John Sylvanus Rohrbough
Round Valley’s prominent and pioneer citizen, passed away Thursday night in San Francisco Hospital. Mr. Rohrbough was born in Buckhannon, West Virginia, February 12,1859. He came to Round valley when 17 years old and was affiliated with the late George White. He is well known throughout the northern part of the state and has remained one of the largest land and stock owners in this section. In 1888 he built the Round Valley Flour Mills and in 1914 they were rebuilt with modern and up-to-date equipment. In 1920 Mr. Rohrbough organized the Bank of Covelo, in 1921 the Bank building was erected and he has remained the Bank’s President during the years.
Remarkable for a man with his prestige, he never dabbled in politics. J. S. Rohrbough was beloved, respected and highly esteemed by all, employing many men throughout the years, Indians as well as whites, and many have remained in his service year after year. Chance meeting of an Indian employee Friday noon, who had worked at the home ranch many years was indeed impressive, the native was sad, head bowed and did not care to talk, indeed the whole community showed grief. Charitable, tolerant, fair and honest, always giving the other fellow more than an even break, and fresh in our minds is the recent Wynn Powers case. Almost to the last Mr. Rohrbough had remained active. continuing his duties and often seen on horseback. A complication of stomach trouble caused him to take a rest and he had been in San Francisco several weeks under care of specialists.
Funeral services were held Monday from the ranch home, interment was in the family plot in Masonic cemetery. H. B. Muir, Willits, and many prominent Mendocino county citizens were in the Valley for the last rites. The whole community extends deepest sympathy to the bereaved family.
[Source: Ukiah Republican Press (Ukiah, California) January 25, 1939 Transcribed by: Debbie Oberst]
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John Sylvanus Rohrbough
Covelo, Jan. 26.-With the passing of John Sylvanus Rohrbough at the Stanford hospital in San Francisco on January 10, Round Valley and Mendocino and adjacent counties have suffered the loss of an outstanding citizen, a shrewd business man and a splendid character; while the family faces the irreparable loss of a faithful and considerate husband, a doting father and a wise counselor. Lacking but three weeks of being 80 years of age, John Rohrbough until very recently was active in the management of his extensive agricultural and other business interests, and with keen mind and sprightly step radiated much of the zest of early life.
He is survived by his devoted wife, and companion of 46 years, Mrs. Myrtle Rohrbough, and six children (two having died in early childhood), four sons–Evan F., John D., of Covelo, Beverley of San Francisco, and Philip of Alder Point, and two daughters, Mrs. Marcella Carfagni of San Francisco and Mrs. Shirley Bevelle of Mesa, Arizona. All were present at the last rites held at the family home here Monday afternoon.
He is also survived by five granddaughters and one brother, the youngest of the family of five born to Jacob H. and Marcilla White Rohrbough at Buckhannon, West Virginia. For 63 years a resident of round valley, J. S. Rohrbough has been identified with its development from a frontier to a modern community.
[Source: Ukiah Dispatch Democrat (Ukiah, California) January 27, 1939 Transcribed by: Debbie Oberst]
Submitted by Nancy A. Jackson