ROACH, Nicholas 1858-1926

ROACH, HOBEN, KERNS, SAUDERS, MAHER

Posted By: K.L. Kittleson
Date: 12/20/2012 at 14:27:47

N. ROACH, PIONEER,
BURIED ON MONDAY

Came to Lyon County in '84
Farmed Many Years Near
Rock Rapids

Funeral services for Nicholas Roach for nearly half a century a resident of this community were held at Holy Name Church, on Monday of this week, Requiem mass was sung by Rev. Father Koder, of Alvord, assisted by Rev, Father Roth of Larchwood, and Rev, Father Dullard, of Holy Name parish, of which the deceased had long been a faithful member. Interment was in Holy Name Cemetery, south-west of this city, where the body was borne to its final resting place by Dan McGraw, Pat Kelly, John F. Nagle, J. P. Buscher, Mert McLaughlin, and Wm. Muns, old friends of Mr. Roach.

Nicholas Roach was born in Ripon, Wisconsin on February 22, 1858. There, his early days were spent. In 1882 he came to Lyon County, and settled on a farm but a short distance east of this city.

On July 25, 1883, he was married to Mary Hoben, at Le Mars. She preceded him in death by five years, passing away August 10, 1921.

Until ten years ago, Mr. Roach was engaged in the farming industry. Then, he retired and spent the remainder of his time In this city, with his daughter, Mrs. Mayme Kerns, or with his sons, John and Nicholas, who farm near this place. Three winters were spent in California, and one in Texas.

Five years ago, he visited the Mayo hospital at Rochester, and was advised to submit to a surgical operation, for the removal of one of his kidney. On account of the illness of his wife, at that time, he did not avail himself of the needed treatment. Developments - uremic poisoning caused his death.

A host of friends mourn the death of Mr. Roach. His life was one of self-sacrifice, industry and thrift. He came to this county as a pioneer, and knew the hardships of pioneer life. By his own efforts, he accumulated a good share of physical wealth, which he used judiciously for the betterment of his family, his community and his church. He held many school and township offices, and it was common knowledge, that his word was just as good as his bond.

Mr. Roach is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Mayme Kerns, of this city, two sons, John and Nicholas, who farm near here; one brother, John Roach, makes his home in Pasadena, California; one sister, Mrs. D. F. Sauders, lives in Sioux City, and another, Mrs. J. Maher, in Ellsworth, Minnesota. All were here for the funeral services.

[Rock Rapids Reporter, Thursday, April 8, 1926, Rock Rapids, Iowa]
(Credit: S. Bell)