WV LINKS:
Up Famous Residents Did Ya Know? Government Interstate Highway Tourism Links Counties Phone Exhanges Zip Codes

West Virginia is more than hills, country roads and beautiful scenery. The world remembers West Virginia by her people. Below is a list of folks West Virginia is proud to claim as her own.  Some were born here while others are residents by choice.

If you know of a famous West Virginian we missed, let us know.

Michael Ammar - Magician - Logan, WV
Michael is only the second American to win the Gold Medal for Close-Up Magic at the 15th World Congress of Magic (FISM) in Lausanne, Switzerland. He has amassed six awards from the prestigious Academy of Magical Arts in Beverly Hills, CA, and is called "The Magician's Magician" by non-other than David Copperfield.  Michael has received dozens of awards and is recognized as the world's foremost teacher of magic. 

Michael Ammar performed for the Presidential Inaugural Committee for the 43rd Presidential Inauguration. and entertained Johnny Carson on “The Tonight Show”, as well as celebrities such as Arnold Schwartzenegger, Billy Crystal, Julio Iglesias, Hugh Hefner, Michael Jackson, among others.  He is a favorite among giants of the corporate world - with clients such as IBM, Wachovia Bank, Fujitsu, Motorola, Charles Schwab, and Lucent Technologies. Between his corporate and touring schedule, Michael has repeat engagements at Caesars Magical Empire in Las Vegas.

Colonel Ruby Bradley - On December 1, 1999, then 91 years of age, Col. Ruby Bradley received more than a dozen military awards to replace those she had lost over the years. She is the nation's most highly-decorated female veteran. Sen. Rockefeller presented the medals and ribbons to Bradley, a veteran of W.W.II and the Korean War, who lives in Spencer, West Virginia. She was a U.S. Army nurse and a POW for two years in the Philippines and was known as the "Angel in Fatigues" at Santo Tomas Internment Camp in Manila. The replacement awards reportedly included the Legion of Merit medals, the Bronze Star, two Presidential Emblems, the Meritorious Unit Emblem, The American Defense Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Army Occupational Medal with Japan clasp, three Korea Service medals, the Philippine Liberation Medal, the Philippine Independence Ribbon and the United Nations Service Medal.

George Brett - Baseball player, Glendale

Troy Brown - NFL player, #80 with the Patriots Born in South Carolina attended Marshall University. Sensational all-around player at Marshall, was considered the most dangerous scoring threat in all I-AA football during his final two seasons (1991-92).  Troy was the first player from Marshall to ever play for the Patriots.
(thanks to MaKenzie H.)

Pearl S. Buck - Born in Hillsboro in 1892, Pearl Buck was one of America’s greatest writers. Her parents were Presbyterian missionaries, and when Pearl was just three months old, the family went to China for missionary work. Buck won the Pulitzer Prize in 1932 for The Good Earth, and in 1938 she won the Nobel Prize in Literature. In addition to working to improve American-Asian relations, when she moved back to the United States in the 1940s, Buck fought hard to win civil rights victories.

Vicky Bullett - As a player in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), Vicky Bullett of the Charlotte Sting is one of the league’s brightest stars, being named an All-Star in the 1999 season. A Martinsburg native, Bullett played on two U.S. Olympic basketball teams, winning a gold medal in 1988 and a bronze medal in 1992. She led her University of Maryland team to the NCAA Final Four in 1989 and, playing professional basketball in Italy from 1990 to 1997, she earned spots on the Italian League All-Star teams in 1992, 1995, 1996 and 1997.

Jack Canfield - The author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series of bestseller books. He lived in both Wheeling and Martins Ferry, Ohio, and attended the Linsly Military Institute (now the Linsly School) in Wheeling. He has written several versions of the Chicken Soup books and continues to give inspirational seminars.

Stephen Coonts - He grew up in Buckhannon and went to college at West Virginia University. He is the author of books such as Flight of the Intruder, The Cannibal Queen, Minataur, Under Siege, and The Red Horseman. Coonts is a member of the Board of Trustees of West Virginia Wesleyan College and was inducted into the West Virginia University Academy of Distinguished Alumni in 1992.

