R. W. M. Roe (biography)

[genealogynut]

Taken from History of the State of Kansas, by William G. Cutler

R. W. M. ROE, Chairman of Board of County Commissioners, was born in Bath County, Ky., 1848, but was raised in Kirksville, Mo.  In 1864, enlisted in the Sixty-fourth Illinois Sharpshooters, serving eighteen months.  After coming out of the army, located in Champaign County, Ill.  In 1866, emigrated to Kansas, first settling on the head of Elk River, Union Centre Township, 1869, took a claim in Union Centre Township; was one of the first settlers there; improved this claim and lived on it ten years, was 150 miles from market, drawing his first supplies that distance; salt was worth $13.50 per bbl., bacon 35 cents per lb., and it took thirteen days to make a trip to mill.   Was Trustee of Union Centre Township; was a delegate to the first county convention held in the county. The land was not surveyed when he took his claim.  In 1879, sold out and located at Grenola, and started a nursery, the first enterprise of the kind in the county; has 7,000 apple trees, 100,000 osage hedge, a large amount of cherries, plums, peaches, grapes, quinces, etc., besides these he is handling a full line of ornamental shrubbery and forest trees, and a large variety of fruits for other nurseries.  In 1880, was elected County Commissioner of Elk County, for a term of three years, and is the chairman of the Board of Commissioners at present, which position he has filled with entire satisfaction to the public.  Mr. Roe is one of the most enterprising citizens of the County, and has always been an active part in the politics of the county and public enterprises of all kinds; is a thoroughly reliable man and has a host of friends, both of the old as well as new settlers in the county.  Was married in 1867 to Miss Mary E. Sullivan, of Illinois.  They have six children, viz: Wesley, W. T., C. W., Messena, Sarah M., Lily.  Mr. Roe is a member of E. M. Stanton Post, No 23, G. A. R., Grenola Lodge, No 86, A. O.U. W., is Grand Master of the Lodge, and a Representative of the Grand Lodge.