​Today in Wheeling History: June 17—Thomas Maley Harris, Civil War general, Lincoln assassination trial commissioner, and U.S. pension agent in Wheeling, was born in Harrisville, Virginia (1817).
 
Thomas Maley Harris was born on June 17, 1817, in Harrisville, Virginia (now West Virginia). Initially pursuing a career in education, he later shifted to medicine, earning his degree from Louisville Medical College in 1843. He practiced medicine in Virginia until the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, when he closed his practice and joined the Union Army. Harris commanded the 10th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment, later leading a brigade and division during Philip Sheridan’s Valley Campaigns of 1864. He played a crucial role in cutting off Robert E. Lee’s retreat at Appomattox Court House.
 
Following the war, Harris served on the military commission that tried the Lincoln conspirators. He authored two books on the trial: "Assassination of Lincoln: A History of the Great Conspiracy" (1892) and "Rome’s Responsibility for the Assassination of Abraham Lincoln" (1897). He later became West Virginia’s adjutant general, a state legislator, and mayor of Harrisville. Harris also worked as a U.S. pension agent in Wheeling from 1871 to 1876. He resumed his medical practice until retiring in 1885. He passed away on September 30, 1906, and was buried in Harrisville I.O.O.F. Cemetery.
 
To learn more: Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/df6xwn6t), West Virginia Military Records (https://tinyurl.com/mrj9n52n), Find a Grave (https://tinyurl.com/43ytd6bc), Internet Archive (https://tinyurl.com/kfdbrca8), Library of Congress (https://tinyurl.com/kyjtcsw8), The Historical Marker Database (https://tinyurl.com/47x4nbb5)
 
Photo credits: Find a Grave, Wikimedia Commons, Internet Archive, Library of Congress, The Historical Marker Database

​Today in Wheeling History: June 16—Thomas Pollock Anshutz, acclaimed American painter and teacher, who spent part of his early life in Wheeling, drew inspiration from its industrial landscape for his iconic “The Ironworkers' Noontime,” and married Wheeling native Effie Shriver Russell, passed away (1912).
 
Thomas Pollock Anshutz, born October 5, 1851, in Newport, Kentucky, spent part of his early life in Wheeling, West Virginia. The industrial backdrop of Wheeling influenced his art, particularly his iconic painting “The Ironworkers' Noontime” (1880), which vividly depicted factory workers on break near Wheeling. This work is considered a pioneering portrayal of industrial labor in American art.
 
Anshutz pursued his artistic education at the National Academy of Design in New York and later studied under Thomas Eakins at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Rising to prominence as both an artist and educator, Anshutz succeeded Eakins as Chief Demonstrator of Anatomy and co-founded The Darby School. He mentored notable artists, including members of the Ashcan School.
 
In 1892, Anshutz married Effie Shriver Russell of Wheeling, further cementing his connection to the city. He spent his later years teaching, advocating for social change, and exploring new artistic techniques. His health declined, and he retired from teaching in 1911. Anshutz died on June 16, 1912, in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, and was laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery in Roslyn, Pennsylvania.
 
To learn more: Find a Grave (https://tinyurl.com/y8j28j7e), Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/y8fnaypk), WikiTree (https://tinyurl.com/a7fmtavr)
 
Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons, Find a Grave, Occupational Medicine

​Today in Wheeling History: June 15--Budd Hopkins, abstract artist and UFO researcher, was born in Wheeling (1931).
 
Elliot Budd Hopkins was born on June 15, 1931, in Wheeling, West Virginia, to Elliot B. and Eleanor A. Hopkins. Raised in Wheeling alongside his siblings Stuart and Eleanor, Budd contracted polio at age two. During his long recovery, he began sculpting ships from modeling clay, sparking a lifelong passion for art. He graduated from Linsly Military Institute in 1949 and earned a degree in art history from Oberlin College in 1953. Hopkins moved to New York City, where he became immersed in the abstract expressionist movement, befriending artists like Franz Kline and Willem de Kooning. His work was exhibited in major institutions including the Guggenheim, the Smithsonian, and the Museum of Modern Art. In 1976, he received a Guggenheim Fellowship for painting.
 
