The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1913-11-06
JOSEPH ROACH, Ward COUNTY
PIONEER, PASSES away

LILLY 'OO1 '
ent name, when the capital was in
creased to $4,000. In a few years,
the capital was raised to $4,000 and
in 1910, it was again doubled. The
bank now has surplus Of over $4,000
and a million and quarter on deposit.
From the start, Mr.. Roach and his
associates had the complete confidence
of the public and never betrayed that
confidence in the slightest degree. The
bank has become one of the very
strongest financial institutions in the
state.
His Early Life.
Mr.. Roach was born in Washington
county, N. Y, June II, 1845, being 60
years, months and 20 days old at the
time of death. His father, Phineas
Roach, was Irish born, and his mother,
Johanna Woodward was of American
parentage. His father was a. farmer
in New York state and when Joseph
was 10 years old he accompanied his
parents to Mortified, Mimi, where
he spent Al years of his life. He fin
ished his education at Hamline uni
versity.
During his early life he was engag-
ed in farming near Northfield. On
May 3, 1867, Mr.. Roach was united in
marriage to Miss Eleanor S. Clague,
and to them three children were born,
Philip, Frank, and one daughter, Eliz-
abeth Luella, now Mrs. Axel Roise,
all of whom reside in Minot.
An Old Soldier.
In 1868 Mr.. Roach enlisted in the
Second Minnesota Cavalry, serving to
the end of the Civil war. In 1882, he
was elected commissioner of Dakota
county, Mimi, making a fine record.
Two years later he resigned and NOV
ed to Rice county, MINI.
During his early life Mr.. Roach was
a democrat and as such was elected
to the legislature in Minnesota, serv-
ing two terms. Not being in sympathy
with Bryan's free silver doctrine, he
became q Republican and for years
was a mighty power politically in this
section of the state. He was chairman
of the republican county central COM
mittee for years and lead his faction
to series Of successes. Later he was
elected chairman of the state republic
can committee.
Mayor of Minot.
In 1902 Mr.. Roach was elected may
or of Minot after q two days cam
paign. He gave the city an excellent
administration. During his admins
tration the real foundation for the
growth of the "Magic City" was laid.
High in Masonic Circles.
The pioneer banker was high in Ma
sonic circles. He was a member Of
the Blue Lodge at Mortified, also the
Mortified chapter, the DeMolay COM
mandery Of the Knight Templars at
Minot and the KEN Temple shrine at
Grand Forks. He was member of
the Episcopal church and one of the
most respected members Of the Grand
Army of the Republic.
One of Our Wealthy Citizens.
Mr.. Roach was one Of our wealth.
lest citizens, his fortune being esti-
mated at quarter Of million dol
lars. He owned the controlling inter-
est in the Second National bank, was
largely interested in the newly re-or-
ganized Savings Deposit bank, and
! farmed extensively in this section OF
the state. His success in a business
way in no way effected his attitude to-
ward mankind, whether rich or poor,
for he was always known to his
friends as just plain "Joe ;" Many a
man can thank "Joe' Roach for his
success for he never, turned deaf
ear to one who was worthy. His bus
mess Judgment was excellent and he
was reader of human nature.
A Friend of James ]. Hill.
James j. Hill, the railroad magnate,
was one of Mr.. Roach's closest friends.
They were boys together and the en-
pire builder had complete confidence
in the integrity Of the Minot banker.
Joseph Roach was able to do much for
Minot thru his old friend, Mr.. Hill,
and he was always loyal to the city.
Mr.. Hill passed thru Minot few days
after the death of Mr.. Roach, remain
ing here for ten minutes. He display
ed great sorrow over the demise OF
one of his closest friends.
Mr.. Roach's vacancy in the Second
National bank will not be filled until
the regular election the first of the
year. While his will has not been
made public, it is understood that the
bulk Of his fortune was left to his sur
viving widow.
The whole northwest sorrows over
the death Of Joseph Roach. His was
a life replete with accomplishment
and no other citizen would be more
greatly missed.
/ selling cocaine without a license. The
principal witness disappeared before
the hearing and the states attorney