City of Columbus

Dr. Nimrod Booker Allen Throughout his life, Allen played a major role in creating favorable atmosphere for better interracial understanding in Columbus and the nation.   In 1936, he founded the Frontiers of America, Incorporated, no Frontiers, International, which at that time was the only service organization working primarily to unearth, develop and mobilize Negro leadership in the United States and South America. - learn more

Warner Baxter Columbus born Warner Baxter entertained millions of Americans as a Hollywood actor. He began his career on the legitimate stage, then was discovered by film producers in Hollywood. Fox Studios cast him in one of the biggest box-office attractions, “Cisco Kid.” He later made a personal appearance in Columbus for the world premier of another of his movies, “Kidnapped,” which opened at the Ohio Theatre May 18, 1938. The handsome, well-groomed Baxter was not only a fine actor, but also a favorite Columbus son. - learn more

George Wesley Bellows Fourteen magnificent Bellows paintings adorning the Columbus Gallery of Fine Arts attest to the brilliance of Columbus born artist George Wesley Bellows. From portraits to prizefight scenes to paintings of river scenery, Bellows captured life on canvas in a style that gained national recognition. The green and yellow splash of "Summer Night," depicting New York's Riverside Park and moonlit Hudson River painted by Bellows in 1909, is perhaps his most famous. Bellows died of appendicitis at an early age. His widow, Emma, dedicated her life to promoting his work around the country. - learn more

Reverend Dr. Charles E. Booth Preaching the Gospel was a life calling for the Reverend Dr. Charles E. Booth. - learn more

Leslie A. Bostic As the Founding Executive Director of The Buckeye Ranch (formerly Buckeye Boys Ranch) for 40 consecutive years, Leslie A. Bostic, Ph.D. has dedicated his adult life to aiding troubled children and families. - learn more

John W. Bricker John W. Bricker has served Columbus and Ohio throughout his political career. The honorable John W. Bricker held several public offices, including Attorney General, Governor and United States Senator. He was a Republican candidate for Vice President of the United States in 1944. He began practicing law in Columbus in 1920 and served as a partner in the law firm of Bricker, Evatt, Barton and Eckler. John W. Bricker has received a number of honorary degrees and has served on the Boards of Trustees of several Ohio Colleges, including Franklin University and The Ohio State University. His contributions to the central Ohio Community, the State of Ohio and the nation distinguish him as one of Columbus’ renowned statesmen. - learn more

Carl L. Brown Sr. “Family Business Man” Carl L. Brown Sr., was a man of intense energy and determination. Mr. Brown had deep interests in the community resulting in his membership in a multitude of groups and organizations, many of which work for the improvement of the African-American Community. - learn more

Edna L. Bryce Edna L. Bryce, a native of Fairhope, Alabama, was one of many African American "domestic immigrants" who sought a broader landscape of opportunity and freedom north of the Mason Dixon line. In 1926 she found that landscape here in Columbus. For the rest of her life she worked to make Columbus a better place for all people. In 1934, she began Bryce Florist in the living room of her home.  - learn more

Captain Phil H. Bucklew Captain Bucklew is a native of Columbus and a veteran of unconventional warfare and Naval Intelligence. He has been equally prominent in college, professional and service athletics. In 1961, he was nominated to the Sports Illustrated Silver Anniversary All-American football team. He organized the Navy’s first physiological warfare unit then known as “Beach Jumpers.”  - learn more

Jack Cannon Often called “the perfect guard” and known also for his speed and vicious charge on defense, Jack Cannon earned All American football honors at Notre Dame in 1929. In the famed 1929 Notre Dame – Army game in Yankee Stadium, Cannon’s outstanding play on a frozen field led the Fighting Irish to a 7-0 victory before 85,000 spectators. The defeated Army players congratulated him after the game for his phenomenal performance applauded his abilities. He later owned the Jack Cannon Flower Cart, one of the largest florist establishments in Columbus at the time.   - learn more

Dr. Benjamin B. Caplan Dr. Benjamin B. Caplan, a medical philanthropist, has served mankind around the world. A physician and psychiatrist in Columbus for over forty years, he has provided volunteer services to the health care and education of underprivileged youth and adults. Dr. Caplan served as a medical missionary for over 50 years - learn more

