Notes for: Mary India Ripley
"History of Doddridge County," p. 208, states that John George Michael (1883-1967) was proprietor of the Columbian Hotel, dates not specified.
A May 28 1942 news article in the "West Union Herald" refers to "The late Clarence Reed, who was proprietor of the Columbia Hotel in West Union." Clarence Reed's 1938 death certificate lists his occupation as "hotel proprietor."
Other documented sources, however, indicate that the preeminent proprietor was Mary India (Ripley) (Cheuvront) Ash, who was previously associated with the Grant Hotel, owned by her first husband, Joseph Cheuvront. Her occupation in the 1900 Census was listed as "hotel keeper." A January 1946 article in the "West Union Herald," reminiscing about by-gone days in West Union, referred to "the Columbian Hotel and Aunt India Ash."
From a Special Edition issue of the "West Union Record," Friday, March 18, 1898, highlighting the prominent businesses and citizens of Doddridge County:
COLUMBIAN HOTEL
Mrs. M. I. Ash, Proprietress
Throughout the length and breadth of the land, a no more deservedly popular hostelry can be found than the Columbian Hotel, of West Union. It is easy of access to the railroad depot and business houses, yet far enough away from each to be refreshingly homelike. Under the management of Mrs. Ash, who purchased the property and remodeled it in 1893, the house's success has been rapid and lasting. The hotel building is one of the town's handsomest structures, being two stories in height and having all the modern conveniences known to the business. In contains nineteen rooms, all of which are lighted and heated by natural gas. The service is at all times perfect and the cuisine is of the best. Mrs. Ash was born and reared in Doddridge County and has been engaged in the hotel business in West Union for nineteen years, having formerly been the hostess of the Grant House of this town. In addition to the hotel property, she owns several other properties in this section. Mrs. Ash enjoys a wide acquaintanceship among the traveling public, with whom she and her house are always favorites. It is to her efficient management that the present prosperity of the Columbian Hotel is due. Not only does the Columbian Hotel receive a liberal patronage from the traveling public, but it is the home of a number of the town's best citizens. Mrs. Ash's husband, Henry Ash, is an ex-sheriff and clerk of Doddridge County, and owns and operates the town's gas plant, being as well interested in the oil fields of this section.
Having been in public life for so many years and being possessed of a competency, Mrs. Ash desires to lease this desirable hotel property and invites correspondence on part of parties seeking a paying hotel.
1900 Census, Doddridge Co, WV (Town of West Union), enumerated on June 4 1900, street not specified:
Henry Ash, 46, b. Oct 1853, oil producer, married 5 yrs; wife Mary I. Ash, 46, b. May 1854, hotel keeper, married 5 yrs, no children; orphan Edna Winsted, 5, b. Jan 1895 in WVa. The enumeration lists three servants and numerous boarders.
1910 Census, Doddridge Co, WV (Town of West Union), enumerated on Apr 20 1910, street not specified:
Henry Ash, 56, hotel proprietor, married 15 yrs; wife Mary I. Ash, 55, no occupation, married 15 years, no children; adopted daughter Edna R. Ash, 15; servant Marshall E. Stout, white male, 50, b. W.Va., occupation hotel clerk, single; servant P. Lewis Thomas, black male, 50, b. Va., common laborer, single. There were also two out-of-state "roomers." (NOTE: Peter Lewis Thomas was a long-time porter at both the Columbian Hotel and the Grant House. Born in Virginia, he came to West Virginia after the death of his master. He died in West Union on Oct 10 1915.)
Doddridge County court records show that at the time of her death in 1917, Mary India Ripley Ash owned real estate valued at $24,700 and had personal property valued at $15,146.66. Among her personal property were four trunks of sundry items in her attic. Records show that the Columbian Hotel had a bowling alley.
The property occupied by the Columbian Hotel in West Union was once the location of a school building. Headmaster of the school in 1884, 1885 and 1886 was Charles C. Showalter, who later settled in Parkersburg and became the State Commander of the Knights of the Maccabees.
Excerpt from an article in the series "Mostly About Ourselves," by Alton Childers, "West Union Herald Record," Aug 1 1989, in which Silas P. Smith is quoted reminiscing about West Union as it was when he first published the "West Union Record" in March 1886:
"... The crowd of men attending court were taken care of by two hotels, the U.S. Hotel and the Grant House. J. H. Thorndell was proprietor of the U.S. Hotel and Joseph Cheuvront of the Grant House. ... At that time, West Union had one two-room school house located where the Columbian hotel now stands. In fact, the school house forms part of the present hotel building which was completed by Mrs. M. I. Ash about 1893, the year of the Columbian Exposition of Chicago. It was this year that Columbian street was widened, having been only an alley up to that time."
Local news items, "West Union Record," Friday, Jun 15 1900, in their entirety:
"Go to the Columbian hotel for your Sunday dinner; it's fine."
"The Columbian hotel is up to date and its table is of the very best. Its culinary department is in the hands of a skilled cook from Parkersburg, who is capable of suiting the tastes of even the most fastidious. When you come to West Union do not fail to stop at the Columbian. A good meal for 24 cents."
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad "Resorts and Springs" guide book, Summer 1905, contains the following entry in the section labeled "Hotels and Boarding Houses on Baltimore & Ohio Railroad (Lines East)"
Location: West Union, W.Va.
Name of House: Columbian Hotel
Capacity: 50
Rates of Board: $1.00 per day, $5.00 per week, $18.00 per month
Distance from Station: 200 yards
Proprietor or Manager: M. I. Ash
Front page article in "West Union Herald," Thursday, Dec 7 1905, reported the visit to West Union of Iowa Senator Jonathan P. Dolliver, who twice ran unsuccessfully for the office of Vice President. His two-hour speech, delivered at the Silas P. Smith Opera House, was well-attended. Afterward, "Senator Dolliver was entertained at the Columbian Hotel by Atty. W. S. Stuart, County Clerk U. G. Summers, W. G. Hammond and R. K. Enlow until 3 o'clock Sunday morning when he took the fast train for Washington to be present at the beginning of congress."
