, Asher Waterman, Fred Spangler, and Frank McWilliams, Gentlemen, are to constitute trustees
of the town, to administer the affairs as to laws, taxes and Jurisdiction.
In another act, 1797,
the same trustees were named. Unfortunately the minutes, if there were any,
were lost or misplaced. Mr. D. W. Thomas came into possession of several loose pages of
the meetings of the trustees and presented them
to the city. The one of
One of the
interesting items was, every two-story house to have one leather fire bucket
for each chimney, and any house holder failing to have one to be fined $1.00.
Another item, $35.00, to be appropriated for walling "Spring." This
is the only reference to "wall" or "top" I have ever found.
Another ordinance
was, any person washing any clothes or hanging same on wall, shall be fined
33¢. If a slave, to be paid by owner. Establish a market place, and open two
public wells where designated
Jan 6, 1808: Same
trustees appointed, and resolved, that all male residents in the limits of the
town shall be and are hereby incorporated into a fire company called The
Harrisonburg Fire Company, and that John Koontz and Thomas Scott gentlemen, be appointed to contract for four fire ladders and hooks, and
a forfeit of twenty-five shillings assessed for non-attendance, same to be
applied for the purposes of the institution.
The extension of the
limits by Robert and Reuben Harrison was north from Wolfe to Gay, Federal on the
east and High on the west.
The next extension
was by Act passed March 16, 1849, with the following lines, to-wit: Beginning
at a point near the Old Valley road, and near corner of A. C. Bryan and Hardesty farms, thence easterly to the
road leading to Antioch (now the Kratzer road); thence in a southern direction,
in a line parallel with present western limits (now High street), at or near a
point on the Warm Spring road near the old Brewery. Thence east parallel with
Southern limits to the Mrs. E. Stevens lots, thence northwestwardly to the beginning.
The inhabitants thereof shall have the exercise of power rights and privileges.
The third extension
was by act of February 24, 1858, was as follows: Beginning .on the west side of
town and Warm Spring Turnpike, south fifty degrees, west eight poles, from the
southwest corner of toll gate house. Then east one hundred and ninety poles,
including Mr. A. Heneberger's alley to a large stake in Henry Ott's and Doctor Neuemans line near the top of Red Hill, thence
north eleven and a half degrees, west twelve poles to corner of Ferdinand Way's
lot, thence north and east twenty-one poles, thence west forty poles to W.
Elizabeth street. Thence north nineteen degrees;
east to A. B. Bryan's corner, thence north thirty-two
degrees, crossing Robert Gray's lines to Philip Liggett’s fence (now the Joseph farm), thence
west to the Kratzer Road, thence south to Mr. David Jones' barn (now Collciello), thence west
sixty-nine poles to the turn of the road near Mt. Clinton pike. Thence
seventy-eight poles to the beginning. Today this would be the jig-saw boundary.
Be it also ordained
that on the last Saturday in March and annually thereafter, the free white male
inhabitants of the town, twenty-one years of age, shall assemble at the Court
House; and shall elect seven persons, called Councilmen, and one other person
called the "Mayor," who shall receive a salary not exceeding $50.00
per annum.
The fourth extension
of the town's limits was the largest, as made by John H. Rolston S. R. C., both as to
length and area, increasing the acreage of all districts lying inside the
town's limits to one thousand four hundred and fifty acres. The survey was made
on the 14th day of February and approved by act of the Assembly
A general act of the
Assembly of Virginia, approved
The fifth extension,
1935, was southeast and southwest extensions. These two raised the total
acreage to 1580 acres with a few outstanding plots just outside the corporate
limits.
The
ADDITIONS
As I have about
covered the extensions of the town's limits, 1 will mention the different
additions to
The first I remember
was the Grattan & Heneberger addition, lying east of
The next residential
section was opened by Bucher & Steigel, being the present
Next was the A. M.
Newman addition, "
The Paul addition was
the part near- the .old Reservoir and over to
The Zirkle addition
was north of the Roudabush and Dovel addition. This and several other small
additions on the northeast comprise "
As previously stated
the Harrisonburg Land & Improvement was the largest, north of the
The C.C. Conrad
addition lies south of the
Among the very first
was the Loewenbach addition lying west of South High between West Market and
West Bruce. This was called "Wellman Lawn."
When the late John P.
Burke acquired the Samuel R Bowman farm, part In and part out of the town limits,
“Brooklands” was laid out.
Several smaller ones
were laid out. The large tract with the Judge John Paul Sr., home in the center, was laid out, with a
number of lots and several streets. Also "
.The recently opened
additions, "
VALUATION
REPORT, DECEMBER I, 1944
Taxable
Personal, Real and other values ......................... $6,250,922.00
Total
Assessments .................................................................. 100,030.12
Tax
rate $1.60 per $100, as compared with .07 when declared a County Seat, and
$2.00 in 1916.
