Today in Wheeling History: August 1--Frederick F. Faris, a noted Wheeling-based architect, was born (1870).
 
Frederick Fisher Faris was born on August 1, 1870 in Saint Clairsville, Ohio. He studied architecture informally in Chicago and New York City. As an architect based in Wheeling, West Virginia, Faris designed many notable buildings including the Schmulbach Building (1907), Scottish Rite Cathedral (1916), YMCA building (1910), Mount Carmel Monastery (1917), Madison School (1916), Wheeling Country Club (1905), Wagner Building (1915), Triadelphia High School (1917-1919), Shaw Hall at West Liberty University (1919-1920), German Bank (1911), First United Methodist Church in Mannington (1898), and Harry Paull House in Wellsburg (1907-1911). His prolific career spanned over 30 years. Frederick Fisher Faris died on June 20, 1927 in Wheeling at age 56. He was buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Wheeling.
 
To learn more: (http://tinyurl.com/yvuw8ubv) (http://tinyurl.com/2crhn7xv) (http://tinyurl.com/4t4ttubu)
 
Photo Credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives: Wheeling WV; Wikipedia, Find a Grave

​Today in Wheeling History: August 1 -- General Walter C. Sweeney Jr., a Wheeling native and distinguished Air Force leader, retired from active duty after 35 years of service (1965).
 
General Walter Campbell Sweeney Jr. was a distinguished United States Air Force officer whose career spanned from 1930 to 1965, encompassing crucial periods in American military history. Born on July 23, 1909, in Wheeling, West Virginia, Sweeney followed in his father's military footsteps. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1930, initially commissioned as a second lieutenant in the infantry.
 
Sweeney's transition to aviation began in 1934 when he entered flying school at Randolph Field, Texas. Upon completing advanced training at Kelly Field in 1935, he transferred to the Air Corps, marking the beginning of his illustrious air force career. His early assignments included service with the Eighth Attack Squadron of the Third Attack Group at Barksdale Field, Louisiana.
 
During World War II, Sweeney's leadership abilities came to the fore. He commanded an Army Air Force Task Group during the pivotal Battle of Midway in June 1942, a turning point in the Pacific Theater. His wartime service also included roles as operations officer of the 90th Attack Squadron and commander of the 13th Bomb Group during the Guadalcanal campaign. In the latter stages of the war, Sweeney served in the Pacific, participating in unprecedented low-level attacks with B-29 bombers against Japanese targets. His resilience was demonstrated when, after losing his aircraft on a mission, he managed to paddle ashore in a life raft and return to his base.
 
Post-war, Sweeney's career continued to ascend. He served on the Joint War Plans Committee and as an instructor at the National War College. In the late 1940s, he became director of plans for the Strategic Air Command (SAC), playing a crucial role in the transition from propeller-driven aircraft to jets. His leadership in strategic bombing was further exemplified in June 1954 when he led a trio of B-47 Stratojet bombers on the first non-stop flight of jet bombers across the Pacific Ocean, a significant milestone in aviation history.
 
Sweeney's career reached its pinnacle in October 1961 when he was promoted to four-star general and assumed command of the Tactical Air Command. In this role, he was responsible for all U.S. Air Force tactical air operations, overseeing a period of significant technological advancement and strategic development during the height of the Cold War.
 
Throughout his career, Sweeney was recognized for his extraordinary service and bravery. His decorations included the Distinguished Service Cross, Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Air Medal. He was also rated as a command pilot, reflecting his extensive flying experience.
 
Sweeney's expertise extended beyond combat operations. He served in various high-level planning and staff positions, including roles in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force and as a special assistant for counterinsurgency and special activities in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
 
After a career spanning 35 years, General Sweeney retired from the Air Force on August 1, 1965. Tragically, his retirement was brief; he passed away from cancer on December 22, 1965, at Homestead Air Force Base, Florida, at the age of 56. He was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, honored as a scholarly gentleman and brilliant staff officer who had made significant contributions to the development of the United States Air Force.
 
Sweeney's legacy in the Air Force is marked by his roles in shaping both strategic and tactical air capabilities, his leadership during critical periods of technological transition, and his personal courage in combat. His career reflects the rapid evolution of air power in the mid-20th century, from the propeller age to the jet era, and from World War II to the complex geopolitical landscape of the Cold War.
 
