Dr. Matthew Murrill and Lucille “Tellie” C. Ralsten purchased Wildwood, home of Gen. Alfred Beckley, founder of the city; they worked for many years on its restoration. Later they gifted Wildwood to the Raleigh County Historical Society so it could be designated as a museum. “Tellie” was a great-granddaughter of the General. The Doctors’ Memorial Foundation, affiliated with the historic Beckley Hospital, and the Ralstens created this endowment at Beckley Area Foundation in April 1986. As a designated fund the annual income helps to maintain this historic Beckley landmark, now operated by the City of Beckley.
