driven into the ground and the poles were fastened to them by wire, this was called a combination fence. In 1900 barbed wire was invented and three or four strands of barb wire was fastened to posts by staples which made a strong fence. Some people used woven wire or later on, electric fences. \ BLACKSMTHING John T. Best owned and operated a blacksmith shop on his farm at Belmont Lot 16 . This farm was later owned by his son William. At the present time it is owned by Ernest Inman . Mr. Best first operated his shop in a building near his house, with a forge in one end, pigs in the other end of the same bui lding. On account of fire insurance regulations it wasn't permissable to have open fires in a farm building. In I89A or 1895 Mr. Best built a new shop, a few yards east of the present driveway, leading into the before mentioned farm. By not opening to the road it wasn't regarded as a public shop, although Mr. Best , being a very obliging man never refused anyone. Although the fee at that time was only a few cents the same work at the present time would be ■few dollars. Horseshoeing, using new shoes cost 75 to 80e, depending on the size of the shoes, Mi for four removes, all other work in accordance, Mr. Best marked his daily transactions on a slate, which hung in the shop. At the end of the day it was copied down on a scribbler. Most all transactions were on a credit system, payable in the fall. Mr. Best 's shop Mr - Ernest Inman and a welding and repair has been moved to the farm of is being used by Mr. Inman as shop. > After Mr. John T. Best retired his son Oliver Ul 't a shop on his property, near the end of the > ggins - Thompson lane. He operated there several years with the help of his son Harry, until age a^ health forced him to retire. Hi 17