On September 14, 1888, African-American voters in Wheeling formed the “The Young Men's Atkinson Club,” comprising fifty-one members initially; notable figures such as Prof. James H. Jones and Mr. F. W. Wright were involved in its organization, and permanent officers included Mr. F. W. Wright as president, H. B. Clemens as vice president, D. B. Buckner as secretary, and Ashby Jeffries as treasurer; the club aimed to reflect positively on the city's African-American citizens. The club rapidly grew to 101 members and elected officers such as G. B. Jefferson, Frank Coles, James Branson, and others during its subsequent meetings. (https://tinyurl.com/e4u6tb8e) (https://tinyurl.com/bdnkjj3j)
Today in Wheeling History: September 14—African-American voters established “The Young Men's Atkinson Club,” a campaign club in Wheeling, with the aim of reflecting positively on the city's African-American citizens; the club's membership grew rapidly and officers were elected to drive its activities forward (1888).
On September 14, 1888, African-American voters in Wheeling formed the “The Young Men's Atkinson Club,” comprising fifty-one members initially; notable figures such as Prof. James H. Jones and Mr. F. W. Wright were involved in its organization, and permanent officers included Mr. F. W. Wright as president, H. B. Clemens as vice president, D. B. Buckner as secretary, and Ashby Jeffries as treasurer; the club aimed to reflect positively on the city's African-American citizens. The club rapidly grew to 101 members and elected officers such as G. B. Jefferson, Frank Coles, James Branson, and others during its subsequent meetings. (https://tinyurl.com/e4u6tb8e) (https://tinyurl.com/bdnkjj3j)
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Today in Wheeling History: September 13—Leon Brown “Chu” Berry, an influential American jazz tenor saxophonist of the 1930s, was born in Wheeling (1908).
Leon "Chu" Berry, a prominent jazz tenor saxophonist, graduated from Lincoln High School in Wheeling and later spent three years at West Virginia State College near Charleston. With a stepsister who played piano, Berry developed a passion for music at a young age and initially played alto saxophone in local bands. He gained his nickname due to his habit of chewing on the saxophone mouthpiece or his Fu Manchu mustache. However, after being inspired by Coleman Hawkins' tour performances, he switched to the tenor sax. Although influenced by Hawkins, Berry's style earned him recognition as an equal by the older musician.. Tragically, Berry's life was cut short at the age of 33 due to a car accident. Nonetheless, his impact on jazz remains significant, with musicians like Branford Marsalis and James Carter acknowledging his influence. Born on September 13, 1908, in Wheeling to parents Brown Berry and Maggie Glasgow Berry, Chu Berry's potential to become one of the greatest jazz saxophonists of the 20th century was tragically unrealized. (https://rb.gy/8bgeg) (https://rb.gy/4s0wx) Today in Wheeling History: September 12--Dr. Oscar W. Burdats, a prominent dentist, was born in Wheeling (1870).
Dr. Oscar William Burdats was born in Wheeling, West Virginia on September 12, 1870 to parents Oscar S. and Louisa Glessner Burdats. He attended public schools in Wheeling and later graduated from the College of Dentistry at Temple University in Philadelphia in 1891. Burdats returned to Wheeling after dental school and practiced dentistry in his hometown for 63 years before retiring in 1954. In 1897, he married Marie Stifel, who preceded him in death in 1954. They had one daughter named Mary Brown who lived in Columbus, Ohio and a grandson named Dr. William B. Crowl who lived in Wheeling. Burdats was involved in many community organizations in Wheeling including the Masons, Shriners, Elks Lodge, Kiwanis Club, and dental associations. He died in 1957 at the age of 86. (https://tinyurl.com/333ufxhw) (https://tinyurl.com/5hak6ezu) Today in Wheeling History: September 11--The second siege of Fort Henry begins during the American Revolutionary War (1782).
From September 11-13, 1782, a force of about 300 Wyandot, Shawnee, Seneca and Lenape Indians, along with 50 Loyalist soldiers from Butler's Rangers, laid siege to Fort Henry, an American outpost at what is now Wheeling, West Virginia. The siege lasted for three days. The defenders of the fort were outnumbered and outgunned, but they were able to hold out thanks to the bravery of the settlers and the leadership of Colonel David Shepherd. On the second day of the siege, the fort's supply of gunpowder was running low. Elizabeth "Betty" Zane, a young woman who was one of the defenders, volunteered to go to her brother's cabin and retrieve a store of gunpowder. She ran the 60 yards to the cabin under heavy fire, but she managed to get the gunpowder and return to the fort safely. The arrival of the gunpowder allowed the defenders to hold out until help arrived. In the morning, a force of 70 men led by Captain John Boggs arrived and drove the Indians and Loyalists away. The second siege of Fort Henry was a turning point in the American Revolutionary War. It showed that the American settlers were willing to fight to the death to defend their homes and families, and it helped to demoralize the British and their Indian allies. Today in Wheeling History: September 10--Despite suffering severe facial wounds, U.S. Navy Lieutenant John Joliffe Yarnall of Wheeling steadfastly remained at his post during the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie, enabling Commodore Perry's pivotal victory as the first to capture an entire British fleet (1813).
