Small Town News—Adrian Daily Telegram

Morenci—The Misses Marilyn Bryant and Pricilla Downer will leave Monday to being their school year at Siena Heights College in Adrian.  (Adrian Daily Telegram, September 11, 1943)

Mr. and Mrs. Albert Foster of Toledo called Sunday on Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Rorick.  (Adrian Daily Telegram, January 26, 1943)

Mrs. Harper Gallup and children are spending a few days with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gallup of Kingsley-st.  (Adrian Daily Telegram, July 29, 1922)

Medina — Miss Helen Guss accompanied by Miss Helen Austin was home from Ypsilanti for the week-end.  (Adrian Daily Telegram, January 28, 1925)

Mr. and Mrs. Harlow Ingall of Plymouth and their daughter Miss Harriet Ingall of New York City were guests Friday of his parents Mr. and Mrs. Fred Ingall.  (Adrian Daily Telegram, August 10, 1943)

Miss Pearl Jones returned last evening from a pleasant visit with her cousin Dr. E.H. Rorick and family of Fayette, O.  (Adrian Daily Telegram, September 17, 1910)

Mr. and Mrs. William Jones and daughter, Pearl, were in Rollin Monday, attending the funeral of a brother’s child.  (Adrian Daily Telegram, September 2, 1905)

Sgt. and Mrs. Jacob Martz arrived Saturday from Portland, Ore., to spend a week with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.H. Rorick and family.  (Adrian Daily Telegram, September 13, 1943)

Mrs. W.C. McConnell is in Morenci, to attend the funeral of her grandfather, Mr. Rorick, who died Saturday. (Adrian Daily Telegram, January 17, 1898)

Mrs. E.E. Spear entertained Tuesday afternoon in honor of Mrs. Maurice Spear. The time was spent socially and Miss Lorena Johnson favored the company with music. Decoration in keeping with the season were [sic] attractive and refreshments were served. The guests were Mrs. G.H. Rorick, Mrs. C.H. Rorick, Mrs. Curtis Rorick, Mrs. Mary Rorick, Mrs. Frank Tayloe, Mrs. Fred oon [sic], Mrs. William Poucher, Mrs. George Pratt, Mrs. Paul Spear, Mrs. Kenneth Spear and Mrs. Richard Rogers. (Adrian Daily Telegram, January 2, 1925)

Dr. Maurice Spear is visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Spear. Dr. Spear and wife recently received their diplomas from the Palmer School of Chiropractors in Davenport, Ia., and will located in Adrian.  (Adrian Daily Telegram, October 7, 1921)

Paul Spear of Claunch, N.M., a former Morenci resident, arrived Thursday evening to visit his brother Kenneth Spear and sister Mrs. Richard Rogers and family and other relatives. He will spend the weekend with his sister Mrs. Ray Lyons and family in Adrian. (Adrian Daily Telegram, October 16, 1943)

Educational News

Sharon Carroll, daugher of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Carroll, has enrolled at the Goldey-Beacom School of Business for the summer session. (Denton Journal, June 21, 1923)

Those who received certificates of promotion from the seventh grade of Hillsboro school are Roberta Rowe, Dorothy Knotts, Hazel Passwaters, Mildred Worth, Pearl Eveland, Herbert Rice, John Eveland, and Lee Seymour. (Denton Journal, June 25, 1921)

Mr. and Mrs. John Eveland, Mrs. J.E. Eveland, and Miss Pearl Eveland attended commencement exercises at Western Maryland College last Monday. Thos. Eveland, a son of Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Eveland, was a graduate. (Denton Journal, June 13, 1936)

Stephen Ray Hanson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Marion R. Hanson of Junction City, has enrolled at Huntington College, Huntington, Ind. Huntington College is founded and supported by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. (Zanesville Times Recorder, September 22, 1966)

Fairmont Seminary last night sent out its annual quota of cultured womanhood. Sixteen misses representing nine states and the District of Columbia, who have been making preparation for their future careers received their diplomas, certifying they are competent to assume “added rights and new responsibilities” in the parlance of Representative Victor Murdock, of Kansas, who delivered the address of the evening. The graduates are Mary Katharine Brown, of Ohio; Miss Lillian Beatty, of Ohio; Miss Dorothy Marie Borland, of Pennsylvania; Miss Ethel Louise Foster, of this city; Miss Virginia Guitar, of Texas; Miss Hazel Herr, of Pennsylvania; Miss Mabel Elizabeth Halloway, of Kansas; Miss Sarah Frances Hancock, of Texas; Miss Eliza Watts Killian, of South Carolina; Miss Katharine Lauck, of Pennsylvania; Miss Mildred Mann, of Missouri; Miss Ada Rorick McConnell, of Michigan; Miss Grace Marie McClelland, of Pennsylvania; Miss Mabel Clair Payne, of Arkansas; Miss Harriette Richardson, of Texas; and Miss Mattie Lee Yokley, of Tennessee. (Washington Post, May 28, 1910)