Local news item, "West Union Herald," Thursday, January 4, 1906, in its entirety:
"Mrs. M. I. Ash, proprietress of the New Columbian Hotel, went to Wheeling December 18th to attend the convention of the West Virginia Hotel Association. She is one of its three lady member. Mrs. Ash, however, was the only lady in attendance. Mrs. Ash informs us that they were shown a royal time by the city of Wheeling, an excellent banquet being given in their honor. A resolution was adopted by the association in favor of placing hotel clerks under (unreadable). The association has 50 members."
Local news item, "West Union Herald," Thursday, January 4, 1906, in its entirety:
"Mrs. Owens, of Burning Springs, Wirt County, is the guest of her son, Channing Owens, the efficient clerk of the New Columbian."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Dec 7 1911:
"E. C. Ash, of Canton, was registered at the New Columbian Saturday."
"C. A. Darnler, of Cameron, was registered at the New Columbian last Saturday."
Local news item, "West Union Herald," Thursday, June 19 1913, in its entirety:
"Mrs. M. I. Ash is building a fine approach to her residence property adjoining the Grant House. The improvements being made on Court Street certainly have added much to this section of the city."
Local news item, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Aug 28 1913, in its entirety:
"T. T. Flesher, a business man of Parkersburg, was registered at the Columbian last week."
On March 2, 1914, the wedding of George A. Hinkle and Ellen Louise McIntire was held at the Columbian Hotel.
On July 27, 1914, the wedding of William H. B. Enright and Ora A. Benninger was held at the Columbian Hotel.
Local news item in the "West Union Record," Friday, Oct 2 1914:
"Joseph McKinney, who has been so very ill at his home on Rock Run, is now much improved, and his daughter, Mrs. Lizzie Hyde, has returned to the Columbian hotel. Mr. Mckinney is now about eighty-five years of age."
Local news item, "West Union Record," Friday, October 9, 1914:
"DR. KEENER will be at the Columbian Hotel on Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 13th and 14th, to fit glasses just right."
Local news item, "West Union Herald," Thursday, October 15, 1914:
"W. H. Ball, a business man of Huntington, was registered at the Columbian Saturday."
Local news item, West Union Record, Friday, October 16, 1914:
"Vance Gaskins, who has been clerk at the Columbian hotel for some length of time, returned to home at Canton on Thursday, and A. E. Strickling has taken his place."
(Note: Albert Strickling was the brother-in-law of Mary India Ripley Cheuvront, proprietor of the Columbian Hotel.)
Local news item, "West Union Herald," Thursday, October 22, 1914:
"L. J. Lilly of Parkersburg was registered at the Columbian last Thursday."
Local news item, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Oct 29, 1914:
"T. L. Nutter and Isaac Davis, Salem, were registered at the Columbian recently."
Local news item, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Nov 14, 1914:
"Clyde Dotson of Greenwood was a guest of the Columbian last Saturday."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Nov 26, 1914:
"S. Lee Allen and Gus Ash of McClellan District were guests of the Columbian Thursday."
"L. A. Riggs of Pike was registered at the Columbian last Thursday."
"W. M. Summers of Clarksburg was registered at the Columbian last Thursday."
Advertisement among local news items, "West Union Record," Nov 27, 1914:
"J. W. HULL, Eye Specialist, at the Columbian Hotel, West Union, Dec. 1 and 2, 1914. Don't fail to see me for any eye trouble. I guarantee to fit correctly."
Local news item, "West Union Record," Friday, Jan 8 1915:
"G. E. Shahan and R. E. Britton were registered at the Columbian Sunday."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Jan 14 1915:
"Earl O. Ford of Salem was registerd at the Columbian, Sunday."
"E. K. Dunham was registered at the Columbian Thursday."
"C. H. Culbertson of Huntington was registerd at the Columbian Monday."
Local news item, "West Union Record," Friday, Feb 5 1915:
"A. H. Powell, C. B. Holiday and G. D. Peterson, of Clarksburg, were guests of the Columbian hotel here one day last week."
Advertisement in "West Union Herald," Thursday, Feb 11 1915, in part:
COMING -- DR. M. M. SPIGEL, OPTOMETRIST -- Will be at West Union, Columbian Hotel, Thursday and Friday, February 11th and 12th.
We take pleasure in announcing that we have engaged the services of Dr. Spigel, of New York, who will in the future visit your city regularly.
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Feb 18 1915:
"E. M. Ash, of Proctor, W. Va., was registered at the Columbian."
"W. A. Hinkle was a guest of the Columbian Hotel Saturday night."
"Harry Ford of Salem was registered at the Columbian Sunday."
"J. W. HULL EYE SPECIALIST - Columbian Hotel, Feb 23-24-1915, West Union.... adv."
"Mr C. A. Underwood, the secretary and treasurer of the J. B. Smith Store Co. at Shirley, was a guest at the Columbian Hotel Monday night."
Local news item, "West Union Herald," Thursday, March 25 1915:
"Mr. and Mrs. John Wilcox were guests of the Columbian last Thursday."
Local news item, "Doddridge County Republican," Thursday, April 22 1915:
"MAXWELL AUTO CO. SELL TWO HUPPS
The Maxwell Auto Co. sold two Huppmobile Touring cars this week: one to Mrs. M. I. Ash and one to W. Bruce Maxwell of New Milton."
