April 20, 1861
James C. McGrew joins an early discussion of western Virginia’s political future
Three days after voting against Virginia’s ordinance of secession, Preston County delegate James C. McGrew joined a small private meeting of western delegates in Richmond. The group discussed leaving the convention, returning to their constituents, and organizing opposition to secession. The effort formed part of the political movement that soon gathered at Wheeling and ultimately led to West Virginia statehood.
Research status
This entry has been checked against its named source.
The timeline wording accurately reflects the source listed below. This status does not necessarily mean the event has been independently corroborated against additional records.
Sources and further reading
Where this entry comes from
Samuel T. Wiley, History of Preston County, West Virginia (1882), pp. 242–245
Research notes
What the evidence establishes
Wiley’s account, published during McGrew’s lifetime, identifies April 20, 1861, and describes the meeting as an early step toward the Reorganized Government of Virginia and West Virginia statehood. It is a retrospective county history rather than a surviving minute book or contemporary report of the private meeting.
The broader sequence is well established: McGrew represented Preston County at Virginia’s 1861 convention, voted against secession, and later served in West Virginia’s first legislature. The wording avoids assigning sole credit for statehood to McGrew or this meeting.
The linked portrait depicts McGrew between approximately 1860 and 1875; it does not depict the April 20 meeting. The Library of Congress reports no known restrictions on publication.
Related historical photograph
Hon. James Clark McGrew of West Virginia, between 1860 and 1875
Brady-Handy Photograph Collection, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. No known restrictions on publication. This is a portrait of McGrew, not a photograph of the April 20, 1861 meeting.
View related photographKeep exploring
Related history
Help strengthen this entry
Have a correction, source, or local detail?
Share what you know. The contribution form will automatically include this entry’s title and reference.