Today in Wheeling History: June 22--Earl W. Oglebay - a renowned businessperson, philanthropist, and agricultural innovator best known for developing iron ore mines in Michigan and Wisconsin, transforming Waddington Farm into a model of scientific agriculture, supporting the early development of 4-H clubs, and bequeathing his estate to create what would become Oglebay Park - died in Cleveland, Ohio at the age of 77 (1926).
Earl W. Oglebay (1849-1926) was a prominent businessperson, philanthropist, and agricultural enthusiast born in Bridgeport, Ohio. He became the youngest bank president in the nation at age 28 and later developed significant interests in the iron ore industry. Oglebay purchased Waddington Farm near Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1901, transforming it into a model farm for scientific agricultural research and experimentation. He was particularly interested in improving farming methods and supported agricultural education initiatives, including the early development of 4-H clubs. Oglebay was known for his generous philanthropy, supporting various educational and medical institutions. Upon his death, he bequeathed his Waddington Farm estate to the city of Wheeling for public recreation and education, which became the foundation for the present-day Oglebay Park.
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Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Hall of Fame, Find a Grave, Weelunk, Library of Congress, West Virginia Division of Tourism, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, West Virginia History on View, West Virginia & Regional History
Earl W. Oglebay (1849-1926) was a prominent businessperson, philanthropist, and agricultural enthusiast born in Bridgeport, Ohio. He became the youngest bank president in the nation at age 28 and later developed significant interests in the iron ore industry. Oglebay purchased Waddington Farm near Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1901, transforming it into a model farm for scientific agricultural research and experimentation. He was particularly interested in improving farming methods and supported agricultural education initiatives, including the early development of 4-H clubs. Oglebay was known for his generous philanthropy, supporting various educational and medical institutions. Upon his death, he bequeathed his Waddington Farm estate to the city of Wheeling for public recreation and education, which became the foundation for the present-day Oglebay Park.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/C15yv) (https://shorturl.at/GIofq) (https://shorturl.at/87xIG) (https://shorturl.at/QUdA7) (https://shorturl.at/28xPr) (https://tinyurl.com/5ebcecbv) (https://tinyurl.com/bdze8cdw) (https://tinyurl.com/yc5pyvz2) (https://tinyurl.com/mr2xacw2) (https://tinyurl.com/2sxs5jdd)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Hall of Fame, Find a Grave, Weelunk, Library of Congress, West Virginia Division of Tourism, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, West Virginia History on View, West Virginia & Regional History
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