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John Dent was born in 1755 in Leesburg, Virginia. At the age of twenty-one, he crossed the Appalachian Mountains and settled in the area that would become Monongalia County. When the county was officially formed in 1776, Dent was named the first sheriff. Dent enlisted to fight in the American Revolution after residing in the Virginia frontier for less than a year. He had a hand in building several forts on the upper Ohio River designed to ward off attacks from Native Americans. Dent reached the rank of captain by the end of the war and continued to serve until 1780. Dent married Margaret Evans and returned to Monongalia County to reestablish his homestead after retiring from military service. His plantation in the Granville area was one of the largest in the area and produced corn, wheat, tobacco, and wool. A nearby creek was named Dent’s Run after John Dent. Dent died in Monongalia County in 1840. Though records indicate that Dent was buried near the Evans plots in Oak Grove Cemetery, the grave itself is either too worn to read or no longer extant.

John Dent was a Monongalia County pioneer, the county’s first sheriff, and a captain in the Revolutionary War.

John Dent (1755-1840)

Oak Grove Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in the area and the burial site of many of Morgantown's most influential individuals. Explore the lives of the pioneers, politicians, educators, and entrepreneurs who shaped local and national history. The tour can be experienced as a short walking tour of the gravesites, or as a virtual experience. 

Oak Grove Cemetery Tour

Beginning in the eighteenth century, burials commenced in the northwest corner of Oak Grove Cemetery before radiating roughly counterclockwise through the space. Several factors might have contributed to choosing the site of the cemetery. If the Oak Grove name alludes truthfully to the space, then the location would have been an attractive place for a cemetery. A grove would save the trouble of clearing underbrush and smaller trees, thus decreasing the necessary labor. Oak trees also possess symbolic power. Many traditions view oak trees as symbols of longevity, might, and fortitude. It is easy to imagine how these traits would have appealed to settlers in an often hostile and unforgiving land. Another appealing aspect of the Oak Grove Cemetery location could have been the proximity to the Monongahela River, as the cemetery would have been easily accessible by water.The earliest burials in Oak Grove Cemetery are clustered into family plots. Typically, a roughly rectangular area is demarcated by a low stone wall. A large monument bearing the family name is often centered in the plot. The rest of the space in each family plot is filled with graves. Women were buried based on their married name, though many tombstones also list maiden names. Families, especially isolated families like those around early Morgantown, often had a private cemetery somewhere on their property. This makes the use of Oak Grove Cemetery somewhat puzzling. The burial site is not centrally located or conveniently accessible. For a family such as the Dents, who lived several miles outside of Morgantown, reaching the Oak Grove Cemetery would have been an extended daytrip. It is possible that burying the dead together was important to creating and solidifying community ties, which made the cemetery valuable beyond simply existing as a burial site.The first marked burials in Oak Grove Cemetery took place in 1796; Mary Reed and Wilson Philander were interred in that year. However, there was a nearly fifteen-year gap before another burial took place in the cemetery. It was not until 1810 that Reed and Philander were joined by others. The reasons for this gap are unknown, though considering Morgantown’s tiny size at the turn of the nineteenth century, there could simply have been few or no deaths between 1796 and 1810. The burials in this first period of cemetery use are primarily from pioneer families such as the Dents, Evans, and Reeds. Burial markers from this early period are usually made of local limestone. The markers are carved with care, though time has severely weathered most of them, some to the point of illegibility.The middle period of Oak Grove Cemetery’s history is characterized by the burials of founders and shapers of West Virginia and Morgantown as civic units. Morgantown remained relatively small in the nineteenth century, though the population boomed in the last two decades before 1900. Oak Grove Cemetery witnessed the interments of figures such as Waitman T. Willey, who cleared the way for West Virginian statehood, and Alexander L. Wade, who overhauled the public-school system. Most burials from the middle period are of politicians, civic leaders, or lawyers.The final major period of Oak Grove Cemetery Use occurred in the twentieth century. The burials of politicians and civic leaders continued, though they were joined by increasing numbers of entrepreneurs, businessmen, and educators. As Morgantown expanded, more services and infrastructures were needed, leading to a shift in economy and culture. Additionally, West Virginia University became a key component of the community. The last plots in Oak Grove Cemetery were sold in the 1930s or 1940s. Despite this, burials have occurred as recently as 2011, as many families purchased an excess of plots well in advance of needing them. Unfortunately for Oak Grove Cemetery’s historical authenticity, many bodies were uninterred from other cemeteries and transferred to Oak Grove in the twentieth century.