Value of Plants and Equipment
Electric,
real estate, plants, equipment................................
$982,224.92
Water,
real estate, plants and equipment ............................. 665,528.50
Total.......................................................................................
$1,647,753.42
Total of General Fund Revenues .................................................. $218,906.18
As compared with
1940 ............................................................ 201,200.85
An increase of.............................................................................. 17,705.34
Total debt obligations. 1944 .................................................. $560,337.72
The bonded debt; 1944, $63.37 per capita as compared with $84.17 in 1940.
Decrease of $20.80.
As previously stated, municipal ownership of the-light, power and water
systems and the improved methods of various departments are responsible for the
low tax rate, as compared with cities the size of Harrisonburg. Plans are being
formulated to consider possibly a
large dam on the mountains above Riven Rock to form
reservoir for additional water supply to offset the costly and hard water from
It is very unfortunate that the town records
were lost or misplaced covering a period of years; 1808 to 1849. Exact minutes of all the proceedings of
the councils have been kept and preserved and in a fire-proof vault, from the time the town was
incorporated to date.
CITY OFFICIALS,
Mayor-Bernard T. Denton
Councilmen:
B. H. Arey, Fred S. Layman, D. H. Forrer, S. J. Prichard, Thos. H. Lowry, E. C. Tutwiler, Jr., J. M. Warren, E. C. Wine, W. E. Wilburn.
Treasurer-E. S. Ashby
Auditor and
Clerk -R. Grimes Heneberger
City Engineer & Purchasing .Agent-Wm. G. Myers
Supt. Electric Dept.,
& Fire Chief-L. S. Armentrout
City
Attorney-K. C. Moore
Police
Justice-Francis S. Miller
Sanitary
Inspector-D. Ray Whitesel
Health
Officer-Dr. J. C. Harshberger
Supt. Public
Schools-Prof. W. H. Keister
Commissioner of
Revenue-Sheffey L. Devier
Supt. Public
Chief of Police- W. M. Keene
Patrolmen:-Robert
Morrison, A. P. Curry, .E. C. Martin, M. W. Trenary, Clarence Leake, Guy Rodgers, J. W. Johnson, W. L. Dillard, N. W. Novell, F. B. Smith.
Mrs. J.
S. Brannum-Clerk
Average number of persons employed in all
branches, 125, not including school teachers; as compared with 18 when
incorporated as a town in 1849.
The two oldest in point of service, are
Prof. Wm. H Keister, over 50 years and Wm. G. Myers, over 35 years.
The following shows an increase in
population, except the years 1830 to 1850, when there was a decrease. My father
said that it was caused by the opening of homesteads in a number or Western
states. The decrease then was 122.
OFFICIAL CENSUS
1830- 940; 1840- 853; 1850- 718;
1860-1023; 1870-2036; 1880-2831; 1890-2792; 1900-3521; 1910-4870; 1920-5875;
1930-7232; 1940-8768.
While on the electric light question I
failed to mention some facts. When the J. P. Houck Co. established the first electric plant. The
commercial rate was by “candle-power,” 20¢
per month for 16, and 30¢ for 32 candle power globes, with a sliding scale
of reduction according to the number used. Later when meters were installed,
the rate was l0¢ per kilowatt, as compared with an average rate of 5¢, with
sliding scale reduction rate today. Records show there was more voltage used in
lighting the ball field here several years ago, than, was used in lighting the
streets of
The
Tommy K. S. Bassford.
