Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1871-03-19
nRTuARY

ROACH On the evening Of the l2th Inst,
/ in the Ssth year OF his age, THOGAs j. ROACH.
One by one the seasons come and so, and
I with each change many a loved one pas es
away into that land beyond the sktes. To
day, We meet friend IN the vigOr and fresh
ness OF life: tomorrow, he is no more. The
face that lighted uP at eur approach but yes
terday, and the eye that followed orr every
movement with fond aneotson, is, to-day,
cold and passive IN the Icy mould OF death.
And thus 10 is when the dear one has passed
away forever, those who are left behind
snatch from the wreck OF mortality, priceless
mementoes OF their lives, by recalling the
many virtues and graces that embell shed
the character OF the honorsd dead. Knowing
the deceased so intimately well, have as
sumed the sad duty Of cOmmsmoratlng his
memory and paying just tribute to his worth.
Born In Columbia. s. C., his father moved to
Jackson, Tenn, and then 10 Fay cite county,
near SomerVtlle, where he was educated and
grew to manhood. His elder brother en-
gagged In the mercantile business In sOmer-
Vile, he. in a short time, joining him, whore
he won the hearts OF the people and the high
est encOmiums OF praise. Indeed, so fully
impressed were the people Of the county with
his honesty snd soundness Of Judgment. that
they elected him a magistrate OF the Quorum
Court. WheIe he presided with credit ts him.
self and satisfaction TO his frien is for several
years. While acting in this capacity, his
opinions were frequently brought into rsqui-
sitlon by some OF the best lawyers In the
county. In the early part Of the war he was
suddenly prostrated nom an affection Of the
spine, and, while in this condition, was in
humanity taken from his bed and conveyed
to a camp In the swamp IN the cOJdest wealth
er, by would be officer, too cowardIy 70 Join
his friends in the 'front.', yet very brave in his
warfare on the sick and helpless. The de-
ceased never recovered from this attack. At
tending Hot Springs, Cleveland Water Cure,
Gibson's Wells and other places without re-
csfving any permanent relief, he settled upon
remaining with his brother until called 70
his Anal home. We all thought he was re-
covering, and but few days ago his life
seemed TO promise the brightness Of a long
summers day, when, suddenly, disease, in
the form OF pnsumouia, fastened upon him
and consigned him, in the nOonday OF lie,
to the tomb Death, in claiming him for
his own, robbed the living OF man who was
never known to sWerve from the line OF truth
aud duty, and whose whole course was erect
aud Bteadfast in ali the actions ofIife Mod
tiOnats TO q marked degree In his Intercourse
with all, he had that stern and manly devo-
tiOn that never deserts fdend in dire cal
amity; and in all the social relations OF life,
his actions were noble and his character
model Of excellence. Devoted as a brother
and warm as a friend, his many noble trials
form wreath OF virtues, of which the low
ing heats TO whom he Wss dear, may Justly
cherish with pride and snectIon. Calling his
brother 70 his bedside few minutes ere he /
died, and taking him ly the hand, he said:
Cd Dear ack, am going. but 1 am not afraid
TO die, and thus he passed away, peacefully
and quietly, leaning on the arm Of the Sa-
yiOr, faith kindIing light az he passed into
the valley Of death, fearing no evil, for his
soul was at peace with his God. bro5uer. sis
ter, friend, he has gone TO q home Of rest,
where the sun Is ever bright, the sky is sver
clear, and where the hills and wales are con
Linually lighted up 7gith perennial Hood OF
glory, and the melody of a thousand notes,
and the fIagrsucs Of uunumbered flowers
never cease to float upon the air around him.
A FRIEND.