Oak Grove Cemetery is one of Morgantown’s oldest and most prestigious cemeteries. The earliest grave dates to 1796, and burials continued in earnest well into the twentieth century. Almost all of Morgantown’s most prominent figures – from pioneers to politicians, entrepreneurs to educators – are buried in Oak Grove Cemetery. The cemetery also includes the Monongalia County War Memorial, which was erected in 1905 and dedicated to combatants in the Civil War and Spanish-American War. The monument was later rededicated to include World War I. The last plot in the cemetery was sold in the 1930s or 1940s, though relatively recent burials have occurred. 

Walter A. Mestrezat was born in Greensboro, Pennsylvania in 1857. He was an accomplished musician, and his primary instrument was the coronet. His father was Charles Mestrezat, who served in the Civil War. Walter Mestrezat was a teacher at West Virginia University's Conservatory of Music (now the School of Music). Mestrezat served in several different regiments during the Spanish American War. The first noted was the 1st Regiment of West Virginia Volunteers. He served as the Chief Musician for about a year, then went on to serve as the Chief Musician of the 30th Regiment of the United States.Mestrezat was mustered out – a type of honorable discharge – in 1901. His character upon discharge was excellent, and his service was described as honest and faithful. However, Mestrezat's discharge was short lived as he reenlisted and was sent overseas for the Philippine Insurrection, where he served again as Chief Musician. During this time, he wrote a series of letters back to Morgantown newspaper The New Dominion. The letters were entitled "From Mestrezat" and covered everything from what it was like getting shot at, to the rations those enlisted were being served.Mestrezat is also credited with being the first director of what is now the Pride of West Virginia Mountaineer Marching Band. The band started out as an eight man Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) band. The band's members became eleven when non-ROTC men were allowed to join, but they did not receive the same benefits as the ROTC members. Unhappy with this, the non-ROTC men broke off and formed a rebel band. The newly formed band had received permission from Mestrezat and the athletic director to perform at halftime shows at football games, but the University squelched this by stating they must be an official student organization. The men of the rebel band formed what is now the Omicron chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, the national honorary band fraternity. The two bands merged into one band a few years later.

Walter A. Mestrezat was an accomplished musician, military veteran, and founder of the West Virginia University Marching Band. Mestrezat served in the Spanish American War, and was also a teacher at the then Conservatory of Music (now the School of Music) at West Virginia University.

Walter A. Mestrezat (1857-1942)

Edward M. Grant was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1853. The young man was educated in Cleveland public schools before going to work as an office boy for Hussey &amp; McBride, an oil refining company. By the age of fifteen, Grant had displayed precocious talent and was responsible for the company’s bookkeeping. In 1872, the nineteen-year-old Grant was sent to supervise oil production sites directly. Grant married Florence Dale in 1876 and the couple had five children over the years. Grant greatly enjoyed his work with natural gas and in 1885 purchased a controlling share in the Union Light &amp; Heat Company based out of Foxburg, Pennsylvania. This decision greatly shaped the latter half of Grant’s life.In 1889, Grant and his family moved to Morgantown, where Grant planned to leverage his control of Union Light &amp; Heat Company. He reorganized the company as the Union Improvement Company and began creating utility infrastructure in the Morgantown area. By 1890, the Union Improvement Company had made water and gas utilities available to all 1,500 Morgantown residents. Grant continued to involve himself in the economic development of Morgantown. He served as both treasurer and secretary for the Morgantown Building &amp; Investment Company and the Morgantown Brick Company. Grant was also vice president of the Federal Savings &amp; Trust Company.While living in Morgantown, Grant became involved in politics and public affairs. He represented Monongalia County in the state legislature for two terms, from 1889 until 1903. One of Grant’s most significant contributions as a politician was the securement of the largest appropriation West Virginia University (WVU) had ever seen. For this service, Grant was asked to serve on the WVU Board of Regents, a position he filled until his death. In 1908, Grant served as a delegate from West Virginia for the Republican National Convention. In addition to his political activity, Grant was extremely community involved. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Morgantown Union Lodge, Orient Chapter, Crusade Commandery, Osiris Temple, Royal Arcanum, Royal Tribe of Joseph, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and the Morgantown Fishing and Hunting Club. Grant also served as Morgantown’s postmaster from 1921 until his death in 1923.

Edward M. Grant was an entrepreneur and politician who spent much of his life in Morgantown. One of his most significant contributions was bringing public water and gas utilities to Morgantown. Grant’s contributions to higher education as a politician and public figure are also significant. Finally, Grant was extremely involved in fraternal orders and social organizations in the Morgantown area. 

