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