From "History of Wheeling City and Ohio County, West Virginia and 
Representative Citizens," by Hon. Gibson Lamb Cranmer, 1902. 

Typed by Laurie Birks Dean

pp. 409-410

W. H. EXLEY, a prominent resident of Wheeling and a member of the 
board of education, is president of Exley, Watkins & Company, 
extensive manufactures of and wholesale dealers in preserves, 
jellies, catsup, mustard and sauces.  Mr. Exley was born at Wheeling, 
Ohio county, West Virginia, in 1867, and is a son of W. H. Exley, Sr.
	W. H. Exley, Sr., was also born in Wheeling, and for some years 
was associated with his father, also names W. H. Exley, in 
contracting, house building, etc.  In this line of business he 
continued until 1878.  He then retired from active work, and devoted 
the latter years of his life to travel.  He died on October 8, 1900.
	W. H. Exley, Jr., was the only child born to his parents, and 
at an early age attended the public schools.  He subsequently entered 
Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York, and completed 
the course of study in 1884.  Immediately thereafter he returned to 
Wheeling and entered the employ of Mr. Hunter, in the line of 
business in which he is now engaged.  In 1896, with three other 
employees of this firm, namely, C. H. Watkins, Jr., W. B. McGavin and 
John M. Vollinger, he established his present business, now conducted 
at Nos. 86-88 Nineteenth street.  The building first used stood 
across the creek, and was destroyed by fire September 15, 1898, after 
which the present plant was erected, which is practically fireproof.  
The main building has about 30,000 square feet of floor space, and 
the other building about 20,000 square feet.  The copartnership of 
the four men continued until May 18, 1899, when Exley, Watkins & 
Company was incorporated, with the following officers:  W. H. Exley, 
president; W. B. Mcgavin, vice-president; C. H. Watkins, Jr., 
secretary; and John M. Vollinger, treasurer.  These four officers, 
with C. H. Watkins, Sr., compose the board of directors.  They employ 
on an average 60 girls and 25 men, but through the busy season can 
easily use double that number.  The trade of the company extends from 
California to Maine, and one or two men are constantly on the road, 
one of them always being a member of the firm.  The business is 
conducted through brokers and by mail orders and is exclusively 
wholesale.  The plant is complete in all its details, modernly 
equipped and run by steam.  The vegetables, such as tomatoes, etc., 
are contracted for with neighboring farmers, and mustard seed is 
bought in car lots along the California coast.  The necessary vinegar 
is brought in tank cars from the West.  In the rear of this extensive 
plant is a regular depot, with a dside track sufficent in length for 
four cars.  There has been a wonderful growth in the business 
transacted by this company, - a fact due solely to judicious 
management and practical methods of doing business.
	Mr. Exley was united in marriage with Lizzie Lindsay, of 
Steubenville, Ohio, and they have two children:  Charlotte C. and 
Howard L.  They reside at No. 40 Thirteenth street, where Mr. Exley 
owns a comfortable home.  In politics he is a Republican, and in 
November, 1900, was elected a member of the city board of education 
from the third ward or Clay district.  Fraternally he is a member of 
Nelson Lodge, No. 30, A. F. & A. M. ; Wheeling Union Chapter, No. 1, 
R. A. M.; Wheeling Commandery, No. 1, K. T., and is a thirty-second-
degree Mason.  He also belongs to the Royal Arcanum.  Religiously, he 
is an attendant of the Methodist Episcopal church.