Flag Commendation, Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Fort Henry Chapter Flag Committee chairman John Hargleroad and chapter president Jay Frey will present a Flag Commendation Certificate to Jim Pennington, President and CEO of The Health Plan at 10:00 on Tuesday, February 12. The award recognizes The Health Plan for displaying the US flag in compliance with the US Flag Code.
The ceremony will be held at the flag poles located on the Market Street side of The Health Plan’s headquarters at 1110 Main Street, Wheeling.
All compatriots are encouraged to attend.
Chapter meeting, Saturday, February 16, 2019
The Fort Henry Chapter will hold its quarterly meeting on Saturday, February 16 at 10:00 in the auditorium located on the ground level of the Ohio County Public Library, 52 Sixteeth Street.
Our guest speaker will be Travis Henline, recently appointed Museum Project Manager at Wheeling Heritage.
Many of you are acquainted with Travis from his tenure as site manager at West Virginia Independence Hall from 2009-16 during which time he developed more than 20 programs for the Sesquicentennial of West Virginia Statehood and the Civil War. You will also recall his memorable presentation on Lord Dunmore’s War at our February 2016 meeting.
In his position at Wheeling Heritage Travis’ primary responsibilities will revolve around identifying and developing the concept for a Wheeling history museum. He will work to identify a potential location for the museum, as well as establish themes and content, work with current museums and historical sites, and design and schedule permanent and temporary exhibits.
You won’t want to miss this opportunity to hear about efforts to create a central hub that pulls together Wheeling’s rich story.
As always, spouses, guests and prospective members are welcome.
Fort Henry Days, Saturday, September 1 and Sunday, September 2, Site One, Oglebay Park, Route 88, Wheeling
The 21st annual Fort Henry Days reenactment and history festival will be held over Labor Day weekend from 10:00 to 5:00 daily.
The Fort Henry Chapter will host an information table.
For additional event information, please visit www.forthenrydays.org
Fort Henry Chapter Meeting, Saturday, September 8, 2018, 10:00, Ohio County Public Library
The chapter will hold its fall quarterly meeting on September 8 in the auditorium of the Ohio County Public Library, 52 Sixteenth Street, Wheeling at 10:00 a.m. As always prospective members and guests are welcome. Compatriot Rev. Tim Spence will be our speaker. His topic, “Virginia and Pennsylvania: Rivers, Roads and the Roots of Revolution” focuses on the border dispute between the colonies and how it impacted the development of our local history. We will also have an update from guest Jeremy Harrison, founder and chief operating officer of Helping Heroes to which we mad
Fort Henry Chapter Meeting and Program, Saturday, September 16, 2017, 10:30 a.m.
Our quarterly meeting and program was held in the historic courtroom located on the third floor of West Virginia Independence Hall, 1528 Market Street at 10:30 a.m.
Our program speaker, Travis Henline, former site manager of WV Independence Hall, currently executive director, Main Street Morgantown spoke on “Lord Dunmore’s War.”
Compatriot Bruce McColloch delivered a report on our new partnership initiative with the Wheeling Chapter DAR to support Helping Heroes. For more information about the organization, please click on this link:http://www.helpingheroesinc.org/
New members Frank L. Carenbauer, III, John W. Carenbauer and John A. Hazlett were inducted into the Society. Long time at-large member C. Edward Gustkey was inducted as well.
Chapter Meeting and Program, Saturday, June 10, 2017, 10:30 a.m., WV Independence Hall
The Fort Henry Chapter’s quarterly meeting and program was held on Saturday, June 10, at 10:30 a.m. in the historic Federal courtroom located on the third floor of West Virginia Independence Hall, 1528 Market Street, Wheeling.
During our business meeting we inducted six of nine new members and also presented our first awards for service to the chapter. The chapter welcomed new compatriots David Pierce Ervin of Morgantown, Jeremy Charles McCamic, Bruce Allen McColloch, Edward Lee Phillips, Rev. Timothy Alan Spence, all of Wheeling, and Travis Keith Waddle of Asburn, VA.
Chapter president Jay Frey presented the Meritorious Service Medals to J. Gary Auber, chapter genealogist, David G. McIntire, chapter vice president and L. Dale Smith, chapter secretary-treasurer for their loyal and outstanding service to the chapter. Chapter registrar was awarded the Bronze Roger Sherman Medal for his loyal service as well.
Captain Samuel Brady
Our program featured a presentation on Captain Samuel Brady, one of the Ohio Valley’s most renowned pioneer heroes, whose story has been largely fortgotten. Our speaker was Earl Nicodemus, local historian and retired West Liberty University associate professor. A charter member and founding president of the West Liberty Historical Society, Earl currently serves as vice president and treasurer. He has been a trustee of the old West Liberty Cemetery since 1985 and is responsible for cemetery maintenance and upkeep. He has mapped the grave sites and done extensive research on the individuals buried there, including veterans of the American Revolution and the Civil War. Nicodemus has documented the Old West Liberty Court House. The author of numerous articles on the history of West Liberty and the cemetery, he also gives presentations on the town’s history to civic and social organizations. He was April’s featured presenter at the Fort Henry Commemoration Speaker Series on the topic of the first Ohio County seat at Black’s Cabin in West Liberty. A video tape of his presentation can be found at this link. President Jay Frey presented Earl with a Certificate of Appreciation for his contributions to the chapter.
