I am trying to find information on the area variously known as Bull Skin, Smithfield, Middleway and Wizard Clip VA/WV. I understand it is in present day Jefferson County near the Berkeley County and Virginia line. The Board of Geographic Names told me the area was originally called Bull Skin, after the creek by the same name, but was later changed to Smithfield or Smithfield Estates. Its name was later changed to Middleway because it was halfway between Winchester and Harpers Ferry and because there was already a Smithfield somewhere else in Virginia and the mail was getting lost. Supposedly, in the late 1700s or early 1800s there was a famous haunting there by a demon who cut up things with a pair of scissors, after which the residents began calling the place "Wizards Clip" or "Clip" and began calling themselves "Clippers." My fourth g grandfather, Samuel FRENCH resided there from before 1792 until at least 1820 and My third g grandfather, Walter W. FRENCH" and his sisters were born there. I would appreciate any leads on finding any history of the area. I have seen reference to a "Middleway Historical Society" but I haven't had any luck at finding an address or a website. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Jay French [email protected]