Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-10-17
Frank WaIdron Rollins.

-s-@Ss->-------
Frank WaIdron Rollins.
| Perhaps no Maine man has more
strikingly impressed rugged integri-
tv upon his newspaper product than
did Frank Waldron Rollins, editor of
the Ellsworth American for a score of
years. upon that newspaper. II was
always clean and reliable. unuuestion-
J ably honest. and breathing the inspira-
!, ton Of a fine mind, scholarly direct
or. a man of purpose. The best that
was in him, backed by liberal educa
/ ton, extensive travel and research,
! Frank Rollins gave to his readers and
his friends. To know him was to re-
spect him. and to associate with him
was to enjoy him. To have his APPROX
! al was gratifying and a strong recon-
mendation among the Maine news
paper fraternity. His work has been
well done and we see only final tri
umph in his going.
| The Ellsworth American pays this
striking, tribute in q lengthy obituary
of its departed chief:
To all the tasks of life he brought a
| rare fidelity, an unfiinching integrity.
Whatever he thought right, he did;
/ following the dictates of an honest and
, ingenious nature in all things. 1t Is
seldom that man who had lived so
, much in the larger world retains the
simple and basal code of moral action
to the extent that Mr.. Rollins did.
Nuthing could swerve him from what
he felt to be his duty.
This fact was signally revealed III
his profession. The strongest and most
compelling ideals of the journalistic
world he held tenacieus!y. To main
! tain those ideals he would risk the as
+, saults Of critics-the objections OF
friends. And yet. after every disagree
meet In matters of policy. those who
. withstood him paid him the tribute of
, their respect 1t was impossible not to
recnect his rugged honesty.
Mr.. Rollins had two great avocations
-rnusie and nature. Perhaps no man
in Maine had heard more of the worlds
greatest music, a greater number of
the worlds great interpreters of har-
many, than he. Both in this country
and in Europe he had followed the
course of grand opera and had filled
his mind and heart with its beautiful
scores.
He had an immense theoretical and
critical knowledge of music and much
skill as a conductor. He was the or
ganizer and director of the Ellsworth
festival chorus: a director of the East
ern association, and a member of the
Handel and Haydn society of Boston.
His love for nature manifested itself
in two wavs-in his fondness for agri-
cultural pursuits. and in his keen en-
joyment of the woods and camp life.
He carried on an intensive farming on
his small estate, read farming journals
omnivorously, belonged to the Patrons
of Husbandry, and had more general
, knowledge of agriculture than many
whose business it is.
In the woods, fishing and cunning,
| gathered with congenial circle about
the campfire, he was a most enjoyable
companions He would perform any
service. aid in any way to make others
happy. and his comments and remi-
I
| He was extremely fond of books;
choosing and reading with eagerness
| the best literature of all time. He re-
| tanned the familiarity with classic lore
| which most men forsake with their
diploma 70 him it was ever welt
of knowledge undefiled' from which ne
drank at frequent intervals. On every
subject which he had studied MS
! knowledge was accurate and generally
unimpeachable.
Full Justice would not be done to MI.
Rollins character If no mention were
made of his fondness for children. he
HAD a rare capacity for winning anu
Iholdine childish hearts, and many
ltiny friend will find its world poorer
because he will no longer form part
Of it.
| In religious preferences Mr.. Rollins
was a Congregationalist. ana durihs
his life in Ellsworth was q cchs,aH'
attendant upon the worship OF the
First CONGREGATIONAL church. For many
vea,s he was a member of it's music
committee. He greatly enjoyed re-
lucious services, and always maintain
ed relation of kindly sympathy WIN
the pastor of his church, .. l..
He was n member of the masonic
, fraternity-a knight Templar-and a.,
, So an odd Fellow.
The genial, warm hearted personah
y ty is gone, but the memories whieh d,
I associated with IL are retained warnai9
in many hearts. In his home, To Whiei
so much OF his thought and love teho
ed; in the business life of his commu
nifty. where heslabored faithfully; II
: all the circles which he touched, thi
man will be sorely missed.
Member how the rats got together an
4 decided that in the best interests OF IN
/ rat community, the thing to do was !
a attach a bell to the cat so that those
danger would have ample warning, an