1914 Delaware County History pgs. 117-118

Ira Roland

Ira Roland passed away February 5, 1875, at the age of fifty-nine years and four months, but although his demise occurred almost forty years ago, his name is still known and still honored in Delaware county, where he was a prominent agriculturist and stock-raiser. His birth probably occurred in England and during his early boyhood he was thrown upon his own resources, as his parents both died when he was but a child. He came to the United States and found his way to Delaware county, Iowa, after the Civil war. He settled upon a farm which he cultivated for a number of years, buying land from the government at a dollar and a quarter per acre. He and a brother each purchased eighty acres, bat his farm was subsequently increased to two hundred and fifty-seven acres. During his youth he worked upon farms for others and in that way acquired much valuable knowledge of the best agricultural methods, which he utilized when he became a landowner. Success rewarded his labors and the competence which was his was especially gratifying, as it was won by his own efforts in the face of obstacles that would have disheartened many a man.

Mr. Roland was married on the 1st of May, 1857, to Mrs. Sarah (Gibson) Green, a daughter of James and Dinah (Peel) Gibson and the widow of William Green, who was killed in this county on the 4th of September, 1856. By her first marriage Mrs. Roland became the mother of two children, namely: James, who was born on the 27th of February, 1853; and Martha, who was born on the 24th of April, 1856. By her marriage to Mr. Roland she had five children: Charles, born March 7, 1858; Annie Mary, whose natal day was September 27, 1860; William Henry, born June 11, 1864, deceased; Ira Gibson, born July 20, 1867, also deceased; and Lewis Bicking, born August 1, 1871. Mrs. Roland is still living at the advanced age of eighty-six years and is one of the most respected and most widely known residents of Delaware county. The farm is conducted by Lewis, the youngest son, and the daughter is also at home.

Mr. Roland was a republican in his political belief but never held office. He did general farming and raised considerable stock in addition to grain and his work contributed to the development of the county as well as gained him in personal success. When the farm came into his possession it was wild land, but at the time of his death it had been made one of the best improved places in his locality. His life was in all respects upright and honorable, and he left to his children the priceless heritage of a name worthy of all respect and esteem.

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