My Genealogy Hound

ROACH, J. F. deputy postmaster, Greenfield, was born in Jefferson County, Ky., June 23, 1817, was the son of John and Margaret Roach, whose maiden name was Barr. The Roaches are of French and the Barrs of Irish extraction. J. F. had but meager advantages for obtaining an education. At the age of 19 he came to this State in company with his parents, in the year 1836, and located in Macoupin County. Was married in February, 1840, to Mary Ann Hall, daughter of Jacob and Lucy Hall. Mrs. Roach was born Nov. 16, 1823, in Paris, Ky. Thirteen children have blessed this union: David A., Mary A., William, John, Lucy, Margaret E., Elizabeth, Alma, Julia, Jacob H., Joseph B., Elmer E. The subject of this sketch remained with his parents after his marriage, and cared for them until their death. In Aug. 10, 1862, Mr. Roach enlisted in the 122d Regt. Ill. State Vol., and remained until the close of the war, when he received an honorable discharge. Mr. Roach was a good soldier, and was promoted from private to orderly sergeant, then to a lieutenancy. He was engaged in several of the hard-fought battles of the war; his first engagement was Parker’s Cross Roads, Nashville, and Tupelo, and all the engagements the regiment participated in up to the Spring of 1865, when he was taken sick and went home on a furlough to recuperate. During his sojourn in the service he had by exposure injured his health to such an extent that for three years after his return home he was totally incapacitated for business of any kind.