The Island apparently derives its name from Philip Witten, whose land was located adjacent to the island on the Ohio shore, where Witten Cemetery is presently located. A marker at the cemetery reads:
“Philip Witten was born in Virginia, June 8, 1747, son of Thomas Witten, Sr., and Elizabeth Cecil. He married Ruth Dickerson and lived for a few years seven miles east of Fort Henry, now Wheeling, West Virginia. He was not satisfied here and reasoned that there should be more beautiful and fertile lands farther south on the beautiful river Ohio. In company of his brother-in-laws Kinsey and Yachtel Dickerson, he made a trip down the Ohio in a canoe going as far south as the present city of Louisville, Kentucky, landing and inspecting several sites but finding none that offered the advantages of fertility, beauty, and pleasant location as the site of this farm. Recordings in Marietta Ohio indicate that it was purchased September 1, 1790. The present farm is a portion of the original tract. Since the year 1790, this land has been in the Witten family and farmed by the descendants of the sturdy pioneer who so bravely set up his home on the frontier.”
A “towhead” is another name for a bar island. This tiny island just beyond the foot of Williamson Island has mostly been used for oil exploration and as a source of gravel – consequently the island is eroding badly, threatening a large colony of Bank Swallows that nest on the island.
Island Access: Paden City, WV, public access ramp at Paden City Park off SR 2
