Committee Substitute
for
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 22
(By Delegates Pritt and Lewis)
[Originating in the Committee on Energy and Public Works; Reported on March 10, 2025]
Requesting the Division of Highways name a portion of Greentown Loop Road, in Oak Hill, Fayette County, beginning at the intersection of US 19 and WV 16, Latitude 37.959594, Longitude -81.148356, ending at the intersection of Meadow Fork Road, Latitude 37.964227, Longitude -81.125199, the "Delegate James Monroe Ellis Memorial Road."
Whereas, James Monroe "J.M." Ellis was born in Augusta County, Virginia, on May 16, 1870, to Thomas and Mary Ellis; and
Whereas, J.M. received his elementary education in the public schools of Alleghany County, VA and Louisville, KY. J.M. graduated college from Wayland Seminary, Washington D.C. in 1895, and he received his law degree from Howard University, Washington D.C. in 1898; and
Whereas, J.M. was the first black attorney admitted to the West Virginia State Bar, shortly after moving to West Virginia in 1900; and
Whereas, Delegate Ellis served three terms, 1903–04, 1907–08, and 1909–10, as a Republican in the West Virginia House of Delegates; and
Whereas, Delegate Ellis was appointed by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt during World War II to serve on the Selective Service Board, where he served for six years; and
Whereas, Delegate Ellis was the oldest attorney in Fayette County when he passed away in Oak Hill, Fayette County, West Virginia, on November 19, 1957. Delegate Ellis was laid to rest in the Greenstown Cemetery, Greenstown, Fayette County; and
Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate James Monroe "J.M." Ellis 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 a portion of Greentown Loop Road, in Oak Hill, Fayette County, beginning at the intersection of US 19 and WV 16, Latitude 37.959594, Longitude -81.148356, ending at the intersection of Meadow Fork Road, Latitude 37.964227, Longitude -81.125199, the "Delegate James Monroe Ellis Memorial Road"; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to have made and be placed signs at both ends identifying the portion of road as the "Delegate James Monroe Ellis Memorial Road"; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Highways.