Edward M. Grant (1853-1923)

William E. Glasscock was born in 1862 in Monongalia County, near Arnettsville. He attended West Virginia University (WVU) before teaching at local schools for four years. In 1887, he was elected Superintendent of Public Schools in Monongalia County and served this role for four years. Glasscock then served as County Clerk and acquired a law degree from WVU in 1903. Through his service as an attorney for Senator Stephen B. Elkins, Glasscock made many connections in the Republican Party. Thanks to recommendations from Republican lawmakers, the lawyer was appointed Collector of Internal Revenue for the District of West Virginia. Glasscock held this position from 1905 until 1908, when he resigned to run for governor in West Virginia. Glasscock defeated his opponent, Louis Bennett, becoming the thirteenth governor of West Virginia.As governor, Glasscock focused primarily on issues of public services, workers rights, and political reform. Under his leadership, medical examinations became a requirement for all West Virginia public school students and a tuberculosis sanitarium was created. A public service commission, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Public Roads were also established during Glasscock's term. Glasscock advocated for workers by taxing natural gas companies, creating new mine safety laws, and enacting worker's compensation laws. Another major interest of the governor was ameliorating the political system. He pushed for free and fair elections, opposed lobbying practices, and sponsored anti-trust legislation.Though Glasscock developed a strong following for his progressive policies, his term as governor was also marred by several events that attracted national attention. In 1911, the Democratically controlled West Virginia House of Delegates was poised to name not one, but two new United States Senators. This was because senators were chosen by state legislatures until the Seventeenth Amendment was passed in 1913, which made federal senator positions elected posts. Several Republican house members hid in Glasscock's office to prevent a quorum from being present in a legislative session. Without a quorum to allow a vote, no new senators could be chosen. When the sergeant-at-arms attempted to capture the insubordinate lawmakers, they boarded a train to Cincinnati and escaped. The incident became a national talking point and underscored political party power struggles and the inefficiency of the West Virginia legislature.The other series of incidents that negatively impacted Glasscock's image occurred in the last year of his governorship. Kanawha Valley coal companies refused to negotiate with striking workers and responded to the labor force by heavily arming mine guards. The striking workers followed suit and bloody skirmishes began. Glasscock declared martial law in summer 1912 and moved 1,200 militia members into Kanawha Valley. The militia successfully confiscated weapons and eased tensions, but only temporarily. Over the next year, Glasscock was forced to declare martial law twice more. He was criticized for heavy-handed and unconstitutional responses, though the West Virginia Supreme Court later ruled that Glasscock's actions were legal.After Glasscock's term ended in 1913, he returned to Morgantown to continue practicing law. However, governorship had taken a severe toll on his mental and physical health. Glasscock never fully recovered and died in 1925. The politician's progressive but forceful ideas about public service is captured in a quote from his inauguration speech; "Government is the machinery invoked and devised by man for his benefit and protection."1 Glasscock saw great potential for the people of West Virginia and was willing to accomplish his vision using whatever means were available to him.

William E. Glasscock was born in 1862 in Monongalia County. He was the thirteenth governor of West Virginia, serving from 1909-1913. Glasscock made great strides in progressing public services, workers rights, and political organization in West Virginia. In contrast to his positive impacts, Glasscock's term as governor was also plagued with political scandals and allegations of mishandling of labor disputes. Glasscock never physically or mentally recovered from the stresses of office and died in Morgantown in 1925.

William E. Glasscock (1862-1925)

Frank Cox was born in 1862 in Monongalia County. He was initially educated in the public-school system before attending West Virginia University and graduating at twenty-one years old with a law degree. For five years, Cox practiced law alone before forming a partnership with George C. Baker in 1888. The two lawyers bought the former office of Waitman T. Willey, who is also buried in Oak Grove Cemetery. Their firm specialized in oil, corporation, and chancery litigation. Also in 1888, Cox was elected as Monongalia County’s Prosecuting Attorney. Cox appointed Baker as his deputy assistant and together they served for six years. In 1894, the roles were reversed, and Baker became the Prosecuting Attorney while Cox assisted. During this time, the partners continued their law business. In 1895, they rented The Old Stone House in downtown Morgantown, possibly as a temporary home for their law office. Sometime in the early twentieth century, Cox and Baker built a dedicated building for their firm located at 162 Chancery Row.Cox was elected to Judge of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals in 1904. He was also selected to serve as a member of the World’s Fair Commission for West Virginia. By 1907, Cox had become the president of the court, but resigned from the position that very same year and returned to Morgantown, where Cox reestablished the law firm with Baker. Cox also focused on local business and community interests. He purchased large swaths of real estate throughout Morgantown, which motivated the former judge to advocate for Morgantown’s commerce. Cox was a member and vice president of the Board of Trade of Morgantown and chaired the second Monongalia County Liberty Loan Drive during World War I. Additionally, Cox funded a mid-1920s building at 118 High Street to serve as space for local businesses. The structure also featured apartments on the upper floors. Cox was a member of many Morgantown institutions including the Methodist Episcopal Church, Masons, Odd Fellows, and Modern Woodmen of America. In 1940, Cox died in Morgantown.