Daniel A. Carmichael Dan Carmichael, a 1941 graduate of Princeton University, was a three-year member of the championship baseball team, captain and a two-year all-conference selection of the latter. In May of 1939, Dan Carmichael was the winning pitcher in the first ever-televised sporting event. In World War II scored thirteen aerial victories as a carrier-based Navy fighter pilot aboard the USS Enterprise, USS Hornet, and USS Randolph.  - learn more

Joe Carr Joe F. Carr was born in Columbus on October 23, 1879, the son of Irish immigrants. He was a pioneer executive not only in football but also in basketball and minor-league baseball. This native son of Columbus is in the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame. With only a few years of formal education, he became a sportswriter for the Columbus newspaper known as the Ohio State Journal. - learn more

Howard “Hopalong” Cassady The All-American and Heisman Trophy-winning Ohio State University halfback, Howard “Hopalong” Cassady, was called the “Genius of the Gridiron” and the “Modern Day Chic Harley” in recognition of his great football achievements. An outstanding professional football career with the Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles followed his feats at Columbus Central High School and Ohio State. His fine sportsmanship and sincere modesty also have won him wide acclaim. - learn more

Robert Osbourne Chadeayne A nationally acclaimed artist and illustrator, Robert O. Chadeayne has distinguished himself as a superb and accomplished talent in the arts world. Robert Chadeayne came to Columbus in 1927 and began a career that would showcase his artistic excellence across the nation in cities such as Philadelphia, New York, Santa Barbara and Chicago. His Columbus roots and the indelible impression on the national art scene can be best described this way: when Sandy Calder, himself a renowned artist, would meet citizens from Columbus, he would always ask, “How’s Bob Chadeayne?” - learn more

Eugene C. “Gene” D’Angelo Jr. Eugene C. “Gene” D’Angelo Jr. is a graduate of Linden-McKinley High School. He has had a tremendous impact on the Columbus music community. An accomplished musician on the tuba, string bass, and trombone, Gene was picked up by the Tony Pastor Orchestra while still in high school. After graduating, he attended Ohio State University where he performed in the concert and marching bands and helped found the OSU Jazz Forum.  Gene toured with the likes of Louis Prima and Claude Thornhill, as well as the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus Band. He also wrote the Linden McKinley High School alma mater. - learn more

Helen Jenkins Davis In 1918, Helen Jenkins Davis fought for her right to serve the children of Columbus as one of the first African-American Columbus City Schools teachers. - learn more

Melvin “Mel” B. Dodge One of Columbus’ most energetic boosters. Melvin B. Dodge served his city as president of the Greater Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau from 1985 until 1991 and as Director of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department from 1967 to 1985. A dedicated animal lover, he worked tirelessly promoting the Columbus Zoo and helped make it a world-class facility. Mel Dodge’s talent for behind-the-scenes facilitating was legendary. Business and community leaders as well as elected officials of every political persuasion sought his advice and cultivated his consensus making abilities. During his long and distinguished career, Mel Dodge garnered dozens of community awards and served numerous civic and charitable organizations. - learn more

Hugh J. Dorrian  In January 1966 Mr. Dorrian became Treasurer of the City of Columbus, Ohio. He was appointed City Auditor in September 1969 and has served in that role to the present time. The City Auditor in Columbus is statutorily described as the City's "chief accountant" and chief fiscal officer. Mr. Dorrian has had successful elections in 1969, 1973, 1977, 1981, 1985, 1989, 1993, 1997, 2001, 2005 and 2009. - learn more

James “Buster” Douglas A 1978 graduate of Linden-McKinley High School and Heavyweight Champion of the world in 1990, James “Buster” Douglas brought honor and accolades to his hometown of Columbus, Ohio with his long-shot upset of then unbeaten Mike Tyson. Douglas’s victory is all the more remarkable because he was able to overcome personal difficulties – such as the death of his mother just three weeks before the fight – and persevere into triumph. James “Buster” Douglas began boxing at age 10, winning local Golden Gloves and Ohio State Fair awards as a teenager. His first professional fight, at the age of 21, was in 1981. - learn more

