All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Markers installed at Heavner Cemetery recognize notable historic figures

Buckhannon Markers
From Left: Jack Reger, City Planning Commission/Upshur CVB, Vincent Smith, Zoning Officer & Historic Landmarks Commission, Charles Riffle and Brad Hawkins, City of Buckhannon Streets Department

BUCKHANNON, W.Va. – Two prominent figures from the 1800’s, George R. Latham and Daniel D. T. Farnsworth, recently received additional recognition through the West Virginia Highway Historical Marker Program. On September 14th, City of Buckhannon Streets & Parks Department personnel hoisted the signs into place along the Hall Road adjacent to the Heavner Cemetery, which is maintained by the City. The new signs commemorate the lives of Latham & Farnsworth, who both resided in Buckhannon and are now buried at the cemetery.

George R. Latham served as a delegate to the first Wheeling convention during our state’s secession from Virginia. Prior to that, he had recruited a company of Union troops and served in the American Civil War. Latham went on to serve as a United States congressional representative, and then a consul to Melbourne, Australia. In 1875, he returned to West Virginia, settling in Buckhannon and was employed as the Upshur County Board of Education Superintendent until 1877, thereafter working for the United States Census. Latham remained in Buckhannon working in agriculture until his death in 1917.

Daniel Duane Tompkins Farnsworth served briefly as the second governor of West Virginia, following Arthur Boreman’s resignation to assume a seat in the United States Senate in February of 1869. Farnsworth, West Virginia Senate President at the time, succeeded to the governorship for seven days until William E. Stevenson, the third governor who was elected the previous fall, began his term. Farnsworth was “a fiery Unionist” according to the West Virginia Encyclopedia, who risked his life defending the Union cause. He also supported equal rights and labor causes, working to prevent railroad company officials from serving as West Virginia legislators fearing that would give them too much power. Farnsworth’s home has been restored as The Governor’s Inn Bed & Breakfast on Main Street in Buckhannon.

According to Matthew McGrew, Coordinator of the Historical Marker Program, “The first highway markers were erected in 1937. Since then, this well-known program has seen the installation and maintenance of over 1000 historical markers. The new markers commemorating George R. Latham and Daniel D.T. Farnsworth were funded in part by a grant to erect 160 new highway markers that addressed topics and individuals related to West Virginia statehood and the Civil War. The Archives & History section of the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History gratefully acknowledges the efforts of the Division of Highways, the City of Buckhannon, and the Upshur County Historical Society in placing these two new markers.”

You can visit the cemetery and view the markers any time by traveling north of Buckhannon on the Hall Road to the Heavner Cemetery. In addition to these new markers, you may also visit the Flags of the Fallen memorial, a historically-significant plot with graves of former slaves, and Larry Brown Flagpole Hill. Mail was once dropped and picked up via plane at the top of the knoll known as flagpole hill. The Heavner Cemetery dates back to 1782 and is seeking recognition under the National Registry of Historic Places.

Full readings of each marker:

(Farnsworth)
Daniel Duane Tompkins Farnsworth was born in New York in 1819 and later moved to Buckhannon. Member of second Wheeling convention and Reorganized Government of Virginia. He was President of West Virginia Senate in 1869 when the resignation of Gov. A. I. Boreman made Farnsworth the state’s second governor from February 26 to March 4, 1869. He died in Buckhannon in 1892.

(Latham)
Born March 9, 1832, Latham opened a law office in Grafton, where he recruited a company of Union troops for his command in 1861. A delegate to the first Wheeling convention, he served as a U.S. congressman, 1865-67, and consul to Australia, 1867-70. Latham later was Upshur County school superintendent and an 1880 census supervisor. He died in Buckhannon, December 16, 1917.

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

Edna Karickhoff

Edna Karickhoff, 91, a homemaker and member of Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, died May 19, 2025, and is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; funeral services are Thursday.

Strawberry Festival parade showcases power of music to connect communities — and cultures

A musical exchange between Bridgeport High School and Carmen Southeast High brought Appalachian and Latin rhythms — and award-winning performances — to the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, fostering cross-cultural friendships and greater musical understanding among students.

Buckhannon-Upshur’s mountain bike trails see major growth thanks to dedicated volunteers

Thanks to the volunteer-driven Upshur County Trails group, Buckhannon-Upshur’s mountain bike trail system has expanded to about 10 miles, supporting biking, hiking, and community events while fostering local partnerships and youth engagement.

WVWC Student Senate names faculty, staff members of the year

The West Virginia Wesleyan College Student Senate honored Dr. Alexis de Coning and Amy Rogosky as Faculty and Staff Members of the Year for their exceptional dedication to students and the campus community.

Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival returns to Thomas from May 30 – June 1

The Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival returns to Thomas, WV, May 30–June 1, offering expanded clinics, vendors, competitions, family activities, and community gatherings for anglers of all ages and skill levels.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Jaxon Spratt and Rylen Carlyle

Jaxon Spratt, a standout baseball catcher, and Rylen Carlyle, a talented track athlete, were named this week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars for their performances in regional competition for Buckhannon-Upshur.
BUHS Golf Feature Image

Parker and Westfall to represent B-U in North-South All-Star Golf Tournament

Buckhannon-Upshur seniors Parker Lockwood and Jevon Westfall will represent the North Bears in the second annual North-South All-Star Golf Tournament at Little Creek Golf Course, joining seven other top high school golfers.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for May 20, 2025

Buckhannon residents can look forward to the Jack Barker Memorial Race & Fun Paddle, school art show reception, FFA greenhouse sale, and a community book swap event at The Yellow Door.

Allyson Peters Lewis honored with prestigious honorary American FFA degree at National FFA Convention & Expo

Allyson Peters Lewis, a dedicated agricultural educator, has been awarded the prestigious Honorary American FFA Degree for her long-standing commitment to advancing agricultural education and inspiring student success nationwide.

Retired firefighters Jim Gregory and Brian Hollen recognized for service and sacrifice

Retired Buckhannon Volunteer Firefighters Jim Gregory and Brian Hollen were honored by the Buckhannon Fire Department for their years of service and sacrifice during the annual Friendly Way Day celebration.

Healthy Grandfamilies offers free workshops and support for Upshur grandparents this summer

The Healthy Grandfamilies program, offering free weekly support sessions, childcare, and resources for grandparents raising grandchildren, returns to Upshur County starting June 12 at the Upshur County Recreational Park pavilion.

West Virginia Wesleyan College announces President’s List, Provost’s List for spring 2025

West Virginia Wesleyan College recognized students on the President’s List for earning a 4.0 GPA and on the Provost’s List for achieving at least a 3.5 GPA during the Spring 2025 semester.