Amanda Jane Roderick was born June 2, 1868 to John and Elizabeth (nee Armitage) Roderick. On December 31, 1885 she was united in marriage to Willis Workman Poland. To this union four children were born: Lizzie (b. Nov. 1886); John (b. Sep. 1889); Oliver (b. Jun. 1891); Ira (b. Jul. 1894). Willis was born in 1861 and died in 1894. Amanda then married William Marshall Fitzgerrel son of Isaac Jefferson and Maria (nee Wilson) Fitzgerrel. Amanda died October 10, 1935 and is buried in the Chauncey cemetery next to Willis.
Mr. Editor and readers of the press, and especially to my old friends, the friends of my youth:
I thought I would write you a letter through the press, to let you know that I am still among the living.
I live at York, Illinois, in Clark County, "On the banks of the Wabash." One of the oldest towns in the state, and at one time quite a commercial center, but at present there is not much left, only memories of what once was. But, we have fishing tackle and motorboats, so come to see us next summer, and go fishing and motoring.
I had been a resident of Lawrence County all my life, with the exception of two years as you all know.
As we visit the various charges of Southern Illinois Conference and make new associations, I find many nice people who are very kind, yet there is no place like old Lawrence County to me. No place so dear to me as the "scenes of my childhood." Chauncey, with its surrounding community, its churches, Sunday school, and social conditions, I hunger to go to my home church, where we have had so many good times especially at the midweek prayer service, where only a few would meet, but, thank the Lord, he is not confined to the many, that can be with the few that meet in His name.
Two of the dear ones that met with us have gone to meet their reward, and Aunt Carrie’s health is so she cannot meet as she used to. One by one we are going. How I missed the Ladies Aid Sisters, how I would like to meet with you once more. I missed the association of my children, but there is one great thought; if we live true to God we can meet where there are no more goodbyes, heartaches or tears but where all is joy for ever.
I am knitting for the "Red Cross." How I enjoyed it, just to think it was for the dear boys who have gone to the front, to fight for home and country. God bless them, and may they have a safe return. But, if some do not, may they fall with their faces Zionward, is my prayer. This is a time when we should think deeply of home, country and heaven.
our girl's dad, would have been cussin half the time But now in 40 years we've scattered wide
some have crossed over the great divide
but those who have moved far east or west
should greet this homecoming as the very best And why shouldn't we form an alumni band
making the role complete as we can
so when days of greeting roll round
our mail list will be easily found? I am located in Denton, a Texas town
my pastor called me his monkey clown
others of my family on their dignity stand
while I promise to grow civil fast as I can My big jolly family keeps me quite spry
three bright grandchildren, you couldn't buy
youngest daughter in a Kansas college this year
another in a normal, located right here My only boy is somewhere in France
with others enlisted he's taking his chance
but I'm believing it won't be long
till they all come home with the victory song Till then we can only pray for the best
trusting God and our boys to care for the rest
though our hearts are heavy and sometimes sad
we should make this homecoming the best we've had And now I close, I should have written less
but first move a vote of thanks to the Sumner Press
it's the paper of "pep" and strictly up to now
we might do without it but I hardly see how I referred to myself, but let it be understood
it's a good report from others that’ll do me good
I trust you are prospering and happy today
so now for your letters and the good things you say
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Austin, Arkansas
January 16, 1918
Editor Press:
As I have never made an attempt to write to the Pink Press before, I will try to write a few lines, as probably some of the families and friends would be glad to hear from me.
It was about twenty four years ago in February, when my father moved to Sumner, on Tick Ridge and worked for Capt. Davis that year and then moved to T. L. Jones’s son’s farm, where Oscar Fyffe did live and probably does yet.
I was married to Laura Nadine, of West Salem, when my father lived there, and then he moved away, but I remained there three years and then moved to what was called the John Bryan farm and later bought the Uncle Neddy Heath farm later selling it, I bought the Dave Delong place, on the county line, which I sold to Otis Klingler and moved to Olney, buying stock for A. L. Odor one year and then I purchased a farm of 160 acres of land and in Lonoke County, Arkansas, and with my family of my wife and three children, moved here in November 1911, and afterwards a girl baby was added to the family, but from some cause, a death Angel came and claimed her at the age of 1 year and 10 months old.
All of the family with that exception has had good health here and like the country fine.
We have a nice home here, have built a new house and a barn.
One year ago I traded my Olney property for 80 acres in Lincoln County, Arkansas. I have not any claim on Illinois at all now.
I farm and also work at the carpenter trade too, and have more work than I can do and never run out of a job. As this is my first attempt to write the Pink Press I will close.
Sincerely,
John Z. Gorbet
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Norris City, Illinois
January 22, 1918
To the readers of the Sumner Press:
I was born and raised in Lawrence County, two and three-quarter mile southeast of Chauncey, and lived there until I was married to Frank Gray. We then moved to Norris City and bought us a little home of 50 acres, which we can now call our own. It is nicely located southeast of Norris City about two miles.
We have several close neighbors who are very good to as. We have lived here nine years in the spring and like it very much.
Have two dear children-Beulah May, age 8 and James Benjamin, age 6, who are in the second grade at school.
I have made a visit to my old home once every year since moving away. You will all remember me as Frances Haines, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Haines.
We wish one and all many blessings and prosperity the next year.
Yours respectfully,
Frances Gray
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(John Z. Gorbet)
Biographical Note:
John Zachary Gorbet was born January 2, 1879 in Jackson County, Indiana to Benjamin J. and Elizabeth (nee Foss) Gorbet. Om March 31, 1899 he married Laura Isabell Nadine daughter of Frances and Mary Elizabeth (nee McManaman) Nadine, born on January 16, 1879. According to census records four children were born: Berlin Floyd (b. May 1900); Gladys Irene (b. abt. 1903); Ralph (b. abt. 1907); Ida Laura (b.1912 d. 1914). John Died on April 18, 1951. Laura died December 15,1966. They are buried next to their young daughter in Oak Grove Cemetery Lonoke County
