Charles N. Roach

CHARLES N. ROACH, the proprietor of the "Neosho Stock Farm." Neosho township, is one of the self-made, representative men of his section of the county. He was born in Jackson County, Iowa, September 8, 1859, and is a son of Jeremiah J. and Maria (Woods) Roach.

The father of Mr. Roach was born in Ohio, and died in Iowa, in 1898, at the age of 74 years. The mother was born in Indiana and is a resident of Iowa, aged 69 years and well preserved. They had seven children, four sons and three daughters, the subject of this sketch being next to the oldest. Jeremiah J. Roach moved from Ohio to Iowa in young manhood, and was a pioneer in Kansas, in which State he lived for four years, two of which were spent on the farm of his son, Charles N. He was a carpenter by trade.

Charles N. Roach accompanied his parents to Kansas, and located on his present farm in 1876. Later he spent many years in other parts of the State, working by the month at farm labor. About 1900, he purchased the old homestead, and has converted it into a large stock farm. It consists of 165 acres located in sections 10, 11, 14 and 15, and 125 acres in section 17, all in township 35, range 22. His property borders on the Indian Territory and the tract in section 17 has the Neosho River for its northern boundary. Mr. Roach raises horses, cattle and hogs, having at present 50 head of horses and mules, 60 head of Shorthorn and Red Polled cattle, and 115 head of hogs. He has had much experience in handling cattle and stock. About 19 years ago, with Captain Jones, of San Antonio, Texas, he disposed of 1,300 head of horses in six months' time. To conduct a large enterprise like the one in which Mr. Roach is engaged, requires great good judgment, careful attention and unremitting labor. The cattle and stock of his farm are widely known, and are considered representative of the best efforts in this line in Neosho township. In addition to his cattle and stock business, Mr. Roach runs a hay press.

Mr. Roach has been thrice married, first to Elmyra High, who at death left one daughter,—Mary. His second marriage was to Lydia Owens, and nine children were born to this union, viz.: Mrs. Maude Vanatta, of Chetopa, who has one child,—Lloyd; and Claude, Leo, Essie, Owen and Ona (twins), Wayne, and Myral and Myrtle (twins), all of whom are at home. The third marriage of Mr. Roach was to Mrs. Amanda Lemley.

Mr. Roach is identified with the Republican party, but takes only a citizen's interest in politics, his time being too fully occupied to permit of office holding. He is very prominent, however, in fraternal life. For the past 20 years he has been a Master Mason, and he belongs also to the Odd Fellows. Modern Woodmen of America, and Fraternal Aid. For many years, until it was discontinued, he was treasurer of the local organization of Select Friends. He belongs also to the A.H.T.A.

Mr. Roach deserves much credit for what he has accomplished in comparatively a few years. All has been done through his own efforts and untiring industry. He is looked upon as an authority in stock matters in Neosho township, and the farm, on which he has spared no expense, is carefully and honestly conducted.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Kendall Wolin, student from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 04/21/1997.