Today in Wheeling History: September 1--William D. Hare, politician and Oregon pioneer, was born in Wheeling (1834).
 
William Davenport Hare was born on September 1, 1834, in Wheeling, Virginia (now West Virginia). He was the eldest of nine children of Reverend Joseph Hare and Frances Ellen Davenport. His paternal grandfather emigrated from England and settled in Ohio, while his maternal grandfather, John Davenport, was a U.S. Congressman. In 1853, at the age of 19, William embarked on a journey to the Oregon Territory via the Oregon Trail. He initially settled in Portland, Oregon, where he worked as a purser on the steamship Fashion. In 1857, he moved to Hillsboro, Oregon, to take a job copying records for the county.
 
Hare's political career began in 1858 when he was elected county clerk for Washington County. He studied law, passed the bar in 1864, and began practicing law in Hillsboro. He served in the Oregon House of Representatives in 1870 and was a presidential elector in 1872. President Grant appointed him as the customs collector for Astoria, Oregon, a position he held for eight years. In 1884, Hare was elected to the Oregon State Senate, representing Washington County. He also served as the 8th mayor of Hillsboro. William D. Hare passed away on February 6, 1910, in Hillsboro, Oregon.
 
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Photo credits: History of the Bench and Bar of Oregon, Find a Grave

Today in Wheeling History: August 31--Rose Gacioch, All-American girls' professional baseball league star was born in Wheeling (1915).
 
Rose Gacioch, born on August 31, 1915, in Wheeling, West Virginia, was a pioneering figure in women's professional baseball. Known as "Rosie Gaspipe," she spent her early years playing baseball and other sports at Pulaski Field in South Wheeling. During World War II, while working in a local factory, Rose learned about the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) tryouts and decided to participate. She made the team and became one of the league's standout players, primarily as a right fielder and pitcher for the Rockford Peaches.
 
Gacioch's career in the AAGPBL spanned 11 seasons, during which she achieved numerous accolades. She was a three-time All-Star and pitched a no-hitter in 1953. Her impressive performance and dedication to the sport made her an inspiration for the character portrayed by Rosie O'Donnell in the 1992 film "A League of Their Own." Rose's contributions to women's baseball were further recognized when she was inducted into the Wheeling Hall of Fame in 2004.
 
Rose Gacioch passed away on September 9, 2004, but her legacy continues to inspire future generations of female athletes. Her story is a testament to the resilience and determination of women in sports, breaking barriers and paving the way for future opportunities.
 
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Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wikimedia Commons, Find a Grave

Today in Wheeling History: August 30 -- Dr. Joseph Thoburn, former surgeon of the recently mustered-out 1st Virginia Infantry (Union), begins organizing a new three-year regiment of the same name in Wheeling (1861).
 
In the early months of 1861, tensions between the North and South escalated rapidly, culminating in the outbreak of the American Civil War. Following the bombardment of Fort Sumter in April, both sides began mobilizing troops and organizing military units. In May 1861, Joseph Thoburn, an Irish-born physician living in Wheeling, Virginia (now West Virginia), enlisted as a surgeon in the 1st Virginia Infantry, a three-month regiment under Colonel Benjamin F. Kelley.
 
The 1st Virginia Infantry participated in early engagements, including the Battle of Philippi in June 1861, where Thoburn treated wounded soldiers, including Colonel Kelley himself. As the initial three-month enlistments came to an end in August 1861, many regiments, including the 1st Virginia, were reorganized for three-year terms of service.
 
On August 30, 1861, with Colonel Kelley still recovering from his wounds, Joseph Thoburn was commissioned as the new colonel of the reorganized 1st Virginia Infantry. This promotion marked a significant shift in Thoburn's military career, transitioning him from a medical role to a combat leadership position.
 
Following his appointment, Colonel Thoburn led the 1st Virginia Infantry through numerous battles and engagements in West Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley during 1862 and 1863. His leadership and bravery earned him increasing responsibilities, eventually leading to his command of a division in the VIII Corps during the Valley Campaigns of 1864 under General Philip Sheridan. Thoburn's military service continued until his untimely death at the Battle of Cedar Creek on October 19, 1864. His body was returned to Wheeling for a large public funeral, with a military escort accompanying him to Mt. Wood Cemetery. The funeral procession included city officers, council members, medical faculty, and many citizens, reflecting the high regard in which he was held.
 
