From "HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY,"  Vol. I, pages 253-254.
Brant & Fuller, 1890.


CHARLES W. CONNER

Charles W. Conner, of Wheeling, is well-known for his ability as an 
organizer of enterprises requiring the co-operation of capital, and 
is particularly distinguished for his active and successful efforts 
in the fields of insurance, and building and loan associations.  Mr. 
Conner was born at Athens, Ohio, in 1845, the son of Rev. Calvin 
Conner.  The latter was born and reared near Athens, where he was 
married and entered upon the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal 
church.  About the year 1847 he was transferred from the Ohio to the 
West Virginia conference, of which he is a member until his death in 
December, 1886.  His wife died in the year 1873.  A large family of 
children were born to them, only one of whom survives besides the 
subject of this mention.  The latter came to Wheeling about 1864, and 
here has ever since resided.  He at first devoted himself to 
mercantile pursuits, being employed at the outset in the dry goods 
establishment of F. W. Bassett.  Then for five years he was in the 
service of the Crescent Iron works, and subsequently for sixteen 
years in the employment of Isaiah Warren & Co.  In the meantime he 
had been active in the promotion of various corporate enterprises.  
For twenty years he has been prominently connected with different 
building associations in an official capacity and as organizer.  He 
was one of the promoters of the People's Mutual association, the 
first organized at Wheeling, and was secretary of the same.  
Subsequently he led in the organization and served as secretary of 
the American, Franklin, United States, Home, Standard, and Penn 
Mutual, the last two of which are now in operation, the other 
associations having been wound up after a successful career.  In 1887 
Mr. Conner entered the insurance business as secretary of the 
Standard Insurance company as which he is now acting.  He was one of 
the originators of the Wheeling Ice and Storage company, and when it 
began operations in 1889, he was made secretary and treasurer of the 
company.  He is also one of the originators and a director of the 
Mountain Lake Park association.  He is a member of the Chapline 
Street Methodist Episcopal church.  Mr. Conner was married in 1866 to 
Melissa E., daughter of John Porter, deceased, late of Brooke county, 
W.Va.  Three daughters have been born to this union, one of whom is 
deceased.
       

(Linda Fluharty)