|
wetzel
Apr 28, 2008 12:24:28 GMT -5
Post by Matthew S. Schweitzer on Apr 28, 2008 12:24:28 GMT -5
Man, that certainly is no way to treat a local historical figure. Buried under a slag heap. I wonder if the markers are still there at the cemetery.
|
|
|
wetzel
Oct 27, 2008 13:41:17 GMT -5
Post by ronnie gunn on Oct 27, 2008 13:41:17 GMT -5
As we all know, there are descriptions of lewis Wetzel, but no drawings of his likeness. I believe that he is of such importance in Pennslytucky history, and had such an influence and impact on the settlement of WVA, Ohio and western Pa. that we should be able to actually gaze upon his likeness. His mortal remains lie buried in Mcreary Cem. Some one out there who has the resources, should go thru the proper channels, exume his skull, and have a forensic sculptor make a likeness of Wetzel using clay. I have seen this done several times, including the "Kennebec Man". How about it, anyone out there ready to take this on?
|
|
|
wetzel
Oct 29, 2008 14:40:44 GMT -5
Post by Matthew S. Schweitzer on Oct 29, 2008 14:40:44 GMT -5
Hey that sounds like an interesting idea. I wonder what it would take to do that. There was quite a bit of a stink a while back when they tried to exhume the remains of Billy the Kid in New Mexico. But I think it would be kinda cool to see what he really looked like.
|
|
|
wetzel
Oct 30, 2008 12:05:35 GMT -5
Post by ronnie gunn on Oct 30, 2008 12:05:35 GMT -5
I believe the first step would be to contact the wetzel reunion people, (decendants of the old family) to see what they thought of the idea. If they approve, then a legal procedure would be neccessary, either with a coroners office, or a County agency. Step three would be to obtain some funding, perhaps from a foundation or a trust, or maybe the history channel ( they could do a story on this as it proceeds) Then, contact with the cemetary to see what they would require. Final step would be to get an artist to do the bust. this may be a pro bono case, or they might want paid. The end product could be placed in a museum, perhaps beside his old rifle, which was taken from the grave in Missippi, and the skull of the "death Wind, (le vent de le mort) would then be returned to the grave to continue its eternal slumber.
|
|
|
wetzel
Jun 1, 2009 10:03:20 GMT -5
Post by ronnie gunn on Jun 1, 2009 10:03:20 GMT -5
well I see 8 mnths have pased since my last post concerning exhuming Wetzel and having a forensic expert do a clay bust. But alas, no takers on doing any of the ground work required. At least someone could contact the Hisstory channel and see if they are interested in sposoring this project. How about?
|
|
|
wetzel
Jun 3, 2009 12:29:38 GMT -5
Post by Matthew S. Schweitzer on Jun 3, 2009 12:29:38 GMT -5
Does anyone out there have any contacts with the Wetzel clan? I think it would be an interesting project if someone could generate some interest for it within the historical community.
|
|
|
wetzel
Jun 4, 2009 21:08:33 GMT -5
Post by Hal Sherman on Jun 4, 2009 21:08:33 GMT -5
My friend Ron decided to contact the History Channel about Wetzel and gave me permission to add his comments to this forum.
Hello folks at the History channel, My name is Ron Goebel. Im the president of the "Pennsyltucky Historical Soc." located of course here in pennsyltucky. (S.W. Pa.) Here is a worth while project for you. Lewis Wetzel, know as Le vent De La Mort (the wind of death) was a famous peson who lived in the Pennsyltucky region from 1759 to 1804. to many he was a hero, to many, including the Shawnee, Mingo, and Lenni Lenape Indians he was a brutal killer. But however you view him, he was a product of the times, and beat the Indians at their own game. He could out run any one while loading a long rifle. He saved many a lass from a fate of captivity by daring rescues. His feats are legendary. Do a little research, read the book by Allman " The life and times of Lewis Wetzel. He died in Natchez Mississippi, at a cousins residence (Phillip Sykes) and was buried in the front yard in 1804, along with his famous musket. In the 1940's an efort was made to locate his grave, and by the help of an old timer who remembered as a kid, was told to stay away from the grave of the famous scout. He led the searchers to it and in the grave was the musket, and the long hair ( down to his knees) of Wetzel. He was taken back to Wheeling West Va. and is now in the McGreary Cem. with his family. Here is where you come in. No one knows what he looked like. He is described as being about 5'10" broad at the shoulders, very muscular, with a long, pock marked face. So you need to exume the body, take the skull and make a clay likeness of Wetzel for all the world to gaze upon. The bust could be put in a local museum along with the rifle, which is already there. Wetzel could then continue his long slumber. So how about it? It would make a helluva story! I'll take you to the cave where he hid if you want to video it.
