Weirton in Hancock County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Reverand Father Francis Olszewski
Photographed by Craig Doda, March 29, 2025
1. Reverand Father Francis Olszewski Marker
This man of God went to the holy altar as a priest for over 55 years. Born in Poland, he came to our Ohio Valley from Canada, called here in 1920 by Bishop Patrick Donahue. He brought with him a small group of nuns of the Order of the Sisters Auxiliaries of the Apostolate, of whom he is the founder. At times he served the people of Colliers as well as those of New Cumberland, where, at the age of 70. He built church and rectory with his own bare hands. The threat of floods caused the people of Immaculate Conception Parish to rebuild on the ridge, but only after this Polish gentleman had been the spiritual father of his people for over 35 years and then gone home to God.
Eternal rest grant him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine on him forever.
Died February 24, 1955
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is February 24, 1955.
Location. 40° 24.987′ N, 80° 33.641′ W. Marker is
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Northern Panhandle. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in the Ohio River Valley, and in 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: Monsignor Daniel Patrick Murphy (here, next to this marker); Reverand Father Arthur McSwiggan (here, next to this marker); Reverand Father Andrew Wilczek (here, next to this marker); Rev. Stephen David Dube (here, next to this marker); Rev. Charles John Schneider (here, next to this marker); Rev. Emil Joseph Dobosz (here, next to this marker); Saint Paul Catholic Cemetery Veterans Memorial
Photographed by Craig Doda, March 29, 2025
2. Reverand Father Francis Olszewski Marker
Additional commentary.
1. About the marker
While most grave sites do not serve as historical markers, this one has been included on HMdb because it shares significant details at length about Father Olszewski's life.
— Submitted April 17, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 105 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 17, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
