Orra Stillman Rogers, son of Alburtus C. and Alice Ennis Rogers, was born at Farina, Ill., May 18, 1867, and died at Fort Pierce, Fla., May 10, 1949.
Mr. Rogers taught school while pursuing his college course and, for two years after being graduated from Alfred University in 1894, was principal of the Brookfield, N. Y., High School. He then went into the insurance business. In 1898 he went to Plainfield, N. J., to live, and established his own office in New York City. During World War I he was in charge of all life insurance for YMCA workers overseas. He was past president of the Life Insurance Underwriters of New York City.
He was for 44 years a member of the Board of Trustees of Alfred University, and for nearly 22 years was president of the board. He was a leader in raising funds for the university, and was interested in many other good causes to which he contributed time and labor and his good judgment in their promotion.
Mr. Rogers was a faithful member of the Plainfield Seventh Day Baptist Church of Christ, and devoted to all its interests. For many years he served as a deacon, and held other offices in the church. For many years he was a member of the American Sabbath Tract Society, and was a trustee of the Memorial Fund. He was never intrusive in giving advice, but no one ever had a wiser counselor when his advise was sought. When he gave his opinion on a given matter you knew it was based upon a considered judgment and was without bias. He appreciated young people, and helped many prepare for usefulness in life.
In 1905 Mr. Rogers married Elma Burdick, who survives him and who, through the years, has been a sympathetic and helpful companion. He leaves also a sister, Mrs. Alfred E. Whitford of Alfred, N. Y., and a brother, Walter E. Rogers of Milton, Wis.
A farewell service was held at four o'clock on Wednesday, May 11, at his home in Fort Pierce, with Dr. James M. Howard, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, in charge. His ashes were brought to Alfred where memorial services were held in the First Seventh Day Baptist Church of Alfred, Sabbath afternoon, May 21, participated in by Pastor Emeritus J. Nelson Norwood, and Dean Ahva J. C. Bond, a former pastor in Plainfield. Interment was in Alfred Rural Cemetery.
A. J. C. B.
