Committee Substitute

for

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 5

(By Delegate Burkhammer)

[Originating in the Committee on Energy and Public Works; Reported on March 10, 2025]

Requesting the Division of Highways name Bridge Number: 21-050/00-003.14  () (21A107), (38.78083, -80.43667) locally known as GLADY CREEK BOX BEAM, carrying CR 050 over GLADY CREEK in Lewis County, the "U.S. Army PFC William Harrison Lowther Memorial Bridge".

Whereas, William Harrison Lowther or "Uncle Bill" as he was commonly known in Lewis County, was born October 1, 1888, the son of Jacob P. Lowther and Sarah Catherine Boggs Lowther in a log cabin at "Little Wildcat".  He married Madge Furr in 1955 at age 67.  They had no children; and

Whereas, PFC William Harrison Lowther served during World War I with Company D, 320^th Infantry Regiment, 160^th Infantry Brigade, 80^th Division, as a part of the American Expeditionary Force. He fought in France, particularly in the Argonne Forest during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive; and

Whereas, PFC Lowther was awarded the World War I Victory Medal with Meuse-Argonne Army Battle Clasp; and

Whereas, PFC Lowther lived in Wild Cat prior to WW I, where he worked as a blacksmith, carpenter, store clerk, and cut timber; and he helped build the Elijah Chapel in 1903, along with his brother, Jesse, they built the Davis School at Wildcat; and

Whereas, PFC Lowther, who lived to the age of 105, was recognized for his life and longevity by Congressman Bob Wise, A. James Manchin, the VFW and by Willard Scott on NBC's Today Show at the age of 100; and

Whereas, PFC Lowther, died at the age of 105 on July 13, 1994; and

Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate PFC William Harrison Lowther and his contributions to our state and country; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name Bridge Number: 21-050/00-003.14  () (21A107), (38.78083, -80.43667) locally known as GLADY CREEK BOX BEAM, carrying CR 050 over GLADY CREEK in Lewis County, the "U.S. Army PFC William Harrison Lowther Memorial Bridge"; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to have made and be placed signs identifying the bridge as the "U.S. Army PFC William Harrison Lowther Memorial Bridge"; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House forward a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Highways.