Today in Wheeling History: September 21–Wilbur S. Jones, prominent business person and community leader who significantly contributed to Wheeling, West Virginia, by heading the Wheeling Park Commission, serving as vice-president of the Ohio Valley General Hospital, leading the Wheeling Area Conference on Community Development, and managing Stone & Thomas, the largest department store in the city, is born in Fort Ethan Allen, Vermont (1909).
Wilbur Stone Jones, born on September 21, 1909, in Fort Ethan Allen, Vermont, was a significant figure in Wheeling, West Virginia. He was the son of James Sumner and Marguerite Sands Jones. Jones moved to Wheeling, where he attended Linsly Military Institute and later graduated from the Hill School, the U.S. Military Academy, and Harvard Business School. During World War II, he served in the European Theatre with the 65th Artillery and was decorated with the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Air Medal. After the war, he returned to Wheeling as a full Colonel and resumed his position as vice-president and general manager of Stone & Thomas, the largest department store in the city. He served as chairman of the company from 1969 until his death in 1977.
Jones was deeply involved in community life, heading the Wheeling Park Commission and serving as vice-president of the Ohio Valley General Hospital and the Wheeling Area Conference on Community Development. His leadership and organizational skills were instrumental in the development of Wheeling's natural assets and community services. Jones passed away in 1977 and was inducted into the Wheeling Hall of Fame in 1980 for his contributions to business, industry, and community service.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://tinyurl.com/makwtjya), Wheeling Intelligencer (https://tinyurl.com/3bayck7f)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Hall of Fame
Wilbur Stone Jones, born on September 21, 1909, in Fort Ethan Allen, Vermont, was a significant figure in Wheeling, West Virginia. He was the son of James Sumner and Marguerite Sands Jones. Jones moved to Wheeling, where he attended Linsly Military Institute and later graduated from the Hill School, the U.S. Military Academy, and Harvard Business School. During World War II, he served in the European Theatre with the 65th Artillery and was decorated with the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Air Medal. After the war, he returned to Wheeling as a full Colonel and resumed his position as vice-president and general manager of Stone & Thomas, the largest department store in the city. He served as chairman of the company from 1969 until his death in 1977.
Jones was deeply involved in community life, heading the Wheeling Park Commission and serving as vice-president of the Ohio Valley General Hospital and the Wheeling Area Conference on Community Development. His leadership and organizational skills were instrumental in the development of Wheeling's natural assets and community services. Jones passed away in 1977 and was inducted into the Wheeling Hall of Fame in 1980 for his contributions to business, industry, and community service.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://tinyurl.com/makwtjya), Wheeling Intelligencer (https://tinyurl.com/3bayck7f)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Hall of Fame
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