Charles McGhee

Charles McGhee was born in Franklin County, Virginia, where he grew up on a farm and attended local rural schools. Years later, he pursued his studies at Bluefield Institute. He began efforts in 1893 to secure better high school and college facilities for the colored youth and established the West Virginia Normal and Industrial School for Colored Children in 1899.

The purpose of the facility was to provide a home, education and vocational skills to Black children. The “Colored Orphanage” was incorporated on January 31, 1899, at Bluefield, and in March 1900, a suitable location was found near Huntington. Eighteen orphans gathered under the direction of a faculty of three people.

A farm of 210 acres in Pea Ridge was secured, and the orphanage was firmly established. McGhee was the superintendent from 1900-15.