Today in Wheeling History: December 29--Wilbur E. Stone, founder of Wheeling Park, champion of Wheeling industry and commerce, and generous benefactor, was born in Wheeling (1863).
Wilbur Ebenezer Stone was born on December 29, 1863, in Ohio County, West Virginia. He was educated at Linsly Institute in his hometown of Wheeling. Stone began his career when he joined his father and uncle's business, Stone & Thomas, eventually becoming head of the company and expanding it into West Virginia's largest department store chain. Stone was deeply devoted to the Wheeling community. He helped establish the Wheeling Board of Trade, Wheeling Chamber of Commerce, Wheeling Improvement Association, and more. His most impactful contribution was in 1924 when he donated $100,000 to help purchase Wheeling Park for public use, sparking further fundraising that allowed the park's preservation. Stone gave additional funds over the years to improve Wheeling Park and beautify the city. He served as president of Security National Bank and was a lifelong member of Thomson Methodist Episcopal Church. Stone worked tirelessly for the benefit of Wheeling until his death on January 28, 1938 in DeLand, Florida at age 74. He was entombed at Greenwood Cemetery in Wheeling. His dedication and generosity to the city earned him the nickname "Wheeling's First Citizen."
To learn more: (http://tinyurl.com/mtk6jvr8) (http://tinyurl.com/36kkb9km) (http://tinyurl.com/umwjbeb6) (http://tinyurl.com/3fmwszf7) (http://tinyurl.com/58v4nxex) (http://tinyurl.com/mryn857p) (https://jfinstein.wixsite.com/friends-of-wheeling/36-orchard-road)
Photo Credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Ohio County WVGenWeb, Find a Grave, Wheeling News-Register, The West Virginia Encyclopedia
Wilbur Ebenezer Stone was born on December 29, 1863, in Ohio County, West Virginia. He was educated at Linsly Institute in his hometown of Wheeling. Stone began his career when he joined his father and uncle's business, Stone & Thomas, eventually becoming head of the company and expanding it into West Virginia's largest department store chain. Stone was deeply devoted to the Wheeling community. He helped establish the Wheeling Board of Trade, Wheeling Chamber of Commerce, Wheeling Improvement Association, and more. His most impactful contribution was in 1924 when he donated $100,000 to help purchase Wheeling Park for public use, sparking further fundraising that allowed the park's preservation. Stone gave additional funds over the years to improve Wheeling Park and beautify the city. He served as president of Security National Bank and was a lifelong member of Thomson Methodist Episcopal Church. Stone worked tirelessly for the benefit of Wheeling until his death on January 28, 1938 in DeLand, Florida at age 74. He was entombed at Greenwood Cemetery in Wheeling. His dedication and generosity to the city earned him the nickname "Wheeling's First Citizen."
To learn more: (http://tinyurl.com/mtk6jvr8) (http://tinyurl.com/36kkb9km) (http://tinyurl.com/umwjbeb6) (http://tinyurl.com/3fmwszf7) (http://tinyurl.com/58v4nxex) (http://tinyurl.com/mryn857p) (https://jfinstein.wixsite.com/friends-of-wheeling/36-orchard-road)
Photo Credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Ohio County WVGenWeb, Find a Grave, Wheeling News-Register, The West Virginia Encyclopedia
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