| |
Ira
Roland passed away February 5, 1875, at the age of fifty nine
years and four months, but although his demise occurred almost
forty years ago, his name is still known and still honored in
Delaware county, where he was a prominent agriculturist and stock
raiser. His birth probably occurred in England and during his
early boyhood he was thrown upon his own resources, as his
parents both died when he was but a child. He came to the United
States and found his way to Delaware county, Iowa, after the
Civil war. He settled upon a farm which he cultivated for a
number of years, buying land from the government at a dollar and
a quarter per acre. He and a brother each purchased eighty acres,
bat his farm was subsequently increased to two hundred and fifty
seven acres. During his youth he worked upon farms for others and
in that way acquired much valuable knowledge of the best
agricultural methods, which he utilized when he became a
landowner. Success rewarded his labors and the competence which
was his was especially gratifying, as it was won by his own
efforts in the face of obstacles that would have disheartened
many a man.
Mr. Roland was married on the 1st of May, 1857,
to Mrs. Sarah (Gibson) Green, a daughter of James and Dinah
(Peel) Gibson and the widow of William Green, who was killed in
this county on the 4th of September, 1856. By her first marriage
Mrs. Roland became the mother of two children, namely: James, who
was born on the 27th of February, 1853; and Martha, who was born
on the 24th of April, 1856. By her marriage to Mr. Roland she had
five children: Charles, born March 7, 1858; Annie Mary, whose
natal day was September 27, 1860; William Henry, born June 11,
1864, deceased; Ira Gibson, born July 20, 1867, also deceased;
and Lewis Bicking, born August 1, 1871. Mrs. Roland is still
living at the advanced age of eighty six years and is one of the
most respected and most widely known residents of Delaware
county. The farm is conducted by Lewis, the youngest son, and the
daughter is also at home.
Mr. Roland was a republican in his
political belief but never held office. He did general farming
and raised considerable stock in addition to grain and his work
contributed to the development of the county as well as gained
him in personal success. When the farm came into his possession
it was wild land, but at the time of his death it had been made
one of the best improved places in his locality. His life was in
all respects upright and honorable, and he left to his children
the priceless heritage of a name worthy of all respect and
esteem. |
| |
|
