ROACH

Friends of Mrs. B. F. Roach were shocked and deeply grieved to hear of her sudden death last Friday, Sept, 9th, at 1 o'clock p.m. Although she had been in bad health for months a sufferer from Bright's disease, she was on the streets of Harrodsburg but two days before her death. Her husband and brother, Dr. Ben Parrish and wife, of Woodford county, were at her bedside at the time of her demise and the balance of the family were hastily summoned by telegram. The funeral service was preached by Dr. W. O. Goodloe at the home Saturday afternoon at 2:30 and her body laid to rest beside her eldest child in Spring Hill cemetery. Besides her husband and poor broken father and two brothers she leaves three children. Hers was a peculiarly gentle and sweet nature, though steadfast and strong in every trial of life. She was an undemonstrative, though earnest Christian whose calm and beneficent personality impressed all with whom she came in contact. Peace to her soul and the troubled hearts of the stricken family she leaves behind.

(Harrodsburg Democrat, Harrodsburg, Mercer Co, Ky, Fri Sep 16, 1898)

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ROACH

Death of Mrs. Roach

As we go to press, we learn that Mrs. Ben F. Roach, wife of our excellent county judge, is dead. A host of friends sympathize with the bereaved husband and children.

(SWS Sat Sep 10, 1898)

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ROACH

Mrs. Mary Parish Roach, wife of County Judge Ben F. Roach, died, Friday September 9, 1898, of acute Bright's disease, at her Late home, in the suburbs of our city. No other death has occurred in our midst that has caused more general sorrow and created more heart-felt sympathy. She was a daughter of Thompson M. and Kate Rodgers Parish, of Midway, Ky., and born September 5, 1860. She was educated at Madison Female Institute and at Daughters' College and was a lady of culture and refinement, poised of personal charms and better still, a christian that proved her faith by her works. She was married at her home, to Benjamin F. Roach, January 11, 1883, and of this happy union four children were born. The first born son was in heaven, awaiting her coming and the three survivors, Kate Parish, aged 11; Thompson M, 8; and Betsy Mere, 5, are with their grief stricken father. Besides her husband and children, she leaves an aged father and three brothers, Messrs. James Ware and Isaac W. Parish and Dr. B F. Parish, all of Midway. The funeral was conducted at the home on the Lexington pike, Saturday at 2 p.m., by Rev. W. O. Goodloe, and interment was in Spring Hill cemetery. So great was the sympathy of the entire community that the large house was unable to contain more than half that attended the funeral. Dr. Goodloe read well selected passages from the Scriptures, offered a fervent prayer and, after the choir had sung, "Asleep in Jesus," made a few appropriate remarks. After saying that the deceased, as daughter, sister, wife and mother, had acted well her part, he repeated the following:

The charmed circle broken - a dear face

Missed day by day from its accustomed place;

But, cleansed and saved and perfected by grace.

For evermore in heaven.

One voice of welcome hushed, and evermore

One farewell word unspoken; on the shore

Where parting comes not, one soul landed more -

For evermore in heaven.

A sense of loss that meets us at the gate;

Within, a place unfilled and desolate;

And far away our coming to await,

For evermore in heaven.

Chill as the earth-born mist the thought would rise,

And wrap our footsteps 'round and dim our eyes;

But the bright sunbeam darteth from the skies -

For evermore in heaven.

Its pain, its sorrow and its toil to share;

One less pilgrim's daily cross to bear;

One more the crown of ransomed souls to wear.

For evermore in heaven.

Another thought to brighten cloudy days.

Another theme for thankfulness and praise,

Another link on high our souls to raise,

For evermore in heaven.

That home where separation cannot be,

That home where none are missed eternally.

Lord Jesus, grant us all a place with Thee,

For evermore in heaven.

(Semi-Weekly Sayings, Harrodsburg, Mercer Co, Ky, Wed Sep 14, 1898)

Children:

Infant son

Kate Parrish Roach married William Henry Riker

Thompson Marcus Roach

Betsey Ware Roach married Len C. Barrell