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/en3eh) (https://shorturl.at/4uXF7) (Today in Wheeling History: August 30 -- Dr. Joseph Thoburn, former surgeon of the recently mustered-out 1st Virginia Infantry (Union), begins organizing a new three-year regiment of the same name in Wheeling (1861).

In the early months of 1861, tensions between the North and South escalated rapidly, culminating in the outbreak of the American Civil War. Following the bombardment of Fort Sumter in April, both sides began mobilizing troops and organizing military units. In May 1861, Joseph Thoburn, an Irish-born physician living in Wheeling, Virginia (now West Virginia), enlisted as a surgeon in the 1st Virginia Infantry, a three-month regiment under Colonel Benjamin F. Kelley.

The 1st Virginia Infantry participated in early engagements, including the Battle of Philippi in June 1861, where Thoburn treated wounded soldiers, including Colonel Kelley himself. As the initial three-month enlistments came to an end in August 1861, many regiments, including the 1st Virginia, were reorganized for three-year terms of service.

On August 30, 1861, with Colonel Kelley still recovering from his wounds, Joseph Thoburn was commissioned as the new colonel of the reorganized 1st Virginia Infantry. This promotion marked a significant shift in Thoburn's military career, transitioning him from a medical role to a combat leadership position.

Following his appointment, Colonel Thoburn led the 1st Virginia Infantry through numerous battles and engagements in West Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley during 1862 and 1863. His leadership and bravery earned him increasing responsibilities, eventually leading to his command of a division in the VIII Corps during the Valley Campaigns of 1864 under General Philip Sheridan. Thoburn's military service continued until his untimely death at the Battle of Cedar Creek on October 19, 1864. His body was returned to Wheeling for a large public funeral, with a military escort accompanying him to Mt. Wood Cemetery. The funeral procession included city officers, council members, medical faculty, and many citizens, reflecting the high regard in which he was held.

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Photo credits: Find a Grave

​Today in Wheeling History: August 28--Dr. Marion Moses, a physician and labor activist born in Wheeling, WV, passed away in San Francisco, California (2020).
 
Dr. Marion Theresa Moses was born on January 24, 1936, in Wheeling, West Virginia. She was the second of eight children born to Maron Moses and Mary Wakim Moses, both of Lebanese descent. Growing up in South Wheeling, Marion attended Immaculate Conception School and later moved to Charleston, WV, when she was 10 years old¹. Her early interest in the medical field was sparked by the death of her 1-year-old sister, Margaret Rose, when Marion was just 8 years old.
 
Marion pursued nursing education at Georgetown University in 1957 and earned a master's degree in nursing education at Teachers College, Columbia University in 1960. She later earned her medical degree from Temple University in 1976. Marion's career was marked by her dedication to labor activism, particularly her work with Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers union. She served as a nurse treating strikers from 1966 to 1971 and became a trusted colleague and personal physician to Chavez.
 
In 1988, Marion founded the Pesticide Education Center and remained its director until her retirement in 2016. She authored several publications, including "Harvest of Sorrow: Farm Workers and Pesticides" and "Designer Poisons: How to Protect Your Health and Home from Toxic Pesticides". Marion's work in pesticide education and her advocacy for farmworkers' rights left a lasting impact on the fields of medicine and labor activism.
 
Dr. Marion Moses passed away on August 28, 2020, in San Francisco, California, at the age of 84. Her legacy continues to inspire those who fight for social justice and public health. Her papers are preserved in the Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs at Wayne State University in Detroit.
 
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Photo Credits: Boston.com, Find a Grave, United Farm Workers, Los Angeles, Amazon 

Today in Wheeling History: August 29--James Henry Tevis, Arizona pioneer and author originally from Wheeling, passed away in Tucson, Arizona (1905).
 
