West Milford

              WEST MILFORD 
 
	Legend and tradition has given us the name Monongahela, from a chief of the powerful tribe of the Susquehanas, said to have been young and strong and brave, and fleeter than the red deer; who led his people to the hunt, in its scenic arbors, and fish in its clear prolific waters, long before the white man's advent. 
	West Fork of the Monongahela, child of the Mountain God, the tragedies, you could unfold, through cycles past of feet that trod thy winding path, will ne're be told. 
	In sunny days, now in the past, the scenic pictures, all unclassed upon thy placid mirrored face, I've sought, to drink its magic grace! 
	West Milford was organized as a town by an act of the Va. Legislature in 1818, receiving its name, from the "West Fork", of the Monongahela.  The Mill built here in an early day, and the ford, which crossed the river a short distance below. 
	The town was incorporated about 1880 or 82, as an old corporation receipt held by Mr. C. Fox dates to 1885. 
	The mill and the dame were first built by a man by the name of Samuel Clemens, but was rebuilt and owned by several other parties.  Golden and Shinn brothers-in-law, Golden having married a sister of Mr. Shinn.  The dam was known in an early day as Shinn's dam still other owners Wesley Post, and Thomas Smith, owned the mill at the time of the great flood in 1888, which took it, and the wooden bridge away; W. R. Post, who lived in the house on the flat adjoining the mill, had to be taken out of the house in a boat.  The water as she showed me, rose to a height of near five feet above the first floor. 
	The mill was again rebuilt, this time by Mr. Wesley Post, and John Lynch the wooden bridge, was built by J. N. Tucker, in 1874.  The Stone work by Mr. John Fox.  George Sheets furnished the timber, which was framed by Benjamin Huff, and his sons, William and Austin. 
	The first Church, was built by the Baptist denomination, and nailed together by nails made by Benjamin Barlett, and early smith.  J. A. Lowther, and Major Prichard were also early smiths. 
	The first school, Mr. Fox can recall was taught by Mrs. Ollie Bartlett, in her own home, which he attended.  Thomas West Taught in the old town hall, which stood on the lot now owned by Price Ward. It