Golda M. Edmonston Golda M. Edmonston was a member of the Ohio House of Representatives for five terms in the 1940s and 1950s. She was an outspoken advocate of women in the workplace, particularly in government, and proposed legislation that would ensure women equal pay for equal work multiple times throughout her tenure - learn more

Colonel Donn F. Eisele Colonel Donn F. Eisele was born in Columbus, Ohio, on June 23, 1930. He graduated from West High School, Columbus, Ohio; received a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Naval Academy in 1952 and a Master of Science degree in Astronautics in 1960 from the Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Eisele was one of the third group of astronauts selected by NASA in October 1963 and logged 260 hours in space.
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Frank Fetch Frank Fetch, founder of the German Village Society and instrumental in the development of the German Village commission, is known locally, nationally and internationally as the “Father of German Village.” By the 1950’s, the area that would someday be named German Village was designated by the City of Columbus as a “blighted” area, scheduled for demolition. Enter Frank Fetch, whose efforts led to formal recognition of German Village as a historic neighborhood deserving preservation and protection. The resultant rebirth and rehabilitation enabled German Village to become a viable economic community and an international tourist attraction for the City of Columbus. Thanks to the vision of Frank Fetch. - learn more

Mary Teresa Funk Mary Teresa Funk served the City of Columbus from 2000 to 2010, after many years of being a neighborhood advocate and President of the Harrison West Society. - learn more

John W. Galbreath   Real estate developer and sports entrepreneur, John W. Galbreath has brought Columbus worldwide recognition. His development company, John W. Galbreath and Company, has operated in Columbus and other cities since 1920 and has developed housing facilities and office buildings throughout the world. Mr. Galbreath operated Darby Dan Farms outside Columbus, where he raised horses and grain products, and he also owned Darby Dan Farms in Lexington, Kentucky, where he bred thoroughbred horses. His horses have won all three Triple Crown and England’s Epsom Derby. He was also chairman and principal owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team. A graduate of Ohio University in Athens, Mr. Galbreath annually gave scholarships to ten Columbus area students to help them attend his alma mater. His other philanthropic interests ranged from medical research, to the Arts, to equine research. While Mr. Galbreath’s contributions and honors are too numerous to mention, they distinguish him as a citizen, sportsman and entrepreneur. - learn more

Reverend Dr. Washington Gladden The Rev. Dr. Washington Gladden served as the Minister of the First Congregational Church of Columbus, Ohio from 1882 to 1918. - learn more

Horace “Hank” Gowdy Columbus native Hank Gowdy distinguished himself as an outstanding baseball player and coach. A member of professional teams in Dallas, Buffalo, Minneapolis, Rochester, Cincinnati, New York and Boston, Gowdy was a hero of the 1914 World Series, with a .535 batting average that sports writers and fans agreed had helped gain victory for the Boston Braves. He later coached the Boston club and eventually returned to Columbus to manage the Columbus Jets and become the organization’s director of youth activity. Gowdy began his baseball career sweeping out the Columbus stadium before school. He never forgot his humble beginning and accepted accolades with mild-spoken bashfulness. - learn more

Lynn Greer Lynn Greer is the epitome of what it means to be a public servant. From a very young age, Lynn’s parents instilled in her the need and duty to give of yourself to make the world a better place. She has spent her entire life doing just that with her “can do” spirit and fiery passion. - learn more

Archie Griffin As a junior at Ohio State University, Archie Griffin became the 40th winner of the coveted Heisman Trophy, emblematic of the premier college football player in America in 1974. As a senior in 1975, Griffin became the first player ever to receive a second Heisman Trophy. - learn more

Charles “Chic” Harley A gifted athlete, who helped Columbus attain the mythical title of “College Football Capital of the World,” Chic Harley’s sports heroics at Ohio State University are legendary. Know best for his performances on the football field, Harley also was outstanding at basketball, track and baseball, and was Ohio State’s First four-sport letterman. - learn more

