First Bicentennial Marker dedication set for Monday

POMEROY, Ohio – The first of several observances set to be held throughout the year to mark Meigs County’s bicentennial year will take place on Monday, January 20, 2019.

The first of 12 historical markers will be unveiled at 10 a.m. at the Waterworks Park near Nye Avenue in Pomeroy. The marker will honor the students, staff, and community of what was called the Kerrs Run area of Pomeroy.

The Kerrs Run Colored School, which was part of the Kerrs Run community, was also the childhood school of Famous African American poet, editor, educator, and author James Edwin Campbell. Campbell was born in Pomeroy, Ohio in 1867. Campbell was installed as the first president of the West Virginia Colored Institute (West Virginia State University), serving from 1891 to 1894. Campbell contributed regularly to magazines and newspapers articles throughout his life in addition to teaching school for high schools in Ohio and West Virginia before becoming the first president at West Virginia Colored Institution (now West Virginia State University). A marker recognizing Campbell’s accomplishments used to stand in Pomeroy, but was damaged. That marked is being repaired.

The public is invited to attend the event.