Info on hand-dug wells

Dear Editor:
I was raised on Sunset Orchard, Horse Ridge (Fairview Drive) in the 1940s and 1950s. There is a hand dug well on this property. The well is five feet across and 38 feet deep. My dad has kept this well in excellent condition.

I would like to know something about this well, who dug it and what year it was dug. The well was located on Sunset Orchard when the property was purchased in 1938 by Dad.

I know of seven hand dug wells on Horse Ridge, going north from Berkeley Springs. When I was growing up, the wells were located on the farms of Orvell Michael, Charley McCumbee, Dayton Michael, Dad’s orchard, Foster Johnson and Eva Lopp.

I have heard that two brothers came down the ridge and dug these wells in the middle or late 1800s. If you have any information on these hand dug wells, please contact me at 385 Sulphur Springs Road, Inwood, WV 25428; or call 304-229-5161.

Sandy Ruppenthal
Inwood