O’Roake, James d. 1907

O’ROAKE, BERRY, GANNON, MCILHONE

Posted By: Barbara Hug (email)
Date: 2/20/2005 at 18:46:03

James O’Roake, one of Jasper County’s oldest pioneers, passed away at his home in Palo Alto Township Sunday, January 20, at 10 o’clock, after a long illness, having been confined much of the time during the past year. Mr. O’Roake has lived in this county nearly half a century and was a well known and respected resident.

For more than a year he has been ill and it is a year and a half since he last came to town. During all this time, although he must have suffered a great deal, he was very patient and was conscious to the very last and reconciled to the change, which was soon to come to him. He has been tenderly nursed by his daughter, Allie, and all of his sons and daughters have shared with her, as much as they could in his care.

Deceased was born in Ireland and married his wife in his native country, the land which he loved and talked about with his children, and often in his younger days talked of visiting there. But he never did.

His wife was taken nineteen years ago last September, and two sons have also preceded him. He leaves four daughters and two sons, who today laid him beside the mother in the cemetery southwest of town. Mrs. J. G. Berry, of Colfax, Mrs. W. J. Gannon of Mingo, Mrs. M. E. McIlhone of Valeria, and Miss Allie O’Roake, J. C. and John O’Roake, who live in the county not far from the father’s late home, and Dan O’Roake of this city. Deceased had thirty-six grandchildren.

The funeral was held from the Catholic Church this morning at 10 o’clock. ~ The Newton (IA) Daily News, Tuesday, January 22, 1907, Page 1, Column 4