Frank Cox was a prominent Morgantown lawyer, judge, and businessman. Cox was born in 1862 and graduated with a law degree from West Virginia University in 1883. Cox was a lifelong friend and law partner with George C. Baker, another Morgantown lawyer. Each man served as Prosecuting Attorney of Monongalia County with the other serving as their deputy assistant. Cox later went on to sit on the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, even becoming president of the court in 1907. After resigning from this position after less than a year, Cox focused on business and community development in Morgantown. He died in 1940. 

Frank Cox (1862-1940)

George C. Sturgiss was born in 1842 in Poland, Ohio. At the age of seventeen, he moved to Morgantown and attended Monongalia Academy. After two years at the academy, Sturgiss began studying law with Waitman T. Willey, a United States senator for West Virginia who is also buried in Oak Grove Cemetery. By 1863, Sturgiss was admitted to the bar and began practicing law in Morgantown. This same year he married Sabra J. Vance. After Sabra's death Sturgiss married Charlotte Cecilia Kent in 1908. The couple had four daughters: Katherine Kent, Helen Marie, Sabra Roberta Cecilia and Elizabeth Arabella.During the Civil War, the newly licensed lawyer served as a clerk under Major James V. Boughner, paymaster of the United States Volunteers. Sturgiss’ political career began when he was elected Superintendent of Free Schools in Monongalia County. He filled this role until 1869, when he ran for West Virginia House of Delegates. Sturgiss won his race and served as a representative from 1870 until 1872.After his stint in the West Virginia House of Delegates, Sturgiss alternated between political positions and law practice, which he operated in partnership with Ralph L. Berkshire, also buried in Oak Grove Cemetery. From 1872 until 1880, Sturgiss served as prosecuting attorney of Monongalia County. In 1880, he became the Republican nominee for governor of West Virginia, though he lost the race to Jacob B. Jackson. Following this defeat, Sturgiss returned to practicing law until 1889, when President Benjamin Harrison appointed the lawyer as United States Attorney for the District of West Virginia. Sturgiss held this position for four years. Another one of Sturgiss' political campaigns occurred in 1906 – this time for United States House of Representatives. Sturgiss was successful in this campaign and his subsequent one, which allowed him to serve terms in the Sixtieth and Sixty-First Congress. After his time in Congress, Sturgiss became a circuit court judge from 1912-1920.George C. Sturgiss is also significant for his non-political contributions. He used the wealth he had acquired from his law practices to personally finance the West Virginia Northern Railroad and the Morgantown &amp; Kingwood Railroad, both of which significantly advanced access to and from Morgantown. Additionally, Sturgiss modernized utilities in Morgantown through his role as director of the Union Utility Company. Sturgiss’ interest in improving educational opportunities is evident. He served as secretary of the Board of Regents for West Virginia University for twelve years. It is thanks to his contracts that the university acquired many of its early buildings such as the library, farm, and Armory and Mechanical Hall. Sturgiss was also chairman of the board of trustees for the Methodist Episcopal Church (now Wesley United Methodist Church) and donated a pipe organ and 7,500-pound chime of bells for a new church building.In 1890, former West Virginia governor George W. Atkinson wrote the following about Sturgiss: “The writer… remembers him as a young man of high personal character, attentive to his duties and very able in discharge of them. He was beyond question one of the most formidable and forceful members of [the West Virginia House of Delegates].”1 Sturgiss died in Morgantown in 1925 from pulmonary tuberculosis. However, he left an indelible mark on Morgantown through his political, educational, and religious contributions.

George C. Sturgiss was a West Virginia House of Delegates Member, congressional representative, and lawyer. Sturgiss made a variety of political and personal contributions to West Virginia and Morgantown. He worked tirelessly to advance commerce in Morgantown through the creation of transportation infrastructure. Additionally, his position as secretary for the West Virginia University Board of Regents helped advance educational opportunity in the Mountain State. Sturgiss was also well-known and respected in the Morgantown community for his philanthropic contributions to the local area.

George C. Sturgiss (1842-1925)

