Norfolk City Virginia USGenWeb Archives Obituaries.....Roach, Richard A. January 5, 1903 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/va/vafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Dorothy Strawhand https://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00034.html#0008405 January 15, 2020, 2:08 pm Virginian Pilot January 6, 1903 COUNTY TRUCKER COMMITTED SUICIDE With a 32-calibre revolver tightly clasped in his lifeless hand, R.A. Roach was found prone upon the floor of his barn, near the Indian Poll bridge yesterday by his son, W.E. Roach. He had been dead for some time. Mr. Roach had brooded over financial matters very much of late and been exceedingly despondent during the past two weeks. His son stated last night that this trouble was the cause of his father's rash deed. The dead man was well known in Norfolk county, where he had a large truck farm and the news of his death created great excitement. He leaves a wife and two children. Mr. Roach lived on Maple avenue, in Berkley, with his wife, his daughter, Mrs. Harry Hendren and his son. Yesterday morning he left his home to go to his farm in the county and when he had not returned late last evening, his son went out to search for him. He found the body on the floor of the barn. It is not known when the tragedy was enacted. The dead man was 52 years old. **************************************************************** FUNERAL OF R. A. ROACH Jury Views Remains- Financial Troubles Given As Cause Of Suicide An inquest was held over the remains of the late Richard A. Roach yesterday morning at the establishment of Undertaker Williams, on Chestnut street. The jury, after viewing the body and hearing the testimony, reached a decision that the deceased came to his death as the result of a 32-calibre pistol bullet fired by his own hand. The following jurymen impaneled by Dr. F.M. Morgan, coroner, rendered the decision: Mr. S.W. Lyons, foreman; B.B. Bott, C.B. Gibbs, M.M. Farrell, J.M. Wilson and L.W.N. Godwin. It will be remembered that the deceased conducted a livery business on Chestnut street until about two years ago, when he disposed of the business and went to farming near the Indian Poll bridge about two miles from Berkley, where the body was found in the barn cold in death Monday evening about 11 o'clock. The theory that his financial condition was the cause of his rash act seems to be generally accepted as he had spoken with several of his friends on the subject of his embarrassment. Mr. Roach's death has cast quite a gloom over the community in which he resided, as he was well known and highly respected for his many noble qualities. When the remains had been prepared for burial at Undertaker William's establishment yesterday morning they were removed to the family residence on Maple avenue and Pendleton street, from which place the funeral will be conducted this afternoon at 3 o'clock. The interment will be in Magnolia Cemetery. Virginian Pilot January 7, 1903 Funeral of Mr. Roach The funeral of Mr. Richard A. Roach took place from the residence, corner of Pendleton street and Maple avenue, yesterday afternoon at 3 o'clock. The funeral was largely attended and was conducted by Rev. W.A. Christian, pastor of Memorial M.E. Church. Mr. Roach was a member of Thomas Jefferson Council No. 109, Jr. O.U.A.M., Berkley Lodge No. 298, B.P.O. Elks, of Royal Arcanum and of Memorial M.E. Church. The above named lodges attended in a body and the following gentlemen acted as pallbearers: From friends, Charles Williams and S.W. Lyons; from Elks, Thomas Black and W.H. French; from Jr. O.U.A.M., C.B. Gibbs and B.B. Bott; from Royal Arcanum, Charles Gibbs and L. Berkley. Mr. Roach was born in Norfolk county in 1848, but had lived in Berkley for a number of years preceding his death, with the exception of a few months recently spent on the farm where the fatal act was committed. He was one of the best known men in the town and was for a long time prominent in business circles, being engaged at different times in the grocery and livery business. He served one term as a member of the town council. He is survived by a grief-stricken widow. Virginian Pilot January 8, 1903 Additional Comments: Magnolia According to tombstone dates he was 54 years old. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/va/norfolkcity/obits/r/roach17590gob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/vafiles/ File size: 4.6 Kb