Grave Marking Ceremony, Saturday, May 20, 2017, 9:00 a.m.
South Buffalo Cemetery, 1074 South Sunset Beach Road, Claysville, PA
Our compatriots of the George Washington Chapter, Washington, PA, are marking the grave of Patriot Thomas Brownlee, an ancestor of Fort Henry Chapter members Mark Welsh and Gary Auber. All are welcome to attend the ceremony. We are advised to arrive at or before 9:00 as parking is limited. All attendees are invited to a reception following the ceremony at Buffalo Township Building, 400 Buffalo Center Lane, Washington, PA 15301.
Directions:
Coordinates: N40.12336 – W080.36622
From Washington, PA: going West on I-70 take Exit 11. At ramp’s end turn left towards gas station. At that stop sign turn right and continue approximately 1 mile on Route 221 North. At 4-way intersection turn left onto Route 40 West. Proceed 1.3 mile and turn left onto Sunset Beach Road just before you pass Sunset Beach pool (there is no sign that says road name.) Continue 0 .7 mile on Sunset Beach Road. You will pass under I-70. The cemetery is on your right.
From Wheeling: going East on I-70 take Exit 6 “Claysville” and turn left at ramp’s end. Proceed to Route 40 and turn right. Continue 3.4 miles on Route 40. Sunset Beach Road is just past the pool on the right. Continue 0.7 mile on Sunset Beach Road. You will pass under I-70. The cemetery is on your right.
WVSSAR 90th Annual Dinner and Meeting, April 21 & 22, 2017
The Fort Henry Chapter hosted the 90th annual dinner and meeting of the West Virginia State Society on April 21 and 22. The dinner was held at the W.E. Stone Memorial Clubhouse, Wheeling Park. Guest speaker at the dinner was David T. Javersak, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of History and Dean Emeritus, College of Liberal Arts, West Liberty University. His topic was “A Revolution of Principles.” On behalf of the WVSSAR, Central District Vice President General Thomas L. Payne presented Dr. Javersak with the Silver Citizenship Medal and Certificate in recognition of his contributions to the state’s knowledge and appreciation of history.
The annual meeting location was the historic Federal Courtroom located in West Virginia Independence Hall, 1528 Market Street in Wheeling. For photographs, please click on this link.
Meeting and Program, Saturday, February 18, 2017
The chapter will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 18, in the auditorium located on the lower level of West Virginia Independence Hall, 1528 Market Street, Wheeling.
Our guest speaker is historian, author and Weirton attorney Michael E. Nogay who will speak about the forthcoming new edition of his book, Every Home a Fort, Every Man a Warrior. This fascinating work chronicles the public and private fortifications in the Northern Panhandle during the colonial and Revolutionary War period.
To read a review of the updated work, please click here: http://muse.jhu.edu/article/399326
Prospective members and guests are always welcome.
Holiday Luncheon, Wednesday, December 14, 2016, 11:30 a.m., Wheeling Park
Our joint holiday luncheon with the Wheeling Chapter, DAR, is Wednesday, December 14, at 11:30 in the Fireplace Room, W.E. Stone Memorial Club House, Wheeling Park, 1801 National Road.
Helping Heroes holiday donations
Once again the Wheeling Chapter NSDAR observed the holidays by supporting Helping Heroes with donations of cleaning supplies, children’s toys and financial contributions. This organization supports homeless veterans in the northern panhandle, offering shelter and counseling for transitioning to independence. Well over 400 veterans have been assisted. For more information about Helping Heroes please visit their web site:www.helpingheroesinc.org
Wreaths Across America
Gifts were received for Wreaths Across America to decorate veterans’ graves at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Cecil Township, Washington County, PA. Compatriot Gary Timmons announced that of the 26 organizations supporting this project locally, the George Washington Chapter, Washington, PA had the most donations this year. Again this year all graves in the cemetery will be decorated. The wreath laying event will be held on December 17th. Dress warmly and plan to arrive at 10:30 for the noon event.
Oglebay Mansion
Meeting and Program, Saturday, September 24, 10:00 a.m., Waddington Room, Oglebay Mansion Museum
Please save the date for our next meeting and program in historic Oglebay Mansion Museum. A guided tour of the Mansion will be offered following the meeting and program.
Our speaker will be Compatriot Gary W. Timmons who will make a presentation entitled “Occupants of Fort Henry.” Gary has done extensive research on the patriots and their families who occupied Fort Henry and has published several works on the topic.
We will also be inducting new members into the Society.
There is a $10 fee per person for this meeting to cover the tour fee. For information please contact Chapter president Jay Frey at (304) 312-1787 or jameshfrey@gmail.com.
Eight new Compatriots Inducted at Meeting and Program, June 11, 2016
The chapter met in historic First Presbyterian Church, the oldest structure in downtown Wheeling, completed in 1825.
