ROACH, N. H.--The son of John and Mary Roach, was born in Wilson Co., Tenn., Oct. 15, 1832. He made a profession of religion in his fourteenth year at a camp-meeting on Stoner's Creek. He emigrated with his father to Illinois, and joined Rushville Presbytery as a candidate for the ministry in the autumn of 1853. He was educated at Bethel College, Tenn., and attended the Seminary at Cherry Grove. He subsequently joined Mackinaw Presbytery, by which he was licensed, and in 1860 he was ordained as pastor of Stouts Grove church, Illinois. But owing to declining health, he was soon compelled to abandon his labors of love as a minister of the gospel, in which he took so much delight. He was connected with the Leroy Seminary, and as a teacher he was much beloved, and as a minister of the Gospel he was industrious and indefatigable, almost to a fault.

For a number of years he had been afflicted with hemorrhage of the lungs, which, at times, had brought him very near the grave. But he always bore his affliction with patience, having strong confidence in the promise of God, "that he would do all things well." He was never heard to complain; though he had a strong desire to live, that he might be a blessing to his family, the church, and the world.

His system finally gave way, and after much suffering he died December 14, 1860.

He married Miss Nancy Grunman, who with three children survives him.
[Correction: She was Nancy Waters who had previously been married to Jeremiah Greenman]

Rev. R. D. Taylor, of Leroy, Ill., writes of him as follows:

"He was 'a good man and full of the Holy Ghost.' His life in many respects was a comment upon the reality of religion. He was truly a living Epistle, 'known and read of all men." As a minister of the gospel he was untiring and indefatigable in his efforts to do good. And though he was not permitted to labor long in the vineyard of the Lord as a minister of reconciliation, yet he lived to witness many seals to his ministry. Many on earth, and many in heaven, will rise up and call him blessed. "Improbus labor vincit amnia," appears to have been his motto in all things. May a just recollection of his untiring zeal and fidelity for the Church, and the salvation of the world, inspire all God's truly called ministers with greater diligence in the cause of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[Source: The Presbyterian Historical Almanac and Annual Remembrancer of the Church, by Joseph M. Wilson , vol. 3-4, 1861-1862, page 284]