Beyond art, Hopkins became a leading figure in UFO abduction research. His 1981 book "Missing Time" and 1987 bestseller "Intruders" brought national attention to the phenomenon. He founded the Intruders Foundation to support abductee research. Hopkins died on August 21, 2011, in New York City and is buried at Oak Grove Cemetery in Falmouth, Massachusetts. Though he spent much of his adult life in New York, his Wheeling roots remained foundational to his identity and early development.
 
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://tinyurl.com/4sv8y9mb), Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/5cut9z3m), Intruders Foundation (https://tinyurl.com/z2w4xdcz), Budd Hopkins official site (https://tinyurl.com/yc6atzyw)
 
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wikimedia Commons, U.S. Department of State, Find a Grave, Amazon, eBay

​Today in Wheeling History: June 15—Budd Hopkins, renowned artist and ufologist, was born in Wheeling, West Virginia (1931).
 
Elliot Budd Hopkins, born on June 15, 1931, in Wheeling, West Virginia, was a prominent American artist and a leading figure in the field of ufology. Raised in Wheeling, Hopkins lived with his parents, Elliot B. Hopkins and Eleanor A. Hopkins, along with his brother Stuart and sister Eleanor. At the age of two, Hopkins contracted polio, which significantly impacted his early life. During his recovery, he developed a keen interest in drawing and watercolors, which eventually led him to pursue a career in art. Hopkins attended Oberlin College in Ohio, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in art history in 1953. After college, he moved to New York City, where he immersed himself in the vibrant art scene and became associated with notable abstract expressionists like Franz Kline, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning. Hopkins' art career flourished, and he gained national acclaim for his work in geometric abstractions and color fields. His work can be found at The British Museum, London, UK; Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, NY; and The Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, DC. In addition to his art, Hopkins became deeply involved in the study of UFO phenomena after witnessing a UFO in 1964. He authored several influential books on alien abductions, including "Missing Time" and "Intruders." Hopkins founded the Intruders Foundation in 1989 to support research and provide a safe space for those claiming extraterrestrial encounters. He passed away on August 21, 2011, in New York City.
 
To learn more: Wikipedia (https://shorturl.at/ancbo), artnet (https://shorturl.at/EQUBZ), CelebsAgeWiki (https://shorturl.at/uWehu), The Cinemaholic (https://shorturl.at/ToCq1), Contemporary Arts Center (https://shorturl.at/n9abq)
 
Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons, Amazon

​Today in Wheeling History: June 14--Non-refillable bottle patent granted to three Wheeling inventors Lewis M. McDermott, Irvin Errett McDermott, and Clarence C. Rogers for their innovative anti-tampering device designed to prevent fraudulent liquor substitution (1904).
 
On June 14, 1904, three Wheeling residents—Lewis M. McDermott, Irvin Errett McDermott, and Clarence C. Rogers—received U.S. Patent No. 762,487 for their innovative non-refillable bottle design. The invention related to non-refillable bottles and had for its objects to produce a comparatively simple inexpensive device of this character which would after the original filling of the bottle prevent subsequent introduction of liquor thereto, thereby obviating fraudulent substitution of an inferior grade of goods for that originally contained in the bottle. This patent was filed on February 25, 1904, and represented a significant innovation in anti-tampering technology during the era of increased concern about product authenticity and consumer protection.
 
The three inventors were all citizens of the United States residing in Wheeling, in Ohio County, West Virginia. The invention comprises the novel features of construction and combination of parts that included a complex system of valves, springs, and mechanical components designed to prevent refilling while allowing normal dispensing of the bottle's contents. The device featured a tubular operating member extended downward through the neck, a head carried by the lower end of and provided with passages leading to the member, valves for normally closing the passages, and means for locking the member against upward movement.
 
This invention came during a period when non-refillable bottle patents were particularly important, as evidenced by numerous similar patents filed between 1901 and 1907. The McDermott and Rogers device was unique in its sophisticated mechanical approach to preventing tampering and refilling, addressing growing concerns about counterfeit products and maintaining brand integrity in an era before modern quality control systems.
 