Local news item, "West Union Record," Thursday, May 13 1915:
"H. B. Odell, Frank Kennedy, C. V. Brown, C. D. Henrietta and W. H. Faulconer constituted an automobile party who stayed at the Columbian Saturday night. They were on their way from Fairmont to Portsmouth, Ohio."
Local news item, "West Union Record," Thursday, May 13 1915:
"'Rowdy' is gone. He is no more. After suffering a short time with appendicitis, he died a week ago. 'Rowdy' was well known and had a host of friends. Perhaps it would be just as well to remark that 'Rowdy' was a little poodle dog. The pet of Miss Edna Ash. He always boarded at the Columbian hotel, and the best of everything was his portion."
Local news item, "West Union Herald," Thursday, June 10 1915:
"D. H. Harnish, a well-known businessman of Parkersburg, was registered at the Columbian Friday."
News item, "Doddridge County Republican," Thursday, June 17 1915:
"Columbian Hotel Changes Hands
Just as we go to press, the long talked of deal, whereby Mrs. M. I. Ash will retire temporarily at least from the active management of the Columbian Hotel, has been closed and Messrs. Gray and Keister of Clarksburg are the new landlords for a term of three years, with the privilege of five years, at a rental of $105 per month.
Mrs. M. I. Ash has been in the hotel business in West Union continuously for 36 years, and is one of the most widely known and eminently successful hotel women in West Virginia."
Local news item, "West Union Herald," Thursday, June 17, 1915:
"The Columbian Hotel has been leased by Mr. J. W. Keister of Clarksburg at $105 a month for a number of years. The new landlord will take possession the first of next month. Mrs. Ash has been in public business for the past 36 years and is known far and near by the traveling public. By her good management, she has accumulated a comfortable amount of worldly goods and can live at her ease in her handsome new residence near the hotel.
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, June 17, 1915:
"John M. Underwood, of Shirley, was registered at the Columbian Friday."
"Ray Talbot, of Hurst, was a guest of the Columbian Saturday."
"H. K. Beardmore, G. C. Davis and L. H. Newcomer of Clarksburg were registered at the Columbian Saturday."
Local news item, "West Union Record," Thursday, June 17, 1915:
"Lyle H. Powell, H. K. Beardmore, G. C. Davis and L. H. Newcomer, of Clarksburg, were registered at the Columbian Sunday."
Local news item, "West Union Record," Thursday, June 24 1915:
"Columbian Hotel Is Leased to Clarksburg People
Gray and Keister, of Clarksburg, are the leasers of the Columbian hotel. Mrs. M. I. Ash owner will retire from the hotel business, for a time at least.
It is understood that the local hostelry has been leased for 3 years with a privilege of 5 years, at a rental of $105 per month."
Local news item, "West Union Herald," Thursday, July 8 1915, in its entirety:
"George W. Gray, one of the genial proprietors of the Hotel Columbian, was a Clarksburg visitor Saturday."
News item, "West Union Herald," Thursday, July 8 1915, in its entirety:
"Mssrs. Keister & Gray took charge of the Columbian Hotel on the first. The retiring landlady Mrs. Ash made everything perfectly satisfactory in the transfer. The new landlords are sure hustlers and look after the business end and after the interest of their guests to see that they are comfortable and well satisfied. Mrs. Mary Finnegan, of Pennsboro, who is the new caterer, is sure a fine cook and has received many compliments from all the guests."
Local news item, "West Union Record," Thursday, July 22 1915, in its entirety:
"T. F. Kemper, T. B. Gilbert, John T. Williams and T. E. Trainer, of Salem, were guests of the Columbian last Friday.
Local news item, "West Union Record," Thursday, July 29 1915, in its entirety:
"G. E. Drummond, of Buckhannon, his wife, his mother, Mrs. Martha Drummond and Miss Virginia Varner, of Salem, were here in Wm. Drummond's touring car Saturday, and were guests of the Columbian Hotel. The Drummond family formerly resided on the James Ford farm at the Victory church on Buckeye Run."
Item in the "Doddridge County Republican," Thursday, July 22 1915, in part:
"Mr. Brent Gum and Miss Beulah Meek were united in marriage in the New Columbian Hotel parlor at one o'clock Tuesday afternoon, Rev. S. A. Jesse of Harlin officiating."
Local news items, "West Union Record," Thursday, August 5 1915, in their entirety:
"W. F. McBride, Newt Sharp and A. B. Cain, three jolly drummers, were at the Columbian last Friday."
"Don Stoneking, H. P. Spencer, and E. S. Booher, of Blue, Tyler county, were guests of the Columbian last Friday."
"Sarah and A. C. Bode, of Blandville, were registered at the Columbian Saturday."
"A party consisting of S. S. Stanley and wife, G. S. Everly, O. P. Stonebraker, S. E. Howell and C. E. Clark representing the Chicago Portrait company, were guests of the Columbian Sunday night. They procured teams Monday morning and went to the country."
Newspaper wedding announcement of George W. Gray and Leora Swiger, "West Union Herald," Thursday, August 19 1915, reprinted from the "Clarksburg Telegram" of August 11 1915, in part:
"Mr. Gray is one of the new proprietors of the Columbian Hotel. He will quit the hotel business the first of next month and move to a farm with his bride at Dola, Harrison County, that he bargained for some time ago. This will give Mr. Keister full sway at the hotel, who will have Vance Gaskins to assist him in the office."
Local news items, "West Union Record," Thursday, August 26 1915, in their entirety:
""Doc" Riddle and wife, and I. Postlewait of Shirley, were guests of the Columbian Saturday."
"Misses Maggie and Aggie McMillan, of Alpha, were guests of the Columbian Monday."
