A view from Kerby farm knoll in connecting meadows
PHOTO TRIP AROUND KERBY RIDGE
The Kerby Clan, sometimes spelled Kirby for certain bunches, have been much a part
of life and fixture near the Village of Hur for nearly 150 years, and Hubert Kerby is
among the last survivors of the old-line family still living in the community. This week
he decided to sell his 83 acre farm on the Kerby Ridge, about two miles from the
Village of Hur, a decision he has made after considerable struggle.
"I started to sell the farm a few years ago, and just couldn't stick with it. I had it sold,
and then changed my mind," he said. "I've been on this land since I can remember,
and it's hard to let it go." Hubert, despite some health problems, has continued to
take care of the the large meadows until recently. "It is just too much for me."
The day we took pictures, we saw at least two dozen deer, turkey, grouse, and a fox.
The pastoral setting was enhanced by the turning of the leaves and a wonderful
cloud-filled sky.
The farm has several hilltop meadows that connect, and lots of wandering paths and
hillside woodlands for outstanding hunting. "There would be several great places to
build a house, in the meadows, on knolls or back in the woods," Hubert said. There is
free gas. The owner would have "1/2 interest in the royalty rights under 40 of the
acres. That pushes up the value of the property," he added.
Known as the "old Sylvester Kerby place," the farm is at the end of a country road
that leaves the blacktop in the Village of Hur, a rock-base winding lane around the
Kerby Ridge past the old Smith place, now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Dale Smith, and a
more recent resident, Carl Shaw, who built a place not far from the gate to the Kerby
farm a few years ago.
"It's not a place for everyone," said Hubert. "It's back away from civilization, really
quiet." Electric service would have to be negotiated and a water well drilled. Hubert
is asking $79,000 for the property, with natural gas and a royalty interest.
He can be reached at Rt. 1, Box 119, Grantsville, West Virginia 26147, or he can be
reached by phone 304-354-6764.
A photo trip to the Kerby Farm
Lane from village around Kerby Ridge
Autumn comes to the backwoods
View of farm from entrance gate
Farm has 83 acres "more or less"
Deer flee from camera shot
Ownership includes "1/2 royalty under 40 acres"
A backwoods location, privacy and solitude
Paths take off in many different directions
A pastoral setting
Sun sets on Kerby Ridge
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