​Today in Wheeling History: July 31—James McHenry Jones seconds the nomination of George W. Atkinson for Governor, at Parkersburg (1896).
 
James McHenry Jones was a prominent African-American educator and community leader in West Virginia after the Civil War. He made significant contributions to education, serving as the principal of Lincoln school in Wheeling and expanding its resources and curriculum. Jones also played an influential role in black fraternal organizations and supported George Atkinson in his successful bid for Governor of West Virginia. He authored the novel "Hearts of Gold," discussing the challenges faced by African-Americans and advocating for an accommodationist strategy to combat racism and gain acceptance in society. (https://shorturl.at/acmIJ) (https://shorturl.at/xFMRW) (https://tinyurl.com/375trwbx) 

​Today in Wheeling History: July 30--Cole Younger and Frank James staged two performances of their "Great Cole Younger and Frank James Historical Wild West Show" at the Wheeling Island ballpark (1903).
 
Cole Younger and Frank James were former Confederate guerrillas who later became members of the James–Younger Gang, a notorious group of 19th-century American outlaws based in Missouri. The gang was founded by Jesse James and his brother Frank James, and most of the members were from Missouri. (https://shorturl.at/hEHQU) (https://shorturl.at/dxIKU) (https://shorturl.at/mtyzZ) (https://shorturl.at/gzJ14) (https://tinyurl.com/5a668xjn) 

Today in Wheeling History: July 30—Samuel McCulloch, a noted frontiersman, was killed by Native Americans (1782).
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Major Samuel McColloch, in charge of Fort Van Metre, went on a reconnaissance mission with his brother John. They encountered Native Americans, and Major McColloch was fatally shot while John managed to escape and return to the fort. The next morning, the fort's party found Major McColloch's mutilated remains. The Native Americans had disemboweled Major McColloch, hung his entrails from a tree branch, and consumed his heart in the belief that doing so would make them braver and stronger. (https://tinyurl.com/bvch9ydx) (https://shorturl.ac/7b36w) (https://shorturl.ac/7b371) 

​Today in Wheeling History: July 30--Charles James Snyder, arrested multiple times for negotiating bogus drafts for thousands of dollars, is taken into federal custody and placed on a train heading West to face trial in Kit Carson, Colorado (1872).
 
Snyder, posing as a judge from Colorado, arrived in Wheeling in June with a woman he claimed as his wife. He attempted to negotiate a stolen draft at a bank, leading to his arrest but subsequent release due to a lack of charges. While he was away, it was discovered that the mail had been robbed, and Snyder was implicated. The woman posing as his wife managed to escape, but Snyder was rearrested and taken to jail. Finally, he was handed over to a special agent and transported to the West for his trial. (https://rb.gy/0wndo) (https://rb.gy/yivy6)

​Today in Wheeling History: July 29-- Stephen Burleigh, a multi-talented actor, writer, and producer, was born in Wheeling (1949).
 
Stephen Burleigh has an extensive career in theater, television, and film, appearing in various productions and TV series like "Falcon Crest," "General Hospital," and "Life." Additionally, Burleigh has produced films, including "Edge Of America," which won the George Foster Peabody Award in 2006. He is also known for his work as a playwright and theater producer. Burleigh is married to Hope Busby, a freelance photographer. (https://tinyurl.com/24fned4x) (https://tinyurl.com/2smh65xz) (https://www.stephenburleigh.com/) 

​Today in Wheeling History: July 28-- In Wheeling, a group of twelve Confederate deserters swore their allegiance to the Union by taking the oath of allegiance (1863).
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Approximately ten to twelve deserters from the Confederate army appeared before Capt. Thorpe and swore allegiance, resulting in their discharge. These individuals voluntarily surrendered within Union lines, explaining that they sought refuge in the free States to find employment. Most of them were of German origin and were poorly clothed. (https://shorturl.at/klmBP) (https://tinyurl.com/2p88wwjc) (https://tinyurl.com/yckt2jux) 

​Today in Wheeling History: July 28--Richard Metzger, television host and author, born in Wheeling (1965).
 
Metzger served as the host for the TV show "Disinformation," which aired on the United Kingdom's Channel 4 from 2000 to 2001. Additionally, he was associated with The Disinformation Company and its corresponding website, Disinfo.com. Metzger currently hosts the online talk show called "Dangerous Minds." (https://tinyurl.com/mwfwcrcv) (https://tinyurl.com/ymdscyvn) (https://tinyurl.com/86az6szm)

Today in Wheeling History: July 28--Eight injured members of Major General John Hunt Morgan's Confederate cavalry were transported to Wheeling and cared for at the Atheneum (1863).
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Eight of Morgan's Raiders men, who sustained injuries during the recent altercation near Salineville, Ohio, have been brought to the city and are currently held at the Atheneum. Their names and residences are as follows: Wm. H. Young from Harrison County, Kentucky; S. R. Shaw from Richmond, Kentucky; Wm. Meyers from Jassamine County, Kentucky; James Cardwell from Shelby County, Kentucky; J. C. Slaughter from Nelson County, Kentucky; Chas. C. Johnson, Wm. Burot, and Martin Dethridge from Warren County, along with J. L. Walton from Obine County, Tennessee.

Some of the men are in critical condition due to their wounds. Additionally, approximately fifteen more of Morgan's men are being held in the prison. They have raised concerns about the conditions in the room where their wounded comrades are confined, noting that it is uncomfortably hot and unclean. Plans are underway to transfer the wounded to a hospital for proper medical attention as soon as possible. (https://shorturl.at/klmBP) (https://shorturl.at/pCR16) (https://tinyurl.com/2p83vfap)  (https://tinyurl.com/m67tc4eh)

Today in Wheeling History: July 28—John N. Smith, William Stewart, and Erbin Walker were released from Wheeling’s Atheneum prison (1864).
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Rebel citizens Smith, Stewart, and Walker were arrested as hostages shortly after the seizing of Union citizen John Adams, a Union citizen of Wayne County, by a party of Rebels on March 17th. In mid-July, the dead, bullet-ridden body of Adams was found about twelve miles from where he was taken. The Rebel hostages were released after informing Arthur I. Boreman, Governor of West Virginia. (https://tinyurl.com/2vjpt8s5) (https://tinyurl.com/44v4ckxk) 

​Today in Wheeling History: July 27--A conference of leaders from various trade unions met in Wheeling to support striking coal miners (1897). (https://rb.gy/csbn) (https://rb.gy/44wag)