Alexander L. Wade was born near Rushville, Indiana in 1932. However, Wade’s family moved to Monongalia County while Wade was still a young boy, and he was educated in the local public-school systems. At just sixteen years of age, Wade began teaching in the school system he himself had recently experienced. He maintained this position until 1861. At this point, West Virginia was becoming an independent state and Wade was elected as the first recorder of Monongalia County. For a decade, Wade was responsible for land deeds and records before being becoming principal of the public schools in Morgantown in 1871. Wade became Superintendent of Monongalia County Schools in 1875 and was reelected to this position in 1877.In his capacity as superintendent, Wade sought to overhaul the fundamental way county schools were structured. At that time, students of all ages were taught the same material in a single classroom. Wade envisioned a system where students would complete sequential tiers of instruction. An exam at the end of each tier allowed a student to advance to the next level of instruction. Upon completing all eight tiers, students were honored in a ritualistic ceremony and bestowed with a proof of education. This system survives to us today as the grade system, graduation ceremony, and diploma familiar to all American students for the last century and a half.After serving as superintendent, Wade returned to teaching so that he could see his new system firsthand. In the early 1880s, the educator wrote a book titled, “A Graduating System for Country Schools.” The work initially drew some ire and condemnation for Wade’s progressive ideas, though others recognized the significance of the ideology. Wade advocated for the metric system, suggested that education can and should be enjoyable, and believed that any student, regardless of gender or race, could excel in school. Over the next decade, opinion on Wade’s revolutionary work changed, and his system was implemented nationwide by 1891.After the success of his graduating system, Wade became more involved in politics and business. He toured as a lecturer between 1881 and 1886, giving talks to educators and policymakers. In 1886, Wade became a member and later counsellor of the American Institute of Civics. He also became involved in publishing businesses. When Wade died in Richmond, Virginia on May 12, 1904, he was the primary agent for the largest publishing house in Virginia. Though records indicate that Wade was buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, the exact location of his grave has not been verified.

Alexander L. Wade was a Monongalia County educator, bureaucrat, and reformer. Wade’s progressive ideas made him a target of national criticism as well as praise. His most significant contribution to the field of education was the creation of a graduating system. His 1881 book, "A Graduating System for Country Schools" outlined his system of primary education. This system survives to us today as the grade system all publicly educated Americans have experienced. 

Alexander L. Wade (1832-1904)

In 1874, Oliver P. Chitwood was born in Franklin County, Virginia. He attended Williams and Mary College, where he was also a librarian. From 1902-1903, Chitwood served as headmaster of Richmond Academy before completing a history PhD at John Hopkins University in 1905. Following this, Chitwood taught history and economics at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. After teaching for only two years, Chitwood received a letter from Daniel B. Purinton – a former president at West Virginia University (WVU) who is also buried in Oak Grove Cemetery – asking Chitwood to apply for a vacant position in the history faculty. That Chitwood was courted, rather than independently seeking the position, speaks to his renown. In fact, in a letter responding to Purinton, Chitwood requested that Purinton write to Chitwood’s current boss explaining that Chitwood had been contacted directly and was not unhappy with his current position.By 1907, Chitwood had resettled in Morgantown. He led a highly successful academic career at WVU, authoring several seminal works. Chitwood’s textbooks were some of the most popular college textbooks of his time, while his works on Colonial America set the standard for years to come. Chitwood continued to teach at WVU until retiring in 1946, though he remained involved on the WVU campus. On February 3, 1971, Chitwood died in Morgantown. The following year, Science Hall on WVU’s downtown campus was renamed Chitwood Hall in the former professor’s honor.

Oliver P. Chitwood was a history professor at West Virginia Unviersity (WVU) from 1907-1946. He was renowned for his writing and contributions to American history in particular. After Chitwood’s death in 1971, Science Hall on WVU’s downtown campus was renamed Chitwood Hall in recognition of the former professor.

Oliver P. Chitwood (1874-1971)

John M. Hagans was born in 1838 in Brandonville, Virginia (now West Virginia). Hagans’ father, Harrison, was a figurehead of iron industry and an active participant in politics. Following in his father’s footsteps, the young Hagans attended public schools before acquiring a law degree. Hagans was admitted to the bar in 1859. The newly certified lawyer married Sarah B. Willey – daughter of famous lawyer and politician Waitman T. Willey – likely sometime in the early 1860s. Hagans began a law practice in Morgantown, but worked for only three years before being elected as Prosecuting Attorney of Monongalia County in 1862. He served through 1864, when he was selected as law reporter for the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia. Hagans was also elected as mayor of Morgantown from 1866-1869, though he continued to serve as the law reporter for the court. Additionally, Hagans was again the Monongalia County prosecuting attorney in 1870.By the 1870s, Hagans’ political circle was expanding. He was invited to help draft the West Virginia constitution at the Charleston Constitutional Convention in 1871. Following the convention, Hagans ran as a Republican for the United States House of Representatives. He was successful in his campaign and served a single term from 1873-1875, though his reelection bid was a failure. Hagans went on to be a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates from 1879-1883. After this stint, the former delegate returned to Morgantown where he continued practicing law. In 1888, Hagans became the judge of the second judicial circuit, a position he held until his death. He also published an 1891 book titled, "Brief Sketch of the Erection and Formation of the State of West Virginia from the Territory of Virginia." Hagans died in Morgantown in 1900.

John M. Hagans was a lawyer, politician, and judge. Born in 1838 in Brandonville, Virginia (later West Virginia), Hagans received a law education and began practicing in Morgantown. He married Sarah B. Willey, daughter of famous local Waitman T. Willey. Hagans served in a variety of governmental positions including Prosecuting Attorney of Monongalia County and mayor of Morgantown. He would later become a representative in both the United States and West Virginia House of Representatives. Hagans was also a circuit court judge and wrote a book later in his life. He died in Morgantown in 1900.

