West Union in Doddridge County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Ephraim Bee

1802 - 1888

Photographed By Stephen R. Myers, May 4, 2003

1. Ephraim Bee Marker

This plaque was created by Don "Two Bit" Davis, with the research done by Gregg Smith and Steve "Iggy" Myers

Inscription. Blacksmith, innkeeper, an operator of the "Underground Railroad". A Captain of the Doddridge County Militia, a member of the first West Virginia State Legislature in 1863, serving 3 terms. The Founder and Grand Royal Gyascutis of the Most Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampsus Vitus, Ephraim was known throughout the country as a garrulous story-teller and practical joker. Legend has it that around 1845, 1st U.S. Ambassador Caleb Cushing returned from negotiating a treaty with China & entrusted Ephraim Bee with the Sacred Mantel of Grand Llama and Mutuals from either the Mysterious Emperor of the Celestial Kingdom of China or by the Remnant of the "Sons Of Liberty", notably agents of the late great Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. Bee then brought forth and promoted the rapid growth of E Clampsus Vitus. In the years to follow, ECV spread like "wildfire" and became prominent during the California Gold Rush. In 1931, ECV was reorganized in San Francisco with the motto "Credo Quia Absurdum" and became the thriving historical society it is today.

Erected 2003 by Beehive Lodge Number One in cooperation with Western Brethren of The Ancient And Honorable Order Of E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

• Arts, Letters, Music • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is December 26, 1802.

Location. 39° 15.717′ N, 80° 49.883′ W. Marker is in West Union, West Virginia, in Doddridge County. Marker is on Old Highway 50, 1½ miles south of U.S. 50, on the left when traveling south. Monumnent is located at Stoney Bee's Sporting Goods. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: West Union WV 26456, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Central Station Bridge (approx. 2.4 miles away); Doddridge County Veterans Memorial (approx. 3.8 miles away); Beehive Inn (approx. 3.8 miles away); Lathrop Russell Charter House (approx. 3.8 miles away); Chapman J. Stuart (approx. 3.9 miles away); Skirmish at West Union / West Union (approx. 3.9 miles away); Doddridge County / Ritchie County (approx. 4.3 miles away); Harrisville (approx. 7½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Union.

More about

Photographed By Stephen R. Myers, May 4, 2003

2. Ephraim Bee Marker

Western Brothers of E Clampus Vitus and WV Vipers and local citizens.

this marker. Was to be located at Cabin Run Church on Cabin Run Road, but was never approved by landowners.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Also see . . . Ephraim Bee - Early Settler and a Founder of Doddridge County, W. VA. Ephraim’s family moved to Western Virginia when he was nineteen years old. He was a self made man, having but four months of schooling in all his life. Ephraim was the first Clerk of the Middle Island Seventh Day Baptist Church. In 1828 Ephraim & Catherine established a log home on Meathouse fork of Middle Island Creek, now West Union, West Virginia. They built an Inn at Lewisport, below the Blockhouse on the Northwestern Turnpike. It became a very popular place for travelers and locals to meet, revive themselves and to re-provision supplies for their journeys. He operated the first Blacksmith shop. His farm, stables, tannery and a horseracing track were also added to increase the family income. Ephraim became involved in land speculation and owned some 40,000 acres of land. (Submitted on June 14, 2010.)

Photographed By Stephen R. Myers, May 4, 2003

3. Ephraim Bee Marker

Gregg Smith, Noble Golden Viper, 2003

Photographed By Stephen R. Myers, May 4, 2003

4. Ephraim Bee Marker

Western Clampbassador, Steve "Iggy" Myers

Photographed By Stephen R. Myers, February 19, 2010

5. Ephraim Bee Marker

From left to right, Noble Golden Viper, Stoney Bee and Dan "Chunky Tuna" McCormick of Doc Maynard Chapter. Tuna was initiated at the grave site in Feb 2010.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 13, 2010, by Stephen R. Myers of Dublin, California. This page has been viewed 1,645 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 13, 2010, by Stephen R. Myers of Dublin, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.