James Roger Obituary

New Ipswich Historical Society

James Roger

Happy Thanksgiving readers. Something special this morning, a chance to learn about James Roger whose daily diaries are being serialized in this newsletter. After doing this for some time, I feel like I know the man.

James Roger died on January 16, 1916

Death of Deacon James Roger Deacon James Roger died Sunday night, Jan. 16, from the effects of a malignant disease, aged 74 years, 5 months, 28 days.

The deceased was a son of David and Janet (Bone) Roger and was born in Kirkmichael, Scotland. The family consisted of David and James (twins), Robert, George, Agnes, Marlon. He married, June 28, 1868, Miss Margaret Neil. He was connected with the North British railway company for 31 years. Mr. Roger was also a member of the general assembly of the Church of Scotland. In 1868 he joined the Masons and in 1878 became an elder in the church.

He was accustomed to write for the press. Some of his poems were: "The Braes O'Black Castle," "Twilight," "Evening Chimes" and "To a Friend." At one time he was a great friend of Gladstone, until his advocation of the disestablishment of the church, and home rule. In 1897 the family, consisting of the father, mother, two sons and two daughters, left Roslyn Castle, Scotland, and emigrated direct to New Ipswich, where they began life in a new country. Their neighbors and the citizens generally welcomed them. As soon as Mr. Roger's integrity and sterling character were known by his associates, he was advanced from one office or position to another, until the town had shown its esteem for his, marked wisdom and culture.

At the time of his passing he held the position of deacon and treasurer of the Congregational church, superintendent of the Sunday school, treasurer of Bethel lodge, P. A. and A. M., treasurer of Watatic Grange, No. 36, P. of H., representative to the state legislature, a member of the corporation of Mason Village Savings bank, a trustee of the New Ipswich public library and a member of the Stearns' Lecture commission.

He had served on the school board, been president of the Men's club of New Ipswich, was a member of the Souhegan Country club and also member of the Historical society. He was greatly interested in botany and geology. He was a man of unimpeachable character, sterling worth, a constant student, ever alert for the advancement of his fellow men, possessed of a great memory and versatile talents, a true Christian, the potentiality of whose personality permeated every organization with which he affiliated himself. His face bore the imprint of a strong and good man, who would not swerve from the path of justice or the knowledge of right. He was ever ready to espouse the best interests of humanity and raise his voice in every assembly for the betterment of mankind, either in behalf of church or state. Seldom does a community have such a vacuum caused by the departure of one so modest and unassuming as this revered and honored citizen.

Mr. Roger kept a daily diary of all the important events occurring in the community, penned in a clear hand writing and bearing the imprint of a good thinker. He seldom criticized, but ever kept his eyes on the horizon of human betterment. He was an optimist tinged with the vision of good times coming; no pessimism clouded his intellect. He was the prince of story tellers as scores will attest, which always sparkled with Scotch humor and keen wit. He was a self-made man as well as an encyclopedia of information.

Mrs. Roger died June 10, 1913. The survivors are Mrs. John Borland, Hingham, Mass., David Roger, New Ipswich, Mrs. Alice Cochrane, Bay Shore, Long Island, N. Y., Mrs. Berkley T. Larrabee, Ayer, and James Roger, Jr., Buffalo, N. Y.

James Roger diary entry

23rd November 1912 (Saturday)

Fine day mild wind variable west to east & NE. David on roads with Royce. I picked chickens and went to mail. Filled the lamps in church and lit the furnace fires. Got letter from Alice and Hamish. The lecture last night: Money Moon by Mrs. Durn gave general satisfaction. Farrar cleaned out the wood furnace in church and put a piece of zinc under the stove in dining room also a piece of new pipe in kitchen. Alice said in her letter today that Sandy Mair was quite sick with gastritis, also Johnnie had got a pin for best writing in his room. Jim Cochrane is visiting Hamish in Albany.

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