Sedgwick County KSGenWeb
Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.
Chapman Brothers 1888
Pages 464 - 465
CHARLES ROLL. Among some of the most enterprising citizens of Salem Township are those who were born in Germany, and who have brought into this fertile and productive country the thrift and economy of the Old World. Among these there is no figure that stands out more prominently in the history of the township than Charles Roll, one of the bold pioneers who first broke the way for civilization into the grassy wilds of this locality.
Mr. Roll is a native of Germany, born Aug. 17, 1850, and is the son of Henry and Frederika (Pletz) Roll. His parents had a family of seven children, six of whom are living, viz: Henry, Gustavus, Charles, Ralph, William and Anne. His father is dead, but his mother is at present a resident of Ohio Township, in this county. When Charles was about four years of age the family determined to emigrate, and accordingly embarking on a sailing-vessel at the port of Hamburg, crossed the ocean. After a voyage of six long and weary weeks, they landed in New York City, and at once started for Sheboygan County, Wis., where they settled. The subject of this sketch received his education and was reared to manhood in that portion of the Badger State, and on attaining his eighteenth year, in company with his brother Henry, he started out in life for himself, settling in Cook County, Ill. After about a year's residence in that locality, the brothers removed to Morgan County, in the same State, where they only remained about four months.
Having a desire to see the West, and Kansas in particular, in 1871 both Charles and Henry Roll came to Sedgwick County, where the subject of this sketch pre-empted the 160 acres of land embraced in the southwest quarter of section 19, Salem Township, where he has made his residence ever since. Being among the very first to locate in this sub-division of the county, he found the land in a state of wilderness, and like all the pioneers, was called upon to undergo the hardships, privations and want consequent upon life on the frontier. For some two years after his settlement he was obliged to go to Augusta, some forty miles distant, in order to carry his grist to mill. Not-withstanding all the disadvantages under which he labored at that time, he has by persistent and hard work, in which he had the assistance of his devoted wife, acquired a goodly share of this world's goods. He owns at the present time some 400 acres of land, nearly all of which is brought under cultivation and to the uses of civilization. This splendid estate, on which he has made some very valuable improvements, is the entire result of his own diligence, energy and good management. It stands today a monument to the industry and thrift that he possesses.
On the 1st of September, 1879, Mr. Roll was united in marriage with Miss Emeline C. McGaha, a native of Douglas County, Ill., who was born June 17, 1858. She is the daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Thornton) McGaha, residents of Salem Township, who came to this county in 1878. She is one of a family of four children born to her parents, viz: Marion, living in Stevens County, this State; Emeline, the wife of the subject of this sketch; Susan C., who married Ralph Roll, and is living in Ohio Township, and John W., of Salem Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Roll have come four children, to gladden their hearts and brighten their home. Their names are as follows: Alice, who was born Dec. 15, 1881; Clara, Jan. 16, 1884; Andrew A., Oct. 21, 1885, and Albert, Oct. 1, 1887.
Mr. Roll is a member of the Lutheran Church, and is thoroughly identified with its interests, and both he and his wife are highly respected and esteemed as valuable members of the community. In politics he affiliates with the Republicans, deeming that in that party is the best guarantee for the perpetuation of our principles of free Government. He is a very liberal and public-spirited man, and takes a foremost position in every movement or enterprise which promises to accrue to the benefit of the people in general.
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