Ole S. Roe (1826-1897)

ROE, OLESON, HINES, HANSON

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 7/8/2006 at 14:27:42

The Roland Record, Roland, Story County, Iowa, March 6, 1897.

AN OLD SETTLER PASSES AWAY

Ole S. Roe Dies Very Suddenly at His Home Near Roland

Anther old pioneer citizen of Howard township; another of the sturdy Norwegians who settled on these lands nearly a third of a century ago, one who has helped to develope the prairies of Howard township from the almost valueless waste that they once were to the finest improved agricultural district in central Iowa, hs passed into the great unknown. Has gone to that land from which no traveler ever returns.

When the tolling of the church bell announced the death of an aged person, Tuesday afternoon, and the news was given out that Ole S. Roe had suddenly died at his home south-west of town, the community was indeed shocked, as no one knew of him being in any other than his usual health, apparently until the very moment of his death. He had been attending to his usual duties around the farm until, becoming weary, he decided to go into the house and take a rest. Upon entering the house he informed his wife of intent to take a rest, but before he reached the accustomed seat by the fireside, he dropped to the floor to rise no more. Willing hands did all in their power to restore life to the husband and father but their efforts were all in vain. The fluttering spark of life had vanished; another wife was left a widow and another family of children were left fatherless.

Ole S. Roe was born near Bergen, Norway, on May 28th, 1826. There he made his home until he was 34 years of age. In 1853 he was united in marriage to Miss Christine Oleson, who frmo that day has been his constant and devoted helpmate, and companion. In the year 1862 they, with their children, came to America, where they might more easily rovide a home and competency for themselves and their children. They first settled near Calamus, in Clinton county where they resided until '68 when they came to Story county and settled on a farm in Howard township, where they have since resided, enjoying a peaceful and prosperous farm life.

To this union three sons and four daughters were born, all of whom are still living and leading a life of credit to their parents. The oldest son, Ole O. of Des Moines, the present deputy Auditor of State is recognized as one of Iowa's brainy men and leading politicians. The balance of the children are farmers or farmer's wives and all live in this county with the exception of the youngest, Mrs. Christine Hines, who lives near Haverlock, Iowa. Mrs. Gusta Hanson lives near Gilbert and Mrs. Martha Oleson, a few miles south of Story City. Miss Anna and the two younger sons, Lars O. and Sven O., make their home with their parents on the old homestead.

Ole Roe was a quiet, unassuming citizen, a good neighbor and a pious Christian, belonging to the Bergen congregation Lutheran church of this place.

The funeral, which was attended by all the family and a large concourse of neighbors and freinds was held at Bergen church, this afternoon at one o'clock. After the sermon by Pastor smedal, the remains were laid to rest in teh cemetery in Roland.

The neighbors and friends sympathize with the mourning ones in their hours of affliction.