As first lieutenant on Commodore Perry's flagship Lawrence, Yarnall played a critical role in the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie. During fierce fighting, Yarnall suffered severe facial wounds - his scalp was torn, nose pierced by shrapnel, and face covered in blood and debris. Yet he refused to leave his post. With the Lawrence disabled, Perry consulted Yarnall before transferring to another ship to continue the battle. Yarnall then took command of the battered Lawrence as Perry went on to defeat the British fleet. Despite grievous injuries, Yarnall stayed at his station on the Lawrence as it was heavily damaged, with most of the crew killed or wounded. His brave persistence was essential in allowing Perry to strategically shift ships and ultimately secure victory. Yarnall later escorted wounded American sailors to safety. His steadfast service aboard the Lawrence was instrumental to America's historic first-ever capture of a full British naval squadron. The Battle of Lake Erie victory gave the United States control of the Great Lakes region. John Joliffe Yarnall was born in Wheeling, Virginia (now West Virginia) in 1786. As a lieutenant, he served bravely under Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry in the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie, despite suffering severe facial wounds. For his valor, Yarnall was awarded a gold medal by Congress, though it was given posthumously to his family after his death at sea in 1815. The U.S. Navy later honored Yarnall by naming two destroyers after him. The USS Yarnall destroyer #143 served from 1918-1940 before being given to Britain's Royal Navy during WWII. The second USS Yarnall destroyer #DD-541 was launched in 1943 and fought against Japan in WWII and Korea. Though his life was short, Wheeling native John Joliffe Yarnall was a war hero who was celebrated long after his death through prestigious military awards and naval ships bearing his name. (https://tinyurl.com/43uy2zrz) (https://tinyurl.com/y43jdcvx) Today in Wheeling History: September 9--Meriweather Lewis, leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery, departed Wheeling and continued down the Ohio River (1803).
On September 7, 1803, Meriwether Lewis stopped in Wheeling for 2 days during his expedition west with William Clark. Lewis described Wheeling as having around 50 houses. He met with Dr. William Patterson to acquire medicines for the journey. Lewis took detailed notes on the environment along the Ohio River to compare to the Missouri River region. He had trouble navigating the shallow Ohio due to low water levels. In a letter to President Jefferson, Lewis complained about delays in preparing his boat in Pittsburgh. He purchased a smaller boat in Wheeling to help transport supplies and navigate the river's shallow bars. After resting in Wheeling, the expedition continued down the Ohio River to continue on the famous trek to the Pacific Ocean. (https://tinyurl.com/4bwjye6v) (https://tinyurl.com/48epndtz) (https://tinyurl.com/yfez98h2) (https://tinyurl.com/3me7ed36) Today in Wheeling History: September 8—Fort Henry Bridge dedicated (1955).
The Fort Henry Bridge is a four-lane tied-arch bridge that spans the main channel of the Ohio River between Wheeling, West Virginia and Wheeling Island. Opened in 1955 after 4 years of construction at a cost of $6.8 million, the 1,660 foot long bridge soars 580 feet across the river with its arch rising 203 feet above the water. Over 60,000 vehicles cross the Fort Henry Bridge daily on Interstate 70 and U.S. Routes 40 and 250. Named after nearby Fort Henry, the bridge was originally called the Ninth Street Bridge when opened to relieve traffic on the adjacent Wheeling Suspension Bridge. A major crossing over the Ohio River, the Fort Henry Bridge provides an essential highway link between Wheeling Island and downtown Wheeling. Its impressive tied-arch design stands out along the Ohio River Valley's landscape. (https://tinyurl.com/4uapxp6j) (https://tinyurl.com/37sksnbb) (https://tinyurl.com/36v3nj4x) (https://tinyurl.com/3sutdwjs) Today in Wheeling History: September 7—Wheeling Park High School opened (1976).
Wheeling Park High School was formed by consolidating Wheeling, Warwood, and Triadelphia High Schools. Groundbreaking took place on February 25, 1975, and the school opened on September 7, 1976. The dedication ceremony was held on December 12, 1976. Wheeling Park High School’s campus sits on 52 acres and has over 470,000 square feet of facilities. It offers 19 Advanced Placement courses. Wheeling Park has an acclaimed music program and award-winning speech/debate team. The school has won numerous state championships, including seven titles in wrestling (1977, 1978, 1981, 1986, 1987, 2006, 2022), two in boys basketball (1980, 1995), two in girls basketball (1998, 1999), three in boys cross country (1986, 2007, 2008), one in girls cross country (1984), two in boys track (1988, 2007), one in girls track (1995), and one in girls swimming (2017). Notable alumni include actor Rob Garrison of “The Karate Kid”; Amy Shuler Goodwin, the current mayor of Charleston, WV; professional stock car racing driver Travis Braden; and LA Dodgers pitcher Michael Grove. The school's football team plays home games at Wheeling Island Stadium. With strong arts, athletics, and notable graduates, Wheeling Park is an important part of the Ohio County community. (https://tinyurl.com/yncdpsrt) (https://tinyurl.com/5dmyz8zz) Today in Wheeling History: September 6--President Theodore Roosevelt delivered a speech to a large crowd from the balcony of the McLure Hotel in Wheeling (1902).
On September 6, 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt visited Wheeling, West Virginia, arriving by train. He was greeted by a reception committee including Mayor Andrew Sweeney, George Laughlin of the Board of Trade, and Senator Scott. Despite bruising and a black eye from a recent accident, Roosevelt was in good spirits as he gave a speech from the balcony of the McLure Hotel before thousands of people. In his speech, Roosevelt discussed the problem of trusts and large corporations, arguing for increased federal regulation and oversight. He stated that "the stupendous corporations of the present day certainly should be under governmental supervision and regulation" and advocated constitutional amendments to give the national government more control. Roosevelt struck a moderate tone, warning against seeking quick fixes and urging "sober, steadfast, kindly determination." After the speech, Roosevelt took a short carriage ride through Wheeling before departing by train for Chattanooga. The visit was seen as a success, with the President proving an agreeable guest. Chief Ritz and the police force were commended for smoothly handling arrangements. (https://tinyurl.com/mry9r9pn) Today in Wheeling History: September 6—Cathedral High School opens (1897). (https://rb.gy/xa563) (https://rb.gy/i9u2y) (https://rb.gy/wbt6x)
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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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