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/ckrfe) (https://shorturl.at/x5yIX) (https://shorturl.at/RDGhy) (https://tinyurl.com/y57yrsda) (https://tinyurl.com/v7en7d3m) (https://tinyurl.com/5epkfwcf) (https://tinyurl.com/2p9y4sv6)
 
Photo credits: U.S. Air Force, Find a Grave, Wheeling News-Register   

​Today in Wheeling History: July 31--The Annual Report of the Public Schools of Wheeling for the school year ending July 31st was completed, including a detailed history of Washington School (1901).
 
The Washington School, originally known as the First Ward School, was one of the earliest public schools in Wheeling, West Virginia, and played a pivotal role in the city's educational development. Established in 1849, it was among the first public schools in the South, opening just three years after the Virginia Legislature passed an act permitting the establishment of free schools in the state.
 
The school's first building, erected in 1849, was a two-story brick structure with a basement, located at the corner of Main and North (5th) Streets in North Wheeling. It initially had three rooms in use, with separate rooms for boys and girls in the primary department. The school was ungraded until 1865 and often had as many as 75 pupils per teacher.
 
In 1865, the Wheeling Board of Education was reorganized, leading to the implementation of a graded school system and the appointment of a superintendent. This marked a significant shift in the school's operations and curriculum structure.
 
The second building, constructed in 1868-1869, was a larger three-story brick edifice with ten school rooms and a large grammar room. It cost nearly $20,000 and was built to accommodate the growing student population. During this period, the school saw the formation of the First Ward Lyceum, a literary society that helped develop the oratorical skills of many young men in North Wheeling.
 
The third and final building, erected in 1887-1888, was a grand three-story red brick structure designed by architect E.W. Wells. It featured seventeen classrooms, assembly rooms for boys and girls, and an office. The building showcased the characteristic architecture of its time, with sturdy oak framework, home-made brick walls, and a huge sandstone foundation. A notable feature was its majestic staircase in the spacious hallway, which was later removed during renovations for safety reasons.
 
Throughout its history, Washington School had several notable principals and teachers who contributed to its reputation for academic excellence. The school produced many successful alumni, including doctors, reverends, and educators. It also consistently performed well in academic competitions, with several students winning honors at the high school level.
 
Over the decades, the school underwent multiple renovations to meet changing safety requirements and educational needs. These included rewiring, furnace replacements, and the addition of modern facilities like an auditorium-gymnasium.
 
Washington School served the community for over 125 years before closing its doors in 1975. Its students were then relocated to the new North Park open classroom school and other nearby facilities. Tragically, within a week of its closure, the building was vandalized and severely damaged, leading to its eventual demolition. This marked the end of a significant landmark in North Wheeling's educational and architectural history.
 
The school's long history reflects the evolution of public education in Wheeling and the broader United States, from its early days of ungraded classrooms and gender-segregated instruction to its final years as a modern educational facility. Its closure and subsequent destruction represent a poignant loss for the community and serve as a reminder of the changing landscape of urban education in America.
 
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/3ydd55td) (https://tinyurl.com/2msw6m79) (https://tinyurl.com/34kwc532)
 
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV

Today in Wheeling History: July 30--Weelunk, a nonprofit online magazine covering Wheeling, published a story about the discovery of a pre-Civil War ledger found in The Outdoor Store on Main Street in downtown Wheeling (2021).
 
On July 30, 2021, the story of the pre-Civil War ledger's discovery was originally published in Weelunk, a nonprofit online magazine that covers news, events, stories, and things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia.
 
In April 2020, during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, April and Jay Arritt discovered a pre-Civil War ledger while cleaning out their shop, The Outdoor Store, on Main Street in Wheeling, West Virginia. The ledger, dating from February 1852 to January 1854, contains records of purchases made at what was likely a wholesale dry goods business. This historical artifact offers a unique glimpse into the community interactions of Wheeling residents during the mid-19th century.
 
Several notable individuals appear in the ledger's pages. Andrew J. Sweeney, who later served multiple terms as mayor of Wheeling (1855, 1861-63, 1865-68, and 1875-81), is recorded as a patron. Sweeney is particularly famous for bringing electricity to Wheeling in 1882 after seeing electric arc lighting at the Paris Exposition in 1878.
 