Phyllis Curtin - Soprano, Clarksburg

Bob Denver - Best known as Gilligan, the lovable, accident-prone star of one of America’s favorite TV shows, “Gilligan’s Island.” He currently lives near Princeton with his wife Dreama, who is also from West Virginia. Their latest project is a nationally-syndicated radio show, “Weekend with Denver and Denver,” where they play rock-and-roll oldies from the 1960s and talk about famous entertainers Bob met during his life in show business.

Hazel Dickens - The eighth of 11 children in a family that labored hard to make a living in Mercer County, where coal mining was the primary industry. In the 1960s she met Alice Gerrard, and the two formed an association in which they wrote songs about life in Appalachia, as well as performing together at numerous folk festivals across the south. She followed a solo career that gained notoriety when four of her songs were used in an acclaimed documentary on coal mining called Harlan County, USA. Dickens was influenced by earlier protest songs by women like Aunt Molly Jackson and soon developed a similar celebrity for herself in many areas. During the 1980s, she had some of her songs featured in the movies Coal Mining Women and Matewan. She became a leading advocate of coal miners and union workers. Through her work, Hazel Dickens has greatly shaped traditional music and also spearheaded the influence of women in bluegrass music. She was the first musician to be honored with the Merit Award for Contribution to Bluegrass Music by the International Bluegrass Music Association which she received in 1994.

William (Billy) Dixon - Scout, plainsman, buffalo hunter, and Indian fighter, was born in Ohio County, West Virginia, on September 25, 1850. Dixon Creek in southern Hutchinson County is named for him, as is the Billy Dixon Masonic Lodge in Fritch. Personal artifacts from his scouting days are housed in both the Hutchinson County Museum in Borger and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum in Canyon.

Joanne Dru - Actress, Logan

Henry Louis Gates - One of America’s preeminent scholars, writing and lecturing on race in the United States. A native of Piedmont, Gates now teaches at Harvard University, where he chairs the Department of Afro-American Studies. In addition to frequently publishing books and essays examining issues from hip-hop to jazz, literature to dance, black establishment leaders to separatist advocates, Gates is at work compiling a comprehensive encyclopedia of African and African-American culture.

Jennifer Anne Garner - Actress: Born in Houston, Texas, Jennifer was raised in Charleston, WV where she graduated from George Washington High School. Her mother is a retired English teacher, and her father is a former chemical engineer. Jennifer is the middle sibling of three girls. She spent nine years of her adolescence studying ballet and describes her years in dance as ones characterized by determination, rather than talent, being driven mostly by a love of the stage.  Jennifer moved to Los Angeles and quickly won roles on TV shows such as as "Felicity" (1998) - and later lead to her lead role in the popular "Alias" (2001) and feature films including, "Dude, Where's My Car?" (2000), "Pearl Harbor" (2001), and most recently "DareDevil" (2003).
(thanks to MaKenzie H.)

Anna Jarvis - The founder of Mother’s Day. Growing up near Grafton, the death of her mother lead her to find a day to honor mothers everywhere. As part of her creating Mother’s Day, she was head of the Mother’s Day International Association for many years.

Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson - As a general in the Confederate Army during the Civil War, Stonewall Jackson, as he is commonly known, earned his nickname when he and his brigade stood as still as a stone wall. He is considered General Robert E. Lee's most trusted lieutenant and a highly skilled military tactician. He was born near Clarksburg.

James Jett - Olympic gold medal winner in the 4x100-meter relay in 1992 and Pro Football player with the L.A. Raiders since 1993.  James was a four-year letterman in both football and track in West Virginia.  "Exciting wide receiver with world class speed. Among finalists for 1997 NFL Fastest Man Competition after winning title in 1996." Quote from NFL.com.  (Thanks to TLCBullet)

Byron Leftwich - NFL Quarterback with the Jacksonville Jaguars.  Born in Washington, DC attended Marshall University. (thanks to MaKenzie H.)

