Today in Wheeling History: July 19--The commander at Camp Carlile in Wheeling issued a warning that anyone caught improperly wearing the insignia of United States soldiers would be arrested. He also warned soldiers who were "on furlough" to report back to the camp or be arrested (1862). (https://rb.gy/adp2z)
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Today in Wheeling History: July 19--Pope Pius IX established the Diocese of Wheeling and appointed Richard V. Whelan as its first bishop (1850). (https://rb.gy/3t6ty) (https://rb.gy/6fy71) (https://rb.gy/7ryuz) (https://rb.gy/ama70)
Today in Wheeling History: July 19--A daring escape took place at Moundsville Penitentiary when convict John O. Smith, assisted by another prisoner, hid himself inside a crate filled with rice boilers (1904).
The crate was labeled as a shipment and Smith managed to leave the prison undetected. He leaped out of the box while being transported on a wagon near the Fostoria glass factory and fled. Despite efforts to recapture him, Smith remained at large, with authorities suspecting he aimed to avoid arrest for a potential crime in California. Smith, also known as George Monroe and William Marshall, had been serving a two-year sentence for the 1902 burglary of the home of Wheeling resident James Cummins and was due for release on September 10. (https://rb.gy/y3p79) Today in Wheeling History: July 19--Severe flash flooding from massive rains devastated Wheeling, West Virginia, and surrounding areas, causing at least 14 deaths, wiping out homes, railroads, bridges, and infrastructure (1888).
A massive rainstorm caused severe flooding along Wheeling Creek, Caldwell's Run, Woods Run, and Boggs Run, causing extensive damage. At least 14 people died, including families drowned in their homes along Caldwell's Run. Numerous houses were destroyed and swept away. The railroad bridges and tracks of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad were wiped out for 11 miles between Elm Grove and West Alexander. A passenger train barely escaped getting swept away. Hundreds of families lost everything and were left destitute. Aid and relief efforts were quickly organized. Bridges, roads, and infrastructure across Wheeling and surrounding areas were destroyed. Repair costs were expected to be enormous. (https://rb.gy/5bf30) (https://rb.gy/22xzy) Today in Wheeling History: July 18--A group of approximately a dozen members of Carlin's Battery, known as the Wheeling Battery Boys, returned from Annapolis, Maryland, after being captured at Winchester and held in Richmond, Virginia, and they reported that both Richmond and Camp Parole were uncomfortable places, having encountered individuals from Wheeling during their time there, and it was anticipated that the rest of the battery would be reunited in Wheeling soon (1863). (https://rb.gy/2ftal) (https://rb.gy/1nbm7) (https://rb.gy/0ugrp) (https://rb.gy/9ksu7)
Today in Wheeling History: July 17—“The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer” suggests Wheeling should have a city ambulance (1896). (https://rb.gy/e9icd)
Today in Wheeling History: July 17—Eleanor Steber, an operatic soprano who was recognized as one of the pioneering opera stars who attained remarkable success through her training and career in the United States, was born in Wheeling (1914). Eleanor Steber was a graduate of Warwood High School and Boston’s New England Conservatory of Music. She rose to fame after her remarkable performance at the 1940 Metropolitan Opera Auditions of the Air. Steber became a leading star at The Met and holds the record for singing the most premieres there. Sher enjoyed international acclaim, toured extensively, made acclaimed recordings, and received numerous honors. Steber passed away in 1990, leaving behind a legacy and a foundation to support young singers. (https://rb.gy/n46xj) (https://rb.gy/v0v72) (https://rb.gy/z1yap) Today in Wheeling History: July 16--Governor Francis H. Pierpont of the Restored Government of Virginia issued a proclamation from the Wheeling capitol, urging the citizens to provide the state's share of troops in response to President Lincoln's call for three hundred thousand men. To assist in this effort, he requested that Senators and members of the House of Delegates act as agents to recruit volunteers from their respective districts (1862). (https://rb.gy/q9hat) (https://rb.gy/bf7wf) (https://rb.gy/z4czg)
Today in Wheeling History: July 16--François André Michaux, M.D., a celebrated French botanist, journeyed from West Liberty to Wheeling (1802). Dr. Michaux wrote: "A mile and a half from West Liberty town, the road passed through a narrow valley four miles in length, the sides of which in some places from twenty-five to thirty feet in height, exhibit strata of coal from five to six feet in thickness, and lying in a horizontal direction. This substance is extremely common in this part of Virginia." (https://rb.gy/f4d6e) (https://rb.gy/lzyiy)
Today in Wheeling History: July 15--A large meeting in Parkersburg ratified the proceedings of the Wheeling Convention and the establishment of a new government, expressing dissatisfaction with the actions of the Richmond convention and the previous executive, and pledging support for the reorganized and restored government while emphasizing the duty of every citizen to support the United States government in the face of rebellion, stating that those who oppose the reorganized government should not be regarded as friends of the Union, and declaring that all officeholders must take the prescribed oath or risk losing support (1861). (https://rb.gy/h6b9f) (https://rb.gy/5msas)
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Mike MinderMike Minder was born and raised in Wheeling, West Virginia. He is the author of Wheeling's Gambling History to 1976. Archives
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