GH West Virginia Famous People 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Don Knotts, best known for playing Barney Fife on 'The Andy Griffith Show,' was born in which West Virginia city?
- Morgantown (Correct answer)
- Wheeling
- Huntington
- Charleston
Correct answer: Morgantown
Don Knotts was born in Morgantown, WV, and became one of America's most beloved comedic actors, winning five Emmy Awards for his role as Barney Fife.
Question 2: John Henry, the legendary 'Steel Driving Man' of American folklore, is said to have competed against a steam drill at which West Virginia tunnel?
- Big Bend Tunnel (Correct answer)
- Kingwood Tunnel
- Mercer Tunnel
- New River Tunnel
Correct answer: Big Bend Tunnel
The legend of John Henry's contest with a steam drill is set at the Big Bend Tunnel near Talcott, WV, where he reportedly worked for the C&O Railroad.
Question 3: Jennifer Garner, the actress known for the TV show 'Alias,' was born in which West Virginia city?
- Houston, TX but raised in Charleston, WV (Correct answer)
- Parkersburg
- Fairmont
- Wheeling
Correct answer: Houston, TX but raised in Charleston, WV
Jennifer Garner was born in Houston, TX, but grew up in Charleston, WV, and considers herself a West Virginian.
Question 4: Anna Jarvis, who campaigned to create Mother's Day as a national holiday, was from which West Virginia county?
- Taylor County (Grafton) (Correct answer)
- Kanawha County
- Ohio County
- Wood County
Correct answer: Taylor County (Grafton)
Anna Jarvis organized the first Mother's Day observance in Grafton, Taylor County, WV, in 1908, honoring her own mother at Andrews Methodist Church.
Question 5: West Virginia's own Brad Paisley, a country music superstar and Grammy winner, is from which town?
- Glen Dale (Correct answer)
- Wheeling
- Parkersburg
- Moundsville
Correct answer: Glen Dale
Brad Paisley was born and raised in Glen Dale, Marshall County, WV, and has become one of country music's most celebrated guitarists and performers.
Question 6: Cyrus Vance, who served as US Secretary of State under President Jimmy Carter, was born in which West Virginia city?
- Clarksburg (Correct answer)
- Wheeling
- Logan
- Welch
Correct answer: Clarksburg
Cyrus Vance was born in Clarksburg, WV, and served as Secretary of State from 1977–1980, resigning over the failed Iran hostage rescue mission.
GH West Virginia Famous People 2
Don Knotts, best known for playing Barney Fife on 'The Andy Griffith Show,' was born in which West Virginia city?