Miss Alice Van Sickle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Van Sickle has been selected as valedictorian of the graduating class of Port Jervis High School, it was announced today by Charles D. Marsh, principal. Maintaining the tradition of a number of years, Miss Van Sickle was chosen by virtue of her holding honor position in the class with the highest average for for years. (Middletown Times Herald, June 22, 1934)

Salem, May 13 — To-day were held the closing exercises of the Oregon school for the blind in the presence of a few invited guests and friends of the pupils. The programmes were very interesting, and consisted of exercises which those who have the full five senses might be proud to be able to render as well. These were not graduating exercises, and the entire class will return next year. The names of the pupils are: Ernest Voos, Portland; Bertie Waller, Salem; Fred V. Cooper, Portland; Misses Lou Lewis, Corvallis; Mollie Read, Mitchell, Wasco county; Blanche Savage, near Salem; Sadie Bristow, near Monmouth; Mary Baker, Silverton; Jess Watkins, Albany; Hattie Carruthers, Albany; Amy Walling, Polk county. The school is under the supervision of D.B. Gray; matron, Mrs. Gray; assistant teacher, Miss N.J. McFallen; music teacher, Miss Helen Holman. (Portland Oregonian, May 14, 1887)

The Hon. John C. Rorick, Native Elmiran, Died in the West

The Republican of Wauseon, O., under the date of December 10, contains an account of the death and a brief sketch of the life of John C. Rorick, who was born near Horseheads. He was a lineal descendant of the early Breese settlers of this valley and until recent years always came to Horseheads to attend the annual reunions of the family and enjoyed an extensive acquaintance in his native county as well as in adopted state. The Republican says:

“Hon. John C. Rorick died at his home on East Elm street, Wednesday afternoon after an illness extending over several months. Mr. Rorick was one of the foremost citizens of the county, a wealth and successful businessman and was identified with several of the banks, business houses and in [sic] institutions.

“He first came to this place in 1865 and purchased the Sherwood House. The next year he removed to Michigan where he remained till 1872 when he again came to Wauseon where he has since resided.

“Mr. Rorick enjoyed the confidences of his fellow man. He served them faithfully and they gave him places of high honor. Twice he was elected to the state board of equalization of property for taxation and in these positions, he won the reputation of being the friend of the average man. His work was marked by ability, fearlessness and honesty.

“Governor Harris appointed Mr. Rorick a member of the state board of Ohio penitentiary managers where he demonstrated his ability as a financier of the first rank. Here he gave the people an efficient, economical administration. In 1911 he was elected a member of the state constitutional convention.

“In all public service Mr. Rorick has proven faithful to every trust reposed in him and he leaves a record and a name untarnished. He kept the faith of he served and made his word as good as his bond.

“John C. Rorick was born near Elmira, N.Y., February 13, 1834 and moved with his parents to Lenawee county, Mich., in 1836. Here he grew to manhood and endured all the hardships of pioneer life. His education he secured mostly by home study. He taught school for a short time and then completed a commercial course, graduating from the Gregory Commercial college, of Detroit.

“For some months Mr. Rorick had been in failing health and in the afternoon of December 8, this active, useful life was ended. He was survived by his wife, a foster daughter, Mrs. W.C. McConnell, of Adrian; a brother, Dr. E.H. Rorick, of Fayette.

“He was commander of the associated G.A.R. organization and a member of Wauseon lodge, Knights of Pythias.”

Source: Elmira Telegram, December 26, 1920.

Hon. John C. Rorick

Hon. John C. Rorick died at his home in Wauseon, Wednesday, Dec. 8, after an illness extending over several months.

Mr. Rorick was one of the foremost citizens of Fulton County. He came from poverty to be one the country’s wealthy and successful business men, being identified with several banks and business institutions. He first came to Wauseon in 1866 and purchased the Sherman House. The next year he returned to Michigan where he remained until 1872, when he again came to Wauseon (Ohio), where he has since resided.

Mr. Rorick enjoyed the confidence of his fellow men. He served them faithfully and they gave him places of honor. He was elected and served for two terms as Senator in the State Legislature. Twice he was elected to the State Board of Equalization of property for taxation and in these positions he won the reputation of being the friend of the average man. His work was marked by ability, fearlessness and honesty.

Gov. Harris appointed Mr. Rorick a member of the State Board of Penitentiary managers, where he demonstrated his ability as a financier of the first rank. Here he gave the people an economical and efficient administration. In 1911 Mr. Rorick was elected a member of the state constitutional convention.

In all public service Mr. Rorick has proven faithful to every trust reposed in him and he leaves a record and a name untarnished. He kept the faith of those whom he has served and made his word as good as his bond.