W.W. “Woody” Hayes With a victory over Wisconsin in 1975, Ohio State University football coach Wayne Woodrow “Woody” Hayes became the fourth winningest coach in the history of college football with 208 victories, surpassed only by Amos Alonzo Stagg, Glenn “Pop” Warner and Paul “Bear” Bryant. Before the start of the 1975 season, Hayes’ 25^th at Ohio State, he had amassed a phenomenal 169 wins, 51 losses and eight ties as head coach of the Buckeyes, including three national championships, ten Big Ten titles and seven Rose Bowl appearances. Hayes has coached two Heisman Trophy winners and forty-five first team All Americans. He was named “College Coach of the Year” in 1957 and runner-up twice. Columbus is extremely proud of a man who has gained great honor as an outstanding coach, dedicated teacher and unselfish friend of past and present Ohio State players. - learn more

Wil Haygood  A native of Columbus, Ohio, Wil Haygood began his writing career at the Columbus Call and Post. He has been a Guggenheim and National Endowment for the Humanities Fellow. He has worked for both the Boston Globe - where, as a foreign correspondent he was taken hostage by Somali rebels - learn more

Maude Hill Ms. Hill joined Homeport in 1990 and has served as Senior Vice President of Community & Government Relations since 2016. - learn more

Chief James G. Jackson Chief Jackson was promoted to the position of Chief of Police on June 15, 1990, and has the distinction of being the only Civil Service Chief of Police of a city with a population of 500,000 or more in the United States. - learn more

Janet Jackson Janet E. Jackson spent 14 years as president and CEO of United Way of Central Ohio, one of the largest United Way organizations in the country. - learn more

Donna James Donna A. James is a trusted resource and advisor to leaders in the public and private sector, ranging from entrepreneurs to C‐suite executives of Fortune 500 companies. - learn more

Elsie Bierbower Janis A talented writer and actress, Elsie Bierbower Janis gained international recognition in the entertainment industry. Miss Bierbower wrote songs and books, and entertained American soldiers in France during World War I. She was later awarded the title of “Sweetheart of the American Expeditionary Forces.” A hit on the London stage, Miss Bierbower also performed at the White House during the McKinley presidency. One of her most successful plays was “The Vanderbilt Cup.” Born in Columbus in 1889, Elise Bierbower Janis was a credit to the entertainment industry and the city she called home. - learn more

Charles Y. Lazarus Family Tradition: “Loyalty to the family, loyalty to the business, loyalty to the community and the nation.” Charles Lazarus, a native of Columbus, began his career as a part time Lazarus associate. After graduation from Yale University, in 1936, he joined the store as a full time salesman. In 1941 he left the Lazarus store to serve his country as a member of the military. By the time of his discharge in 1945, he had attained the rank of lieutenant colonel, Air Force Transportation Command, and had been decorated with honors such as the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star, among others. - learn more

Mary Lazarus Mary Lazarus is a civic and philanthropic leader who has used her voice and philanthropy to further social justice in our community. Mary is exemplary of how women make their mark in a long term way. She has always recognized the needs in our community and worked to address them to make this community an even more incredible place. - learn more

Robert Lazarus Jr. A native of Columbus, Robert Lazarus Jr. served the U.S. Navy during World War II. Upon his return from his tour of duty he attended Yale University. After graduation from Yale University in 1950, he has spent his career in the retail business at Lazarus.

Robert Lazarus Jr. has helped to carry on the family tradition and philosophy of the Lazarus name. He has created jobs and a successful career for himself and others in Columbus. His philanthropic philosophy that “Columbus had been good to the Lazarus family and therefore there is a responsibility to “give back to the community,” has been evident in his many accomplishments. - learn more

Curtis LeMay A former Air Force Chief of Staff and four star general, Curtis LeMay’s enchantment with aviation began at age 4 when he chased the first airplane he ever saw down the streets and across yards in this native city, Columbus. For over thirty years, the name LeMay was synonymous with the development of military aviation. He served on active duty longer than any other four star general in America’s history and at one time headed the strategic Air Command. He also served in key positions during the Kennedy and Johnson presidencies. LeMay retired February 1, 1965 after receiving four Distinguished Service Medals. - learn more

James J. Lorimer Jim Lorimer is an attorney and former Special Agent of the F.B.I. who has promoted the Arnold Sports Festival since 1989. - learn more