John S. Knight - Publisher, Bluefield (1894-1981), Attended Cornell in the years before World War I, was one of the great journalists of this century. The publisher of a major chain of newspapers and an editor and writer of distinction, he received the Pulitzer Prize for his column "The Editor's Notebook." Toward the end of his life, his concern for excellent writing and his affection for Cornell led him to strengthen the Writing Program. In 1986, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation continued this work by establishing an Endowment to promote excellence in the teaching of writing, in honor of John S. Knight. In 1992 the Knight Foundation further contributed to the development and strength of the Writing Program by endowing the directorship of Writing in the Majors.

Don Knotts - One of America’s favorite comedians. Most people got to know him as Barney Fife on TV’s “The Andy Griffith Show” and Mr. Furley on “Three’s Company." Born in Morgantown, where his family owned a farm, Knotts attended Morgantown High School and West Virginia University, majoring in speech with the intention of becoming a teacher. However, he took his talent for speech to the stage and screen.

Peter Marshall - TV host, Huntington

Kathy Mattea - One of America’s most popular country music singers. She grew up in Cross Lanes and attended West Virginia University to study engineering, but moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to try to make it as a country singer. She has received many awards, including a 1990 Grammy Award for Best Country Performance/Female and 1993 Grammy for Best Southern Gospel, Country Gospel or Bluegrass Gospel Album, just to name a few. In addition to singing, Mattea has dedicated herself to helping children and fighting AIDS.

Russ McCubbin - Hollywood Actor / Comedian.  Born Julian Russel McCubbin, January 16, 1935 in Charleston, WV. Russ McCubbin is once again living in Charleston, West Virginia. Russ began his acting career as a stand-in and stunt double for Clint Walker on the very popular "Cheyenne Show". He made many guest appearances in episodic TV shows including "Gunsmoke", "Tarzan", "Laredo", "Daniel Boone", "Dennis the Menace", "Magnum P.I.", "Guns of Paradise", "Matt Houston", "Dukes of Hazard", "Knight Rider", and scores of others. He has been featured in many motion pictures including "Walking Tall", "Camelot, and "Rage to Kill". He made 3 pictures with Clint Eastwood-"High Plains Drifter", "Sudden Impact", and "Any Which Way You Can".

As a stand-up comic, he has appeared in "Night Clubs", at Reunions, Jamboree's, Film Festivals, and on River Boats from Coonskin, West Virginia to Del Rio, Texas via the "Colonial Country Club" in Memphis, Tennessee.

Randy Moss - As a wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, Randy Moss had an outstanding rookie year as one of the best wide receivers in football. He was named to the Pro Bowl as well as named the NFL’s Rookie of the Year. He is a graduate of DuPont High School and attended Marshall University for two years. His brother, Eric, also plays on the Minnesota Vikings.

Alfred Moore - Jurist, Molinosville

Chad Pennington - Attended Marshall University, now NFL Quarterback with the New York Jets #10.
Was named the top student-athlete in the country by the St. Louis Athletic Club in 2000. His 123 TD and 14,098 passing yards established Marshall career-records. Set all-time Marshall records in completion percentage - 63.3, 1,084 completions, 1,712 attempts, and 14,036 yards in total offense. Passed for over 300-yards in 19 games and had at least three TD passes in 25 career games. Led the Herd to a 13-0 record as a senior, completing 292-of-433 passes (67.4%) for 4,006 yards, and 38 touchdowns. Set an NCAA record for TD passes by a sophomore with 39 (that figure led the nation and was the fifth highest total in NCAA history). Was a finalist for a Rhodes Scholarship as a senior at Marshall. (thanks to MaKenzie H.)

Colonel George “Spanky” Roberts - The first commander of the Tuskeegee Airmen, one of America’s most notable military units. During World War II, led by Roberts, black fighter pilots of the 99th Pursuit Squadron, based in Tuskeegee, Alabama, earned an outstanding combat record with their victories in Europe and North Africa. Working in a racially segregated military, the Tuskeegee Airmen distinguished themselves with superior flying abilities, proving to many of their fellow pilots that black people should not be treated as inferior. Roberts served in both World War II and the Korean War as a fighter pilot and commander.