James Henry Tevis was born on July 11, 1837, in Wheeling, West Virginia. He was the son of John D. Tevis and Elizabeth McNamee. At the age of twelve, Tevis ran away from home and joined the crew of a steamboat headed to New Orleans. His adventurous spirit led him to various roles, including working with the Butterfield Overland Mail Company and constructing the stage station at Apache Pass, Arizona. Tevis also served in the Arizona Guards, which were mustered into the Confederate Army, and participated in numerous engagements with Native American tribes.
 
After the Civil War, Tevis settled in St. Louis, Missouri, where he married Emma Boston in 1866. The couple eventually moved to Arizona Territory, where Tevis founded the town of Teviston, later renamed Bowie. His experiences in Arizona were chronicled in his book, "Arizona in the '50s," which was published posthumously in 1954. This book became the basis for Walt Disney's 1964 TV miniseries "The Tenderfoot," in which Tevis was portrayed by actor Brandon deWilde.
 
Tevis's contributions to the development of Arizona and his vivid storytelling have left a lasting legacy. His life was marked by his pioneering spirit, resilience, and dedication to exploring the American frontier. Tevis passed away on August 29, 1905, in Tucson, Arizona, but his impact on the history of the American West continues to be remembered.
 
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Photo credits: Find a Grave, eBay 

Today in Wheeling History: August 27--The Wheeling Gospel Tabernacle made its radio debut on WWVA in Wheeling, West Virginia, significantly expanding its reach and marking a milestone for both the tabernacle and the radio station (1932).
 
On August 27, 1932, the Wheeling Gospel Tabernacle made its radio debut on WWVA in Wheeling, West Virginia. This event marked a significant milestone for both the tabernacle and the radio station. The tabernacle, established earlier that year on Belle Isle at the north end of Wheeling Island, was a substantial structure measuring 80 by 160 feet with a seating capacity of 2,500 people.
 
Founded by Reverend Louis P. Lehman, the tabernacle's mission was to preach the "old-fashioned gospel" without fanaticism or extremism. It quickly became a hub for evangelical activity, hosting noted evangelists and featuring prominent musical performances. The tabernacle was known for its welcoming atmosphere, drawing people from various backgrounds to its services.
 
The radio broadcast on WWVA, then a 5,000-watt station, significantly expanded the tabernacle's reach. This partnership reflected the growing trend of religious organizations using radio to reach broader audiences. The broadcasts allowed those who couldn't attend in person to still participate in the services, fostering a sense of community and connection.
 
However, the tabernacle's story took a tragic turn in 1936 when Wheeling experienced a devastating flood. The raging waters swept the structure downstream, destroying the center of religious activity that had stood for four years. While the physical structure was lost, the tabernacle's legacy lived on through its broadcasts on WWVA, contributing to the growing importance of radio as a medium for religious messages in the 1930s.
 
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Photo credits: WWVA

Today in Wheeling History: August 26--Brad Paisley, a Glen Dale native and former Wheeling Jamboree USA regular, released his chart-topping album "Moonshine in the Trunk" (2014).
 
Brad Paisley's "Moonshine in the Trunk," released on August 25, 2014, marked the country music star's eighth studio album to reach No. 1 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart. The album showcases Paisley's signature blend of humor, heartfelt lyrics, and impressive guitar work, skills he honed from a young age in his home state of West Virginia.
 
Paisley's connection to Wheeling, West Virginia, played a crucial role in shaping his musical career and influenced his approach to albums like "Moonshine in the Trunk." Born in Glen Dale, just south of Wheeling, Paisley's musical journey began at age 8 when his grandfather gave him his first guitar. By age 13, Paisley had written his first song and formed a band called "Brad Paisley and the C-Notes."
 
Wheeling's rich country music tradition, particularly through the WWVA Jamboree USA radio program, provided young Paisley with a platform to develop his talents. After his first performance at the local Rotary Club, Paisley was invited to become a regular on Jamboree USA. For eight years, he opened for country music legends like The Judds, Ricky Skaggs, and George Jones, becoming the youngest person inducted into the Jamboree USA Hall of Fame.
 
