The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1913-11-06
PRESIDENT OF SECOND NAT.
IONAL BANK sUCCUMBS TO
INJURIES RECEIVED FROM
RUNAWAY-NEvER RECLAIMED
CONSCIOUSNESS.

Joseph Roach, Ward county pio-
neer, president of the Second National
bank and one of the states most prom
inent and beloved citizens, passed
away at his home on East Fifth street
at 1880 o'clock Friday night, follow
ing injuries received when runaway
farm team crashed into his carriage
on East First street Wednesday after
noon. Mr.. Roach was thrown to the
pavement beneath the wreckage Of his
carriage and suffered conclusion of
the brain. Two doctors and two
nurses were in constant attendance
and while he showed signs of regain
ing consciousness at times, he was
never able to speak more than few
faint words. All hope for his recov-
cry was given up Friday morning and
members of his family were called to
his bedside. Had Mr.. Roach been a
younger man, physicians state that
he might possibly have pulled thru,
but of late years his physical condi-
ton had not been the very best, altho
he bore up in a gritty manner, very
characteristic of him, and bore his
troubles without word of complaint.
Body Lay in State.
The body lay in state at the Mason
, ic Temple where it was carried Mon
day morning and thousands viewed
the remains of the man they loved.
The body was conveyed from the
home to the Temple with Knights
Templar escort, and members of this
order in uniform guarded the re-
mains of the departed Sir Knight. The
casket in the center of the room was
surrounded by great bank of beau
tiful floral emblems, tributes from the
fraternal orders with which the de-
ceased had been affiliated, and from
other friends.
a short Episcopal service was read
by the Rev. w. L. Blaker, pastor Of
Mr.. Roach for years had been q con-
sistent member. At the conclusion of
the impressive services, thu remains
were taken to the Great Northern
station, large number of the mem
bers Of DeMolay Commandery, Star in
the West Lodge No. 33, A. f. & A. NJ,
and the Tyrian Chapter, No. IA, being
in line. In addition there was an es-
cott of G. A. R. members.
Remains TAX. n to Northfield.
The remains were taken to North
field, Mimi, the old home of Mr..
Roach, where they were inferred We'd
nesday with Masonic honors. A. J.
Drummer preceded the funeral party
to Mortified to complete arrange
ments for the ceremonies. W.. H.
Reighart, representing DeMolay Com
mandery, Mr.. and Mrs. Levi Gilroy, r.
E. Barron, Rev. w. L. Baker, besides
the members of the Roach family, Mr..
and Mrs. Phil Roach, Mr.. and Mrs.
Frank Roach, Mr.. and Mrs. Axel Roise
and Mrs. Jos. Roach, accompanied the
remains. They were met by an es-
cort Of the Knights Templar of Fari-
bault, of which order Mr.. Roach was
once member.
A very large number of the old time
friends of the Roach family attended
the last sad rites.
Ward County Pioneer.
Mr.. Roach was one of the Ward
county pioneers and did as much as
any other one citizen in developing
this section of the northwest. While
living in Minnesota, Mr.. Roach had
interests in western North Dakota
and in the early days had thousands
of head Of cattle running on the
plains. In 1896 he came to Minot as
Receiver Of the First National bank
and after holding this position year,
resigned.
In the meantime he had become vice
president of the Citizens Bank of
Mortified, with which he was con-
nected until death. In 1897, he organ
lied the Great Northern bank, later
changed to the Second National bank.
This section Of the state was without
banking institution after the First
National had become defunct, and q
number of the old timers induced Mr..
Roach to organize a banking insti-
tuition. The bank was started with a
capital of only $4,000. The Great
Northern bank under the direction Of
Mr.. Roach and his associates made a
remarkable growth. In 1902 it be-
came national bank, taking its pres