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ROCHE, Charles (137)

Parents

Birth

  • Born on March 28, 1840 in Halifax, Halifax Regional Municipality, NS

Death

  • Died on July 28, 1915 in Halifax, Halifax Regional Municipality, NS
  • Buried in Camp Hill Cemetery in Halifax, Halifax Regional Municipality, NS

Marriages

  • RHODES, Mary Jane
    • Married on March 12, 1876 in Halifax, Halifax Regional Municipality, NS

Children

Notes

  • Occupation: Merchant - Shipping & Coal/ Gentleman
  • Death: Cardiac Disease
  • Historical Information: Enumerator for 1871 census
  • Obituary: The Acadian Daily Recorder Aug. 2,1915 "There passed away quite suddenly, at his home, 64 Russell street, yesterday afternoon, Charles Roche, aged 76 (sic) years, one of the most highly esteemed citizens of the north end. He was out in his garden in the morning, when he felt a weakness coming over him, and he went into the house to lie down, and a few hours later passed peacefully away. For some twenty years Mr. Roche has led a retired life, but previous to that he was well-known in the business community, he having been associated with his father, the late William Roche, in the shipping and coal business, on the premises at present occupied by No. 2 pier. Mr. Roche took an active interest in boat racing and managed and equipped several four-oared crews in the north end. In 1871 he organized the Roche crew to take part in four-oared events in the aquatic carnival of that year, and had a shell built for them by the late John Findley. The crew was known as the "Roche Crew". In 1876, he was one of the committee which equipped and trained the famous Smith Nickerson crew that made the world's record at Philadelphia in 1876, competing against crews from England, Canada, and the United States. Mr. Roche was not personally known to a large circle of the present generation, for his disposition was naturally of the retiring kind, but those who had the pleasure of his acquaintance knew him as a man of more than ordinary gifts. He was an omnivorous reader with an unfailing memory, his favorite subject being History. From the accounts of the ancient Egyptian and Assyrian empires, labouriously translated from the rock-hewn inscriptions, to the details of events connected with our local and civic history, his wide and accurate reading extended. And he was more than a reader: he was possessed of fine literary gifts as well, and a number of his historical essays have graced the columns of the Recorder at different times. In wielding the rapier of controversy he was a formidable antagonist to all who might enter the lists with him, especially in matters historic, for his wide information, accurate observation and clear reasoning made him a logician of no mean order, as those who crossed swords with him usually discovered before proceeding very far. His relationship with his fellow men was kindly and considerate, and he retained the respect and regard of all who knew him, to the latest day of his life. He is survived by his wife, a daughter, wife of C. H. McNellan, Halifax, and sons Charles and Edward, and number of grandchildren. Senator Wm. Roche and Mrs. Julia Grant are brother and sister of the deceased."

Sources

  • Nova Scotia Deaths: Book 20 Pg. 542 #3252

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