The Sisters of Visitation, a Catholic religious order that arrived in Wheeling in April 1848, also made purchases recorded in the ledger. These nuns founded the Wheeling Female Academy (later renamed Mount de Chantal Academy) in 1848, which was incorporated in April 1852.
 
Dr. Simon P. Hullihen, known as the "Father of Oral Surgery," appears in the ledger as well. Hullihen, along with Bishop Whelan and the Catholic Diocese, founded Wheeling Hospital in 1850, which was staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph and was the only hospital between Pittsburgh and Cincinnati at the time.
 
Sherrard Clemens, a Wheeling lawyer and cousin to Mark Twain, is another notable name in the ledger. Clemens was elected to the U.S. Congress as a representative from Virginia in late 1852 and served multiple terms. Despite being an enslaver, he opposed secession during the Virginia Convention at the start of the Civil War.
 
John McLure, owner of the famous McLure Hotel in Wheeling, is also mentioned in the ledger's entries.
 
The ledger was found on an old bookshelf in The Outdoor Store, mixed in with jewelry the Arritts used to sell. It had remained in a constant, undisturbed environment for decades, which contributed to its excellent preservation. The Arritts contacted Jeanne Finstein at Friends of Wheeling, who researched some of the people mentioned in the ledger.
 
This unexpected find provides valuable insights into the lives and connections of Wheeling's residents in the years leading up to the Civil War, showcasing the rich history of this West Virginia city. The publication of this story in Weelunk exemplifies the magazine's commitment to sharing unique local narratives that connect Wheeling's past with its present.
 
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/Lw7kv)
 
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Weelunk, Library of Congress

​Today in Wheeling History: July 29--A site for the first public school building on Wheeling Island was purchased for $275 (1862).
 
Madison School, located on Wheeling Island in Wheeling, West Virginia, has a rich history spanning over a century. A pivotal moment in the school's history occurred on July 29, 1862, when a site for the first public school building on the Island was purchased for $275. This site, located at the south-east corner of Maryland and North York Streets, would become the foundation for the school's future development.
 
The school's origins date back to 1864 when the first public school for Island pupils opened in the upper story of the Market House. Following the 1862 land purchase, the first "red brick" school building was erected on the site, opening on January 10, 1866, with 150 pupils.
 
As the student population grew, additions were made, including an 18' by 62' section in 1873. A second brick building was proposed in 1889 and opened in 1890 to accommodate further growth. The current Madison School building on Zane Street, designed by architect Frederick F. Faris, was constructed in 1916 at a cost of $90,014. The cornerstone was laid on June 25, 1916, by the Knights of Pythias, and the school opened to students on October 6, 1916.
 
Throughout its history, Madison School has adapted to numerous changes. Initially one of West Virginia's largest schools with over 900 students in grades 1-9, it transitioned over time to a smaller elementary school. The school weathered significant events such as the Great Depression and a devastating flood in 1936. Under the leadership of principal Roger Warren from 1985 to 2001, Madison achieved state and national Blue Ribbon status by 1996.
 
The school has been an important part of the Wheeling Island community. Former principal Warren noted the strong parental involvement, with PTA meetings often drawing 200 people. The school also adapted to demographic shifts, including periods of declining enrollment and an increase in transient students.
 
Madison School celebrated its centennial in 2016 with a series of events organized by special education teacher Barb Randolph. These included opening time capsules (one from 1916 and another from 70 years prior), a recreation of the 1916 opening parade, and a celebration dinner. The dental clinic at the school, started by Dr. William Grubler in 1967, was also honored during these events.
 
Today, Madison School continues to serve the Wheeling Island community as an elementary school with fewer than 300 students in grades pre-kindergarten through 5. The school now features modern amenities such as "Madison Square Garden" for outdoor activities, a cafeteria providing free meals, and the continuation of the on-site dental clinic. Under the leadership of Principal Andrea Trio as of 2016, Madison School maintains its role as a "beacon of stability and strength" for the Wheeling Island community, carrying forward its legacy of education and community involvement that began with that crucial land purchase in 1862.
 
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/kmLBr) (https://shorturl.at/98rrR) (https://shorturl.at/0x7gs) (https://shorturl.at/BMf9x) (https://shorturl.at/JuL6j) (https://tinyurl.com/2tmw3bt3) (https://tinyurl.com/2tmw3bt3)
 
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV

Today in Wheeling History: July 28--Extremely high winds estimated at up to 100 miles per hour struck the transmitter site of Wheeling-based WWVA radio in Avalon, West Virginia (near West Liberty), toppling both of the station's 225-foot self-supporting towers that held its long-wire antenna (1936).
 
