Buckhannon in Upshur County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Ross E. Straight

October 26, 2017

Photographed by Bradley Owen, February 24, 2025

1. Ross E. Straight Marker

Inscription.

Ross E. Straight. October 26, 2017. , On October 26, 1951, here in Buckhannon, was born one of the most prolific and talented artists in our region's history. Ross Straight studied art at the University of Cincinnati and West Virginia Wesleyan College. After working as a commercial, interior finish carpenter and then furniture maker, Ross spent the last 25 years of his life dedicated to his art. He participated in many arts shows over the years, winning numerous awards for his work. Ross wrote that his greatest influences were Norman Rockwell, Howard Pyle, NC and Andrew Wyeth, Michaelangelo, and the Dutch masters., Ross designed and created the official seal for the City of Buckhannon depicting the great Lenape Indian chieftain, Buckongahelas (1720-1805) and frontiersman, Samuel Pringle (1728-1830). The City Seal mural located but two blocks from this site at the corner of West Main and North Locust Streets, was undertaken with Ross Straight's approval by Richwood muralist, Deborah Dorland in 2006, and rededicated in December of 2016. His greatest work is this statue of Buckongahelas cradling his dead son, Mahonegon, killed by Captain William White in 1773. The story of Buckongahelas was immortalized by our late judge, J.C. McWhorter (1866-1937) in the historical novel, "The Scout of Buckongehanon" which was one of Ross Straight's favorite literary works and inspired him to create this sculpture. This 650 pound bronze work was first presented as a model before the Buckhannon City Council in December of 1997. Mr. Straight undertook his own fundraising to secure the more than $21,500 necessary to complete the project that was dedicated and installed here in Jawbone Park in 2000. Representatives from three Native American tribes participated in the dedication ceremony, including the Delaware whose people once lived and hunted here. This sculpture is one of only two in West Virginia honoring Native Americans., Ross Straight further was the designer and creator of the bronze Philippi Sago Miners' Memorial and the bronze Upper Big Branch Disaster First Responders Memorial. Some of Mr. Straight's other renowned works included Mountain Ghost, Bronze Cougars, Jesus and Children, Wave Rider, Dancers, Journey of Mya, Lady Grace, Power and Grace, Dreams, Snapper, and Tecumseh., Ross Straight died on August 13, 2014 in Buckhannon survived by his wife of 35 years, Molly, son Hans, grandson, Ronan, and mother Leoma. He was preceded in death by his son, Shane, and father Charles. Our Buckhannon-Upshur community shall always fondly remember the colorful character, Ross Straight, and treasure his artistic genius., Dedicated by the City of Buckhannon on the 66th birthday of Ross Straight.

On October 26, 1951, here in Buckhannon, was born one of the most prolific & talented artists in our region's history. Ross Straight studied art at the University of Cincinnati & West Virginia Wesleyan College. After working as a commercial, interior finish carpenter & then furniture maker, Ross spent the last 25 years of his life dedicated to his art. He participated in many arts shows over the years, winning numerous awards for his work. Ross wrote that his greatest influences were Norman Rockwell, Howard Pyle, NC & Andrew Wyeth, Michaelangelo, & the Dutch masters.

Ross designed & created the official seal for the City of Buckhannon depicting the great Lenape Indian chieftain, Buckongahelas (1720-1805) & frontiersman, Samuel Pringle (1728-1830). The City Seal mural located but two blocks from this site at the corner of West Main & North Locust Streets, was undertaken with Ross Straight's approval by Richwood muralist, Deborah Dorland in 2006, & rededicated in December of 2016. His greatest work is this statue of Buckongahelas cradling his dead son, Mahonegon, killed by Captain William White in 1773. The story of Buckongahelas was immortalized by our late judge, J.C. McWhorter (1866-1937) in the historical novel, "The Scout of Buckongehanon" which was one of Ross Straight's favorite literary works & inspired him to create this sculpture. This 650 pound bronze work was first presented as a model before the Buckhannon City Council in December of 1997. Mr. Straight undertook his own fundraising to secure the more than $21,500 necessary to complete the project that was dedicated & installed here in Jawbone Park in 2000. Representatives from three Native American tribes participated in the dedication ceremony, including the Delaware whose people once lived & hunted here. This sculpture is one of only two

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

in West Virginia honoring Native Americans.

Ross Straight further was the designer & creator of the bronze Philippi Sago Miners' Memorial & the bronze Upper Big Branch Disaster First Responders Memorial. Some of Mr. Straight's other renowned works included Mountain Ghost, Bronze Cougars, Jesus & Children, Wave Rider, Dancers, Journey of Mya, Lady Grace, Power & Grace, Dreams, Snapper, & Tecumseh.

Ross Straight died on August 13, 2014 in Buckhannon survived by his wife of 35 years, Molly, son Hans, grandson, Ronan, & mother Leoma. He was preceded in death by his son, Shane, & father Charles. Our Buckhannon-Upshur community shall always fondly remember the colorful character, Ross Straight, & treasure his artistic genius.

Dedicated by the City of Buckhannon on the 66th birthday of Ross Straight

Erected 2017 by The City of Buckhannon.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Indigenous Peoples and Communities. A significant historical date for this entry is August 13, 2014.

Location. 38° 59.562′ N, 80° 13.67′ W. Marker is in Buckhannon, West Virginia, in Upshur County. It is on South Florida

Photographed by Bradley Owen, February 24, 2025

2. Ross E. Straight Marker

Street north of Madison Street, on the left when traveling north. Marker is located on the east side of Jawbone Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 24 South Florida Street, Buckhannon WV 26201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Central West Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Chief Buckongahelas (here, next to this marker); Horseshoe History & Rules (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Horseshoe History & Rules (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Chief Chesley G. Mearns (about 300 feet away); The Bicentennial Sycamore Tree (about 300 feet away); Buckhannon's Bicentennial Boulder (about 300 feet away); In Honor of Jerry Kimble and Jim Farrell

Straight's statue of Buckongahelas cradling his dead son, Mahonegon image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bradley Owen, February 24, 2025

3. Straight's statue of Buckongahelas cradling his dead son, Mahonegon

(about 300 feet away); Wilbert H. "Webb ” Grubb & the story of “Wilbert Grubb Lane" (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Buckhannon.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 119 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 28, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.