Today in Wheeling History: May 13--John M. Birch, a prominent Wheeling educator who served as principal of Linsly Institute and City Superintendent of Schools as well as U.S. Consul to Nagasaki, Japan, passed away on May 13, 1911, at the age of 59, four days after suffering a paralyzing stroke at his residence in the Virginia Apartments (1911).
John Mitchell Birch was a prominent educator and public figure in Wheeling, West Virginia, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is best known for his two tenures as principal of the Linsly Institute, a prestigious private school in Wheeling.
Birch first served as principal of Linsly from 1873 to 1885. During this time, he made significant improvements to the school, raising its academic standards and reputation. After returning to Linsly for a second stint as principal from 1890 until his death in 1911, Birch instituted a military training program under the direction of Lt. Braunersveuther of the U.S. Navy. This military focus helped further distinguish Linsly as one of the top college preparatory schools in the region.
In between his time at Linsly, Birch served as the Wheeling City Superintendent of Schools from 1881 to 1885. In this role, he implemented a graded school system that laid the groundwork for Wheeling's later high school system. The first class graduated from Lincoln School under his guidance in 1885.
Birch was also politically active, serving as a U.S. consul to Nagasaki, Japan from 1885 to 1890 after being appointed by President Grover Cleveland. He was a leader in the local Democratic party, captaining the Young Men's Democratic Club during Cleveland's campaign.
In addition to his educational and political pursuits, Birch was a prominent Mason, attaining the 33rd degree of the Scottish Rite, a rare honor. He was actively involved in drilling local Masonic commanderies for an upcoming encampment at the time of his death.
Birch suffered a paralyzing stroke on May 9, 1911, while residing at the Virginia Apartments in Wheeling. He lingered in a coma for several days before passing away on the morning of May 13 at the age of 59.
His funeral at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church was widely attended by friends, Linsly alumni, Masons, and civic leaders. The service included Masonic rites by the Knights Templar in addition to the traditional Episcopal funeral. Birch was laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery.
John Birch married Jennie Bailey of Wheeling in August 1900. She had been visiting Atlantic City when notified of his stroke, and immediately returned to be by his side when he passed. The couple had been married for nearly 11 years at the time of his untimely death.
Birch was remembered as an influential educator who left a lasting impact on Wheeling's schools and community through his leadership at Linsly and as City Superintendent. His unexpected passing at a relatively young age was deeply mourned.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/2s3znmw7) (https://tinyurl.com/3utt3p4e) (https://tinyurl.com/ywsabv63) (https://tinyurl.com/mrxr7esn) (https://tinyurl.com/3nc4sp94)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Find a Grave, Wheeling Daily Register, The Linsly School
John Mitchell Birch was a prominent educator and public figure in Wheeling, West Virginia, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is best known for his two tenures as principal of the Linsly Institute, a prestigious private school in Wheeling.
Birch first served as principal of Linsly from 1873 to 1885. During this time, he made significant improvements to the school, raising its academic standards and reputation. After returning to Linsly for a second stint as principal from 1890 until his death in 1911, Birch instituted a military training program under the direction of Lt. Braunersveuther of the U.S. Navy. This military focus helped further distinguish Linsly as one of the top college preparatory schools in the region.
In between his time at Linsly, Birch served as the Wheeling City Superintendent of Schools from 1881 to 1885. In this role, he implemented a graded school system that laid the groundwork for Wheeling's later high school system. The first class graduated from Lincoln School under his guidance in 1885.
Birch was also politically active, serving as a U.S. consul to Nagasaki, Japan from 1885 to 1890 after being appointed by President Grover Cleveland. He was a leader in the local Democratic party, captaining the Young Men's Democratic Club during Cleveland's campaign.
In addition to his educational and political pursuits, Birch was a prominent Mason, attaining the 33rd degree of the Scottish Rite, a rare honor. He was actively involved in drilling local Masonic commanderies for an upcoming encampment at the time of his death.
Birch suffered a paralyzing stroke on May 9, 1911, while residing at the Virginia Apartments in Wheeling. He lingered in a coma for several days before passing away on the morning of May 13 at the age of 59.
His funeral at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church was widely attended by friends, Linsly alumni, Masons, and civic leaders. The service included Masonic rites by the Knights Templar in addition to the traditional Episcopal funeral. Birch was laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery.
John Birch married Jennie Bailey of Wheeling in August 1900. She had been visiting Atlantic City when notified of his stroke, and immediately returned to be by his side when he passed. The couple had been married for nearly 11 years at the time of his untimely death.
Birch was remembered as an influential educator who left a lasting impact on Wheeling's schools and community through his leadership at Linsly and as City Superintendent. His unexpected passing at a relatively young age was deeply mourned.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/2s3znmw7) (https://tinyurl.com/3utt3p4e) (https://tinyurl.com/ywsabv63) (https://tinyurl.com/mrxr7esn) (https://tinyurl.com/3nc4sp94)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Find a Grave, Wheeling Daily Register, The Linsly School
RSS Feed
