ROACH, Robert W. Lt. - C.S.A.

March 1905
An Explanation
To Old Confederate Veterans And Sons of Veterans
Whereas, it is generally known that Mr. R. W. Roach and myself were Confederate soldiers and both belonged to the same company and Regiment, and now members of Lloyd Tilghman Camp, U.C. V. Therefore, many old soldiers and Sons of Veterans throughout the county have expressed their surprise and regret that we both are candidates for Representative.

For this I am not to blame as I was the first one to announce myself publicly, which was on the fist day of circuit court at Cadiz, on Monday January 23, 1905. Mr. Roach did not announce until February 26, 1905, after the canvass was more than half over and several of the public speakings had passed. Had Mr. Roach announced first I would not have opposed him, as my regard and esteem for an old soldier and comrade would have forbid. I trust therefore, that no one will blame or fail to support me who would otherwise have done so. Hoping my friends will look on this matter in its true light placing the proper construction upon it and casting your votes accordingly. Awaiting the result of the primary and trusting that I may be the nominee of the party for Representative, I am your true friend and comrade.
C.T. Bridges

-------- March 12, 1923 End Comes To Capt. Bob Roach Beloved Citizen And Confederate Veteran Surrenders To Age Infirmities For Many Years A Prominent Trigg County Farmer And Democratic Leader

Capt. Robert W. Roach, for many years one of Trigg county's most prominent farmers and leading citizens; splendid Christian gentleman; gallant soldier of the Southern Confederacy, and many years chairman of the Democratic committee of Trigg county, died Monday afternoon at his home in Gracey of infirmities due to declining years.

He had been in declining health for a number of years. Two years ago he left his farm in Trigg county and moved to Gracey, where he had since resided.

Honest, true, generous and courageous, Mr. Roach was held in the highest esteem and affection by all who knew him. His was a nature that was gentle and kind and forgiving. As a friend he was constant, and he was never known to forget a favor and betray a trust. His heart was full of sympathy, and he was ever ready to share the burdens of others. Truly he was one of nature's noblemen.

He was a native of Trigg county and was a son of the late Cuthbert Roach, a pioneer citizen who came to Kentucky in early days from Virginia. He was the last survivor of a large family. Mr. Roach was born July 8, 1841. While a school boy the war between the states broke out. An ardent Southerner, he enlisted at the beginning of the conflict with the Second Kentucky Cavalry and was a brave soldier for the four years of its duration, under the famous leader, General Forrest, whom he followed in the thick of many a bloody battle. He was honorably discharged after Lee's surrender.

Return to his home he took up the work of peace and restoration with the same noble spirit he evinced in war, and until incapacitated by the infirmities of age, he was a valuable citizen and prominent farmer. A staunch Democrat he was during the time of his physical activity one of the party leaders in his region. Mr. Roach was married December 18, 1867 to Mrs. Virginia White Watkins. His venerable helpmate survives him, together with two daughters, Mrs. Singleton Hodges, of Princeton, and Miss Cuttie Roach, of Gracey, and one son, Garnett Roach, of Gracey. He also leaves two step children, Lee W. Watkins, of Hopkinsville and Mrs. R. T. Cook, of Little Rock Ark.

Mr. Roach was a lifelong and devoted Christian, a faithful follower of the Master, and for seventy years a member of the historic Rocky Ridge Baptist church.

Funeral services conducted by the Rev. George E. Foskett, pastor of the Cadiz Methodist church, at 2:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon at the residence in Gracey, and the remains taken to Hopkinsville at four o'clock for interment in Riverside cemetery.