John M. Hagans (1838-1900)

Abraham Guseman was born in Germany in 1753. At the age of just seventeen, Guseman immigrated to the United States with his brother, John, and sister, Sophia. The three Gusemans found themselves in Harpers Ferry by way of Baltimore. All three of the siblings were employed by the Colonial Armory in Harpers Ferry. They continued to work at the armory until 1776, when the Revolutionary War began. Abraham Guseman enlisted in the Revolutionary Army and fought in a number of conflicts. He was wounded thrice; once by a bullet, once by a saber, and once by a third unspecified weapon that left him unable to continue military service. Guseman returned to Harpers Ferry but remained committed to the revolutionary cause by repairing flintlock weapons.After the war, the Gusemans relocated to Martinsburg, Virginia (now West Virginia) and created a silversmithing and clockmaking business. Their Black walnut grandfather clocks were lauded for their fine craftmanship and precise timekeeping. While living in Martinsburg, Abraham Guseman married Susannah Henlock. However, Henlock died of typhoid just nine days after the couple’s marriage. Guseman remarried Catherine Bernard in Martinsburg, though for unknown reasons, this marriage also ended. Guseman married a third time to Maria Ralphsnider. In 1798, Guseman moved his family from Martinsburg to Monongalia County.Guseman settled in Monongalia County near Deckers Creek, approximately six miles from the creek’s confluence with the Monongahela River and near modern day Dellslow. For a period of time, the Guseman family used a rock formation as a temporary home – the rocks are now called Pioneer Rocks in honor of Guseman. In 1800, a proper house was completed. Guseman then turned his attention to the construction of a mill on Deckers Creek. A dam was constructed to control waterflow, and the split sandstone mill was completed sometime in the early nineteenth century. It was one of the first mills in the area. While repairing the mill in 1821, Guseman was crushed to death by a wooden beam. However, operation of Guseman’s mill was continued by his sons, and the structure continued to service local communities for over a century.

Abraham Guseman was a German immigrant born in 1753. He worked at the Colonial Armory in Harpers Ferry for several years before fighting in the Revolutionary War. He was injured on multiple occasions but continued to serve the revolutionary cause by repairing flintlock weapons. After the war, Guseman moved to Martinsburg, where he was married three times. In 1798, Guseman relocated his family to Monongalia County, where they took up temporary residence in a rock formation on Deckers Creek. In the early nineteenth century, Guseman built a house for his family, and a mill to service the local communities. Guseman died in 1821, when he was crushed to death by a beam while repairing his mill. 

Abraham Guseman (1753-1821)

Thoney Pietro was born Ferdinando Pitassi in 1878. A native of Genoa, Italy, the young Italian learned stonemasonry with his grandfather. After immigrating to the United States in 1896, Pitassi’s name became Americanized to Thoney Pietro. The immigrant found his way to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he developed a reputation as a master bricklayer. Pietro married in the late 1890s and first saw Morgantown while on vacation with his wife. The town reminded Pietro of his native Italy, and the couple moved there near the turn of the nineteenth century.Once established in Morgantown, Pietro created the Thoney Pietro construction company. Morgantown’s population was booming, and the demand for infrastructure was high. Pietro’s company was responsible for roads, retaining walls, landscaping, and utility construction. The Thoney Pietro Constuction Company was the largest Works Progress Administration contractor in the Morgantown area. By 1930, Pietro’s company had expanded to Baltimore, Philadelphia, and throughout West Virginia. In addition to public constructions, Pietro is also famous for his ornate home styled on an Italian fortress and known as Pietro’s Castle. Pietro and his family lived in the castle from 1933 until 1949. When Pietro moved into a more modest home near downtown Morgantown, he deeded the castle to the Franciscan Friars.In addition to his reputation as a mason and businessman, Pietro was also active in the Morgantown community. In particular, his local efforts were focused on workers and Italian-American immigrants. He advocated for fair workers wages and conditions, pushed for Italian to be taught in public schools, and was a frequent newspaper commenter on the United States’ international relations with Italy. Pietro shaped both the physical and cultural fabric of Morgantown through his business and personal contributions.

Thoney Pietro was an Italian-American immigrant, businessman, and public figure. A master bricklayer, Pietro created the Thoney Pietro Construction Company. This company was responsible for much of the public infrastructure in Morgantown in the first half of the twentieth century. In addition to business pursuits, Pietro was also an outspoken advocate for workers and Italian-Americans. 

