Margaret Barker Meredith

Margaret Meredith joined the Putnam County Food 4-H Club as a student in 1919 and in 1920 she and 1921 she won trips to the Ohio 4-H Club Week at the Ohio State University as the Washington County 4-H Food Project Winner. The following year, the Oak Grove Girls 4-H Cub was organized and she became the leader. From that point on, she dedicated herself to young people through her work as a 4-H advisor of that club and the Washington County 4-H Personality Club.

Margaret was also active as an officer of the Washington County 4-H Council and the State Advisory Committee. Additionally, she served on the State 4-H Nutrition Project Committee which helped to develop new literature. In 1936 she worked as a 4-H Assistant in Jackson County and from 1937 through 1939 was a 4-H Assistant in Monroe County .

Beyond 4-H Margaret became involved in other Extension activities. She participated for more than 25 years as a member of the Washington County Extension Advisory Committee, during which time she served as both Chairman and Secretary. She was instrumental in helping develop 4-H Camp Hervida in Washington County in 1940 and haled a position on the Board of Directors until 1976.

The 4-H Program has greatly benefited from Margaret Meredith's interest and hard work.

William H. “Billy” Palmer

4-H State Leader

It has been said that A.B. Graham had the dream of 4-H, but Billy Palmer made it work and live in the hearts and minds of people. William H. “Billy” Palmer served as State Leader for 4-H in Ohio from March 1, 19 16 until March 31, 19 51. But even after retirement, he continued to be interested and involved in 4-H.

When he was appointed State 4-H Leader, he moved rapidly to expand the number of projects offered to boys and girls. He enlarged the scope of literature for 4-H members and advisors, initiated programs to provide training in teaching methods for officers and advisors, and encouraged the development of county 4-H club committees to serve in an advisory capacity to County Agents. His leadership inspired the initiation of 4-H camping programs and he was the moving force behind the establishment of Camp Ohio , the State 4-H Camp.

John E. Wise

In the early 1920's, John Wise recognized the importance of private support for Ohio 's 4-H program. Consequently, as vice president of the Union Bank of Bellevue , he offered financial assistance and incentive awards to 4-H clubs in Huron County . He was also local chairman for two 4-H camp fund drives and for the Ohio 4-H Foundation fund drive in Huron County . His generous support continued for nearly 45 years while he served as president of two banks, the Willard united Bank and the Citizen's National Bank of Norwalk . He was also active in promoting and sponsoring the annual Kiwanis Grade “A” Banquet for 4-H members, advisors and parents. The banquet is one of the outstanding recognition programs in Huron County , involving some 700-900 4-H members, parents and advisors each year.

In addition to his work in 4-H, he served as a member of Huron County Extension Advisory Committee for 20 years and was also very active in his community. At every point in career, John sought to help young people develop themselves to their greatest potential. With his leadership, he involved his fellow citizens in the support of 4-H.

Gus DeYoung

Gus Deyoung's interest in 4-H began in 1923 when he became a 4-H member. His very first project was White Leghorn chickens.  In 1948 he started a new 4-H club and was the advisor for thirty years. He also started a Girls Electricity Club because he saw a need for it!

Gus has served on numerious commiteeswith the Extension services. He served eight years on the Extension Advisory Committee, Formed the Portage County Saddle Horse Committee, Staff to the Ohio 4-H Club Congress, Delegate to the 1964 Leaders Forum in Washington D.C.. Gus also at the age  of 74 spent 112 hours building a 4-H office at the Fair Grounds. Gus was always active in 4-Heven after he retired as an advisor. He was the 4-H supperintendent of 4-H at the Randolph Fair.