- Captain
P. Hayden Chapman II. Vietnam hero,
killed in action. Captain Chapman was from Centerburg,
Ohio. On April 6, 1972, he was piloting a Huey "Jolly
Green Giant" helicopter on a rescue operation in Quang
Tri province. He and his crew were attempting to
rescue Lt Col Iceal "Gene" Hambleton whose jet has been
struck by an enemy missile. Captain Chapman's copter
was struck by a rifle fired missile and crashed in flames
killing all aboard. Col Hambleton was rescued after
evading capture for twelve days. Captain Chapman
was 31 years old at the time of his death and was laid
to rest with full military honors in Lock Cemetary in
Centerburg. His grave marker bears the inscription "That
others may live." Centerburg High School continues to
give the Peter Hayden Chapman award each year.
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- Daniel Merrill Davis. Music
Educator, Jackson County. Mr. Davis is a third-generation
American, born in 1911 in Jackson County to Dan T.and Jennie
Evans Davis. Raised on the the ancestral farm on Hewitt's
Fork. Graduated Oak Hill H.S. Received B.S. from
Ohio U. and began teaching English and Social Studies in
the Jackson City Schools in 1935. He left teaching
for one year in 1937 and worked in the clay industry, returning
to the school in 1938 as supervisor of music. During
this time he had completed a music major and his masters
degree from OU. His "music for everyone" philosophy
led to the the annual Carol Sing and the school Eisteddfod,
the only one in America. In 1962, Mr Davis became general
supervisor of Jackson City Schools, relinquishing the music
program in 1973, and retired in 1974 after almost 39 years
in the educational field. In addition to the school
music programs, he directed the Cavalcade Choristers, a male
voice choir, consisting of former members of his high school
choirs. He directed the Christ United Methodist Church
choir for over 50 years. His services as an adjudicator,
music workshop consultant gained national recognition. He
has conducted the singing for the National 4H Club Congress
in Chicago for the past 30 years. No matter where he
traveled, he always insisted that credits listing his name
also included his hometown of Jackson, Ohio. His community
service has gone beyond music. He is a longtime master
of ceremonies of the Apple Festival, announcer for home football
games, Rotary Club Member and twice President, and the First
National Bank board of directors.
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- Evan
and Elizabeth Davis. Oak Hill, Ohio. Mr
Davis is a banker, owning several banks and savings and
loan offices. Mrs Davis is a native of Aberaeron
, Wales. They have five children and live on a
farm southeast of Oak Hill. Evan has been active
in the Gymanfa Ganu Association of Southeast Ohio for
many years. In 1975, he accepted the position of
Moderator upon the death of Ben R. Evans. Before
that, he was a trustee. In 1995 he relinquished
the Moderator position and passed the gavel to Rev. Gomer
Jenkins. He still serves as assistant Moderator
and Trustee. In the 50's and 60's, Evan provided
financial backing for the organization and personally
brought in Welsh ministers and singers. He hosted
the visitors in his home and provided transportation
and food. If it has not been for Evan and Elizabeth,
it is doubtful that the Gymanfa would have survived. Evan's
support and leadership have placed the Gymanfa on a sound
footing. The Evans' also helped establish the Welsh
American Heritage Museum at 412 East Main St, in Oak
Hill, Ohio. He provided funds, helped to negotiate
the purchase of the property, helped in setting up a
trust fund for the upkeep and provided personnel from
his offices in the planning stages. He has served
on the Museum Committees and as a trustee since its beginning. Elizabeth
volunteered her time and resources to teach the Welsh
language to all those who were interested. The
Evans had a storage building and a shelterhouse added
to the Museum and have served many hours as volunteers
during the hours of operation. They support
and attend the Welsh gatherings every June at Rio Grande
University and for some years have underwritten Welsh
scholarships, allowing Welsh students to attend the University
of Rio Grande. They have played an active role
in the forming of the Welsh Studies program and Rio Grande.
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The
Welsh Society of Central Ohio