Thoney Pietro (1878-1972)

Ralph L. Berkshire was born in 1816 and grew up on a farm in Monongalia County. He received no formal schooling, but at the age of eighteen left home to apprentice with a carpenter. In 1838, Berkshire began reading law under the mentorship of Guy R. C. Allen, a prominent West Virginia lawyer. Despite having no formal education, Berkshire displayed sufficient aptitude to be admitted to the bar in ca. 1841 alongside Waitman T. Willey, who is also buried in the Oak Grove Cemetery. After practicing law for only a few years, Berkshire was appointed as Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney in 1847. In 1852, Berkshire ran for the same position and won, as it had changed from an appointed to elected role. Berkshire ran for circuit court judge in 1861 but lost to George W. Thompson.Berkshire was an outspoken Republican and opponent to Virginian secession from the Union during the Civil War. His contributions to the Virginia Secession Convention of 1861 were hailed by major newspapers as “the first loyal voice from West Virginia.”1 He was elected Monongalia County’s delegate to both the first and second Wheeling Conventions in 1861. Thompson, the judge who had previously defeated Berkshire in the campaign for circuit court judge, refused to take the oaths mandated by the Wheeling Convention. Therefore, a new election was held, and Berkshire was selected to replace Thompson. Berkshire served in this capacity from 1861 until 1863.It was in 1863 that West Virginia became its own fully-fledged state. Berkshire was one of three judges nominated to serve on the new state’s Supreme Court of Appeals. The judges drew lots of four, eight, and twelve years to determine term lengths, and Berkshire drew the shortest term. However, he was chosen to lead the court. When his term expired, Berkshire attempted reelection, but was defeated by Edwin Maxwell. Fortunately for Berkshire, the judge who drew the lot for the longest term resigned in 1868, and Berkshire won the campaign for the unexpectedly vacant seat. For over one hundred years, Berkshire held the distinction of only judge to serve on the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals in non-consecutive terms. Berkshire served for four more years between 1868, before the results of the 1872 elections completely flipped the court.Berkshire also served a single term from 1874 to 1878 as Monongalia County’s State Senator. This position was Berkshire’s last term in political office, though he remained a prolific orator and Republican ally. For the last decades of his life, Berkshire maintained his private law practice in Morgantown in partnership with George C. Sturgiss, also buried in Oak Grove Cemetery. Berkshire died in 1902 in Morgantown.

Born in 1816, Ralph L. Berkshire grew up on a farm in Monongalia County before leaving home at eighteen. Despite the fact that he had received no formal schooling, Berkshire became a carpenter’s apprentice before beginning to study law. He was admitted to the bar ca. 1841 and served in various judicial capacities. He received national news attention for his vehement condemnation of Virginian secession, and for his advocacy of West Virginia as an independent state. Following the formation of West Virginia, Berkshire was one of the first three judges selected to serve on West Virginia’s Supreme Court of Appeals. He served a first term from 1863 to 1866, and then a second term from 1868 to 1872. For over one hundred years Berkshire held the distinction of only judge to serve on the court in non-consecutive terms. Berkshire was also elected as Monongalia County’s State Senator from 1874 to 1878.

Ralph L. Berkshire (1816-1902)

Thomas Wilson was born in Staunton, Virginia in 1765. He studied law in Staunton and was admitted to the bar in 1789. Wilson then moved to Morgantown – which was then still part of Virginia – where he began practicing law. After only three years in Morgantown, Wilson was elected as a Federalist to the Virginia Senate. Due to the sparse population of western Virginia, Wilson represented Monongalia, Ohio, Randolph, and Harrison Counties. Furthermore, these counties were all much larger than they are today. Wilson's jurisdiction included almost the entire north-eastern half of what is now West Virginia, including parts of the eastern panhandles. Wilson’s term in the senate ended in 1795, and he was elected to the Virginia House of Representatives in 1799 as Monongalia County’s representative. He served a single two-year term before being reelected to the senate from 1800-1804. During this second senate stint, Wilson represented the aforementioned counties as well as newly added Wood and Brooke Counties.Still running as a Federalist, Wilson was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1811. He served a single two-year term during the Twelfth Congress. In 1816, Wilson again represented Monongalia County in the Virginia House of Delegates. After retiring from politics in 1817, Wilson returned to Morgantown and continued practicing law. He died in Morgantown on January 24, 1826. With two terms each in both the Virginia House of Delegates and Virginia Senate, as well as a term in the United States House of Representatives, Wilson was an important western Virginian politician. Wilson’s son and grandson – Edgar and Eugene, respectively – also served terms in the United States Congress. Edgar is also buried in Oak Grove Cemetery.

Thomas Wilson was a western Virginia politician who served in Virginian and federal governments. He was a two-time representative in the Virginia House of Representatives, two-time senator in the Virginia Senate, and representative in the United States House of Representatives. Though not born in Morgantown, Wilson called the town his home and practiced law in the area throughout his life. Wilson’s son, Edgar, and his grandson, Eugene, were also both members of the United States Congress. 

