I've always been in love with West Virginia

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I'm a native Ohioan whose birthplace overlooked the hills of the northern panhandle. I imagine that that day I left the hospital Mom had me turned facing West Virginia. Perhaps that was when I first fell in love. I know that every time I went "to town" I didn't want to stop in Steubenville, but wanted to cross the river. I just knew is was home for me.

In 1961 I made my move across the river and spent four wonderful years at West Liberty. While I was there I discovered more of the beauty and charm of my adopted state. I regret that I did not pay closer attention in West Virginia history.

A little over a year ago I found that I had stronger ties than I knew about. One of my ancestors was a frontiersman who settled his family along the Ohio River in what is now Marshall Co. He served in the Virginia militia during the Revolutionary War and later built a blockhouse and fortress known as Baker's Station or, in later years, Baker's Fort. Capt. John Baker, my great-grandfather x5 was killed by some Native Americans (probably Shawnee) and was buried along with John Wetzel along the Ohio near Cresap, WV.

Perhaps it is the ghost of Capt. John that draws me home, or more likely the wonderful friends that live there. I know in my heart that West Virginia will always be home for me.