To learn more: Google Patents (https://tinyurl.com/d8mr6tec), Find a Grave (https://tinyurl.com/4795su4u) (https://tinyurl.com/yn764nds) (https://tinyurl.com/23v698m7), Wheeling Intelligencer (https://tinyurl.com/bdd8a7ay) (https://tinyurl.com/zcewaueu)
 
Photo credits: U.S. Patent Office, Wheeling Intelligencer, Find a Grave

​Today in Wheeling History: June 13—Sister Roberta Elam, a young woman preparing to take her final vows as a nun, was tragically murdered on a secluded hillside behind Mount Saint Joseph, just outside Wheeling, West Virginia (1977).
 
Sister Roberta "Robin" Elam was a 26-year-old postulant preparing to take her final vows with the Sisters of St. Joseph in Wheeling, West Virginia. Born in 1949, she was known for her love of poetry, running, and community service. She had chosen the name "Sister Robin" as part of her spiritual journey.
 
On June 13, 1977, Sister Robin was on a silent retreat at Mount Saint Joseph, the motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Joseph, located near Oglebay Park, just outside Wheeling. That morning, she walked to a secluded hillside behind the convent to pray and meditate. Hours later, her body was discovered, having been raped and strangled. Her belongings were scattered, and an overturned bench marked the scene. The crime shocked the Wheeling community, leading to an intensive investigation.
 
Despite numerous leads—including DNA evidence preserved from the crime scene—her murder remains unsolved. Investigators have compared DNA samples to serial killers and local suspects, but no match has been found. The case was reopened in 2002, and authorities continue to search for answers. Sister Robin’s poetry reflected themes of life and death, leaving a lasting legacy of her introspective spirit.
 
To learn more: The (https://tinyurl.com/ytwm79bb), Oxygen Crime Report (https://tinyurl.com/yh2h759e), WTRF (https://tinyurl.com/u4uwsvzv); YouTube--The Murder of Sister Robin Elam (https://tinyurl.com/ykybmvkx)
 
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Intelligencer, The Clio

​Today in Wheeling History: June 12--WOMP, a longtime radio presence serving Wheeling and the Ohio Valley, changed its call sign to WLEJ, marking a shift to classic country programming (2017).
 
WOMP (1290 AM) was a longstanding radio station serving the Wheeling, West Virginia, and Bellaire, Ohio areas. Originally launched as WTRF in 1947, it transitioned to WTRX in 1955 before adopting the WOMP call sign in 1959. The station became a fixture in local broadcasting, known for its news, talk, and sports programming. Over the decades, WOMP adapted to changing trends, shifting formats multiple times.
 
On June 12, 2017, WOMP officially changed its call sign to WLEJ, marking a transition to classic country programming under the brand "Lejends 100.1/1290". This shift was part of a broader effort to rebrand and appeal to a new audience. Later that year, the station changed its name again to WYLY in September 2017, followed by WLIE in 2019, before settling on WLYV in 2021.
 
Today, the station operates as WLYV, a local and conservative talk radio station, simulcasting WEIR 1430 AM under the "River Talk" brand. It continues to be a voice for the Wheeling and Bellaire communities, offering discussions on local issues, politics, and sports.
 
To learn more: Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/3j6zcesn), WOMP FM (https://tinyurl.com/4xkdzjf8), TuneIn (https://tinyurl.com/2ywj7u86), Radio Lineup (https://tinyurl.com/a63uh6zr)
 
Photo caption and credit: Caption: Located at 56325 High Ridge Road in Bellaire, Ohio, this site once housed WOMP 1290 AM, a longtime Ohio Valley radio station serving Wheeling and the surrounding areas. Today, the property is occupied by Ohio Midland Newsgroup, LLC - The River Network, continuing its legacy in broadcasting and telecommunications. (Google Maps)

​Today in Wheeling History: June 11—William Crawford, frontiersman and Revolutionary War officer who helped establish Fort Henry in Wheeling, was tragically executed by Native Americans (1782).
 
