Virginia tells the story of her husband, architect Edgar W. Wells (1850-1890). In addition to designing his own home at 2301 Chapline Street and those of the Klieves Brothers, also on "Chapline Street Row," Wells designed homes for Dr. Robert W. Hazlett at 921 Main Street (now the home of Friends of Wheeling) and cigar manufacturer Albert Wheeler at 3526 Jacob Street. His tragic death in a ferry accident ended his promising career. Portrayed by Kate Quinn
This glass manufacturer and his brother Thomas created three, very large "float bowls" of cut lead glass. One was presented to Senator Henry Clay in recognition of his efforts to provide protective tariffs, one went to England, and the third stood for many years at this grave site. Now called the Sweeney Punchbowl, the local copy is now at the Oglebay Institute Glass Museum. Portrayed by Michael Hires
This Wheeling native used her natural talent and New York training to create dozens of paintings, charcoals, and block prints. She continued her work after being committed to a mental institution. When funds for her support were gone, she was transferred to a less desirable institution where she spent the last two decades of her life, never painting again. The recent discovery of a trunk containing her paintings has led to renewed interest in her work. Portrayed by Judi Hendrickson
As the Civil War loomed, this successful businessman turned to statehood issues, taking a leadership role throughout the turbulent times. He was one of the Council of Five who advised Governor Francis Pierpont of the Restored Government of Virginia. Portrayed by Jeremy Morris
After studying law at Harvard, this man entered the newspaper business, working on papers in Indianapolis and Chicago and as the Washington correspondent for the Wheeling Intelligencer. He was called "one of the brightest newspapermen who ever worked on the Wheeling press." Portrayed by Carson Cox
This New Hampshire native moved to Wheeling in 1824 and began one of the first life insurance companies west of the Alleghenies. HIs sons William, Jr. and B. Walker became successful businessmen in their own rights. Peterson Rehabilitation Hospital is a result of the philanthropy of B. Walker. Portrayed by Great, Great Grandson Walker Peterson (Pete) Holloway
This German immigrant shares her gravesite with her brewer husband, Peter Paul Beck, and seven of their children who died as babies. Surviving daughters married brewer Anton Reymann and Wheeling businessmen Alfred Egeter and George E. Stifel. Portrayed by Lola Miller
The daughter of Samuel McClellan, a wealthy boot and shoe merchant, Jane became active in social causes such as the local committee for the relief of the poor and the Mount Vernon Ladies Association. Her husband served in the Union militia while his brother was a member of the Confederate Shriver Grays. Portrayed by Lindsey Davis
This man had two careers - iron manufacturer and riverboat captain. He and his sons made cut nails in Wheeling as early as 1847 and later produced iron plate for Union ram boats during the Civil War. He was killed when he was a passenger on a riverboat that exploded. Portrayed by Roger Micker
This daughter of a prominent Wheeling bellows maker and inventor was married to William Alexander Wilson, founder of W.A. Wilson & sons - a company that dealt in building materials and window glass. Their son, W.P. Wilson, was an active member of the community; Oglebay Park's Wilson Lodge was named in his honor. Portrayed by Gael Fincham
This son of a Revolutionary War patriot with the same name was perhaps the first medically-trained doctor in Wheeling. Eoff also built mills, warehouses, tenements, a theatre, and the first cement houses in the area. He was well known for his scientific experiments and sharing of fruit from his extensive orchards. Portrayed by Mike Medovic
This prominent member of Wheeling society was one of the founders of Wheeling Country Day School. Forced to go to work when her lawyer husband was charged with embezzlement, she began as a housemother and eventually became Dean of Women at West Liberty State College. Rogers Hall was named in her honor. Portrayed by Jeanne Finstein
Many members of this man's extended family, bearing the names Hazlett and Cummins, became prominent doctors in Wheeling. But James Cummins chose to work with noted glass manufacturers Hobbs-Brockunier. He also became a successful broker and stayed healthy through a walking regimen between his Island home and downtown office. Portrayed by Jay Frey
This South Wheeling native spent 60 years as a classroom teacher, primarily at Wheeling High School. She was the first female classroom teacher in the state to obtain a doctoral degree. Known for her feisty nature, she made sure her science labs had the best equipment available. Portrayed by Laurie Ruberg
William F. Peterson (Pete Holloway) poses with Clara West Rogers (Jeanne Finstein)
James W. Paxton (Jeremy Morris) and Gail Hamilton Holliday (Laurie Ruberg) prepare for their roles.
Dr. John Eoff (Mike Medovic) adjusts the tie of William F. Peterson (Pete Holloway)
Gary Zearott arranges the presenters for a group photo.
2014 Greenwood Cemetery Tour
click for slide show
Photos by Joanne Sullivan and Gary Zearott