Jefferson County Prosperity [yr. 1900]

The following article, printed in the Baltimore Sun under date of December 30th, is from the pen of its able correspondent in this place, Mr. J. F. Engle, and we gladly give it space in our columns:

The year of 1900 brought to the people of Jefferson county a reasonable share of the prosperity which has been so widely spoken over the country. A healthy condition prevailed in all industries and there were very few failures. The farmers had a bountiful wheat crop, being over the average, but the hay and corn crops were very short in some sections of the county, especially the hay crop, which was almost a failure. This was due to the dry season in the early spring. The young grass which was sown and should have matured this year was also greatly injured by the dry weather. The apple crop, which was so abundant last year, was almost an entire failure this year, but this was somewhat compensated for by a better peach crop and by a crop of the smaller fruits, such as berries, grapes and cherries. The early potato crop was fairly good but the late one was a failure, and the price of potatoes has ranged much higher than last year.

The price of farm lands, as compared with the year 1899, has remained substantially the same and good farms have been in demand and brought good prices, ranging from $60 to $75. Less desirable and productive lands have brought $40 and upward per acre. There has not been as strong a demand for loans on farm lands, and while the legal rate is 6 per cent, in a large majority of cases loans were made during this year on farms at 5 per cent, showing that money is more easily obtained and that farms are the most desirable security for money-lenders. There has not been as much money invested from other States as formerly on account of the lack of demand, and lenders from other States almost invariably require farms as security, declining to lend in most instances on town property. A number of farmers have made substantial improvements, building new barns or dwellings or making substantial repairs. Among the prosperous farmers who have erected new barns are: Mr. Robert Chew, John P. Kearfott, P. P. Marshall, William Wilt, Ruben Jenkins and George M. Knott. This shows a thrifty condition among the farmers, and while they have not enjoyed the same prosperity as the manufacturing interests, yet they have advanced and added to their income.

In the towns throughout the county there have been built a number of residences, and business houses. In this place Messrs. R. H. Phillips, D. S. Hughes, C. W. Smith and George H. Hagley have erected residences, and one large business house was erected by Mr. Hughes.

The Winchester Telephone Company has added a number of new lines and connections to its former system, giving Jefferson county almost a complete connection with its own towns and with those of the surrounding States.

The mercantile business has been prosperous, although the sales were somewhat lessened on account of the recent rise in prices of many articles manufactured by the trusts. The merchants report that there is a great deal of complaint among their customers on this account, and in consequence thereof they purchase just as little as possible. These instances are most noticeable in the case of nails, wire for fencing, salt and sugar and to a considerable extent in agricultural implements.

The manufacturing establishments report a steady trade during the year, and, in a number of instances, there has been a large increase in the force of employees. The Standard Stone and Lime Company, at Kearneysville, and the Washington Building Lime Company, at Bakerton, have added materially to their plants at an expense of several thousand dollars and have largely increased their output of stone and lime. The O. J. Keller Lime Company, at Engle, has increased its products and employs a larger force.

Mr. Joseph E. Thropp, a Congressman from Pennsylvania, has opened an ore bank near Bakerton, which has been idle for several years, at an expense of $10,000, and is now operating it with a large force.

These statements are conservative and show that practically the same conditions of business exist now as prevailed a year ago and that the people of Jefferson county have enjoyed a year of reasonable propserity.