On July 28, 1936, WWVA's transmitter site in Avalon, West Virginia, experienced a significant disaster. Avalon was located near West Liberty, which is just northeast of Wheeling. The WWVA radio station itself was based in Wheeling, West Virginia, where it had been since its founding in 1926. Extremely high winds, estimated to reach up to 100 miles per hour, struck the Avalon transmitter site and caused severe damage to the station's infrastructure. The powerful gusts managed to topple both of WWVA's 225-foot self-supporting towers, which were used to support the station's long-wire antenna. This collapse left WWVA temporarily off the air. However, the station's engineers and staff worked diligently to restore broadcasting capabilities. By the following morning, they had managed to erect a temporary antenna at the Avalon site, allowing WWVA to resume its broadcasts. While the site was eventually rebuilt, it didn't remain in use for long. In 1941-42, WWVA moved its transmitter to a new, more robust facility in St. Clairsville, Ohio, about ten miles west of Wheeling across the Ohio River. This new site featured three 408-foot self-supporting towers and a sturdy transmitter building, significantly upgrading WWVA's broadcasting capabilities.
 
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/zgmTE)
 
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; WWVA, fybush.com

Today in Wheeling History: July 27--James Howard "Dutch" Kindelberger, a pioneering American aviation engineer and businessman born and raised in Wheeling, West Virginia, who led North American Aviation for decades and oversaw the development of iconic aircraft like the P-51 Mustang, B-25 Mitchell bomber, and F-86 Sabre jet, as well as guiding the company into the space age with rocket and spacecraft development, died of congestive heart failure at the age of 67 in Pacific Palisades, California. (1962)
 
James Howard "Dutch" Kindelberger was born on May 8, 1895, in Wheeling, West Virginia, to Charles Frederick Kindelberger, a steelworker, and Rose Ann Riddle Kindelberger. He dropped out of school after completing 10th grade at Wheeling High School to work in the steel industry alongside his father. Determined to further his education, Kindelberger took correspondence courses and eventually gained admission to Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University) in 1916 at age 21 to study engineering.
 
In 1917, with the United States' entry into World War I, Kindelberger enlisted in the Army's Aviation Section of the Signal Corps. He served as a pilot instructor at Park Field in Memphis, Tennessee. After the war, in 1919, he married his childhood sweetheart, Thelma Knarr.
 
Kindelberger's aviation career began in 1920 when he joined the Glenn L. Martin Company in Cleveland, Ohio, as chief draftsman and assistant chief engineer. In 1925, he moved to the Douglas Aircraft Company in California, where he served as chief engineer for nine years. At Douglas, he led the development of the DC-1 and DC-2 aircraft.
 
In 1934, Kindelberger became president and general manager of General Aviation, which was soon renamed North American Aviation Inc. Under his leadership, the company produced several iconic aircraft. During World War II, North American manufactured the P-51 Mustang fighter and the B-25 Mitchell bomber. After the war, the company developed the F-86 Sabre jet fighter, which played a crucial role in the Korean War.
 
Kindelberger's role at North American Aviation evolved over time. In 1948, he became chairman and chief executive officer, positions he held until his retirement as CEO in 1960 at the age of 65. During this period, he guided the company's transition into the space age, overseeing the development of rocket engines and spacecraft. North American became a prime contractor for the U.S. space program under his leadership.
 
Throughout his career, Kindelberger worked with several notable figures in the aviation industry. He formed a long-lasting professional relationship with J. L. "Lee" Atwood, who succeeded him as president of North American Aviation in 1948 and as CEO in 1960. Kindelberger also knew and worked with other aviation pioneers such as Donald Douglas, Glenn L. Martin, and Jimmy Doolittle.
 
Kindelberger's personal life saw changes as well. He divorced Thelma in 1945 and later married Helen Allen, a former model. He had two children, including a daughter named Joan.
 
After his retirement as CEO, Kindelberger remained chairman of the board at North American Aviation until his death on July 27, 1962, in Pacific Palisades, California. He died of congestive heart failure at the age of 67. Kindelberger was buried at Westwood Memorial Park in Westwood, Los Angeles County, California.
 
