ROUSH, William N., Rev. 1863-1949

KELLER, PEFFER, ROUSH, WARD, SEUFFERLEIN

Posted By: Edward L. Seufferlein (email)
Date: 3/10/2004 at 12:09:44

The Rev. William N. Roush

Waterloo Courier November 1949

William N. Roush was born of Kenneth J. and Elnora (Peffer) Roush on February 7, 1863, in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and passed from this life on November 25, 1949.

His father died when William was a small child, making it necessary for him to spend much of his time with an uncle, John Roush, until he was about twelve years of age. At this time his mother remarried and the family moved to Rock Grove, Illinois.

On October 2, 1883, he was united in marriage with Miss Emma Keller and entered a homestead in Antilope County, Nebraska. During seven years he served several public offices, and very early answered the call to preach. He received his first quarterly conference license from Presiding Elder George Harding, and his annnual conference license from Bishop E. B. Kephart, and three years later was ordained by Bishop N. Castle.

For fity years the Reverend Mr. Roush preached the gospel. After six years in the ministry in Nebraska, he came to Western College, Toledo, Iowa, where he attended for two years. He served seven pastorates in the Iowa Conference.

He retired in 1930 and lived in Cedar Heights, serving the community there for many years. On March 15, 1931, he transferred his membership to the Graves Church, Waterloo, Iowa. Three years ago, he took up residence at the Western Old People's Home in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

The many boards and committees through which he served his conference, denomination, and God are too numerous to mention.

He was preceded in death by his wife on February 9, 1943. He leaves to mourn his passing, a daughter by adoption, Mrs. Hazel Seufferlein, one sister, Mrs. Ella Ward, and three grandchildren.

Funeral services were held in the Graves Church in Waterloo. The Rev. H. R. Knight had charge and brought a very fitting message. Dr. H. V. Rigg read the Scripture and Dr. G. E. MacCanon offered prayer. Burial took place in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The Rev. Ivan LaFavre spoke the committal.