Today in Wheeling History: October 23–W. S. Goshorn, prominent Wheeling resident and businessperson, passed away (1891).
William Scott Goshorn was born on January 19, 1814, in Belmont County, Ohio. His family moved to Wheeling, West Virginia, when he was an infant, and he spent the rest of his life there. Goshorn was educated in Wheeling public schools and attended Washington College. He initially worked with his father in the dry goods and notion business, which became well-known throughout the region. After selling his interest in the business, Goshorn engaged in banking and other financial ventures. He was also involved in public service, serving as chief deputy to Sheriff Wickham, city assessor, and a member of the city council. Goshorn was a slave owner, and one notable incident involved the escape of one of his slaves, Sarah Lucy Bagby, who fled to Cleveland, Ohio. Goshorn reclaimed her, causing significant public outcry and tension. Despite his controversial stance on slavery, Goshorn was a respected figure in Wheeling's business and political circles. He passed away on October 23, 1891, at the age of 77, after a long illness. Goshorn was buried in Mount Wood Cemetery in Wheeling. His legacy includes his contributions to Wheeling's economic development and his involvement in local governance.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://shorturl.at/j0w5J) (https://shorturl.at/IgMEy); Find a Grave (https://shorturl.at/af13Z)
Photo credits: Find a Grave, Wheeling Daily Register
William Scott Goshorn was born on January 19, 1814, in Belmont County, Ohio. His family moved to Wheeling, West Virginia, when he was an infant, and he spent the rest of his life there. Goshorn was educated in Wheeling public schools and attended Washington College. He initially worked with his father in the dry goods and notion business, which became well-known throughout the region. After selling his interest in the business, Goshorn engaged in banking and other financial ventures. He was also involved in public service, serving as chief deputy to Sheriff Wickham, city assessor, and a member of the city council. Goshorn was a slave owner, and one notable incident involved the escape of one of his slaves, Sarah Lucy Bagby, who fled to Cleveland, Ohio. Goshorn reclaimed her, causing significant public outcry and tension. Despite his controversial stance on slavery, Goshorn was a respected figure in Wheeling's business and political circles. He passed away on October 23, 1891, at the age of 77, after a long illness. Goshorn was buried in Mount Wood Cemetery in Wheeling. His legacy includes his contributions to Wheeling's economic development and his involvement in local governance.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://shorturl.at/j0w5J) (https://shorturl.at/IgMEy); Find a Grave (https://shorturl.at/af13Z)
Photo credits: Find a Grave, Wheeling Daily Register
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