Wedding announcement in the "Doddridge County Republican," Thursday, Sep 9, 1915, in part:
"The Columbian parlors was the scene of a pretty wedding Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 1st, when Mr. Lee Davisson of Beech Lick and Miss Flossie Cox of Coldwater were united in marriage, Rev. John D. Runkle, pastor of the First Baptist Church, officiating in his usual pleasant and impressive manner."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Sep 30 1915, in their entirety:
"William Phillips and P. E. Zook of Wheeling were registered at the Columbian recently."
"C. A. Richards, J. H. Powell, A. E. West and Pearl Randolph of Salem were registered at the Columbian last Thursday."
Local news item, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Sep 23 1915, in its entirety:
"Tom Tucker, W. C. Davies and Wm. Shanklin are giving the Columbian Hotel a fresh coat of paint."
Local news item, "West Union Record," Thursday, Sep 30 1915, in its entirety:
"The Columbian hotel has recently been improved by a coat of paint. A new sign has further improved the place."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Oct 7 1915, in their entirety:
"W. L. Worrell, of Parkersburg, was a guest of the Columbian recently."
"H. L. Morris, of Farmington, was registered at the Columbian last Thursday."
"Ledren G. Chapman and son Holt of Grove were guests of the Columbian Friday."
"Fred B. Sinsel, Guy S. Murphy and H. N. Sharpe were registered at the Columbian Friday."
"J. H. Crites and wife of Big Bend, Calhoun County, were registered at the Columbian Friday."
"W. H. Stuart, of Pennsboro, and J. W. Jollife, of Weston, were registered at the Columbian Hotel Sunday."
"Elwood Brils and James Ash of Salem were registered at the Columbian Sunday."
"L. O. Gallien, of New Milton, was registered at the Columbian Sunday."
"Dr. B. W. Peck and wife and Mrs. S. S. Spinks of Glenville were registered at the Columbian last week. We understand Dr. Peck intends locating in West Union where he will practice medicine."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Oct 28 1915, in their entirety:
"Sarah Bode of Blandville was a guest of the Columbian Friday."
"J. F. Gaskins of Canton was registered at the Columbian Friday."
"S. T. Keller, of Parkersburg, was registered at the Columbian Friday."
"Joseph Thomas of Waken was registered at the Columbian Saturday."
"Charles Jones, of Wilbur, and Hattie Ash of Camp were registerd at the Columbian Saturday."
"S. G. Thomas, I. L. Roberts, Clarence Allen and Smith Parish of Salem were registered at the Columbian Saturday."
"A. J. Riddle and wife of Pullman were guests of the Columbian Saturday. Mr. Riddle has been operating extensively in the timber business on Hughes River, South West District; he has purchased large tracts of timber on Toms Fork, New Milton District, and will proceed to manufacture it into staves and cross ties."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Nov 11 1915, in their entirety:
"Mrs. James Ash and Miss Blanche Ash, of Salem, were guests of the Columbian last Thursday."
"John Hinter, a prominent and successful young farmer of Leopold, was registered at the Columbian Thursday."
"Ross Strosnider of Clarksburg was registered at the Columbian Thursday."
"J. Baxter, W. R. Ross and H. M. Mason, business men of Clarksburg, were registered at the Columbian Friday."
"Charles Hedges of Littleton was registered at the Columbian Friday."
"Clarence Allen and Haymond Davis, of Salem, were registered at the Columbian Saturday."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Nov 18 1915, in their entirety:
"H. M. Elder and Elzie Booker, of Blue, Tyler County, were registered at the Columbian last Thursday."
"F. H. Fauple, of Hurst, Lewis Co., was a guest of the Columbian last Thursday; he was formerly a prosperous farmer of Cove district."
"W. B. and J. W. Simpson of Weston were registered at the Columbian Thursday."
"M. I. Ash is building a nice five-room cottage on Cottage Street."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Nov 25 1915, in their entirety:
"E. J. Norman and G. E. Norman of Clarksburg were registered at the Columbian last week."
"Guy S. Murphy, of Louisville, Ky., was registered at the Columbian Friday."
"C. C. Keys, the music man of Salem, registered at the Columbian Friday."
"Elva Manear and Bert Backas, of Pennsboro, were registered at the Columbian Friday."
"A. E. West and C. L. Allen of Salem were registered at the Columbian Saturday."
"Simeon Yeater of Central was registered at the Columbian Saturday."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Dec 2 1915, in their entirety:
"G. E. Shahan of Bristol was registered at the Columbian Thursday."
"W. Bradford, the well-known traveling salesman, was registered at the Columbian Friday."
"O. C. Kerns and J. C. Wilson, business men of Parkersburg, were guests of the Columbian Friday."
"Clarence Allen, Charles Cottrill, and Fred Randolph, of Salem, were registered at the Columbian Saturday."
"O. W. Robinson and D. E. Moore of Clarksburg were registered at the Columbian Saturday."
Wedding announcement, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Dec 2 1915, in part:
"Oral Ford and Miss Pearl Ball, both of near Salem, were united in marriage, Thanksgiving eve, at the Columbian Hotel by the Rev. P. S. Strader of the U.B. Church."
Wedding announcement, "West Union Record," Thursday, Dec 2 1915, in its entirety:
FORD - BALL
Miss Pearl Ball and Orval Ford of near Salem were married here at the Columbian hotel Thursday evening about 5 o'clock. Rev. P. S. Strader officiated. The ceremony was witnessed by J. A. Finley and Miss Ford, as sister of the groom.
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Dec 9 1915, in their entirety:
"B. Pringle of Weston was registered at the Columbian Sunday."
"Pearl McGee and Roy McKittrick, of Marietta, were registered at the Columbian Sunday."
"Clarence Allen, Collie Clark and J. L. Ash, of Salem, were guests of the Columbian Sunday."
"W. A. Thompson, J. A. Queen and T. A. Bennington, of Parkersburg, were registered at the Columbian Hotel Monday."