Dr. Amos H. Lynch, Sr. Affectionately called the Godfather through many parts of Columbus by a grateful community, Amos Lynch has dedicated his life to the newspaper business and supporting the community.  It has been said, “If you cut Amos with a knife, he would bleed printer ink”. The son of a family of medical professionals, Amos chose a journalism career. He has served at the helm of the Call and Post, and formed his own publication the Columbus Post. - learn more

John H. McConnell John H. McConnell lived his life following a simple, successful philosophy that puts people first and follows the golden rule. A native of West Virginia, John J. McConnell served aboard the USS Saratoga during World War II. He returned from that conflict to attend Michigan State University on the G.I. Bill. After graduation in 1949, he entered the steel business, arriving in Columbus in 1954.  - learn more

Jerrie Mock Geraldine "Jerrie" Fredritz Mock was born November 22, 1925, in Newark, Ohio. Her interest in flying was sparked at seven years of age when she took her first airplane ride. Jerrie graduated from Newark High School in 1943 and went on to attend The Ohio State University, majoring in aeronautical engineering. She left OSU in 1945 to marry Russell Mock. - learn more

Captain Lana Moore Lana Moore, a third-generation firefighter, EMT-B with the Columbus Division of Fire retired in 2016 with 35 years of service. - learn more

Mayme Moore An outstanding woman who achieved as much for the cause of racial harmony and understanding as anyone in the nation. After three decades of executive service she was affectionately known as “the Mother of the Columbus Branch of the NAACP.” Mayme Moore spent her lifetime in service, promoting racial pride and accomplishment through such organizations as the Urban League, the YMCA, PTA, both Boys and Girls Clubs, Children’s Services, Mental Health, Black Youth Employment and Nutritional Programs. She helped found and guide many organizations, including the “Colored Women’s Club,” the nation’s oldest black women’s organization. She received numerous awards from local, state and national organizations, and, as a civil rights activist, stood alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Washington D.C. as he delivered his memorable “I Have a Dream” speech. - learn more

Jack Nicklaus Columbus native Jack Nicklaus is the world’s winningest golfer and holds the all-time record of major golf championships at age 34, surpassing the total of legendary Bobby Jones. He has won 15 major championships, including five Masters and three PGA tournaments. He has also won the British Open twice. Following his college years at Ohio State University, Nicklaus joined the professional golf tour and began an international business partnership which, among other enterprises, involves golf courses in Canada, Japan, Spain and the United States. - learn more

Jerry Page An Olympic Gold Medalist in boxing during the 1984 Summer Olympics, Jerry Page has earned the admiration and respect of all fellow Columbus citizens. His boxing career began at age seven at the Windsor Terrace Recreation Center and he advanced to win many awards and championships, including the National Golden Gloves Championship and three-time Ohio State Fair Champion. Page attended Windsor Elementary, Linmoor Junior High and Linden McKinley High School. Jerry Page is a leader in the area of athletics and Columbus is extremely proud of their favorite son. - learn more

Susan Yvonne Perkins Susan Perkins is the talented and intelligent woman who was chosen in the 1978 Miss America. Miss Perkins, a resident of Columbus, was employed as a legislative assistant in the Ohio General Assembly. She also spent much of her time developing her singing talent while not losing interest in many diversified areas. This Miami University graduate, as Miss America, will receive a $20,000 scholarship with which to continue her education. Susan Perkins has a creative mind, a lovely voice, a fine presence and her multiplicity of talents and interests promise an extremely bright future. - learn more

Ned Pettus Jr. Ned Pettus Jr., Ph.D. was appointed Public Safety Director for the City of Columbus by Mayor Andrew M. Ginther on August 1st, 2016, and retired on September 1st, 2021 - learn more

Elijah Pierce A native of northeastern Mississippi and the son of a former slave, Elijah Pierce came to Columbus in 1924. A barber by profession, Mr. Pierce has used the pocket knives and chisels of the woodcarver to create internationally acclaimed works of art, depicting Biblical impressions, portraits and scenes from his life. His work has been exhibited in the National Museum of American Art of the Smithsonian Institution, as well as other prestigious galleries across the nation. Elijah Pierce’s contribution to American fold art has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts, with a National Heritage Fellowship. - learn more

