JOHN McL. ROACH was born June 16, 1843, in Todd County; he is the fourth child of a family of seven born to John and Pamela Ann (McLean) Roach. The father was born August 13, 1807, and in 1812 came with his father, Gabriel Roach, to this farm. In about 1840 the father bought out the remaining heirs of the estate, and engaged in farming with marked success till the time of his death, which occurred January 22, 1872, leaving his three children in comfortable circumstances. John inherited 140 acres, and bought out his brother’s interest; he now owns about 500 acres, and it is one of the finest farms in the county. His residence, which is a very comfortable one, is situated on a gradual elevation, with a commanding view of several miles in every direction; shade and\ ornamental trees in profusion adorn this home. Mr. Roach also owns property in Guthrie. His mother was the daughter of Rev. Ephraim McLean, of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, who was the first ordained preacher of that church at Old McAdoo, Tenn. She died March 20, 1870, aged fifty-nine. Mr. Roach was married December 5, 1867, to Miss Sallie Bell, daughter of J. W. Bell, and grand-daughter of the late Rev. Caleb Bell, of this county; he is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Masonic fraternity and K. of H. Mrs. Roach is a life-long member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