"S. T. Keller and J. M. Bee, business men of Parkersburg, were registered at the Columbian Hotel Saturday."
"W. W. Hooker, of Buckhannon, was registered at the Columbian Monday."
Local news items, "Doddridge County Republican," Thursday, Dec 16 1915, in their entirety:
"Lewis A. Henderson of Blue Stone registered at the Columbian Saturday."
"Bill Burkhart and Ed Burkhart of Pennsboro registered at the Columbian Saturday."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Dec 16 1915, in their entirety:
"J. W. Fallen, of Springfield, O., was registered at the Columbian Monday."
"B. H. Hall, of Harrisville, was a guest of the Columbian Wednesday."
"C. B. Holliday and G. D. Peterson, two popular and genial traveling men of Clarksburg, were at the Columbian Tuesday night."
"R. Harmel of Salem was a recent guest of the Columbian."
"S. L. Weekly of Cairo was a Columbian guest Thursday."
"Bert Longstreth and Wilson Stull of Deep Valley were registered at the Columbian Thursday."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Dec 23 1915, in their entirety:
"J. E. Maxwell of Clarksburg was registered at the Columbian Saturday."
"E. H. White, C. H. Marsh, and B. Katz of Parkersburg were registered at the Columbian last week."
"John N. Hodgson of Pittsburgh was a recent arrival at the Columbian."
"A. N. Kester of Weston was registered at the Columbian last Thursday."
"S. M. Cunningham, J. O. Jones, Bert Bradford, and Newt Sharp of Pennsboro were guests of the Columbian Hotel Friday. They are all nice fellows and West Union always has the latch string out for them."
Local news item, "Doddridge County Republican," Thursday, Dec 30 1915, in its entirety:
"J. W. Keister, the popular proprietor of the Columbian Hotel, went to Clarksburg Monday evening and to Charleston on Tuesday."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Jan 20 1916, in their entirety:
"J. S. Jones of Weston was registered at the Columbian Thursday."
"S. A. Mason, Arden West, C. A. Richards and L. E. Monroed of Salem were registered at the Columbian Thursday."
"Mrs. R. A. Smith, of Toll Gate, was registered at the Columbian Friday."
"F. C. Jones of Pennsboro was registered at the Columbian Friday."
"John Grimes, a business man of Ravenswood, was registered at the Columbian Friday."
"J. B. McClintock, of Clarksburg, was registerd at the Columbian Friday."
"John W. Gamsjager, of Salem, was registered at the Columbian Friday."
"J. T. Keller of Parkersbug was registered at the Columbian Friday."
"L. H. Zinn, of Central, was registered at the Columbian Saturday."
"James B. Fox was registered at the Columbian Saturday."
"O. S. Gary and Clyde Dotson, of Greenwood, were registered at the Columbian Saturday."
"Clarence Allen of Salem was registered at the Columbian Saturday."
"A. W. Markes and A. McFadden of Pennsboro were registered at the Columbian Saturday."
"C. H. Ross, of Parkersburg, was registered at the Columbian Sunday."
"Roy and W. W. McCune, of Grafton, were registered at the Columbian Monday."
"E. C. Murphy and Homer Swiger, of Salem, were registered at the Columbian Monday."
"S. W. Alexander, a business man of Sistersville, was registered at the Columbian recently."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Feb 3 1916, in their entirety:
"J. L. Allen of Lima, Tyler County, was a guest of the Columbian last week."
"J. F. Severine, of St. Clara, was registered at the Columbian last week."
"C. G. Lewis of Parkersburg was registered at the Columbian recently."
"J. G. Young of Pennsboro was registered at the Columbian Thursday."
"C. E. Miller of Grafton was registered at the Columbian Saturday."
"T. B. Gilber of Salem, represenative of the Natural Supply Co., was registered at the Columbian Monday."
"Edgar Boyce, Ulysses Lambiotte, and Camille Carner, of Pennsboro, were registered at the Columbian Saturday."
"Howard Randolph, F. L. Swick, Ray D. Ford and Paul Bailey, basketball players of Salem, were registered at the Columbian Thursday night. The Salem team defeated West Union 24 to 21."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Feb 10 1916, in their entirety:
"G. E. Rader and G. B. Fowler of Parkersburg were registered at the Columbian Friday."
"Harry McGee and J. P. Marts of Bridgeton were guests of the Columbian Sunday."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Feb 17 1916, in their entirety:
"S. B. Frankenstine, a noted horseman of Terra Alta, was registered at the Columbian Fraiday."
"Roy McKittrick of Mariett, Ohio, was registered at the Columbian Saturday."
"W. D. Davis and William Davis, of Center Point, were registered at the Columbian Saturday."
"C. E. Miller of Grafton was registered at the Columbian Sunday."
"Clella Williams of Salem was registered at the Columbian Thursday."
"R. C. Hudkins and C. O. Dotson, of Greenwood, were registered at the Columbian Saturday."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Feb 24 1916, in their entirety:
"D. M. Davis, E. Cable, and R. S. Hardgrove, of Clarksburg, were registered at the Columbian Friday."
"J. Conda Bright of Weston and R. C. James of Clarksburg were registered at the Columbian Sunday."
"Clyde and Ruby Doak, of Greenwood, were registered at the Columbian Hotel Thursday."
"B. W. Woofter, of Malden, Washington, was registered at the Columbian Wednesday."
"C. G. Lewis, Ellsworth Haines, A. H. Wanne, Sam Bever, and J. B. Baxter of Parkersburg were registered at the Columbian last week."
"G. H. Cunningham, Leden Tracy and D. H. Bland, of Clarksburg, were recent guests of the Columbian."
Local news item, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Mar 2 1916, in its entirety:
"S. T. Kellar of Parkersburg ws registered at the Columbian Friday."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Mar 16 1916, in their entirety:
"Ethel Musgrave of Smithton was registered at the Columbian Thursday."
