​Today in Wheeling History: September 22—O. S. Philpott, a well-known Wheeling architect, died suddenly after falling down the stairs at his home on Twenty-third Street (1892).
 
Oake Swansborough Philpott, a well-known local architect, tragically fell down the stairs in his home on the evening of September 22, 1892, while going to get milk before bed. He was found by his wife doubled over and unconscious at the bottom of the stairs. A doctor was summoned but Mr. Philpott passed away shortly after at 10:45pm.
 
Mr. Philpott was an architect who moved to Wheeling from Ravenna, Ohio, in 1888 and quickly established a successful practice designing buildings across West Virginia and Ohio. Though only a resident for a short time, he made many friends who mourn his sudden passing at the age of 45. Mr. Philpott was a well-traveled man who immigrated from England in his youth. He leaves behind a wife and five children, the oldest being around 22 years old. An active community member, he was involved in the local Democratic party, having joined the Men's Democratic Club and spoken at a recent tariff reform meeting. Mr. Philpott had many projects underway at the time of his death, including state buildings in Fairmont and Spencer. His death at a relatively young age was deeply saddening for all who knew him. Philpott is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery in Ravenna, Ohio. (https://tinyurl.com/ykarzehc) (https://tinyurl.com/55cdxme6) (https://tinyurl.com/2xekbuku)

​Today in Wheeling History: September 22--Frederick Douglass, the renowned abolitionist and speaker, was the esteemed guest of honor at Wheeling's Emancipation Day celebration (1884). Douglass delivered a speech at the Opera House, introduced by Dr. Boswell H. Stillyard, the first African American to be elected to Wheeling's city council.
 
The African American community in West Virginia and other states marked September 22nd as "Emancipation Day," even though West Virginia, which had joined the Union in 1863, had not seen slaves freed by Lincoln's executive order. The chosen date coincided with the so-called preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, announced on September 22, 1862, with the official order following on January 1, 1863. (https://tinyurl.com/5677mvtb) (https://tinyurl.com/3h4ke2ee) 

​Today in Wheeling History: September 22—The African American communities of Wheeling and Moundsville celebrated the anniversary of President Lincoln's preliminary Emancipation Proclamation issued on Sept 22, 1862, with a gathering, speeches, and a sense of hope for equal rights and recognition (1862). (https://tinyurl.com/5bcesk8c) (https://tinyurl.com/5677mvtb) 

​Today in Wheeling History: September 22—James McHenry Jones, principal of Wheeling’s Lincoln School from 1882 to 1900, dies in Institute, West Virginia (1909).
 
James McHenry Jones passed away on September 22, 1909, at the age of 50 due to poor health and a diagnosis of Bright's disease. His body was honored at the Hazelwood Assembly Hall in Institute and received visits from numerous mourners. His funeral in Charleston was attended by prominent figures, including the governor and state officials, who praised Jones for his dedication to uplifting his fellow man through education and knowledge. Jones was laid to rest at Cabell Cemetery on the campus of West Virginia State University. Later, a memorial service was held in Charleston, and a white marble plaque was unveiled at Lincoln School in his memory. West Virginia State University also honored him by naming a building, Jones Hall, after him. The building, originally an elementary training school, currently houses the University Printing Services and the National Center for Human Relations, focusing on issues of diversity and race relations. (https://tinyurl.com/m8jv8pcz) 

Today in Wheeling History: September 21--James McHenry Jones, principal of Wheeling’s Lincoln School from 1882 to 1898, was elected as the principal of the West Virginia Colored Institute (now West Virginia State University) by the State Board of Regents (1898).

James McHenry Jones was elected principal of the West Virginia Colored Institute, now West Virginia State University, in 1898. As principal, he increased funding, expanded the campus with new buildings, and broadened the curriculum. While serving as principal, Jones was also an incorporator and director of one of the first African American-owned fossil fuel companies in the U.S., and served as Grand Master of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows. He died in 1909 after over a decade of leadership at the institute. Jones Hall at WVSU is named in his honor. (https://tinyurl.com/m8jv8pcz) 

​Today in Wheeling History: September 20--Saint John's Evangelical Protestant Church was dedicated (1908).
 
