100 years ago: Clarksburg native John W. Davis got presidential candidate nomination

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — John W. Davis’ impact plays a heavy roll in Clarksburg’s history, and for the centennial of one of his greatest accomplishments, the city received a special visitor.

Cyrus Vance Jr. came to visit Clarksburg in honor of the 100th anniversary of John W. Davis’ acceptance of the Democratic Party Nomination for President of the United States and made his first stopped at the Clarksburg History Museum .

Vance’s father, Cyrus Vance Sr., was considered to be a “surrogate son” of Davis and grew up in Clarksburg, following in his footsteps.

Vance Sr. has a list of accomplishments under his belt including being the Secretary of State under President Jimmy Carter, Secretary of Defense under President Lyndon B. Johnson and Secretary of the Army under President John F. Kennedy, to name a few.

Vance Jr., who is now 70 years old, last visited Clarksburg at the age of 10. He expressed his gratitude and interest in returning, recognizing how much the city has changed.

12 News spoke with Vance Jr. on what he hopes to gain from his visit.

“I’m sure I will understand better who I am from coming back and seeing where my father grew up and knowing more about him from those in the community who either were contemporaries—although they would have to be quite old—or through his family. This is an opportunity for me to explore a little bit about my family background and that’s lovely to have this opportunity,” Vance Jr. said.

On Sunday, Aug. 11, a commemorative program of John W. Davis’ nomination acceptation will be held at The Waldomore in Clarksburg at 2:00 p.m.

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