Immigration stories are woven into the fabric of Wheeling’s history. Many in the Wheeling community have stories to share about how their families ended up in this great Appalachian city. And in this series we are going to share those stories, one family at a time, starting with the Dimmey family.
The Dimmey family story is a testament to resilience, faith, and community. From Joseph A. Dimmey’s harrowing journey to America to the creation of the neighborhood that bears their name, the Dimmeys left an indelible mark on Wheeling. And their descendant, Scott Schenerlein, Executive Director of Wheeling Heritage, continues that legacy with his dedication to preserving the history his ancestors helped shape.
The Harrowing Journey of Joseph A. Dimmey
Joseph A. Dimmey’s journey to Wheeling is a tale of courage, resilience, and unwavering determination. Born in Germany in 1821, Joseph set out for America in 1847, seeking a brighter future. But his arrival was anything but smooth.
After disembarking in New Orleans, he boarded a riverboat up the Mississippi, only to face disaster when the vessel caught fire near Baton Rouge. With flames consuming the boat, Joseph had no choice but to dive into the river and swim for his life, reaching shore with nothing but his will to survive.
Penniless and alone in a foreign land, Joseph refused to let adversity defeat him. He worked his passage on another boat to Cincinnati, then to Wheeling, where he finally arrived with little more than the shirt on his back.
Settling in Wheeling
Once in Wheeling, Joseph took a job in the lumber industry and spent thirteen years working tirelessly to build a foundation for his future. By 1862, he had saved enough to purchase a small farm along the Ohio River, where he established a modest dairy operation. Over time, his relentless hard work paid off, enabling him to purchase additional land in Triadelphia and expand his dairy operation.
Joseph’s resilience set the stage for his family’s future success. His values of hard work and determination were passed down to his children, particularly his three sons—Joseph Jr., William, and Louis—who would go on to create Dimmeydale, a neighborhood that became a lasting part of Wheeling’s story.
The Next Generation: Building on a Legacy
Joseph A. Dimmey’s journey to Wheeling and his success in the dairy business set the stage for his sons to leave their mark on the area. In 1891, William H., Joseph A. Jr., and Louis W. Dimmey purchased over 32 acres of land from the Cochran family, located on the west side of National Road, just northeast of Wheeling Creek.
This land, initially part of the Cochran farm, became the foundation for the brothers’ ambitious plans. While continuing the family tradition of dairy farming, William and Joseph established “Dimmey Bros.,” where they worked as dairymen, farmers, and gardeners. Meanwhile, Louis ventured into operating his own dairy farm in Woodsdale.
The Founding of Dimmeydale
Their vision didn’t stop with farming. Recognizing the potential of the land, they eventually subdivided the property and transformed it into what we now know as Dimmeydale. This neighborhood, with homes built on the brothers’ former farmland, is a lasting testament to the Dimmey family’s entrepreneurial spirit.
Adding a personal touch to the area, William built his home at what is now 15 Pleasant Drive, while Joseph established a residence at 5 Pleasant Drive, which unfortunately no longer stands. These homes became a symbol of their dedication to building both a thriving business and a community.
A House Full of Stories
Uncle Lou and the Dimmey Family Legacy
The story of the Dimmeys wouldn’t be complete without a closer look at Louis W. Dimmey, or “Uncle Lou” as he was lovingly called. Louis, one of Joseph A. Dimmey’s sons, was a prominent figure in the family’s story. Known for his love of music, he even had his own band. His large brick house in Leatherwood off of National Road (which is now the current location of Bob Evans) became a focal point for gatherings, filled with music, and memories that lingered long after his passing.
Scott recalls a story of the family building their own tennis court on the hill behind the house, flattening part of the hillside by hand. He often wonders if its remnants can still be seen today.
When Louis’s health began to decline, Loretta Altmeyer Rapp (Louis’s niece by his sister Lucy Altmeyer), Scott Schenerlein’s great-grandmother, stepped in as his caretaker. “Loretta was chosen as the caretaker because she could cook, clean, and play the piano well,” Scott recalled.
This move marked a significant shift for the family, as they left their home to live with Uncle Lou. Scott recalls stories his grandmother told him about moving to Uncle Lou’s house and working alongside her mother. The house became more than just a residence—it was a hub of love and perseverance, a testament to the family’s close bonds.
Treasures of the Past
The legacy of Uncle Lou and the Dimmey family lives on through the relics they preserved. Among these treasures are Uncle Lou’s gold-capped cane and his elegant top hat, both symbols of a vibrant life and a family deeply rooted in Wheeling’s history. These items serve as tangible reminders of the Dimmeys’ enduring contributions to the city’s growth, keeping their stories alive for future generations.
Scott shared that when Lou passed away, he left the property, his home, and all of its contents to Loretta.
Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future
The story of the Dimmey family is one of resilience, hard work, and a deep sense of community. From Joseph A. Dimmey’s harrowing journey to America to the creation of Dimmeydale and the rich legacy of Uncle Lou’s Leatherwood home, the family’s impact on Wheeling is undeniable.
Today, Scott Schenerlein honors his ancestors’ legacy by preserving Wheeling’s history, whether through safeguarding treasured family relics like Uncle Lou’s cane and top hat or dedicating his professional life to ensuring that Wheeling’s history is celebrated and remembered.
“Today I have that cane and top hat at my house. It is a reminder that I am related to people that contributed to the fabric of the Wheeling Community. I don’t think my great grandmother could ever have imagined her great grandson would become the Executive Director of Wheeling Heritage that would help safeguard that heritage and help Dimmeydale get a historic district nomination.”
This legacy serves as inspiration not just for Scott, but for the entire Wheeling community. It reminds us that the contributions of individuals and families—whether through building neighborhoods or preserving memories—shape the identity of a city and connect us to those who came before.
The Dimmey family’s journey from Germany to Wheeling is more than a historical narrative; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of Appalachia, the power of family, and the value of remembering where we came from. As Wheeling continues to grow, the stories of families like the Dimmeys ensure its roots remain firmly planted in the rich soil of its past, inspiring future generations to look ahead.
Whether it’s the creation of a thriving neighborhood or the memory of a tennis court behind a beloved brick house, the Dimmeys remind us of the resilience it takes to build something lasting. And through Scott’s efforts, their story—and the stories of so many others in Wheeling—will continue to be told.
Do You Know Any Founding Families of Wheeling?
Are you or someone you know a descendant of one of Wheeling’s founding families? We’d love to hear your story! If your family’s legacy is still part of the fabric of our community, please reach out and share it with us. Email us at weelunk@weelunk.com—your history might be the next to inspire our readers!
