Today in Wheeling History: March 7--Dr. George Baird, prominent Wheeling physician, city leader, and former mayor of Wheeling was tragically killed in a shooting on Eleventh Street (1891).
Dr. George Baird (1829-1891) was a distinguished physician and civic leader who played a pivotal role in Wheeling's early development. Born on November 30, 1829, in Pennsylvania to George and Jane Wilson Baird, he graduated from Washington-Jefferson College in the same class as James G. Blaine. As a surgeon and physician, he became one of Wheeling's most respected medical practitioners. His civic contributions were extensive - serving as Wheeling's first mayor after West Virginia's statehood in 1863, member of the city council, board of public works, and the city water board. He was also a director of the Wheeling Bridge and Terminal Railway Company. Baird met a tragic end on March 7, 1891, when he was fatally shot by Dr. George I. Garrison following a long-standing feud that began over health officer positions. The incident occurred on Eleventh Street, where Baird was shot twice and died within minutes. He was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Wheeling. His legacy lived on through his family, including his wife Margaretta McColloch Baird and their several children. His tombstone bears the inscription "THE TENDER FATHER AND THE GENEROUS FRIEND," reflecting his impact on both his family and community.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://shorturl.at/7cGI4); Martinsburg Independent (https://shorturl.at/RliVs), Find a Grave (https://shorturl.at/Sn5UW)
Photo credits: Find a Grave
Dr. George Baird (1829-1891) was a distinguished physician and civic leader who played a pivotal role in Wheeling's early development. Born on November 30, 1829, in Pennsylvania to George and Jane Wilson Baird, he graduated from Washington-Jefferson College in the same class as James G. Blaine. As a surgeon and physician, he became one of Wheeling's most respected medical practitioners. His civic contributions were extensive - serving as Wheeling's first mayor after West Virginia's statehood in 1863, member of the city council, board of public works, and the city water board. He was also a director of the Wheeling Bridge and Terminal Railway Company. Baird met a tragic end on March 7, 1891, when he was fatally shot by Dr. George I. Garrison following a long-standing feud that began over health officer positions. The incident occurred on Eleventh Street, where Baird was shot twice and died within minutes. He was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Wheeling. His legacy lived on through his family, including his wife Margaretta McColloch Baird and their several children. His tombstone bears the inscription "THE TENDER FATHER AND THE GENEROUS FRIEND," reflecting his impact on both his family and community.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://shorturl.at/7cGI4); Martinsburg Independent (https://shorturl.at/RliVs), Find a Grave (https://shorturl.at/Sn5UW)
Photo credits: Find a Grave
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