Constance Eirich

Eunice Grace Constance Eirich (October 14, 1888 – March 3, 1973), known professionally as Constance Eirich, was an American geologist from Van Wert, Ohio.

Birth and early life Constance Eirich was born on October 14, 1888, in Van Wert, Ohio, to her father, Rev. J. Conrad Eirich, and her mother, W. Margaret Young. Her father was an ordained minister of the Lutheran Church, and served in several areas in Ohio. Constance was one of eight children, though only her and three of her siblings survived into adulthood.

Education After graduating from high school in Van Wert, Constance attended Ohio Wesleyan University and attained a bachelor's degree. She went on to complete her graduate studies at the University of Michigan, earning a master's degree. She taught for two years in Michigan and wanted to continue but near the end of World War I, she moved to Tulsa to begin her career in geology as a subsurface geologist. As of September 1, 1918 she identified with the Tulsa Production Division.

Personal life Eirich was an avid member and leader within her community of Van Wert. Additionally, Constance was the president of District 2 of the Ohio Federation of Women's Clubs. This helped provide safe health facilities for everyone. She also was a contributing member of the National Council of Geography Teachers in May 1917, specifically in the Battle Creek, Michigan section, which was published in the Journal of Geography.

Career and contributions Constance Eirich was formerly a teacher in Van Wert public schools. After leaving Van Wert she taught for 2 years at Battle Creek, Mich. schools and was considering a position in Kansas City schools when she became interested in the oil industry. She initially volunteered for what was then considered a man's job and was assigned to the Tulsa division of Old Gypsy Oil company as a subsurface geologist. She thought it might be only temporary work, but the oil company expanded its operations and the duties filled by Eirich became so vital to the successful operation of geological department of the Gypsy, later the Gulf Oil Corp., that she continued at her desk and laboratory.

Post career

Following her work for the Gulf Oil Corporation, Constance's retirement was announced by the Vice President, P.H Bohart, on October 1, 1952. In announcing the retirement, Bohart also brought attention to the fact that the reports created by Constance had led to the discovery of four new pools. She moved into her previously purchased home at 315 North Jefferson Street upon returning to her native county of Van Wert along with her long-time friend and former classmate Ruth Douglas. She continued to become an active civic leader in her participation as a member of the Van Wert City Council as well as a former president of the Van Wert County Historical Society. Her post-retirement activities also included active membership of St. Mark's Lutheran Church (Van Wert, Ohio, the Van Wert Woman's Club, the Garden Study Club, and the Van Wert County Farm Bureau. Her subsurface geological work for the oil company continued to be used throughout central Oklahoma and eastern Kansas in the following years after playing an essential role in the discovery of the four new oil pools.

At her retirement, she was paid high tribute for her efficiency and faithfulness during her long service with the oil company. Her work for the company extended through central Oklahoma and eastern Kansas during the last several years.

Death Constance died on Saturday March 3, 1973 at the age of 84, unexpectedly in her home. She was predeceased by her parents John Conrad Eirich and W. Margaret Young and her eight siblings. Her obituary was published on March 5 in a local newspaper, stating that, “The Fire Department's emergency squad was summoned to the home by a neighbour, [but that she] was dead upon their arrival,” Her will also left the board of directors at Wittenberg University an 80-acre farm section. The sale proceeds of the farm went towards a loan fund known as the Rev. John Conrad and Margaret Eirich Scholarship Loan Fund in memory of her parents. The remainder of the proceeds went to the Van Wert County Foundation, Inc. for a scholarship trust fund for deserving girls pursuing post secondary education.

Constance Eirich's contributions to the field of subsurface geology led to the discovery of four new oil pools, including the biggest field in Oklahoma and one of the biggest around the world.