This early exposure to live performance and country music heritage in Wheeling undoubtedly influenced Paisley's approach to "Moonshine in the Trunk." The album, produced by Paisley himself alongside Luke Wooten, aimed to create a "modern honky-tonk record" that captured the spirit of Buck Owens while incorporating new technology and a positive outlook on life – a blend of traditional and modern that mirrors Paisley's own journey from Wheeling to Nashville stardom.
 
The album's lead single, "River Bank," particularly resonates with Paisley's Wheeling roots. He stated that the song was inspired by memories of his grandfather, father, and himself near the Ohio River, which flows past Wheeling. This connection to his hometown waterways demonstrates how Paisley's upbringing continues to influence his music, even as he's become a Nashville icon.
 
"Moonshine in the Trunk" produced several hit singles that performed well on country music charts. "Perfect Storm" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, while "Crushin' It" and "Country Nation" also received significant airplay and chart success.
 
The album's tracks cover a range of themes, from light-hearted party anthems to more introspective pieces, reflecting the diverse musical influences Paisley absorbed during his formative years in Wheeling. Songs like "High Life," featuring Carrie Underwood, showcase Paisley's trademark humor, while "Shattered Glass" demonstrates his ability to address meaningful topics within the country music framework.
 
Paisley's guitar prowess, a skill he began developing as a child in West Virginia, is prominently featured throughout the album. Tracks like "4WP" incorporate samples from his earlier hit "Mud on the Tires," demonstrating his evolution as an artist while paying homage to his roots.
 
Critics generally received "Moonshine in the Trunk" positively, praising Paisley's musicianship and clever songwriting. The album's commercial success, coupled with its artistic merits, further solidified Paisley's position as one of country music's leading artists of the 21st century, a journey that began on the stages of Wheeling's Jamboree USA and continues to influence his music today.
 
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Photo credits: The Official White House Photostream, Arista Nashville/Sony Music Entertainment
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Today in Wheeling History: August 25--Arthur J. Rooney Sr., who once played for and managed the Wheeling Stogies baseball team in 1925, leading the Middle Atlantic League in several categories, died in Pittsburgh at age 87, ending his tenure as the founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential figures in NFL history. (1988)
 
Arthur Joseph Rooney Sr., born January 27, 1901, in Coulterville, Pennsylvania, was the eldest of nine children of Irish Catholic immigrants. In 1913, his family moved to Pittsburgh's North Side, where Rooney spent most of his life.
 
Rooney excelled in sports from a young age, particularly in baseball, football, and boxing. He attended St. Peter's Catholic School, Duquesne University Prep School, and briefly studied at Indiana Normal School (now Indiana University of Pennsylvania) and Georgetown University.
 
Rooney's connection to Wheeling, West Virginia, was significant in his early sports career. In 1925, at age 24, he played for and managed the Wheeling Stogies, a minor league baseball team in the Middle Atlantic League. During this season, Rooney led the league in games, hits, runs, and stolen bases, finishing second in batting average. His brother Dan, who played catcher for the team, finished third in batting average. This experience in Wheeling helped solidify Rooney's reputation as a talented athlete and leader in sports.
 
On July 8, 1933, Rooney paid a $2,500 franchise fee to found the Pittsburgh Pirates NFL team, later renamed the Steelers in 1940. The team struggled initially, not achieving a winning season until 1942.
 
Parallel to his public sports career, FBI documents reveal Rooney was involved in various illegal activities from the 1920s through the 1940s, including numbers operations, illegal brewing during Prohibition, gambling, and slot machines. He was referred to as the "slot machine king of Allegheny County" in the 1940s.
 
Rooney married Kathleen McNulty on June 11, 1931. They had five sons: Dan, Art Jr., Timothy, Patrick, and John.
 
The Steelers' fortunes changed in 1969 when Rooney hired coach Chuck Noll. Under Noll, the team won four Super Bowls in the 1970s (IX, X, XIII, XIV).
 
Beyond football, Rooney acquired Yonkers Raceway in 1972 and owned other racetracks. He was also briefly a part-owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team in the late 1960s.
 