Church Elder John Hazlett toured our group through the sanctuary and the Memorial Room, providing insights into the many beautiful features of the building and the history of the church.
The business meeting and program followed in Fellowship Hall. Eight of ten new compatriots were inducted into the Society by special guest Bill Lester, president of the WVSSAR.
Chapter officers were elected and then installed by President Lester.
A program was presented by noted historian David Javersak entitled “Why Paul Revere Rode.”
A number of compatriots enjoyed luncheon after the meeting in the Victorian Room of the River City Ale House.
Membership Meeting and Program
Saturday, February 20, 2016, 10:00 a.m.
Federal Courtroom, third floor
West Virginia Independence Hall
1528 Market Street, Wheeling
Our host and program speaker will be Travis L. Henline, site manager of West Virginia’s Independence Hall. The meeting will be held in the historic Federal Courtroom, located on the third floor and restored to its original design, the space where the first constitutional convention for West Virginia was held and where citizens of western Virginia decided to choose loyalty to the Union over secession.
Mr. Henline’s program presentation will be “The Revolution on the Upper Ohio: An American Indian Perspective.” He will also provide information about and a tour of West Virginia’s Independence Hall. You won’t want to miss this program!
Please register your attendance for this event by contacting chapter president Jay Frey at jameshfrey@gmail.com or (304) 312-1787 by Thursday, February 18. Prospective members and guests are welcome to attend.
Holiday Luncheon and Program
Wednesday, December 16, 2015, 11:30 a.m.
Stifel Fine Arts Center, Wheeling
The Fort Henry Chapter, National Society, Sons of the American Revolution and the Wheeling Chapter, National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, will host a joint holiday luncheon on Wednesday, December 16, 2015, beginning at 11:30, at the Stifel Fine Arts Center, 1330 National Road, Wheeling.
Wheeling Chapter DAR vice regent Jeanne Finstein will present a program with images of Wheeling from 100 years ago. An induction ceremony for new members of the Fort Henry Chapter will be conducted.
Guests are asked to bring a child’s toy for the DAR Toy Drive.
Fee for the luncheon and program is $20 per guest. Please send your reservations and check payable to “Wheeling Chapter DAR” by December 13 to:
Jay Frey, President
Fort Henry Chapter, SAR
4 Arlington Drive, Apt. 1R
Wheeling, WV 26003
Veterans’ Day Dinner
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
6:00 p.m., Wheeling Country Club
The Wheeling Chapter, National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, is hosting a Veterans’ Day dinner on Wednesday, November 11, 6:00 p.m. at the Wheeling Country Club, 906 Oglebay Drive, Wheeling.
The Chapter has graciously invited Fort Henry Chapter members, prospective members and their spouses to attend this event.
The dinner is a buffet at a cost of $23 per person. A program honoring veterans will be presented.
Please email your reservation to Chapter president Jay Frey at jameshfrey@gmail.com at your earliest convenience. Payment in advance can be sent to:
Mrs. Joan M. McClelland, Regent
Wheeling Chapter, DAR
1933 Decatur Avenue
Wheeling, WV 26003
Naturalization Ceremony
Friday, November 6, 2015
11:00 a.m., U. S. Federal Courtroom, Northern WV District
1125 Chapline Street, Wheeling
Senior Federal Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. will administer the Oath of Allegiance to 39 new citizens at a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courtroom. Featured speaker is Father James Fleming, SJ, president of Wheeling Jesuit University. Compatriot Gary W. Timmons will deliver welcome remarks on behalf of the George Washington Chapter, NSSAR as will Regent Joan M. McClelland on behalf of the Wheeling Chapter, NSDAR. Members who wish to attend should allow ample time to pass through the security check.
Fort Henry Chapter to tour Monument Place
Saturday, September 19, 2015, 10:00 AM
91 Kruger St, Wheeling, WV 26003
Our tour will be led by Mrs. Jeanne S. Carter, a knowledgeable historian who has portrayed Lydia Boggs Shepherd over the years. Chapter Genealogist David G. McIntire, a Shepherd descendent, will also make a brief presentation on Colonel David Shepherd, Commander of Fort Henry. 
Monument Place or Shepherd Hall was built in 1798 by Moses Shepherd and his wife Lydia Boggs Shepherd on the site of Fort Shepherd. It is the home of the Osiris Shrine Temple. The chapter is indebted to Osiris Shrine Potentate John Crippin for permission to tour the mansion.
About our tour guide:
Jeanne S. Carter is a retired educator, having taught grades sixth through college, and retired as a Counselor from Ohio County Schools. She also worked for WVU Extension Service, as well as presenting educational programs on radio and television. Throughout her marriage to “Ted” Carter, they shared a love for antiques and preserving the family farm, “Everbreeze”.As an educator, she realized that students needed to have insight into “early Wheeling” which led her to research and present first-person visits from Lyddy Boggs Shepherd Cruger to students and adults for many years in this tri-state area. Although she was born in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, Wheeling has been her residence since she graduated magna cum laude from WVU, and where she has given her time to her family, her students, her church, Ohio Valley Medical Center, and many community organizations.