"J. Baxter and C. T. Lewis, business men of Parkersburg, were recent guests of the Columbian."
"C. E. Miller, of Grafton, and William Forter, of Clarksburg, were registered at the Columbian Sunday."
"T. B. Smith, a highly respected farmer of Oxford, and Anna L. Smith and Jessie Smith were guests of the Columbian Thursday.
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Mar 23 1916, in their entirety:
"Willie Davis, of Center Point, was registered at the Columbian Friday."
"Blanch Brown, of Fairmont, was registered at the Columbian Thursday."
"F. A. Drake, of Deep Valley, was registered at the Columbian Saturday."
"J. G. Wheeler of Huntington was registeed at the Columbian Thursday."
"L. D. McGeary and W. J. Kearn of Parkersburg were registered at the Columbian recently."
"L. F. Klotz, E. C. Bell, John and Pat Sweeney of Pittsburgh were registered at the Columbian Saturday."
"Dr. T. G. LeMasters, Eye Sight Specialist, will be at the Columbian Hotel, West Union, Thursday and Friday, March 30 and 31. Two days."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Mar 30 1916, in their entirety:
"S. M. Wallace, of Dallas, Texas, was registered at Columbian Thursday."
"L. A. Posey and wife of Columbus, O., were guests of the Columbian last Friday."
"M. C. Barker, of Moundsville, was registered at the Columbian Thursday."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Apr 6 1916, in their entirety:
"William Keister, the genial host of the Columbian Hotel, was a Clarksburg visitor Sunday."
"J. C. McDonald and G. A. Miller of Clarksburg were recent guests of the Columbian."
"O. G. Radabaugh of Clarksburg was registered at the Columbian Friday."
"Ed Price and Leslie Paxton, of Lancaster, Ohio, were registered at the Columbian Tuesday."
"J. F. Courtney of Grafton was registered at the Columbian Tuesday."
"Geo. Gill, of Hundred, was registered at the Columbian Sunday."
"E. F. Hanes, of Clarksburg, was registered at the Columbian Friday."
"Vance Gaskins, the popular clerk at the Columbian, met with a painful accident Friday, while cutting meat, by some means the sharp butcher knife slipped cutting him in the ball of the left hand, almost cutting off his thumb. It took seven stitches to sew the wounded member in its place and was a very severe operation."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Apr 13 1916, in their entirety:
"T. Martin, a business man of Clarksburg, was registered at the Columbian Monday."
"Mrs. Charles Amos and Alto Worstell, of Pennsboro, were registered at the Columbian Friday."
"L. G. Chapman of Grove was a guest of the Columbian Sunday night."
"Smith Parrish of Salem was registered at the Columbian Sunday."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Apr 20 1916, in their entirety:
"J. P. Scott of Buckhannon was registered at the Columbian Thursday."
"J. H. Davis, of Ironton, Ohio, was registered at the Columbian Friday."
"B. B. Jarvis of Clarksburg was registered at the Columbian Friday."
Local news item, "West Union Record," Thursday, May 4 1916, in its entirety:
"G. E. and Earl Shahan of Bristol were registered at the Columbian Sunday."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, May 4 1916, in their entirety:
"T. B. Smith, of Oxford, was registered at the Columbian Wednesday."
"J. A. Dennison, of Coldwater, was registered at the Columbian last week. He is right in the swim when it comes to Oil production, having several good wells on his farm. He made this office a pleasant call while in the city."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, May 25 1916, in their entirety:
"L. H. Powell of Clarksburg was registered at the Columbian Saturday."
"A. C. Pratt and O. M. Knight, of Canton, were registered at the Columbian Tuesday."
"H. C. Gampsgager of St. Clara was registered at the Columbian Friday."
"J. B. Gum and G. M. Neely, of Avon, were guest of the Columbian Friday."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, June 15, 1916, in their entirety:
"Dudley D. Brett, Carl S. Horner, E. L. Powell and C. A. Osborne of Clarksburg were registered at the Columbian Friday."
"C. E. Wass of Harrisville was registered at the Columbian Monday."
Local news item, "West Union Herald," Thursday, June 22 1916, in its entirety:
"Ray C. Hudkins, of Greenwood, was registered at the Columbian Saturday."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, June 29 1916, in their entirety:
"B. O. Spurgeon, of Auburn, was registered at the Columbian Thursday."
"J. B. Anderson and H. D. Neely of Clarksburg were registered at the Columbian Friday."
"J. O. Anderson, H. O. Hinter and H. L. Creighton, of Clarksburg, were registered at the Columbian Thursday."
"C. R. Sidell, of New Martinsville, was registered at the Columbian Monday."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Aug 31 1916, in their entirety:
"Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Keister, of the Columbian Hotel, are the proud parents of a fine 10-pound boy, born Monday, August 28, 1916. Mother and child are doing nicely, and the proud father is wearing a broader smile than ever."
"C. Clark and O. F. Gallien, of Salem, were registered at the Columbian Thursday."
"R. E. Fox, R. S. Kemper and W. L. Sounders of Weston were registered at the Columbian Thursday."
"John Standifn of Elkins was a guest of the Columbian Thursday."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Sep 14 1916, in their entirety:
"Floyd Vanhorn, of Blandville, was registered at the Columbian Friday."
"W. G. Shanland, of Des Moines, Iowa, was registered at the Columbian Thursday."
"John Determan and Mrs. Lena Determan of Westernport, Maryland, were guests of the Columbian Thursday."
Local news items, "Doddridge County Republican," Thursday, Sep 28 1916, in their entirety:
"M. E. Snider, Holt Chapman and C. C. Ross of Blandville were registered at the Columbian Friday."