|
|
|
wetzel
Jun 22, 2009 15:23:52 GMT -5
Post by Matthew S. Schweitzer on Jun 22, 2009 15:23:52 GMT -5
Excellent! I hope they take him up on that offer. It would actually be interesting to see a good History Channel documentary on Wetzel and some of the other lesser known frontiersmen of the Trans-Allegheny West like Sam Brady, Jesse Hughes, and Squire Boone.
|
|
|
wetzel
Nov 27, 2009 16:39:08 GMT -5
Post by Hal Sherman on Nov 27, 2009 16:39:08 GMT -5
Sent: Friday, November 27, 2009 2:55 PM Subject: Producers Portal - Idea Submission Confirmation
Dear Ronald Goebel:
Your submission has been received and will be reviewed by our development. Proposals are evaluated based on originality of idea and programming priorities in addition to other criteria. All ideas are reviewed in the order in which they are received. You will receive an email from our development team after your proposal has been reviewed.
Idea Title : Life And Times Of Lewis Wetzel Network : Discovery Channel - US Submission id : 4831 Submitted by : Ronald Goebel Submitted on: Fri Nov 27 14:55:23 EST 2009
Discovery eSubmissions site URL
Please note: this is an automated email notification. Please do not reply to this email directly.
|
|
|
wetzel
Nov 30, 2009 10:24:39 GMT -5
Post by Matthew S. Schweitzer on Nov 30, 2009 10:24:39 GMT -5
I really hope they pick this one up. I would love to see it done and done well.
|
|
|
wetzel
Sept 16, 2010 17:33:22 GMT -5
Post by ronnie gunn on Sept 16, 2010 17:33:22 GMT -5
The proposed idea of a "Life and Times of Lewis Wetzel" was not accepted.
|
|
|
wetzel
Feb 2, 2011 1:11:56 GMT -5
Post by wetzelkin on Feb 2, 2011 1:11:56 GMT -5
Good evening, Lewis Wetzel was my great-great-great-great Uncle on my mother's side. My mother may have the archives somewhere, but I'm trying to learn which of Lewis' brothers I am a descendent of. Whichever brother it was, he had a son who had a daughter, Ann Eliza Wetzel. Ann married Joseph Tuttle and they had my Great Grandmother Emma. My mother has a photo of Ann Eliza, and one of her husband, in beautiful antique frames. I know that there are plenty of decendants and certainly, if the younger generation had an interest and kept the photos, there are old Wetzel photos out there that may possibly give insight into Capt John Wetzel family's physical features. That might be easier than putting a face to Lewis' skull. A Native American from West Virginia once told me, that if history is not completely correct about the Indian, then it may not be correct about my uncle. Good wisdom! And, maybe the historical records are true. However, we cannot judge Lewis or the other Wetzel clan for ensuring their survival. We don't have them on a DVD to evaluate, and we weren't there. Frontier brutality abounded on both sides. Times were truely rough and most citizens today wouldn't know how to survive on the land if their lives depended on it! When I go back to Ohio, I'd like to scan Ann Eliza's photograph to put on the web to share. Certainly my kinfolk in "them thar hills" of West VA and VA have photos also.
|
|
|
wetzel
Feb 12, 2011 20:49:50 GMT -5
Post by Hal Sherman on Feb 12, 2011 20:49:50 GMT -5
I just finished reading a new book on Lewis Wetzel, by Ron Goebel, which I would like to recommend. The book in addition to being a fantastic read has my painting of Wetzel in action on the cover. If your like me, you have read most all of the book's on Wetzel, however this one is very different. Ron has studied Wetzel and has been to most of his haunts. He brings Wetzel's history to the present day life. If you would like to order it or for information, you can reach Ron at gleneden@zoominternet.net
|
|
|
wetzel
Dec 10, 2013 12:03:00 GMT -5
Post by Ronnie Gunn on Dec 10, 2013 12:03:00 GMT -5
Today is Dec. 10th, 2013. I'm still working on having a likeness made of Lewis Wetzel. Yesterday I sent an email to the Smithsonian Institute, urging them to bring Wetzel once again out of the earth, and use their resources to create a likeness of Lewis. I'll keep you posted on the progress.
|
|
|
wetzel
Dec 27, 2013 13:47:11 GMT -5
Post by lhelton on Dec 27, 2013 13:47:11 GMT -5
From Ronnie Gunn in regards to his book on Lewis Wetzel:
Hello, I only have a few copies left, and im not sure that it will go into a 2nd printing. The cost is $20 plus $5.00 for shipping and handling. Yes you can post the info.
Ron Goebel
|
|