Sangamon County IL Archives Obituaries.....Roach, John N. September 8, 1919 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Matthew Ferricks Rlferricks2@aol.com April 20, 2006, 2:18 pm Pawnee Herald, September 11, 1919 Comrade Roach Mustered Out. Announcement of the death of the venerable J. N. Roach spread profound sorrow as it gained currency over the community early Tuesday morning. Although the stealthy encroachment of subtle affliction had not escaped the notice of those whose daily life brought them in contact with Mr. Roach during the past year, the immediate gravity of his condition was not generally suspected and intelligence of his demise came with shocking suddenness to all save his closest associates. Until a few days preceding dissolution he was occasionally about the streets, giving attention to various affairs requiring his action, the final illness revealing no alarming symptoms until the closing days of last week. Death came shortly after 11 o’clock Monday night, September 8, 1919. In the passing of Mr. Roach the community witnesses the extinction of a life of potential influence, yet one that typified simple dignity and purity of character. He fixed as his standard the highest ideals of citizenship and toward these he directed an unswerving course in every phase of his life, both private and official. He desired success only through merit and extended recognition to no claims of prominence or leadership otherwise acquired. He was an ardent patriot, uncompromisingly loyal to his country, his state and his home community. In practice as well as with voice and pen he gave support to all movements tending toward public betterment, and the impress of his life in this community will endure as an inspiration to younger citizens who have known his counsel. Mr. Roach came to Pawnee in 1896 as a druggist, a business he followed for twenty years. Later he acquired the local newspaper and continued its publication for some years. For the past two decades he served the city as its police magistrate and in this capacity his peculiar fitness and conspicuous abilities merited and attracted him to eminence that was recognized beyond local confines. His court, though dreaded by the habitual violator, was looked to as a protector of the oppressed. Its rulings were marked by stern justice and broad sympathies, with only such leniencies as consistency dictated. John Newsom Roach was born in Nashville, Tenn., July 20, 1843, the son of John Neal and Elma Roach. The mother died in August, 1848, and the father in November, 1852. the son was reared in the home of his grandfather, John Roach, in Atlanta, Illinois. This care he repaid with affectionate devotion. The ancestry of the decedent was characterized by an unusually high order of intelligence, a heritage that he amply maintained through life. The father was president of Bethel college, a distinguished educational institution at Lebanon, Tenn., for many years. On August 6, 1862, Mr. Roach enlisted in Co. A., of the 117th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, a command largely made up of students of McKendree College. The regiment served under prominent commanders and was rated among the more active organizations with the federal army. He was discharged as a non-commissioned officer August 5, 1865, having remained with his original company throughout his period of service. He became identified with A. J. Weber Post, G. A. R, June 1, 1896, continuing as one of that organization’s most enthusiastic members. His membership in the Methodist church continued from early manhood as did also his affiliation with the Masonic order. The marriage of Mr. Roach to Miss Emeline Waldon was solemnized at the bride’s home at Tremont, Ill., on October 6, 1875. Of the five children born to them who, with their mother, survive are Miss Edith M. Roach, Miss Besse B. Roach, at home; Mrs. Ruby G. Perrine residing near Morrisonville, and J. Neil Roach, of Taylorville. Two grandchildren, Lindsey and Gertrude Perrine, also survive. One child died in infancy. Prior to locating in Pawnee Mr. Roach was engaged in business in Hopedale for many years. During that period he was an influential power in the affairs of Tazewell county and his name is still accorded high honor there despite his absence of many years. Impressive funeral services were held at the family home on East Penn street at 11 o’clock Thursday morning. The rites were conducted jointly by Rev. H. F. Cusic and Dr. D. G. Carson, pastors of the Methodist and Presbyterian churches, respectively. Interment was made in Horse Creek cemetery, the committal rites conforming to the Masonic ritual but including also those of the G. A. R. Those from out of the city attending the obsequies were: Mr. and Mrs. James Rice of Atlanta, Mr. and Mrs. John Walden and daughter Hazel, of Hopedale; Mr. and Mrs. Will Walden of Hopedale; Mrs. W. W. Drake of Lincoln; Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Nutty, and daughter Josephine, of Lincoln; Mr. and Mrs. Corwin Roach of Springfield. Additional Comments: Grandson of John Roach, born 1794 in Carolina and died 1885 in Virginia, Cass Co., Illinois. Longtime resident of Logan Co., Illinois. Buried at Roaches Chapel near Atlanta, Logan Co. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/sangamon/obits/r/roach63nob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/ilfiles/ File size: 5.7 Kb