From "HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY,"  Vol. I, page 364.
Brant & Fuller, 1890.


W. J. LUKENS

W. J. Lukens, a popular young business man of Wheeling, is prominent 
in the jewelry trade, conducting an establishment at 1053 Main 
street.  He was born at Wheeling May 19, 1862, the son of Charles 
Lukens, who was born at Reading, Penn., December 2, 1834.  The 
parents of the latter removed to Wheeling when Charles was a small 
boy, and the grandfather of the subject of this mention, Joshua 
Lukens, was for a number of years in business at Wheeling as a dealer 
in confectionery and mineral water, and was one of the well-known 
early residents.  Charles Lukens was engaged in the grocery business 
on the Island during the war, but in 1863 removed to Washington 
county, Ohio, where he was engaged in general merchandise until 1868.  
In the latter year he returned to Wheeling, and resumed the grocery 
business on the Island, which he has since continued.  His wife was 
Margaret Bedilion, daughter of Abraham Bedilion, one of the early 
settlers of Pleasant valley, where he was engaged in agriculture and 
the manufacture of flour.  Later in life he removed to Dallas, 
Marshall county, where he was engaged in farming during the remainder 
of his days.  Mrs. Lukens died May 15, 1868, leaving three children, 
all of whom survive.  W. J. Lukens received his education in the 
schools of Wheeling, and then in 1877 began an apprentice at the 
jewelry trade with John A. Lash, with whom he remained seven years.  
In 1885 he opened up a jewelry store of his own at l029 Main street, 
beginning on a limited scale, but meeting with success has rapidly 
built up his business to rank with the leading establishments of the 
city.  In April, 1887, he removed to his present place of business, 
where he carries a full line of watches, diamonds, plate and other 
goods pertaining to the trade.  He is also sole agent for Wheeling of 
Edison's phonographs and graphophones.  Mr. Lukens is a director of 
the Y. M. C. A., and is a member of Fourth Street Methodist Episcopal 
church. 


(Linda Fluharty)