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S. E. Rorick
Born October 31, 1849 |
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S. E. Rorick, a retired farmer and banker, who is living in the enjoyment of a well earned rest in Oxford Mills, Oxford township, was born in Franklin county, Ohio, October 31, 1849. His parents, C. H. and Julia F. (Kimball) Rorick, were natives of New Jersey, where they were reared and married, but in 1836, came west as far as Ohio, where they entered timber land and secured a farm. They built a log cabin as their first habitation in the new state, and after twenty years' residence there removed to Indiana, in 1856. Two years later they came to Iowa, locating in Jones county after a period of six months spent in Clinton county. Here the father engaged in agricultural pursuits, and here after many years of active labor his life was brought to a close. His wife also passed away in this county. Of the nine children born to them six now survive, bearing daily witness to the sturdy principles inculcated into them in their youth.
S. E. Rorick was reared at home, acquiring a. fair education in the neighboring schools, and he worked upon the farm during his school days, so that he was well prepared through practical experience for the responsibilities of life. Until he became of age his father received the benefit of his labor, but after attaining his majority he commenced farming for himself. For six years he rented land in this county, but in 1884 went to Hand County, South Dakota, where he engaged in real-estate transactions. After an experience of one year, however, he returned to Jones county, engaging in the buying and selling of stock of all kinds. During-the five years he devoted himself to operations of that kind he was able to purchase three hundred and twenty-three acres in Oxford township, on which he lived for ten years, or until 1900. During that time the fields brought forth bountiful returns for his endeavors, so that when he retired to Oxford Mills he was able to organize what was known as the Oxford Junction Savings Bank. But the active cares of life were becoming heavier as the years went by and in 1905, Mr. Rorick sold his interest in the institution and retired.
In the three score of years that have now measured his span of life, he has known many hardships and privations, but with determination, he faced his trials, and through unswerving devotion to what he believed to be his duty has attained to a position that is attended with the respect ever accorded to success and uprightness.
In 1876, Mr. Rorick wedded Miss Charity Green, who was born in Ohio in 1849. Her mother died when she was but a small child, but her father lived until 1884, when he too passed away. Five children were born to her parents, and through her marriage, Mrs. Rorick has become the mother of two Cornelius H., who is at home, and Edna, who is deceased.
Politically Mr. Rorick has invariably given his support to the democratic party and while he has not been a seeker for office, he has served as trustee of his township off and on for the past twenty years and was twice nominated by his party for sheriff.
Although he does not affiliate with any church, his life has been ordered in accordance with Christian principles so that his success carries no bitterness with it. He belongs to the Oxford Junction Lodge, No. 435, A.F.&A.M., and to the Owls, being at present the treasurer of the local chapter of this latter body, a fact that bears additional testimony to the confidence, those who know him best place in his judgment and integrity.
Source: History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 250. |
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© Copyright 1997-2013, The Art Department, © Copyright 2014-2020, Richard Harrison.
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