The origins of what is now called Centre Wheeling Fellowship date back to 1835 when German pioneers in Wheeling began holding religious services. In 1836, they formed a congregation, built their first church on 18th Street, and named it First German Lutheran Church. After growth and mergers over the years, the church was renamed multiple times, with St. John's Evangelical Protestant Church used for over 60 years. The current church building was constructed in 1908 at 22nd and Chapline Streets. After being St. John's United Church of Christ for many years, in 2006 the church severed ties and reverted to St. John's Evangelical Protestant Church. In 2016, they became St. John's Centre Wheeling Fellowship, adopting the name Centre Wheeling Fellowship in 2019. Through name and affiliation changes over the decades, the church has maintained its roots in the German pioneer community of early Wheeling. (https://tinyurl.com/279bbfjb) (https://tinyurl.com/4byvvaur) (https://tinyurl.com/2ep86cbt) 

​Today in Wheeling History: September 19--Bernie Mehen, legendary basketball player at Wheeling High School, was born (1918).
 
Bernie Mehen was born on September 19, 1918 in Wheeling, West Virginia. He played basketball at Wheeling High School, leading the team to state championships in 1936 and 1938. At the University of Tennessee, Mehen received All-American honors and led the Volunteers to an SEC championship in 1941. During World War II, Mehen served as a second lieutenant in the infantry and saw action in Europe before being wounded in his left heel. After the war, he played professionally for the Youngstown Bears and Toledo Jeeps. Mehen was inducted into the Wheeling Hall of Fame in 1992 for his legendary basketball career. He passed away on May 11, 2007. (https://tinyurl.com/kdrss4wc) 

Today in Wheeling History: September 18—Cornerstone of Federal building, U.S. Courthouse, and Post Office laid (1905).
​
On September 18, 1905, a significant event took place as the cornerstone of the new Federal building was laid. Approximately 10,000 people attended the ceremony, which included impressive ceremonies, captivating speeches by Congressman Dovener and other orators, and music performed by combined city choirs. The event went smoothly without any issues and was considered a momentous occasion in the local history, with the enthusiastic crowd applauding and cheering throughout the night. (https://rb.gy/2ipc5) (https://rb.gy/4kfqq) 

​Today in Wheeling History: September 17--The Wheeling News-Register reported that there are multiple gambling establishments in the city, with varying license fees based on their size and activities, totaling approximately $85,000 annually; however, no arrests are made, effectively creating a licensing system, while several bingo games operate without fines, including Pythian Castle at 2700 Chapline Street, Pythian Building at Sixteenth and Market Streets, and Miner's Hall in Elm Grove (1947).
 
According to the Wheeling News-Register on September 17, 1947, there were many illegal gambling operations in Wheeling at that time. The document lists numerous establishments by street address, including bookmakers taking bets on horse racing operated by William Thomas, William Reuther, Barney Stubbs, Harry Clouse, and others. It also lists dice and card games run by Frank Miller, Bryan Little, Tony Zambito, Ed Dome, and others. Specific individuals named as being involved in these gambling operations include William Lias, Harry Franklin, Harry Weidetz, and more. (https://tinyurl.com/yc8x6fr4) (https://tinyurl.com/2ut2xh2c)

​Today in Wheeling History: September 16--Fidelis Riester, longtime secretary of the German Fire Insurance Company in Wheeling, died (1919).
 
Fidelis Riester was a longtime secretary of the German Fire Insurance Company in Wheeling, West Virginia. Born in Germany in 1848, he immigrated to the United States in 1867, first living in Zanesville, Ohio where he worked as a bookkeeper and dry goods clerk. In 1871, Riester moved to Wheeling and became a traveling salesman for C. Weltey & Brother (later P. Weltey & Co.). On September 1, 1874, he was appointed secretary of the German Fire Insurance Company, a position he held for over 40 years, except for a brief stint as secretary of the Jefferson Insurance Company from 1884-1887.
 
In addition to his insurance career, Riester managed the Opera House in Wheeling starting in 1878. He was an active member of the Wheeling community, belonging to the Arion Society and serving as its secretary and treasurer. Riester married Mary Welty, daughter of Sebastian Welty, in 1879. He was regarded as a popular, competent citizen of Wheeling. Fidelis Riester remained secretary of the German Fire Insurance Company until his death on September 16, 1919, dedicating over four decades of his life to the company. (https://tinyurl.com/39ykk2xj) (https://tinyurl.com/39ykk2xj)