Today in Wheeling History: July 15--John Crockard, future prominent Wheeling wharf-master and steamboat agent, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland (1847).
John Crockard, born on July 15, 1847, in Edinburgh, Scotland, became a prominent figure in Wheeling, West Virginia's maritime industry. Immigrating to Wheeling with his family in 1848, he attended public schools and began his career with Booth, Battelle & Company. Crockard's professional trajectory led him to form Crockard & Booth in 1884, managing all wharf operations in Wheeling and handling the landing of 18 steamers during navigation seasons. His expertise extended beyond maritime affairs, as he invested in a mining mill in Joplin, Missouri, and held the position of vice-president at the Digby Mill & Mining Company.
On September 23, 1881, Crockard married Mary Gardner, and they had four children: Estella M., Bessie E., Cecil H., and William M.L. The family resided at 728 Main Street in Wheeling, where Crockard lived until his death. Crockard was deeply involved in community affairs, serving as a trustee of the United Presbyterian Church and participating in fraternal societies such as the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Empire Knights of Relief. Politically, he aligned with the Democratic Party.
Crockard's maritime expertise was widely recognized, leading to his appointment and subsequent elections as Wheeling's wharf-master from 1884 onwards. He served as the representative agent for all steamboat lines operating on the upper Ohio River and managed the Frank Booth wharf-boat. His family was well-established in Wheeling, with siblings working in various capacities, notably at the Riverside Nail Works.
John Crockard's life came to an end on December 31, 1916, at the age of 69, after a bout of broncho pneumonia. He was under the care of Dr. Frank Hupp in his final days and was laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery in Wheeling. Crockard left behind a legacy as a respected businessman, maritime expert, and esteemed citizen of Wheeling, having significantly contributed to the city's economic and social fabric throughout his life.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/yc69ukpe) (https://tinyurl.com/2dej4p3k) (https://tinyurl.com/yc3yzr3z) (https://tinyurl.com/3pe6hc76)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Archives, Wheeling WV; Find a Grave, Google Maps
John Crockard, born on July 15, 1847, in Edinburgh, Scotland, became a prominent figure in Wheeling, West Virginia's maritime industry. Immigrating to Wheeling with his family in 1848, he attended public schools and began his career with Booth, Battelle & Company. Crockard's professional trajectory led him to form Crockard & Booth in 1884, managing all wharf operations in Wheeling and handling the landing of 18 steamers during navigation seasons. His expertise extended beyond maritime affairs, as he invested in a mining mill in Joplin, Missouri, and held the position of vice-president at the Digby Mill & Mining Company.
On September 23, 1881, Crockard married Mary Gardner, and they had four children: Estella M., Bessie E., Cecil H., and William M.L. The family resided at 728 Main Street in Wheeling, where Crockard lived until his death. Crockard was deeply involved in community affairs, serving as a trustee of the United Presbyterian Church and participating in fraternal societies such as the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Empire Knights of Relief. Politically, he aligned with the Democratic Party.
Crockard's maritime expertise was widely recognized, leading to his appointment and subsequent elections as Wheeling's wharf-master from 1884 onwards. He served as the representative agent for all steamboat lines operating on the upper Ohio River and managed the Frank Booth wharf-boat. His family was well-established in Wheeling, with siblings working in various capacities, notably at the Riverside Nail Works.
John Crockard's life came to an end on December 31, 1916, at the age of 69, after a bout of broncho pneumonia. He was under the care of Dr. Frank Hupp in his final days and was laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery in Wheeling. Crockard left behind a legacy as a respected businessman, maritime expert, and esteemed citizen of Wheeling, having significantly contributed to the city's economic and social fabric throughout his life.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/yc69ukpe) (https://tinyurl.com/2dej4p3k) (https://tinyurl.com/yc3yzr3z) (https://tinyurl.com/3pe6hc76)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Archives, Wheeling WV; Find a Grave, Google Maps
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