The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1919-08-30

Previous to the settlement OF the DIM
culties with the Indians the first news
paper of the AllcGhanies had been pup
lishcd at Pittsburgh. marking one OF the
advancing steps OF civilization. In l'9"
the first line of packets was established
10 traverse the river between PITTSBURGH
and Cincinnati. History describes them
as large. awkward boats built with
thick siding. proof against bullet ana
musket ball" with an inside cabin Tor
women which was partition"d on from
the other cabins. The captain advcr-
tiscd a large assortment OF provisions
and the best liquor obtainable for the
accommodation of the passengers.
First Stage Coach Line.
The next big stride toward communl-
cation with the world outside the val
lev was the stage coach line which was
operated over the newly completed Ma
tional road. commencing in the summer
of 1918 1t was announced in news
paper OF the period published at Union
town that the stages had commenced
running from Frederick Town. Nd. TO
Wheeling in Virginia. following the
course Of the National road from Cum
bcrland This was the first link which
Joined Wheeling 10 the outer country OF
the east which then seemed so vague
and far away. and several years later.
on New Years day Of 1888. the HIST
railroad cars came into Wheeling.
The March Of Progress.
In 1917 the first bank Of the comnu-
nifty began operations. it having been
known as the Northwestern Bank of
West Virginia The president was Noah
Zane; Thomas Woods. cashier; Mr.. John
List. grandfather to Henry K. List and
Daniel c. List. was the clerk In 1863
/, became the National Bank Of West
Virginia
During this period an energetic board
Of trade stimulated business and Wheel
ms had a population which was relative
to those Of other cities OF the Ohio valley
In the year OF 1866 the suspension
bridge which had been entirely de:noi-
Ished. with the exception OF the piers AT
either end, which stiil remain form the
original structure Of 1895, was rebuilt II
being about the only suspension bridge
| in this country at that period
Many Improvements came later. fol-
lowing one another in rapid succession
! hut II will be possible TO mention only
few Of the important ones. New struc-
| lures and enterprises were established
| First telcgraphic communication wltn
! the country beyond had come in lS47'
|
! from the Ohio side through an office on
| Front street The wire had 10 bs suS-
| pended for q thousand feet from across
the bridge from the island 20 :he town
! The pioneer use of gas in the carly for
ties was made by the United states
hotel. which was then the leading hotel
Of the city. occupying the s:tn uoon
! which the Windsor now stands. us adj
J vcrtisement in 1S49 with the words
! lighted by gas" seemed 10 DC ;hc only
necessary RECRUITMENT for conveying the
idea OF q modern hotel. The Wheeling
! Gas company was Incorporated by th'
! legislature in the year 1850. the ttrS
! directors being .Messrs Thomas Wiley
J. W. Gill. r. H Hubcn. Thomas
Sweeney J. c. Wiley and J. =. Baker
Early N 1851 say the first illumination
! OF the houses and streets with gas. aNI
! fortunate indeed were those who couic
afford its use. Glass making s;arte'
before the war but prominent place
| in this industry. row among h" fore
most OF Wheeling was not taken u1tf
the early sixties.
| First. Bank Organized.
! In 1917 the first bank OF the com
! munity began operations.
! Electric light was introduced IN 1852