Roderick R. "Big Rory" MacLennan

Year Inducted: 1979

Roderick R. "Big Rory" MacLennan was born January 1st, 1842, in the pioneer home of his parents Mr. and Mrs. Roderick MacLennan, Glen Donald, the Glen Road west of Williamstown in Charlottenburg Township.

Apart from attending public school Big Rory's only educational degree was earned in the school of the self-made man classification.

In addition to his world renowned athletic achievements in the weights category, Big Rory was a distinguished leader in railway construction, banking, and newspaper publishing. He was a Lieutenant-Colonel in the 59th Regiment, a Glengarry Conservative representative at Queen's Part and philanthropist.

Roderick R. MacLennan was nick-named "Big Rory" in his youth due to his 6 foot 6 height and weight of 250. As a teenager he developed the proper basic technique of throwing the various weights especially the hammer. Add his over-powering strength and that provided the distances that made him a champion.

On May 24, 1865, in Toronto, Big Rory dethroned Scotland's Thomas Jermay thus winning the hammer-throw championship of the world. In 1870 he successfully defended his honor by defeating challengers from both Scotland and the U.S

Roderick R. MacLennan died in his noted Cornwall home March 8, 1907. He was buried in St. Andrew's church cemetery, Williamstown.