John C. Rorick was born near Elmira, N.Y. Feb. 13, 1834 and moved with his parents to Lenawee Co., Mich. in 1836. There he grew to manhood and endured all the hardships of pioneer life. His education was secured largely by home study. He taught school for a short time and then completed a commercial course, graduating from the Gregory Commercial College of Detroit.

For some months, Mr. Rorick has been in failing health and on the afternoon of Dec. 8, this active, useful life was ended, leaving his aged companion, a foster daughter, Mrs. W.C. McConnell of Adrian, a brother, Dr. Estell H. Rorick of Fayette, a sister, Mrs. L.H. Converse of Morenci, and hosts of friends to cherish his memory.

Mr. Rorick was commander of the Associate G.A.R. organization and a member of Wauseon Lodge Knights of Pythias.

Source:  Lundahl, Helen Rorick.  (n.d.) The Rorick Family in America.  (NB: This manuscript is held in the Toledo-Lucas County Library and contains a number of transcriptions of undated newspaper clippings.)

A Sad Death

Mrs. F.E. Bryant Taken From Loved Ones

One of the saddest deaths we have been called upon to record was that of Mrs. Frank E. Bryant of Seneca, who was called from her beloved family last Monday afternoon. Expressions of regret at the death of beautiful and useful life in the prime of womanhood were heard everywhere in the community. She had been ill only two weeks and her condition was not considered serious until a few days before her demise. Sad indeed was the taking away to the loving husband and children who still need the care and devotion of a mother’s heart. To her father, Jacob Rorick, and her grandmother, Mrs. Caroline Sayres, who is still young at the advanced age of 91, the loss of her companionship is a sad affliction. In fact, all her many friends and relatives mourn her early departure.

Kate B. Rorick, daughter of Jacob and Mary Rorick, was born in Canandaigua, Mich., January 9, 1872, and at the time of her death, October 24, 1910, was aged 38 years, 9 months, and 15 days. She was united in marriage to Frank E. Bryant September 7, 1893, and to this union were born five children, two sons, John and Jacob, dying in early childhood. The three surviving children are Mary L., Florence S., and Gerald, ranging in age from 12 to 16 years. During her life, she was a devoted daughter, wife and mother.

Besides the mourning husband, children, father and grandmother, the latter two in later years making their home with her, she leaves one brother, William R. Rorick of Buffalo, and two sisters: Mrs. Mel McCloe of Detroit and Mrs. Carl Guss of Medina, besides a host of friends and relatives.

The funeral, which was one of the largest in attendance the county has seen in recent years, was held on Wednesday afternoon, Rev. Henry Coates officiating. Appropriate songs were rendered by Miss Susan Furman and Mrs. Ed. Moore, with Miss Flossie Allen accompanist. The bearers were composed of relatives and near friends, who tenderly carried the remains to their last resting place. The floral tributes were beautiful and numerous and attested the loving esteem in which the departed was held.

Among those attending from a distance were Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Rorick of Buffalo, N.Y.; Dr. and Mrs. E.H. Rorick and daughter, Mrs. Fred Sullivan, and Mrs. G.H. Crane of Fayette; Mr. and Mrs. Mel McCloe and daughter, Mertie, and Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Sloan of Detroit; Mrs. Hervey Spencer and Mrs. Howland of Birmingham, Mich.; Mr. and Mrs. W.C. McConnell, Mr. and Mrs. Clark E. Baldwin, Mr. and Mrs. Chas Ream and Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Vedder of Adrian; Mr. and Mrs. John Rorick and Mr. and Mrs. Will Gorsuch of Wauseon.

Source: Undated newspaper clipping in the possession of Mike Meister.

Cleantha M’Connel Taken By Death

Demise Came Unexpected After Illness of Influenza, Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.C. McConnell

The unexpected death of Miss Cleantha McConnell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.C. McConnell, occurred last night at 9:30 o’clock at the family residence on South Main street, death being due to influenza.  Miss McConnell was born in 1893 and is survived by her parents and one sister, Mrs. Wallace D. McLean of Bronxille, N.Y.

She attended the Adrian schools and after completing her work here was a student in the Fairmount school in Washington, D.C., where she graduated.  From there she went to Miss Day’s school in New York city, also graduating there, and since then had spent much time in traveling.

Miss McConnell was of a very lovable and charitable nature and greatly beloved by her many friends and acquaintances not only in Adrian but in Lansing, where she had spent much time in visiting.  She was always ready to help those where needy and sick, only she and the recipient knowing of her many deeds of kindness.

One of the sad features of her death was her approaching marriage to Wyllis Osborn Dodge of Lansing, who has been here during her illness and will remain until the latter part of the week.

The funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon, the time not yet having been set.

Source:  Adrian Daily Telegram, April 8, 1919.