Throughout his life, Kindelberger received numerous accolades for his contributions to aviation. He was posthumously inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1972 and the International Aerospace Hall of Fame in 1977, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential figures in American aerospace history.
 
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/U4tPL) (https://shorturl.at/nNSkr) (https://shorturl.at/Ih9r7) (https://shorturl.at/0JwKd) (https://shorturl.at/ZkeLo)
 
Photo Credits: Find a Grave, Wheeling Hall of Fame, The Lima News, Ohio Count WVGenWeb, Wikisource, Aerospace Legacy Foundation

Today in Wheeling History: July 26--Wheeling native and renowned psychologist Marion A. "Gus" Wenger dies in Los Angeles at age 75 (1982).
 
Marion Augustus "Gus" Wenger (1907-1982) was an influential American psychologist who specialized in psychophysiology. Born on March 12, 1907, in Wheeling, West Virginia, Wenger grew up in Greenville, Ohio. He received his BA from the University of Michigan in 1928, then worked in his family's business for three years. Wenger returned to academia, pursuing graduate studies at the University of Michigan (1931-1932) before transferring to the University of Iowa, where he earned his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology in 1935.
 
Wenger's career included several notable positions. He worked as a research assistant at the University of Chicago from 1935 to 1938, first at the Orthogenic School for aberrant children and then in the Department of Education. In 1938, he became chairman of the Department of Psychophysiology at the Samuel S. Fels Research Institute and an Assistant Professor at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio. During World War II, he worked at the Santa Ana Army Air Force Base under J.P. Guilford from 1944, developing a test battery for Air Force recruits.
 
In 1945, Wenger joined the faculty at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he remained until his retirement in 1972. He served as Chairman of the Psychology Department from 1948 to 1950, resigning the position in protest during the "Year of the Oath" controversy. Wenger was promoted to full Professor in 1952.
 
Throughout his career, Wenger collaborated with and was influenced by several prominent figures in psychology, including Clark L. Hull at Yale, Orvis C. Irwin at Iowa, Frank N. Freeman at Chicago, and K.J. Holzinger and L.L. Thurstone, who introduced him to factor analysis. He also worked with Lester W. Sontag at the Fels Research Institute and briefly with Stanley Cobb at Harvard Medical School in 1941.
 
Wenger's contributions to psychophysiology were widely recognized. He was a founder of the Society for Psychophysiological Research, served as its president in 1963-1964, and received its Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award in 1970. He also received a Fulbright Research Award in 1951-1952, spending his sabbatical at the University of Paris. In 1956-1957, he conducted research in India on Yogi masters, supported by the Rockefeller Foundation.
 
Wenger died on July 26, 1982, at the age of 75 in Los Angeles, California. His death was attributed to heart failure secondary to chronic asthma and emphysema, conditions he had struggled with throughout his life. According to his wishes, Wenger's body was cremated and his ashes were buried at sea. However, there is also a memorial for him at Greenville Union Cemetery in Greenville, Darke County, Ohio.
 
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/NbiuT) (https://shorturl.at/bZQGb) (https://shorturl.at/J8Gji) (https://shorturl.at/PNyCV) (https://shorturl.at/kncpN) (https://shorturl.at/TsQXn)

Today in Wheeling History: July 25--Reverend John Work Scott, former principal of Wheeling's Linsly Institute and prominent educator and Presbyterian minister, died unexpectedly in Ridgeway, North Carolina (1879).
 
John Work Scott (1807-1879) was a prominent Presbyterian minister and educator who left a significant mark on several academic institutions in the 19th century. Born in York County, Pennsylvania, Scott received his early education at Lower West Nottingham Academy and Slate Ridge Academy before graduating from Jefferson College in 1827.
 
After graduation, Scott spent three years teaching at various schools in Pennsylvania and Maryland. In 1830, he entered Princeton Theological Seminary, where he studied for two years while also teaching at Edgehill Seminary. Licensed by the Presbytery of New Castle in 1832, Scott briefly served as a pastor in Poland, Ohio, and later as a stated supply in Steubenville, Ohio.
 
However, Scott's true calling was in education. In 1836, he founded Grove Academy in Steubenville, Ohio, serving as its principal until 1847. He then became principal of the Lindsley Institute in Wheeling, Virginia (now West Virginia) until 1853. His most notable position came in 1853 when he was elected president of Washington College in Pennsylvania, a role he held until 1865.
 