Rev. Dr. James Preston Poindexter The Rev. Dr. James Preston Poindexter was a highly respected political and social justice leader in Columbus with influence across the state and the nation during the 19th century. - learn more

Bobby Rahal A man of many interests and abilities, Bobby Rahal entered his first race, a novice event in Canada, at the age of 17. A-string of impressive race car victories has since been highlighted by his 1986 Indianapolis 500 win. Bobby Rahal not only races cars; he operates several auto dealerships throughout Ohio and is an advisor and consultant to Bobby Rahal's TrackTime Driving Schools.  - learn more

Kathleen Ransier Kathy is a retired partner in the Vorys Columbus office where she was a member of the corporate and finance group. - learn more

James A. Rhodes The son of a Jackson County coal miner, James A. Rhodes has compiled a record of public service to Ohio unequaled in the State’s history. In addition to his four terms as Governor of Ohio and ten years as State Auditor, Governor Rhodes served on the Columbus School Board (1937-1939) and as City Auditor (1940-1944). At the age of thirty-four, he was elected Mayor of Columbus. Twice re-elected Mayor, Rhodes sparked the growth of Ohio’s capital city in the 1940’s. In the course of a public career spanning forty-five years, Jim Rhodes, with unfailing optimism and political acumen, led Columbus and Ohio to new levels of economic and educational achievement. - learn more

Eddie Rickenbacker A World War I flying ace whom later became president of Eastern Airlines, Captain Eddie Rickenbacker truly can be called an aviation pioneer. His courage and heroics won him the Congressional Medal of Honor, and his dedication to aviation helped develop the commercial airline industry in the United States. Born in Columbus in 1890, Rickenbacker left school at the age of 13 to support his mother, brothers and sisters after the death of his father. Following his death in 1973, Lockbourne Air Force Base was renamed in honor of the man who gave so much of himself to better his native country, state, and city. - learn more

Aminah Robinson Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson is one of the most prolific artists living today. Her diverse body of work ranges from drawings and woodcuts to complex sculptures made from natural and synthetic materials, such as twigs, carved leather, music boxes, and “hogmawg,” her own material composed of mud, grease, dyes, and glue. - learn more

Bishop Jerome H. Ross Sr. Bishop Jerome H. Ross, Sr., a native of Mansfield, Ohio acknowledged his call to the ministry in 1954 at the age of 15. Through the years, he has served on many boards, has held offices in many organizations and is a founding member of the Brothers of the Common Life. - learn more

Ronald E. Rosser Retired Army Sergeant First Class (E-7), Ronald E. Rosser distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty. His courageous and selfless devotion won him the Medal of Honor in the vicinity of Ponggilli, Korea, on January 12, 1952. At the same time, he was a Corporal in the United States Army, Heavy Mortar Company, 38^th Infantry Regiment, 2^nd Infantry Division. Born in Columbus on October 24, 1929, Rosser moved to the Crooksville-Roseville area in his early childhood. He enlisted in the Army in 1946 and retired from the United States Army in 1969. - learn more

Fran Ryan Fran Ryan has a unique ability to mobilize support to realize a community vision, working tirelessly for decades to make Columbus the best possible place to work, live and raise a family. Since she came onto the Columbus scene in the early 1970s, she has jumping into each and every cause with both feet. - learn more

John T. “Jack” Ryan Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, John T. Ryan forever changed the lives of thousands of students during his fifty years of teaching and coaching at Saint Charles Preparatory and Bishop Hartley High Schools. Known to most as Mr. or “Coach” Ryan, he dedicated his career to high school coaching and teaching. Mr. Ryan began his career at Saint Charles Preparatory School in 1936 where he taught health and science and coached baseball, basketball, and football. In 1942, during World War II John T. Ryan enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, upon his return from his tour of duty in 1945, Mr. Ryan resumed his teaching and coaching career at Saint Charles until 1964. It was then when John T. Ryan began his twenty-five career at Bishop Hartley where he retired from in 1989. John T. Ryan is the only coach inducted into the Ohio Coaches Hall of Fame three times (baseball 1974, football 1988 and basketball 1992). In 1989, Bishop Hartley named their football stadium in his honor. In 1999, Saint Charles named their fitness and training facility in the coach’s honor. Both schools also have a memorial scholarship named in his honor. In 2000, John T. Ryan was named the Coach of the Century (Columbus Dispatch This Week). It is said that the only thing that John T. Ryan loved more than teaching and coaching was his wife Elaine of 51 years, his five children Kathleen, Patty, Jackie, Jimmy, Joe, and his grandchildren. - learn more

