Rockwell, O. A.

48-year-old industrial executive from Calumet Michigan, will succeed Elmer Isern as general manager of the Eagle-Picher Company mining and smelting division in Miami. This was announced this afternoon by Eagle-Picher's main offices in Cincinnati. Rockwell also will fill the vice- presidency left vacant by Isern's resignation, which became effective today. The announcement ended speculation as to Isern's successor. The Miamian disclosed yesterday he was retiring after 31 years in the mining and metallurgical profession. Rockwell will come to Miami, presumably soon, from Calumet Michigan, where he has served as divisional general manager with Calumet and Hecla, Inc. The division operates mining, smelting, chemical, railroad and foundry holdings of Calumet and Hecla as well as the Lake Chemical Company, another property. The new Eagle-Picher officer also will be giving up a vice-presidency in Calumet and Hecla. A native of Grand Rapids Michigan, Rockwell was graduated from the Michigan College of Mining and Technology in 1929 with a Bachelor of Science and mine engineering degree. Before joining Calumet and Hecla, he was with the Montreal Mining Company, Montreal Wisconsin, and the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company, Sunrise Wyoming. He served both firms in engineering and managerial capacities. Rockwell joined Calumet and Hecla in 1943, starting as an efficiency engineer. He became, successively, mine superintendent, general superintendent of the mining division, manager of mines, assistant general manager of the division. He was made a vice-president early in 1951. Married and the father of two children, a daughter and a son, Rockwell is a director of the Merchants and Miners bank in Calumet, a director of the Lake Chemical Company, and of two small Calumet and Hecla subsidiaries.