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Introduced Version House Concurrent Resolution 21 History

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Key: Green = existing Code. Red = new code to be enacted
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 21

(By Delegate Shaver)




Requesting the bridge crossing the Shavers Fork River at Parsons in Tucker County, West Virginia, specifically bridge number 47-219-8.25, be named the "Sheriff O. Gay Hovatter Memorial Bridge."

Whereas, Sheriff O. Gay Hovatter was born in Tucker County, West Virginia in 1895. He served the Auviltown and Parsons communities in Tucker County as a merchant for twenty five years and opened the state liquor store in Parsons, managing it until 1943; and
Whereas, Sheriff O. Gay Hovatter was an outstanding organizer and citizen in the community, serving in the United States Army during World War I in the field artillery. He was a commander of the American Legion Cheat Valley Post 101 and was the first commander and organizer of the General Garnett Post 4322 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a member of the Pythagoras Lodge No. 128, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Order of Eastern Star No. 91 and Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Parsons Lodge No. 99; and
Whereas, Sheriff O. Gay Hovatter was elected sheriff of Tucker County in 1944. He was killed in the line of duty on September 9, 1946, along with Sergeant Horne of the West Virginia State Police while attempting to arrest one Mark McCauley in Mineral County for stealing a truck. McCauley shot both officers with a .38 revolver. Sergeant Horne died within ten minutes. Sheriff O. Gay Hovatter died en route to the hospital. McCauley was captured the next day and was subsequently convicted of the murder of the two officers. He then had the dubious distinction of being the last person hanged at the West Virginia Penitentiary prior to the introduction of the electric chair at that institution. Sheriff O. Gay Hovatter was one of three law-enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in Tucker. He served his community, state and country with distinction, making the supreme sacrifice as the chief law-enforcement officer of his home county. The Parsons City Council believes that it is fit and proper to honor the achievements and sacrifice of Sheriff O. Gay Hovatter by naming a new bridge after him; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name bridge number 47-219-8.25 crossing the Shavers Fork River in the city limits of Parsons in Tucker County, West Virginia, "Sheriff O. Gay Hovatter Memorial Bridge"; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Commissioner of the Division of Highways is hereby requested to cause to be fabricated signs to be erected at each entryway of the bridge, containing bold and prominent letters proclaiming the bridge to be named the "Sheriff O. Gay Hovatter Memorial Bridge"; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates forward a certified copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Highways and the Parsons City Council.
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