James Edward “Eddie” Saunders James Edward “Eddie” Saunders made Columbus his home in 1937. In 1944, he produced the radio program “Swanee Hour” for the sick and shut-ins; he then continued to serve the community with her “Sermons and Songs” radio program. “Sermons and Songs,” the longest running religious program in the country started in 1948, when Saunders became the first black disc jockey in Columbus, Ohio.  - learn more

Laurel Lea Schaefer Laurel Lea Schaefer, Miss America of 1972, has brought honor to herself and to her community through exemplary conduct and high regard for mankind. - learn more

George F. Schmidt Geo. F. Schmidt, Founder of Schmidt’s Restaurant und Sausage Haus, Civic and Community leader, Devoted Family man. - learn more

M.E. Sensenbrenner Maynard Edward “Jack” Sensenbrenner served as Mayor of Columbus for an unprecedented fourteen years. During his tenure, Jack Sensenbrenner brought fame to Columbus as the definitive “All American City.” Undoubtedly, it was the aggressive annexation policy pursued under his leadership that has afforded Columbus Mayor Sensenbrenner’s most valuable legacy: Columbus unhampered by suburban land strangulation, has emerged as a premiere city in America, enjoying dramatic growth and diversity in its economy, its culture, and the arts. As Jack Sensenbrenner would say, Columbus still has “spizzerinctum.” - learn more

Lucas Sullivant Lucas Sullivant was a surveyor, soldier and settler in central Ohio in the years after the American Revolution. During the late 1790s, Sullivant was a surveyor in the Virginia Military District. He took his pay in some of the land he surveyed. In 1797, he laid out a town on the western bank of the Scioto River, near the place where the Whetstone River emptied into the Scioto. Today, the Whetstone River is called the Olentangy River. - learn more

R. David Thomas Founder of Wendy’s International restaurant chain, Mr. Thomas credits his childhood as an orphan with instilling his success drive. From a single restaurant in Columbus, the Wendy’s empire has grown to over 3800 worldwide. A strong supporter and active participant in charity work, he has given time and funding to Children’s Hospital in Columbus, St. Jude Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, Recreation Unlimited for handicapped children, the Ohio State University Cancer Clinic and the Children’s Home Society of Florida. President George H.W. Bush named Dave Thomas as the spokesperson for an adoption initiative. His autobiography “Dave’s Way” funds national adoption awareness campaigns. Dave Thomas is a man who equates giving with living. - learn more

James Thurber An internationally famed writer, artist and cartoonist, James Thurber gave laughter to a world so often burdened with crisis and tragedy. Born in Columbus in 1894, Thurber’s writings included many stories about his native city and the college he attended, Ohio State University. Thurber wrote for the Columbus Dispatch and New Yorker magazine, among other publications. E.B. White described Thurber best he said, “His thoughts have always been a tangle of baseball scores, Civil War Tactical problems, Henry James, personal maladjustment, terrier puppies, literary rip tides, ancient myths and modern apprehensions. Through this jungle stalk the unpredictable ghosts of his relations in Columbus, Ohio.” - learn more

Howard Thurston Often called “The World’s Greatest Magician,” Howard Thurston fooled kings and commons and became their friend. Born in Columbus in 1869, Thurston’s interest in magic was stirred while attending a performance by Hermann the Great at the Ohio Theatre. Reportedly the famed magician walked through the audience and produced a large brass button from under Thurston’s chin. From that moment on, Thurston was enchanted by the ancient art. He traveled the world performing great magical feats to the delight of thousands. But be never forgot the people in his native city, returning annually for twenty-nine years to entertain his friends in Columbus. - learn more

