Mr. David Shriver, Jr.,
Superintendent of the Cumberland Road, Cumberland, Md.
LETTER FROM EBENEZER FINLEY.
Release, September 1, 1891.
Hon. T. B. Searight,
My much respected friend: In our conversation the other day, I spoke from memory entirely, as I had no statistics from which to quote. Your father bought the stone tavern house at Searights from Joseph Frost. It was unfinished when your father bought it. I knew Joseph Frost, but have no recollection of the family he came from. Your father was a single man, when he bought the house, but married shortly after.
In relation to Mr. Stewart’s and Mr. Benton’s colloquy about the National Road, Mr. Stewart said that “hay stacks and corn shocks would walk over it.” Mr. Benton replied that “he could not conceive how hay stacks and corn shocks could walk over this bowling green road.” “Ah!” rejoined Mr. Stewart, “I do not expect to see them walk in the shape of stacks and shocks, but in the shape of fat cattle, hogs, horses and mules from the Western and Southern States.” This was in a discussion in Congress, over an appropriation bill for repairing the road. Another conversation with you at some time, would be very much enjoyed by your unworthy scribbler.
P. S. Now, Colonel, since writing the above, many things have come crowding on my memory, and I will mention some of the principal hotels with which I was more or less acquainted. I frequently traveled over the National Road in my younger days. I went often to Cumberland and occasionally to Baltimore. I will begin at Big Crossings (Somerfield). Coming this way, Thomas Brown kept a tavern on the hillside. Next Daniel Collier, then Inks, and next Widow Tantlinger (Boss Rush’s place). Next James Sampey at Mt. Washington, then several stopping places before reaching the Stewart stone house, a hotel that was not largely patronized by travelers on the road. Next the Chalk Hill house and then Jimmy Snyder’s. Next the first house to the left as you come to Monroe, built by Mr. Deford. Then several other hotels before you come to Uniontown. In Uniontown, the Walker House (now Feather’s) was well patronized. Then James Seaton’s and Thomas Brownfield’s wagon stands. Next the Cuthbert Wiggins wagon stand (later Moxley’s), and next the Searight house. Over the hill, next was a house kept by Samuel Woolverton and Hugh Thompson. Then the Robert Johnson (later Hatfield) stone house. Next old Peter Colley, father of Abel, Solomon and John Colley. Then the Bowman house, kept by John Gribble, and next the Brubaker house. Then the first house to the left as you go into Brownsville, kept by Darra Auld, and next the Workman House. But I presume you have all these.
Respectfully,
EB. FINLEY.