Lemuel Chenoweth (1811-1887) - Find a Grave Memorial

Architect, Politician. He was a local carpenter, legislator, and a holder of public office. However, his claim to fame was in his role as a self-educated architect. He would become West Virginia's most famous builder and designer of covered bridges. Chenoweth lived in Randolph County his entire life. He built the Huttonsville Presbyterian Church as well as several homes. However, his most famous work is the famous, double barrelled, covered bridge at Philippi which he constructed in the mid 1800s. As the story goes, Chenoweth beat out all of the other traditional architects who converged upon Richmond with their bridge blueprints. Lemuel took a model of his proposed bridge, placed it between two chairs, and even stood on it proclaiming "nary a nail in 'er." Shortly after his demonstration before state officials he went back home with the contract for the job. Lemuel Chenoweth also designed the covered bridge at Barrackville.

Bio by: Steve Corley