Lewis County War Memorial and Louis Bennett, Jr. Public Library mark major milestone

In 1917, Bennett, Jr. enlisted in the British Royal Flying Corps in Canada. He shipped out to London in 1918 and joined the 40th Squadron that battled the Germans above France, including the group led by Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen, also known as the “Red Baron.” 

Bennett was shot down on August 24, 1918, over France and then was buried in a military cemetery there. Because of the efforts of his mother Sallie, his remains were later brought home for a proper burial in Machpelah Cemetery in Weston. Bennett’s gravestone is inscribed with the details of his heroics, and his demise, over a two-week period in August 1918.

“His record August 15th to 24th, being three enemy planes, nine balloons destroyed, 4 in one day, for which he was recommended for the Distinguished Flying Cross,” the inscription reads.

Bennett resolved to ensure her son would never be forgotten and had several memorials erected in France, England, and the United States. She did not stop there she also donated her house in Weston to honor veterans and benefit the community.

Bennett wrote a letter to Weston City Council in 1918 and made a proposal for the city to take control of the property on Court Avenue, but the city refused her offer. The newly organized American Legion Weston Post #4 caught wind of Bennett's proposal and the city's refusal. They met with Bennett, and then went door to door explaining what this generous donation would mean to Lewis County and its future. The people voted and the property was dedicated as the Lewis County War Memorial and Louis Bennett, Jr. Public Library on August 17, 1922.

The agreement between Bennett and Lewis County requires the property serve in perpetuity as a war memorial and library for all.

The Paris Caucus, held in March 1919 with enlisted men in attendance, laid the groundwork to establish the American Legion. As there were no ranks used then, members were known as delegates. The group adopted a preamble, and the next meeting was held in St. Louis in May 1919.

Weston Post 4 was formally organized on Aug 16, 1919, with a temporary charter issued by the State Department of the American Legion. The number 4 was used because the Weston post was the fourth branch to be organized in the state.

Col. Jackson Arnold of Weston, who helped form Post 4, had served as a delegate at the Paris Caucus. He became the first commander of the Department of West Virginia American Legion and, later, was the first commander of the West Virginia State Police.

Joining Arnold as charter members of Weston Post 4 were Birk Stathers, Lawrence Harris, Andrew Edmiston Jr., Robert Pritchard, Walter Will, Edward Hall, Mortimer Cure, Sullivan Fuccy, E.R. Raulston, Aubrey Lawson, Walter Warren, Stokes Vandervort, Robert Troxell, Harry Vandervort, Ralph McDonald, Henry Hardman, Victor Houghton, Warren Horner, Grant Burnside, John Morrison, William Eskew, Fred Smith, Lawrence Proudfoot, Mark Bailey, William Henry, Mary Louise Casey, Rose Virginia Davis, Margaret Peterson, Jeanette Warren, Margaret Joyce, Bee Joyce, Elizabeth Droppleman and Julia Severin.

Many of the founding members of Weston Post 4 are buried in the same historic Macpelah Cemetery as the Bennett Family.

Supporters, friends, staff, veterans and dignitaries attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Lewis County War Memorial and Louis Bennett Jr. Public Library on Friday, August 26 to mark the 100th anniversary. Sponsored by the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce, President Thomas Newbrough praised the library for its services offered to the public, especially children.

“The library is an amazing resource. I can't say enough good things about it,” he told guests.

Library Board of Trustees President David Bush praised the board, saying he is proud of those he serves alongside, including Stephanie Westfall, Melissa Skinner, and Kathy Marsh. Bush also praised Dennison and library staff Ashley Ressler, Alli Clark, and Katrina Smith-Johnson, volunteers, Friends of the Library, and partners who have helped with projects and repairs such as Eastern Energy and Brian Large.

“Just enjoy the library. We love it so much,” Library Director Katrina Smith-Johnson said.

The library also offers office services such as copying and faxing, along with notary service by appointment. Hours for the library are Monday-Tuesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Lewis County War Memorial and Public Library is located at 148 Court Avenue in Weston.

For more information on services and programs, visit the website at www.lbpubiclibrary.com or call 304-269-5151.