Harvey Roe

Harvey Roe was born in the town of Wallkill October 9, 1814. He has spent his entire life in this town, with the interests of which he has been identified for many years as one of its most practical and successful farmers, and in one of its pleasantest homes he is passing the last years of a long and useful life in retirement. During his long residence here his course in business has been such as to win him universal respect, and he is liked by all who have come under the genial influence of his manly character, his helpful ways and his unswerving allegiance to the right.

The parents of our subject were Samuel and Mary (Tiers) Roe, who were born in this town and spent their entire lives here. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, died in 1848, and was survived by his wife for twenty years, her death occurring in 1868. Harvey Roe did not in youth have the advantages which fall to the lot of the boys of the present generation, but he was able to attend a few terms at the district schools, and having given some time to self-culture since attaining manhood he has become a well informed man. With the exception of two years, during which time he was engaged in business at Scotchtown, this county, he has devoted his attention throughout his active career to the occupation of a farmer. He is now the owner of two hundred and fourteen acres of productive land, upon which substantial buildings have been erected.

In 1838 Mr. Roe married Miss Hannah Maria Puff, who died in 1852. Two years later he was again married, his wife being Melissa Winfield, who died sixteen years later. His present wife, with whom he was united in 1876, bore the maiden name of Jane Brooks and is a lady of estimable character. No children survive of these unions. Mr. and Mrs. Roe are members of the Presbyterian Church at Scotchtown and are regular contributors to religious and benevolent enterprises. Politically he casts his vote and exerts his influence in behalf of the Democratic party, and upon that ticket he has been chosen to serve in a number of town offices. He has efficiently served his fellow-citizens in the capacity of Poor Master and Assessor, as well as in a number of minor positions. Though incapacitated for active manual labor through the infirmities of age, he is still quite rugged for one of his years and retains to a large degree the possession of his physical faculties. That he may live for years yet to come, in the enjoyment of mens sana in corpore sano, is the wish of his many friends.