1890 – Shepherdstown Lots Map by S.P. Humrickhouse

The Map

S. P. Humrickhouse’s plat map of Shepherdstown was drawn in 1890. In the February 21, 1890 edition of The Shepherdstown Register, then-editor Henry L. (H.L.) Snyder published the statement below about his copy of the map: “The editor has been placed under obligation to Mr. Samuel P. Humrickhouse for a very neatly executed plat of Shepherdstown that was recently drawn by him. It is made in colors, and besides defining the limits of the town and showing the streets and alleys and the numbers of the lots, has marked upon it the public buildings of the place. It is on linen paper, and is a possession that will long be valuable. Mr. H. has our thanks.”

This plat map appears to have been the only map that Humrickhouse drew. Other copies of this map do exist. This copy of the map was donated to The Historic Shepherdstown Museum by Jane Snyder, whose husband William Snyder, a grandson of H.L. Snyder, was the last editor of The Shepherdstown Register.

The Map Maker

  • S. P. Humrickhouse

    Samuel Post Humrickhouse (also Humrichouse) was born in Shepherdstown on March 23, 1851. His early years are unknown, but beginning in 1881, he is mentioned frequently in The Shepherdstown Register for his furniture making and architectural work.

    He designed and oversaw the construction or renovation of homes, schools, churches and businesses. He was also a photographer. In 1881, the paper noted that he built the altar, pulpit, reading stand, baptismal font, and chairs for the newly-renovated Reformed Church. He was the architect and contractor for the expansion of Rockland, just outside of Shepherdstown. He oversaw the renovation of several houses in Shepherdstown; designed the Harpers Ferry home of the principal of Storer College; and was the general contractor for the first classroom building at Shepherd College, which was later destroyed by fire. Humrickhouse died in his home on German Street on August 24, 1927. He and his wife, Nellie, are buried in Elmwood Cemetery.