"H. C. and L. G. Chapman, of Grove, were registered at the Columbian Saturday."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Oct 5 1916, in their entirety:
"S. C. Rogers, of Mannington, was registered at the Columbian Friday."
"C. H. Hosey and wife of Grantsville were registered at the Columbian Tuesday."
"Sarah Farrell, of Clarksburg, was a guest of the Columbian Saturday."
"C. H. Ross of Parkersburg and C. E. Ross of Pennsboro were registered at the Columbian last week."
"Eldoris McCoy, L. H. Morgan and J. W. Johnson of Parkersburg were registered at the Columbian Tuesday."
Local news items, "Doddridge County Republican," Thursday, Oct 5 1916, in their entirety:
"W. L. Dunkin, a widely known business man of Bridgeport, W.Va., was registered at the Columbian Hotel Saturday."
"Agnes Kreyenbuhl of Wheeling, Isidor Kreyenbuhl of Leopold, and Mrs. B. H. Staarman of Shandon, were guests of the Columbian Friday."
Local news item, "West Union Record," Thursday, Oct 12 1916, in its entirety:
"A. L. Barnett, of Blandville," was registered at the Columbian Monday."
Local news items, "Doddridge County Republican," Thursday, Oct 12 1916, in their entirety:
"Mrs. M. I. Ash has begun the erection of a splendid private garage on her property just back of the West Union Bank building."
"Thomas and J. R. Madden and W. S. Thomas of Fairmont were registered at the Columbian recently."
"Mr. and Mrs. Fons Schulte and two children of Wallace, and Mr. and Mrs. William Galmish and child, were guests at the Columbian Saturday."
Local news item, "West Union Record," Thursday, Oct 19 1916, in its entirety:
"Mrs. M. I. Ash is erecting a brick garage on the lot adjacent to the Columbian hotel."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Oct 26 1916, in their entirety:
"Floyd Lowe, of Elizabeth, W.Va., was a guest of the Columbian Friday."
"J. C. Smith, of Pennsboro, was registered at the Columbian Saturday."
"J. Baxter and C. H. Ross, popular traveling men of Parkersburg, were registered at the Columbian Friday."
"W. L. Clark and H. C. Randolph, of Salem, were registered at the Columbian recently."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Nov 2 1916, in their entirety:
"Charles L. Poe of Parkersburg was registered at the Columbian Friday."
"N. B. Pratt, a prosperous merchant of Camp, was a guest of the Columbian Wednesday."
"Harvey Faupel of Conings was registered at the Columbian Thursday."
"A. S. and Lillie Keys of Camp were registered at the Columbian last week."
"L. M. Pitts, Simeon Yeater and Flave Pratt of Central were guests of the Columbian Friday."
"H. C. Gamsjager and John H. Schmidt of St. Clara were registered at the Columbian Wednesday."
"Edgar Berger and C. R. Cornwell of Pennsboro were guests of the Columbian Friday."
"C. H. Ross, of Clarksburg, was registered at the Columbian Friday."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Nov 16 1916, in their entirety:
"John W. Hay and Harold Nutter of Oxford were registered at the Columbian Monday."
"A. R. Hall, of Burnsville, was a guest of the Columbian Saturday."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Nov 23 1916, in their entirety:
"S. M. Cunningham and Taine Harris of Pennsboro were at the Columbian Hotel last week."
"F. W. Hull of Parkersburg and L. L. Wheaton were reegistered at the Columbian Thursday."
"E. J. Dotson, a well-known farmer of Canton, was a guest of the Columbian Wednesday."
"W. B. Price, of Parsons, Tucker County, was registered at the Columbian Thursday."
"Miss Daisy Lee Davis of Industrial was a guest of the Columbian Tuesday."
"C. W. White, of Williamstown, was registered at the Columbian Tuesday."
"J. O. McCarl, W. M. Summers, W. H. Rohn and C. D. Dordna of Clarksburg were registered at the Columbian Thursday."
Local news item, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Dec 14 1916, in their entirety:
"Lawrence Garner, of Pennsboro, was registered at the Columbian Wednesday."
"E. H. Gabriel of Clarksburg was registered at the Columbian Friday."
"R. W. Kelley and G. W. Smith of Parkersburg were registered at the Columbian Friday."
Local news item, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Dec 21 1916, in their entirety:
"Eldons McCoy, of Parkersburg, was registered at the Columbian recently."
"C. Lamb, of Salem, was registered at the Columbian Friday."
"G. B. Sayre, F. E. Brady and J. O. Keister, of Clarksburg, were registered at the Columbian Wednesday."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Jan 4 1917, in their entirety:
"Dr. C. L. Pearcy of New Milton was a guest of the Columbian last week."
"Joll Becker and C. H. Ross of Parkersburg were registered at the Columbian Friday."
"Lee Smith of Shirley was registered at the Columbian recently."
"William Campshire of Shirley was registered at the Columbian recently."
"J. French Robinson of Morgantown was a recent guest of the Columbian."
"W. J. Keister of Clarksburg, formerly one of the proprietors of the Columbian Hotel, was here last week; he is now engaged in life insurance business and is making good at it; his many friends were glad to see him."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Jan 11 1917, in their entirety:
"W. F. Hudkins, a prominent citizen of Greenwood, was registered at the Columbian Saturday."
"R. C. Roberts, of Morgansville, was a recent guest of the Columbian."
"Ray Costilow, of Canton, was registered at the Columbian recently."
"Our kind host Andy Cain, of the Columbian Hotel, has made that hostelry immensely popular; it is crowded to its capacity every night and frequently there is a large overflow of the guests roomed among the neighboring houses."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Jan 18 1917, in their entirety:
"B. H. Webb, of Sistersville, was registered at the Columbian Thursday."
"Boss Doak of Parkersburg was registered at the Columbian Thursday."