Alexander
R. Glen, 51, 61
Arey
B.H., 63
Armentrout
L. S., 63
Louis, 55
Ashby
E. S., 51, 63
Avis
Jas. L., 31
Bassford
George W., 38
J. Henry, 38
Robert C., 40
Thomas, 29, 35
Thomas W., 29, 31
Thos. W., 38
Baugher
Clarence, 11
Billhimer
William, 6
Bowman
Samuel R., 61
W. N., 38, 44
Bradley
Nelson, 19
Philo, 19
Schuyler, 19
Braithwaite
Jos. C., 24
W., 48
Brannum
J. S.,
64
Samuel, 9
Bryan
A. B., 59
A. C., 57
Allen C., 14
Pendleton, 14, 34
Bucher
William, 16
Burke
John P., 38, 48, 61
Cambell
L. W., 24
Captain Roller, 42
Carr, 9
Chandler
Charles, 9
Christie
George S., 26, 31
Conrad
George, 24
Crawford
Robert, 16
Curry
A. P., 64
D. Switzer
Morgan, 38
Daingerfield
Foxall, 19, 23, 29
David Jones, 59
Davis
N. Wilson, 42, 44, 46, 48, 51
Dean
William, 38
Devier
Sheffey L., 51, 63
Dillard
W. L., 64
Dingledine
Raymond C., 53
Dold
S. M., 26
Donivan
John, 40
Dovel
Frank S., 48
Downing
John H., 48, 51
Dulaney
James, 35
Early
Wm., 55
Fallis
William, 46
Fields
Thorton, 9
Forrer
D.H., 63
Friddle
L. E., 16
Gambill
H., 19
Gatewood
George, 40
Gay
William N., 29
Gibson
Peggy, 24
Gray
Robert, 14, 59
Griffith
J. S., 31
Hardesty
Isaac, 14, 24
Harnsberger
J. Samuel, 34
Harrison
Reuben, 57
Robert, 57
Robert, 55
Thomas, 6, 7, 29, 31
Thos., 55
Wm., 18
Harrsion
Reuben, 55
Harshberger
Dr. J. C., 63
Hawse
Jasper, 34, 42
Hay
Jas., 40
Heatwole
Conrad, 22
Helphenstein
O. P., 13, 26
Heneberger
A., 57
R. Grimes, 53, 55, 63
Randolph, 42
Henneberger
Andrew, 19
R. Grimes, 53
Henton
Wm., 16
Herring
George, 42
Hockman
Andrew, 19
Houck
I. P., 35
J. P., 22, 65
Hyde
Joseph P., 31
Irick
Andrew, 19
Lupton, 18
Southwick, 35
Johnson
J. W., 64
Jones
A. L., 34
David, 9, 14
Davis S., 29
John R., 14
Keene
W. M.,
63
Keezle
George, 7
George B., 7
Keister
Prof. W. H.,
63
Wm. H,
65
Kelley
John E., 38
Joseph E., 31
Kenney
James, 9
Klooney
Thomas, 26
Koontz
John, 55
John, 57
Layman
Fred S., 63
Leake
Clarence, 64
W. Gladowell, 46
Lenning
Capt., 23
Lewis
D. Sheffey, 35
Liggett
Philip, 14, 59
Winfield, 14
Loeb
Samuel, 38
Long
Benjamin E., 31
Jehu, 38
Lowenbach
J. A., 35
Jonas, 26
Lowry
Thos. H., 63
Mahoney
Michael, 26
Martin
E. C., 64
Maupin
T., 26
McGlaughlin
J. H., 23
McWilliams
Frank, 55
Miller
Abel, 19
Billy, 16
Francis S., 63
William, 16
Moore
K. C., 63
Morrison
Jno. C., 9
John W., 51, 53
Robert, 64
Myers
Wm., 55
Wm. G., 51, 63, 65
Neueman
Doctor, 57
Newman
Henry, 53
M., 59
Ney
B., 23, 31
Carl, 9
Isaac, 9
Nicholas
Lukes, 40
Noll
John F., 46, 55
Novell
N. W., 64
O'Farrell
Charles T., 42
Ott
Henry, 57
William, 24, 59
Pankey Brothers, 14
Paul
John, 42
John Sr., 61
Rockingham, 48
Points
Wm. J., 14
Prichard
S.J., 63
Reed
Rev., 19, 35
Walter, 19
Reherd
William, 24
Wm., 24
Richardson
Roy, 42
Rodgers
Guy, 64
Nevel, 18
Rohr
Jacob, 16
Roller
John, 14
O. B., 48
Oliver B., 40, 48
Oliver Brown, 40, 46
Rolston
John H., 26, 59
Royer
Emanuel, 31
Emmanuel, 24
Saum
John R., 38, 48
Scott
Thomas, 55, 57
Sibert
J. L., 31
Jacob L., 26
Simms
Lucy, 14
Slater
William, 34
Wm. A., 44
Smith
Abram, 24
F. B., 64
Jos. K., 35
Spangler
Fred, 55
Sprinkel
Gambill, 6
St. Clair, 24
Staples
J. C., 34
Sterling
O. C., 26
Samuel R, 6
Samuel R., 24, 26
Stevens
E., 57
William, 24
Stickley
J. O., 53
Strayer, 6
Henry and Ernest, 40
Henry V., 34
Juliet Lyle, 40
Sullivan
E. W., 42
Swank
Ward, 53, 55
Switzer
D. Morgan, 31, 38
Walter, 46
Taliaferro
John W., 35
Tatum
Reeves, 39
Reeves, Dr., 38
Thomas
D. W., 7, 56
P. S., 35
Treadway
Frances, 63
Trenary
M. W., 64
Tutwiler
E. C. , Jr., 63
Vandegrift
Garrett, 31
Wallace
John, 34
Warren
J. M., 63
Miss Ella, 40
Wartman
Henry and Harvey, 16
Henry T., 26
T., 26
William, 24
Waterman
Asher, 55
Way
F. G., 24
White
J. Melton, 26
Whitesel
D. Ray, 63
Wilburn
W. E., 63
Wilton
Josua, 31
Wine
E.C., 63
Wise
Herman and Adolph, 24
Leopold, 24
Woodson
A. D., 31
John C., 19
Yancey
John, 38
Thomas L., 26
Thos. H., 29