William Crawford (September 2, 1722 - June 11, 1782) was a frontiersman, soldier, and surveyor who played a significant role in early American history. Born in present-day Jefferson County, West Virginia, Crawford became a close associate of George Washington, serving as his land agent and chief surveyor. His military career began during the French and Indian War, where he fought under General Edward Braddock and later participated in the capture of Fort Duquesne in 1758. 
 
Crawford’s connection to Wheeling stems from his involvement in Dunmore’s War (1774), during which he directed the construction of Fort Fincastle, later renamed Fort Henry, a key defensive structure in Wheeling. During the American Revolution, he fought in major battles, including Long Island, Trenton, and Brandywine, before leading a militia expedition against Native American forces in Ohio in 1782. Unfortunately, the campaign ended in disaster—Crawford was captured by the Delaware Indians, who mistakenly blamed him for the Gnadenhutten Massacre. He was tortured and burned at the stake, marking a tragic end to his life.
 
Crawford’s legacy remains tied to Wheeling’s frontier history, reflecting the turbulent conflicts of early America. His surveying work helped shape land ownership in the region, and his military service contributed to the defense of settlers in the Ohio Valley.
 
To learn more: Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/y735en6z) (https://tinyurl.com/2v77ue5p), West Virginia Encyclopedia (https://tinyurl.com/3dwxu85r), YouTube--Exploring the American Frontier (https://tinyurl.com/2u5a4tve)
 
Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons

​Today in Wheeling History: June 10--The science fiction thriller film "Super 8," featuring scenes filmed in Wheeling and Weirton, was released (2011).
 
"Super 8" is a 2011 science fiction thriller film written and directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Steven Spielberg. The movie is set in the summer of 1979 and follows a group of young friends in a small Ohio town who witness a mysterious train crash while making a Super 8 movie. As strange events unfold, they discover that something otherworldly has escaped from the wreckage. While the primary filming location for "Super 8" was Weirton, West Virginia, some scenes were also filmed at the Wheeling-Ohio County Airport in Wheeling, WV. The airport provided an authentic backdrop for the film's setting, contributing to the movie's nostalgic 1970s atmosphere. The film was praised for its homage to classic Spielberg films and its blend of suspense, adventure, and heartfelt storytelling. "Super 8" was released on June 10, 2011, and received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, becoming a box office success. The movie's connection to Wheeling highlights the city's appeal as a filming location, showcasing its unique charm and historical significance.
 
To learn more: IMDB (https://tinyurl.com/3rr3npe6), LocationsHub (https://tinyurl.com/nhjyea75), Top of WV CVB  (https://tinyurl.com/3ymmarms), Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/23sv3m38) (https://tinyurl.com/29w44dsh)
 
Photo caption and credit: Super 8 movie poster (IMP Awards via Wikimedia Commons)

​Today in Wheeling History: June 10--The science fiction thriller film "Super 8," featuring scenes filmed in Wheeling and Weirton, was released (2011).
 
"Super 8" is a 2011 science fiction thriller film written and directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Steven Spielberg. The movie is set in the summer of 1979 and follows a group of young friends in a small Ohio town who witness a mysterious train crash while making a Super 8 movie. As strange events unfold, they discover that something otherworldly has escaped from the wreckage. While the primary filming location for "Super 8" was Weirton, West Virginia, some scenes were also filmed at the Wheeling-Ohio County Airport in Wheeling, WV. The airport provided an authentic backdrop for the film's setting, contributing to the movie's nostalgic 1970s atmosphere. The film was praised for its homage to classic Spielberg films and its blend of suspense, adventure, and heartfelt storytelling. "Super 8" was released on June 10, 2011, and received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, becoming a box office success. The movie's connection to Wheeling highlights the city's appeal as a filming location, showcasing its unique charm and historical significance.
 
To learn more: IMDB (https://tinyurl.com/3rr3npe6), LocationsHub (https://tinyurl.com/nhjyea75), Top of WV CVB (https://tinyurl.com/3ymmarms), Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/23sv3m38) (https://tinyurl.com/29w44dsh)
 
Photo caption and credit: Super 8 movie poster (IMP Awards via Wikimedia Commons)