Thomas Wilson (1765-1826)

Daniel B. Purinton was born in Preston County, Virginia (now West Virginia) in 1850. Purinton’s father, a Baptist minister, instilled a strong religious and community commitment in his son. Purinton attended West Virginia University (WVU) from 1869 until 1876, earning both bachelor and master of arts degrees. In addition to graduating from WVU, Purinton also married Florence A. Lyon in 1876. Purinton finished his education with a doctorate from the University of Nashville. He then returned to WVU to teach in the Preparatory Department. His courses included logic, mathematics, metaphysics, and vocal music. In 1881, Purinton was briefly acting president of the university and advocated for co-education. In 1889, Purinton made the first motion to admit women as degree candidates. His sister-in-law, Harriet Lyons, became the first woman to graduate from WVU.Purinton left his posts at WVU to be president of Denison College in Granville, Ohio in 1890. He stayed in Ohio until 1901, when he returned to serve as WVU’s president once again. In addition, the academic was also appointed dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Purinton’s stint as president was primarily characterized by campus expansion. He was responsible for the construction the first on-campus home for WVU’s presidents, now known as the Purinton House. The home attracted a large amount of criticism from those who felt that Purinton’s use of public and private funds to construct a home for himself was irresponsible, or even corrupt. Despite the controversy, Purinton maintained his WVU positions until stepping down in 1911. In addition to his higher education administrative appointments, Purinton also served as president of the West Virginia Baptist Assembly. He died in Morgantown on November 27, 1933.

Daniel B. Purinton was a West Virginia University professor and president. He was an early advocate for women to be accepted to the university as degree candidates and his sister-in-law was the first female graduate. Purinton was also responsible for the construction of the original on-campus home for the university president, now known as the Purinton House.

Daniel B. Purinton (1850-1933)

Waitman T. Willey was born in Monongalia County in 1811. He attended Madison College in Pennsylvania before establishing a law practice in Morgantown. Willey was admitted to the bar ca. 1841 alongside Ralph L. Berkshire, also buried in Oak Grove Cemetery. Willey was vehemently opposed to Virginia’s secession from the Union and attended the First Wheeling Convention, a gathering of northwestern Virginian politicians. Though initially opposed to the creation of a new state, in time, Willey became a crucial supporter of the efforts to separate West Virginia from Virginia. He personally presented the petition to secede from Virginia to Congress in 1862. He was also responsible for the creation of the Willey Amendment. This amendment to secession struck a compromise between hardline abolitionist congressmen – who refused to accept West Virginia as a new state unless it were a free state – and slave-owners. The legislation freed no slaves immediately, instead stipulating that any slave would become free upon reaching twenty-one years of age. The Willey Amendment was instrumental in clearing the final roadblock to West Virginia statehood. Between 1863 and 1871, Willey served as one of the first two senators from West Virginia. He also had a hand in drafting West Virginia's constitution in 1872. Willey died in Morgantown in 1900.

Waitman T. Willey was a founding father and politician for West Virginia. He played a crucial role in the creation of the state during the civil war through his resolution of the debate over West Virginia's status as a slave or free state. Willey served as one of West Virginia's first two senators and helped create the state's constitution. 

Waitman T. Willey (1811-1900)

John Evans was born on December 9, 1737 near Fairfax, Virginia. Evans attended school in Alexandria, Virginia, and married Ann Martin. Sometime between 1765 and 1767, Evans crossed the Appalachian Mountains, eventually finding himself near the site of present-day Morgantown. He used a legal process known as Tomahawk Right – where one marks trees on a boundary – to claim approximately four hundred acres in the area now known as Evansdale, after its first white settler. Evans began to move his family to their new homestead in 1766, but stopped in Cumberland for three years after learning of the danger of Native American attacks. In 1769, Evans, his wife, his mother, three children, and a family of slaves arrived at their new home.In Dunsmore’s War of 1774, Evans served as a lieutenant in the north-western region of Virginia. He continued to serve in the American Revolution, attaining the rank of colonel by the end of the war. The colonel returned to his home and assisted in the birth of Morgantown by serving as clerk of the Monongalia Court from 1782 until 1807. At the age of seventy-five, the aging Evans sold his farm to his son, also named John Evans. The elder Evans remained active in Morgantown politics before eventually passing in May of 1834. A historical marker for the site of Evans farmhouse was erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution, but this marker has since been removed. It sat near the current location of West Virginia University’s College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences building on the Evansdale Campus.

John Evans was one of the earliest settlers and pioneers in the Morgantown area. He also served in Dunsmore’s War and in the American Revolution, attaining the rank of colonel by the end of the latter conflict. The Evansdale region of Morgantown is named after Evans, as he was the first white settler to call the area his home. 

Oak Grove Cemetery

John Dent (1755-1840)

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Backstory and Context

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