Mary Catherine Campbell Townley Mary Catherine Campbell Townley was crowned Miss America in 1922 and again in 1923, becoming the only two-time winner in the pageant’s history. Her picture was submitted to the famed contest by her boyfriend while she was a student at East High School. She later attended Ohio State University and Ohio Wesleyan Universities. Always shy and embarrassed about her reign as Miss America, she rarely discussed it and many of her friends in adult life never knew she wore the coveted crown. - learn more

Reverend Leon Troy Sr. Reverend Leon L. Troy was born in Cleveland, Ohio and attended schools in Toledo, graduating from Scott High School.  He received his B.A. degree from the University of Toledo, his B.D. from Oberlin Graduate School of Theology and his M.D. from Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.  He has done studies at the San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Francisco, California. - learn more

James R. Trueman Trueman climbed to the pinnacles of success as a businessman and sportsman. He founded the Columbus-based Red Roof Inns, Inc. in 1972, which became the largest privately owned and operated motel chain in the country. A skilled race car driver, Trueman bought and revitalized the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in 1981, transforming it into a world-famous racing facility.  - learn more

Ann B. Walker Ann B. Walker was the first female and African-American journalist to cover Columbus City Hall and the State of Ohio.  Ann B. Walker worked as a radio host, journalist, editor and columnist in Columbus for decades. She is a woman of many firsts: the first woman in broadcast management at WLWC-TV - learn more

Bill Willis A leader in the area of athletics, recreation and youth activities, Bill Willis is a credit to his profession and native city. Willis began his athletic career as a football star at East High School and later became an All American tackle at Ohio State University in 1944. A standout professional player for the Cleveland Browns from 1946-1953, Willis has been enshrined in the Football Hall of Fame. Willis was the third member appointed in 1963 to the Ohio Youth Commission. He later was appointed Commission director. - learn more

Catherine Willis A dedicated community activist for many years, Catherine supported education, the arts, and family advocacy. She has been involved in The United Negro College Fund, a founding member of Friends of Art for Community Enrichment, The Ohio Wesleyan University Upward Bound program. She was a member of the SOUL committee which helped promote art from the National Afro American Museum and Cultural Center in Wilberforce University - learn more

Nancy Wilson Multi-talented recording star and actress Nancy Wilson is a favorite of millions of Americans. While a student at West High School, Miss Wilson spent much of her time developing her singing talent and poise. And after attending Wilberforce College, she decided on a singing career, touring the Midwest and Canada. She hosted her own Columbus television series, then signed with Capitol Records and produced 14 albums in her first six years. Miss Wilson’s dramatic acting debut came in 1966 in NBC’s “I Spy” series. Always anxious to help the less fortunate, she conducts her own campaign to combat the school dropout problem by performing free concerts in ghetto schools, followed by a talk on the advantages of education. - learn more

Harry Preston Wolfe H.P. Wolfe, humanist and entrepreneur and brother, Robert Frederick Wolfe, were long involved in the development of Columbus in character and economic growth. - learn more

Robert Frederick Wolfe "I was born to circumstances which I refused to accept. I changed them." - R.F. Wolfe.
  R.F. Wolfe, a man of vision and spirit, and brother, Harry Preston Wolfe, were long involved in the development of Columbus in character and economic growth. As co-founder of the Wolfe Bros. Shoe Company in 1895, and as Publisher of the Ohio State Journal (1903) and The Columbus Dispatch (1905), the Wolfe brothers battled for the civic welfare of Columbus citizens, exposing graft and corruption without regard to personal strife.   In 1907, in a move to save a failing banking establishment, the Wolfe brothers diverted their private funds into the Ohio Trust Company, which ultimately led to the formation of the BancOhio Corporation - an organization of affiliated banks in Central Ohio.   His unconquerable spirit is still remembered as well as his respect for his fellow man. - learn more

Sanborn Wood Sanborn Wood, affectionately known as Sandy, is the godfather of Columbus' Short North Arts District. Sandy had a remarkable vision for the area between downtown and Ohio State in the mid-1970s. He believed it possible to transform it into a premiere district that would celebrate entrepreneurshi - learn more