Monthly Archives: May 2013
In Fanders Field
Olivia Fowler
On The Way
By Olivia Fowler
By Lieutenant Colonel
John McCrae, MD,
(1872-1918) Canadian Army
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead.
Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
The Downfall of Dr. John Brinkley
Minnie and John Brinkley, surgical partners.
The conclusion of a two-part series
Grave of John R Brinkley at Forest Hill Cemetery in Memphis, Tenn.
By Dr. Tom Cloer
For The Courier
Editor’s Note: This is the conclusion of a two-part series written by Courier contributor Dr. Tom Cloer, Jr., about Dr. John R. Brinkley, Jr., born in neighboring Jackson County, N.C., and one of the most famous and successful men in the world in the 1930s before his unconventional methods and deceit led to his own fall from grace. The first half of this series was published in the May 15 edition of the Courier.
Brinkley Strikes Gold
Dr. John Brinkley enrolled in Eclectic Medical School in Kansas City, Mo., and after one additional year bought his M.D. in 1914. Here is ample evidence that this was indeed the golden age of hocus pocus. A sheepskin from this diploma mill would allow Brinkley to practice medicine in several states, Kansas being his choice. There was really no central regulating power for licensing medical doctors. Andrew Jackson was somewhat responsible for this. His idea was for “the common man” to have a chance. So, believe it or not, by the end of the 19th century only about three states had real licensing requirements. The American Medical Association had very little power, but that would change, primarily because of one man — John R. Brinkley.
Courier Obits 5-29-13
Roger R. Rollins
Central – Roger Ramsey Rollins, 63, of 425 Gaines Street and husband for 46 years of Liz M. Rodgers Rollins died Monday, May 20, 2013 at the Baptist Easley Hospital.
Born in Pickens County, he was a son of the late Ramsey Smith and Lola Boggs Rollins. Roger was a crew foreman with Systems Specialties Inc and attended Six Mile Baptist Church. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing.
Surviving in addition to his wife are a son, Rodney Ramsey Rollins (Amy) of Six Mile; daughters, Angie E. Richards (Donnie) of Pendleton, Annette C. Holder (Michael) of Six Mile, and Jill M. Mack of Anderson; brother, Bob Rollins of Pendleton; sister, Reba Simpson of Central; grandchildren, Jessica Thach, Paul Richards, Christopher Holder, Hannah Holder, Nicole and Christina Rollins, Joshua Rollins, Damian and Domenic Turley.
Courier Classifieds 5-29-13
Announcements
Do you own an antique or modern U.S. or foreign military vehicle? If so, “I WANT YOU” to join our veterans club, USMTM, please email for info: us.mtm66@yahoo.com. TFC
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AIRLINES ARE HIRING – Train for hands on Aviation Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified – Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-367-2513. SW
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MEDICAL CAREERS begin here – Train ONLINE for Allied Health and Medical Management. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call 888-220-3872 www.CenturaOnline.com. SW
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Mom charged in kids’ murders arrested
Suzanna Brown Simpson
PICKENS — Suzanna Brown Simpson, the Dacusville mother accused of shooting and killing her children and trying to kill her husband last week, was taken into police custody Monday upon her release from Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Simpson, who had been hospitalized following a single-vehicle accident shortly before her children and husband were found shot on the morning of May 14, was released into the custody of Pickens County Sheriff’s Office deputies at about 4:30 p.m. Monday.
Simpson, 35, of 307 Cherokee Trail, faces two murder charges in the deaths of her children, 7-year-old Carly Ashelyn Simpson and 5-year-old Sawyer Russell Simpson, an attempted murder charge in the shooting of her husband, Michael John Simpson, 34, and one charge of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
Pickens County community comes together to begin healing process
Community members placed flowers in memory of Carly and Sawyer Simpson around the flagpole at Dacusville Elementary School during a service held in their honor at the school last Thursday evening. (Emily Wright/Courier)
By Nicole Daughhetee
Courier Staff
DACUSVILLE — More than 100 members of a grief-stricken Pickens County community gathered outside of Dacusville Elementary last Thursday, to mourn the loss and celebrate the all-too-short lives of Carly and Sawyer Simpson.
Organized by Dacusville parent Amy Skipper and local clergywoman Rev. Ashley McCoy-Bruce, the memorial service for Carly and Sawyer was an effort to unify the community and begin the process of healing.
“I’m here to unify us in our faith and to speak as a mother. My children are raised in Dacusville. My sons graduated from this school. My daughter is a fourth grader here,” said Bruce. “We have worked together because we saw a need to gather quickly to express our heartfelt sympathy for the deaths of two beloved children, our concerns for a critically wounded father and for the soul of a broken mother.”
Tournament brings youth stars, economic investment to Upstate
EASLEY — Each summer, the Big League Baseball World Series (BLBWS) brings more to Easley than just a great week of world championship baseball.
Last year alone, thousands flocked to watch high quality baseball played by the most talented young players in the world, which in turn brought some major economic impact to the Upstate.
“All of us at Big League in Easley work hard every year to provide a place for these young players to develop and grow in their character and athletic skills,” tournament director Jon Humphrey said. “To us, the economic impact study is just an added bonus of why the tournament is a great fit for everyone involved.”
Pickens County EMS celebrates EMS Week
Pickens County EMS officials make appearances at local churches, schools and festivals to try to educate children and make the community a safer place for all.
COUNTY — National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine’s “front line.”
This year’s campaign “EMS: One Mission, One Team” sums up Pickens County EMS with its dedicated, caring, and highly trained staff.
Pickens County EMS is the sole 911 provider in the county. This service responds to all calls within the county, whether it is a 911 call or a request for non-emergent transports. In 2012, Pickens County EMS responded to more than 15,600 calls.
Robinson represents S.C. at NFDA Advocacy Summit
EASLEY — Christopher P. Robinson, of Robinson Funeral Homes in Pickens County, recently spent time in Washington, D.C., attending the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Advocacy Summit.
As president of the South Carolina Funeral Directors Association, Robinson represented the State of South Carolina at the summit, where NFDA members from all across the country met face-to-face with members of Congress to discuss issues of critical importance to funeral service.
By participating in the event, Robinson is taking a proactive approach in advancing legislation that helps protect consumers and benefits the communities he serves.
Sheriff’s office: Person found hanged in Easley
EASLEY — Some motorists between Pickens and Easley were witness to a gruesome sight on Tuesday morning, as an apparent suicide victim was found hanging from a rope from a metal power pole within view of Gentry Memorial Highway.
According to a release from Pickens County Chief Deputy Creed Hashe, a passing motorist notified the sheriff’s office at around 7:15 a.m. after seeing what appeared to be a person hanging from a rope on Rice Road near the Alice Manufacturing Plant.
Hashe said detectives did not find any indications of foul play, and preliminary reports were that the incident was a suicide, which was later confirmed by coroner Kandy Kelley.
The victim was an adult. No further details will be released.
