Wheeling West Virginia Genealogy

Lord Dunmore’s War

The text details the events leading to and during Lord Dunmore’s War, sparked by illegal encroachments into the Vandalia Colony and violent acts against Native Americans by Virginians. It highlights the treaties made with various tribes and the resultant loss of their lands. The war began in response to brutal murders committed by settlers, leading to conflict with the Shawnees. Despite military advances by Virginia’s forces, Dunmore ultimately sought peace, yet tensions persisted as violence against Native Americans continued unabated.

Biography of Joseph H. Mercer

Joseph H. Mercer, born in 1864 in Ohio, has been a significant figure in the agriculture sector as Kansas’s state live stock commissioner and secretary of the Kansas Live Stock Association. His contributions include combating livestock diseases, improving relationships between farmers and packers, and advocating for agricultural interests. Mercer, who has a deep understanding of farming, began his career in Kansas after a varied background in education and public service. He has held office in the Kansas Legislature and is actively involved in various community organizations. He married Ula Scribner and has four daughters.

Biography of Edwin R. Christman

Edwin R. Christman, born on September 6, 1887, in Wheeling, West Virginia, rose to prominence as secretary of the Silurian Oil Company in St. Louis. Educated in Washington, Pennsylvania, he began his career with the McClure Company before joining the Silurian Oil Company in 1908. A dedicated family man, he married Genevieve Templeman and has three children. During World War I, he actively supported American defense efforts. Christman is a Knight of Columbus and a committed Republican, recognized for his contributions to both business and community.

Biographical Sketch of Albert A. Cohn

Albert A. Cohn, born on September 10, 1873, in Wheeling, West Virginia, was a cloak manufacturer. He was educated in the common schools of Wheeling and Cleveland. Cohn married Alice May Newman in Cleveland on August 31, 1900, and they had three children: Robert N., Margaret A., and Janet E. He served as secretary and treasurer of Cohn, Goodman Co. and held director positions at H. Cohn Clothing Co. and Cleveland and Sandusky Brewing Co. He was a member of the Excelsior and Oakwood Clubs.

Biographical Sketch of Alexander Hadden

Alexander Hadden was born on July 2, 1850, in Wheeling, West Virginia. A graduate of Oberlin College in 1873, he established a legal career as an assistant prosecuting attorney and later as prosecuting attorney until 1901. Since 1905, he served as a probate judge. Hadden was actively involved in various law firms and held a professorship in criminal law at Western Reserve University since 1894. He married Frances Mary Hawthorne in 1883 and had two children.

Biography of William Henry Tester

William Henry Tester was born on July 4, 1869, in Burgess Hill, England. He moved with his family to the United States in 1883, seeking better opportunities. Settling in St. Louis, he transitioned from industrial work to the railway service, becoming a telegraph operator and eventually an agent. He married Virginia Crawford in 1894, with whom he had two children. Active in his community and the Presbyterian Church, Tester also made significant contributions to Masonic life, holding various leadership roles until his passing.

Biographical Sketch of Crispin Oglebay

Crispin Oglebay, born in 1880 in Wheeling, West Virginia, was educated in Kansas City and graduated from Yale in 1900. He briefly worked at Swift Packing Co. and in real estate before moving to Cleveland in 1903 as secretary of the Hoffman Hinge Foundry Co. He quickly became president, and in 1906 the company was incorporated as The Ferro Machinery Foundry Co., employing 1,100 people. Oglebay also served as a director at The Superior Savings and Trust Co. and was active in local clubs.

Biographical Sketch of William Edward Patterson

William Edward Patterson was born on February 5, 1873, in Hunter, Ohio. He earned his Ph.B. from Mt. Union College in 1893 and his LL.B. from West Virginia University in 1895. Admitted to the bar that same year, he practiced law in Wheeling before moving to Cleveland in 1897. He became a partner at Patterson Nieding in 1910 and held several corporate positions, including treasurer of Forest City Woolen Mills. Patterson was also active in various civic and fraternal organizations.