Walter Reuther - Labor leader, Wheeling

Mary Lou Retton - As a 16-year-old from Fairmont, Mary Lou Retton became an inspiration to people around the world when she became the first U.S. gymnast to win the gold medal in the women’s Olympic individual all-around event. She won a total of four medals in the 1984 Summer Olympics and helped the U.S. Women’s team win a silver medal.

Tina Bohlman Romanus - Also known as "Tina Bohlman" and "Tina Bowman". 
Tina was born April 9, 1946 in Clarksburg, West Virginia.  She sang with "The Bitter End Singers" from 1964-1967. Her singing career includes five recordings, two of which were through the Mercury Record Label. She appeared on many television shows including "The Tonight Show", "The Mike Douglas Show" and "The Philis Diller Show".  Her movie credits include: "Coldfire" (1990),"Starchaser: The Legend of Orin" (1985), and "Wizards" (1977).  (Thanks to Tina Romanus for checking in!)

Eleanor Steber - Soprano, Wheeling

Lewis L. Strauss - Naval officer and scientist, Charleston

Cyrus Vance - A foreign policy expert, and hailing from Clarksburg. Vance served as Secretary of the Army from 1962 to 1964 and as Deputy Secretary of Defense from 1964 to 1967. Then in May, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson selected him to serve as one of the two United States negotiators at the Paris Peace Conference, which aimed to find an end to the Vietnam War. Vance was rewarded for his efforts in 1969 with the U.S. Medal of Freedom, America’s top civilian honor. In 1977, President Jimmy Carter chose Vance to be his Secretary of State.

Booker T. Washington - Born a slave in 1856 in Virginia, but when President Abraham Lincoln freed all slaves in 1863, his family moved to Malden, West Virginia. In Malden, Washington worked in coal mines and later taught school. Washington believed blacks could benefit most by learning practical skills that would enable them to excel at trades such as farming, carpentry, mechanics and teaching, rather than going to college. In 1881, Washington created the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute as a vocational school for blacks. The school later changed its name to the Tuskeegee Institute, and then to Tuskeegee University. He is also author of the book Up From Slavery.

Jerry West - Growing up in Cabin Creek, he led his East Bank High School team to the West Virginia state championship as well as lead the West Virginia University Mountaineers to the NCAA finals in 1959. He also co-captained the United States Olympic Team to an Olympic gold medal in 1960. In the NBA, he shone on the court for the Los Angeles Lakers, winning the 1972 NBA championship and earning a spot on the NBA’s list of its 50 all-time best players. West coached the Lakers from 1976 to 1979, and served as its general manager from 1982 to 1994, during which time he helped guide the Lakers to NBA championships in 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988.

Jason Williams - As a player for the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, Jason Williams led his team to the playoffs in the 1998-99 season. He is a graduate of DuPont High School, along with Randy Moss, and played at Marshall and the University of Florida in college. He is one of the NBA’s brightest stars of the future.

William Lyne Wilson - (1843-1900), U.S. political leader and educator, born in Middleway, Va. (now W. Va.); in Confederate army 1861-65; congressman from W. Va. (1883-95); tariff legislator (Wilson Act, 1894); postmaster general 1895-97.

Carter Woodson - Considered the “Father of Black History,” Carter Woodson authored 20 books during his life. He came to West Virginia as a high school student and soon returned after his graduation from Berea College in Kentucky. He became a teacher and principal at his high school alma mater, Douglass High School in Huntington. He later was the second man to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard, and again returned to West Virginia to serve as dean of the West Virginia State College. After retiring from teaching, he devoted much of his time to the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. He founded and edited the group's publication, the Journal of Negro History.

Chuck Yeager - From Myra. Achieved fame as America’s most courageous test pilot when he became the first man to travel faster than the speed of sound. During World War II, Yeager had distinguished himself by flying 64 combat missions, shooting down 13 enemy aircraft. On October 14, 1947, Yeager climbed into the X-1 experimental rocket aircraft. Over the course of his 34-year career, he logged over 10,000 hours in more than 330 different models of aircraft.

Steve Yeager - Baseball player, Huntington

More may be found HERE,
but some of the info is questionable.