"W. M. Summers, the well known drummer of Clarksburg, was registered at the Columbian Saturday."
"Bert Longstreth of Deep Valley was registered at the Columbian Thursday."
"H. H. Greene, of Harrisville, was registered at the Columbian Friday."
"J. R. Hiley, of Central, was registered at the Columbian Thursday."
"H. E. McClain, of Shirley, was registered at the Columbian Wednesday."
"B. P. Taylor, of Parkersburg, was a guest of the Columbian Wednesday."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Jan 25 1917, in their entirety:
"Harold Nutter, of Oxford, was registered at the Columbian Tuesday."
"T. J. Gillespie, of Blandville, was registered at the Columbian Tuesday."
"E. F. Ankrom, J. H. Leonhardt and J. S. Walsh of Parkersburg were registered at the Columbian Wednesday."
"R. L. Ash, of Salem, was registered at the Columbian Friday."
"R. C. Hudkins, C. O. Dotson, J. E. Gary and F. W. Waldo, of Greenwood, were registered at the Columbian Friday. They were here attending the funeral of Arthur Ingle."
Local news items, "West Union Herald," Thursday, June 10 1920:
"R. S. McNeely of Parkersburg was registered at the Columbian Friday."
"A. H. Droppleman and Mrs. Mary A. Droppleman of St. Clara were guests of the Columbian Monday."
"A. B. Stutler of Coldwater was registered at the Columbian Thursday."
"Hotel Monthly," Vol 30, Issues 346-357, 1922, p. 82, contains the following entry
"Halman, S., prop. the Columbian, West Union, W.Va."
News article, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Jan 31 1924, front page, in its entirety:
"It is our understanding that Mr. Bush, proprietor of the Columbian Hotel, will open a restaurant in Parkersburg and that his wife will remain here in charge of the Columbian. They have been running a good hotel and all are sorry to hear of Mr. Bush's leaving, but the hotel will suffer in no respect, as Mrs. Bush is a thorough-going hotel woman."
Article in "West Union Record," Aug 9 1928:
"COLUMBIA HOTEL UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
S. J. Squires, one of South West District's most energetic and successful young farmers, having leased the Columbia Hotel property, took charge last week.
Under the new management, a first class dining room has been opened up, and on last Sunday one of the finest chicken dinners obtainable anywhere in the state was served.
West Union has long needed a real hotel for the accommodation of the traveling public; and knowing Mr. & Mrs. Squires, as we have for some years, we predict this is a case of the right folks in the right place."
Front page article, "Doddridge County Republican," Thursday, Nov 22, 1928:
"DISCUSSED NEW SCHOOL - At the weekly luncheon of the West Union Kiwanis Club held at the Columbian Hotel Monday evening, the chief discussion centered on the proposed new high school building and was in charge of Kiwanian O. M. Owen, vice president of the club. Walter Doak and C. M. Foutty, two member of the board of education, were present and joined in the discussion, which was general. All again expressed themselves heartily in favor of the enterprise which is so badly needed. President C. O. Smith named F. E. Strickling, J. A. Freeman and R. C. Stuck as the election committee, with instructions to report the first Monday night in December."
Front page article, "Doddridge County Republican," Thursday, Dec 6, 1928:
"KIWANIS NOTES - Judge S. O. Prunty was the principal speaker at the weekly luncheon of the West Union Kiwanis Club held at the Columbian Hotel. The theme of the address, which was very timely, was that of law enforcement...."
New article, front page of "West Union Herald," Thursday, Jan 12 1928, in its entirety:
BUILDING UNDER REPAIRS
"The Freeman building recently vacated by the Star Furniture Company, adjoining the Columbian hotel, is undergoing general repairs under the direction of U.G. Summers and John R. Doak, executors. Rumor has it that a new business enterprise is to be launched in this building in the near future."
News article, front page of "West Union Herald," Thursday, Apr 9 1936, in part:
"The West Union Kiwanis Club met at the Columbian Hotel Monday evening at 6 :30 o'clock, with President Robert Curry in charge."
Item appearing in "West Union Herald," Thursday, Aug 20 1936, in its entirety:
"MAN WANTED - Large eastern organization needs a man with light car for special rural sales work. Applicant must be free to travel. See Mr. Hurley at Columbian Hotel any night between 7 and 8."
Front page news item, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Nov 5 1936, in its entirety:
"COLUMBIAN HOTEL SOLD - The Columbian Hotel property was sold at public auction on Saturday, October 31st by Homer E. Drane, Executor of M. I. Ash estate, and was purchased by Clarence Reed for the sum of $1875.00."
Display advertisement, "West Union Herald," Thursday, Aug 12 1937:
Dr. J. R. Cochrane
or
Assistant
Will Examine
E Y E S
at the
Columbian Hotel
Thursday, Aug. 19
News item under the heading "State Briefs, By The Associated Press" in the "Charleston Daily Mail," May 18, 1939, p. 7:
"West Union - The old Columbian Hotel, a landmark in West Union, was purchased by Dr. Robert White for conversion into a hospital. The reported price paid was $2,500."
Following the closure of Dr. White's hospital, the former hotel building was put to other uses. In the late 1950s, the Casto Funeral Home, operated by Clifford W. Casto (1922-1985) was located there. In February 1959, a merger took place between the Casto Funeral Home and the Spurgeon Brothers Funeral Home, operated in West Union by Charles J. Spurgeon (1921-2002), with the newly-formed Casto-Spurgeon Funeral Home still located at the former hotel. After the funeral home relocated elsewhere in West Union, the building was converted to living quarters and became known as the Bonnell Apartments. It thereafter was acquired by out-of-state interests, fell into disrepair and stood vacant for several years. In 2015, it was acquired by the Doddridge County Historical Society at a delinquent tax sale, with the hope of restoring it to its original use.