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Ken Evans
It's said "We are a nation of immigrants". Even Native Americans are said to have come across the Bering Strait. We are a nation that originated from elsewhere and our ancestors brought their varying cultures with them. These cultures are part of who we [USA] are. WSCO is among the many organizations that help preserve these cultures. In our case, it's the WELSH.
Most of us have mixed ancestry. My dad's ancestors all came from Wales in the mid 1800's. My mom's ancestors came from Germany/Scotland/England/Wales in the 1600's and 1700's. Your ancestry may be similar to mine? That would be interesting to share.
When the 1818 Welsh landed at Gallipolis and then bought land in Gallia/Jackson counties, It was said they were welcomed by the "American" settlers. In fact, they were made to feel comfortable enough that they didn't establish a Welsh culture but melted in with their new "American" neighbors. [Ironically, it was my mom's immigrant ancestors that were among those that welcomed the 1818 Welsh].
It wasn't until 1835 that the Alban/Morgan clan [including Ken's ancestors] along with a Brynele Edwards family [Mary Ellen and Diana's ancestors] that came with them, helped to establish the 1st Welsh Church at Moriah. Thus the beginning of a Welsh culture in that area...and world famous.
With a mixed ancestry, why am I in WSCO?.....Only because I was personally invited. About 10 years ago, Charlotte Prior [my deceased wife's maid of honor] said I should join WSCO because I was more Welsh than her. So I joined.
Please encourage others to keep the culture of their ancestors alive. If they have any Welsh ancestry, invite them to join WSCO........invite them to our events. A personal invitation trumps all others.
We [USA] proudly say "we are a nation of immigrants". May it always be visible.
If you pay dues annually, your dues expired Dec. 31st.
Membership applications are available on this website -- we are hoping you will renew your dues.
If your dues for 2010 are received by February 15th, you will be included in the membership roster which will be available at the time of our St. David’s Day celebration and meal. See information on the membership application for Roster delivery options.
Published in the previous newsletter issue
“The quiz in the last issue had been composed before Ann Gillard was engaged to conduct the 2008 gymanfa, which she did admirably. The correct answer to quiz Question Number 9, "How many members of WSCO have conducted at least one of our gymanfas within the past 15 years" was not available as a choice. The correct number is 4.
Therefore, Question 10 also demands that Ann Gillard be listed with Jack Lewis, Tom Lloyd and Lloyd Savage." -- Mary Ellen Morgan
From the Editor: Filler material is often held in my files until an appropriate amount of space is open. The WSCO Quiz was constructed months before the 2008 gymanfa -- I offer my sincere apology to both Ann Gillard, the gymanfa director not included in the quiz, and Mary Ellen Morgan, the quiz constructor. --Donna Boyce
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