Rooney was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1964. He stepped back from day-to-day operations in 1975, passing control to his son Dan, but remained Chairman of the Board.
 
Known for his integrity in sports ownership, Rooney was popular among NFL owners as a mediator. He was the only owner to vote against moving a franchise to Dallas in 1951 due to concerns about racism.
 
Art Rooney Sr. passed away on August 25, 1988, in Pittsburgh at age 87, from complications of a stroke. He is buried at Christ Our Redeemer Catholic Cemetery in Pittsburgh.
 
Rooney's legacy includes the Art Rooney Award for sportsmanship in the NFL, established in 2014, and a statue outside Heinz Field (now Acrisure Stadium). He is remembered as one of the most influential figures in NFL history, known for his perseverance through the Steelers' difficult early years and the team's eventual rise to prominence under his ownership.
 
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Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; explorePAhistory.com

Today in Wheeling History: August 24--Lieutenant Louis Bennett Jr., West Virginia's only World War I flying ace who founded an aircraft plant in Warwood and maintained an office in Wheeling's Schmulbach Building, was fatally wounded during a mission over France (1918).
 
Lieutenant Louis Bennett Jr. (1894-1918) was West Virginia's only World War I flying ace. Born in Weston, West Virginia, to a prominent family, he showed early mechanical aptitude, building a motorcycle and car at age 12. After graduating from Yale in 1917, Bennett founded the West Virginia Flying Corps to train pilots, establishing an aircraft plant in Warwood and flying from an airfield in Beech Bottom. He maintained an office in Wheeling's Schmulbach Building.
 
When the corps failed to achieve military status, Bennett joined the British Royal Flying Corps in 1917. Deployed to France in 1918, he became known for "balloon busting," downing nine German observation balloons. On August 24, 1918, Bennett was fatally wounded during a mission over France.
 
His mother, Sallie Maxwell Bennett, commissioned several memorials, including a stained-glass window in Westminster Abbey and a bronze statue titled "The Aviator" on the Linsly School campus in Wheeling. The Bennett Memorial Museum opened in 1920 on the second floor of the old Wheeling Public Library, featuring Bennett's war trophies and relics.
 
In 1927, Charles Lindbergh visited Wheeling and placed a wreath at "The Aviator" statue, drawing a large crowd. The statue became a focal point for Armistice Day ceremonies in Wheeling, where World War I pilots would gather to remember their fallen comrades. Bennett's legacy as a pioneering aviator and war hero continues to be celebrated in Wheeling and beyond.
 
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Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV

Today in Wheeling History: August 23--Betty Zane, Heroine of Fort Henry, passed away (1823).
 
Elizabeth "Betty" Zane is celebrated as a heroine of the American Revolutionary War for her courageous actions during the Siege of Fort Henry in Wheeling, West Virginia. Born on July 19, 1765, in Berkeley County, Virginia, Betty was the youngest sister of the Zane brothers, who were instrumental in founding Wheeling. On September 11, 1782, Fort Henry was under siege by a combined force of Native American warriors and British soldiers. The fort's defenders were running dangerously low on gunpowder, a critical supply needed to fend off the attackers.
 
In a daring move, Betty volunteered to retrieve gunpowder from her brother Ebenezer Zane's nearby blockhouse. She sprinted across open ground, dodging enemy fire, and successfully returned with the much-needed supply. Her bravery and quick thinking were pivotal in allowing the fort's defenders to hold their ground and ultimately repel the siege. Betty's actions not only saved Fort Henry but also cemented her legacy as a symbol of courage and resilience on the American frontier.
 
Betty Zane's heroism was later immortalized in the 1903 novel "Betty Zane" by her great-grandnephew, Zane Grey. The book brought her story to a wider audience and solidified her place in American folklore. Betty married twice and had several children, living out her later years in St. Clairsville, Ohio, where she passed away on August 23, 1823. Her legacy continues to be honored in Wheeling and beyond, with monuments and historical markers commemorating her bravery.
 
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Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Find a Grave, West Virginia Archives and History