J H MARKWOOD
FURNITURE AND UNDERTAKING

  Keyser can well boast of the public spirit and enterprise of her businessmen, and among their number none has proven more thoroughly his faith in the prospects and coming greatness of the town than the gentleman whose name forms the caption of this article.
  In 1878, Mr Markwood purchased the stock of several small furniture stores, consolidating these interests in one establishment on Water Street, where until 1890 he conducted his rapidly growing business. At that time, he erected the handsome three story brick structure now occupied, which in point of architectural beauty and convenience of appointment has no superior in Keyser. This building 25X100 feet in dimensions, was specially designed for the needs of furniture and undertaking business, and is a model of its type.
  The stock carried in furniture, aggregates a value of from $5,000 to $6,000, and includes the more costly as well as cheaper grades. It was specially selected for the trade of this section. Carpets are sold from the roll, insuring a satisfactory and intelligent selection, and a heavy stock is carried.
  Wall paper, window shades, etc, are also handled. The business, which began in a comparatively small way, has assumed enormous proportions, and so large and complete a furniture stock is seldom seen in cities, double the size of Keyser.
UNDERTAKING
  The necessary and important calling of the undertaker and funeral director was of late years made such rapid progress that it is today fully recognized as a profession. In few others is there such a demand on the part of its practitioners for the most delicate tact and discretion, while to follow with a certainty of success, high business qualifications must be combined with exceptional scientific attainments. Mr Markwood is a graduate of several schools of embalming, and has studied under Professor Hohenschuh and Professor Sullivan, who are probably the recognized authorities on embalming in the United States, the former gentleman being now president of the National Undertakers' Association. Besides taking full courses of instruction prior to his graduation, Mr Markwood still attends lectures at frequent intervals in order to keep thoroughly in touch with all modern innovations and new systems. when to these facts, it is added that his experience dates back for fully fifteen years, it is self-evident that no more capable or competent embalmer resides within the confines of the state. As a funeral director, when his services are so desired, Mr Markwood takes entire personal charge of the obsequies, and furnishes casket, hearse, carriages, flowers, etc. A complete line of funeral furnishings is carried, as well as numerous caskets, from the most modest to the most pretentious styles. Possessing in a marked degree those rare qualifications of refinement and a sympathetic nature so necessary to a successful practice of this vocation, Mr Markwood has by his considerate manner of treating bereaved patrons, acquired a host of life-long friends.
  As a director in the Keyser Electric Light Co, and Keyser, Bank, he is in close touch with the best interests of our business development.

TRANSCRIBED OCTOBER 27, 2001 BY PATTI MCDONALD

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