After leaving Washington College, Scott continued his educational career, serving as principal of Woodburn Female Seminary and Monongalia Academy in Morgantown, West Virginia. In 1867, he joined the faculty of West Virginia Agricultural College (now West Virginia University), initially as a professor of Ancient Languages and Literature. He later became Vice President and professor of Mental and Moral Science, even serving as acting president from 1876 to 1877.
 
Scott was known for his comprehensive knowledge, practical ideas, and wise counsel. He was considered one of the most learned men in West Virginia during his time there. His teaching style was notable for its humor and use of anecdotes, making him popular among students.
 
In 1877, Scott had to resign from West Virginia University due to failing eyesight caused by cataracts. However, after successful eye surgery, he briefly joined the faculty of Biddle University (now Johnson C. Smith University) in North Carolina in 1879. Unfortunately, he died shortly after, on July 25, 1879, apparently from a heart attack during a vacation.
 
Throughout his career, Scott received several honors, including a Doctor of Divinity from Washington College in 1852 and an LL.D. from Washington and Jefferson College in 1865. He was married to Phoebe Anna Jenkins, who predeceased him in 1872, and they had six children.
 
Scott's legacy is one of dedication to education and scholarship. His varied roles at multiple institutions across several states demonstrate his adaptability and the high regard in which he was held in academic circles. His life serves as an example of the significant impact educators could have on the development of higher education in 19th century America.
 
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/VJDaD) (https://shorturl.at/Nogmm) (https://shorturl.at/K2OFP) (https://shorturl.at/znexg) (https://tinyurl.com/39bcy2uz) (https://shorturl.at/Dfysq) (https://tinyurl.com/5ja83jhz) (https://tinyurl.com/yu27uyp6)
 
Photo credits: Jefferson College Historical Society, Washington &d Jefferson College, West Virginia & Regional History Center, U.S. Government Printing Office, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, Wikimedia Commons  

​Today in Wheeling History: July 24--Frederick P. Stamp Jr., future long-serving United States District Judge for the Northern District of West Virginia, was born (1934).
 
Frederick Pfarr Stamp Jr. was born on July 24, 1934, in Wheeling, West Virginia. He began his higher education at Washington and Lee University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1956. Stamp then attended the University of Virginia School of Law for a period before completing his legal education at the University of Richmond T.C. Williams School of Law (now known as the University of Richmond School of Law), where he obtained his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) in 1959.
 
Following his education, Stamp served as a private in the United States Army from 1959 to 1960. He then continued his military service as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army Reserves from 1960 to 1967.
 
Professionally, Stamp began his career in private practice in his hometown of Wheeling, West Virginia, where he worked from 1960 to 1990. During this time, he became a member of the West Virginia State Bar in 1959, a membership he has maintained throughout his career. His legal career was marked by significant public service, including serving in the West Virginia Legislature and on the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. He also chaired the West Virginia Board of Regents and served as president of the West Virginia Bar Association, among other legal associations.
 
On May 11, 1990, President George H. W. Bush nominated Stamp to a seat on the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia. This seat had been vacated by Judge William Matthew Kidd. Stamp was confirmed by the United States Senate on June 28, 1990, and received his commission on July 12, 1990.
 
In his role as a federal judge, Stamp served as Chief Judge of the Northern District of West Virginia from 1994 to 2001. He assumed senior status on November 1, 2006, succeeding Robert Earl Maxwell as Chief Judge. Stamp was in turn succeeded by Irene Patricia Murphy Keeley in the role of Chief Judge.
 
Throughout his career, Stamp has been associated with the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, where he continues to serve as a senior judge. His chambers are located in Wheeling, maintaining his connection to his birthplace. Beyond his judicial duties, Stamp has been active in civic and community organizations, notably developing the Judicial Scholars Program for local high school youth.
 
Stamp and his wife, Joan, have two children. They established the Stamp Public Law Fellowship at the University of Richmond School of Law, further demonstrating their commitment to legal education and public service.
 
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/pok1k) (https://shorturl.at/oFwYz) (https://shorturl.at/r2XHX) (https://shorturl.at/JkuBX)
 
Photo credits: City Government of Wheeling, West Virginia