Genealogy Pages for Northern Middle TN
Obituaries for Bernard ROGAN
Following is a transcription of the above person's (TN) obituary from The Tennesseean
of Gallatin, TN, dated Saturday, January 11, 1873:
IN MEMORIAM.
Death of the Oldest Man in Sumner County.
Bernard Rogan, the oldest citizen of Sumner County, died at the residence of his brother,
Francis Rogan, on Monday, January 6th, 1873. He was born in the county of Tyrone, Province
of Ulster, in Ireland, on the 12th of December, 1774--and died at the advanced age of
ninety-eight years and twenty five days.
Few men have lived through so many changes, or witnessed and experienced so many
vicissitudes of fortune. Beginning life amid the misfortunes of Ireland and while his
people were suffering under the oppressions of the British government, he, in his early
manhood espoused the cause of patriotism and enrolled his name as a soldier in Capt.
Murtaugh O'Flaherty's company of "United Irishmen"--a part of the army of
patriots organized preparatory to the noble effort for Irish Independence and Nationality
in 1798.
He emigrated to America in 1797, bearing with him the same love of freedom which had
inspired his earliest devotion to the prosperity and independence of his own loved
"Emerald Isle," and through the whole course of his long and eventful life a
spirit of exalted patriotism pervaded his character and distinguished his individuality
under all circumstances.
He went to the Spanish Territory, (now called Missouri,) in 1803, and during his residence
there he exercised the legal powers and authority of an Alcalde under the Spanish
government, by virtue of being a native born Irish Catholic. He also served as a soldier
under Gen. Howard against the Indians, in 1813, in the territory now called Illinois. The
commander of his regiment was Major Nathan Boone, for whom he always cherished the most
sincere friendship and respect. In this campaign he helped to build the first house ever
erected in Peoria.
In the year 1821, he located in Sumner County, on Bledsoe's creek, where his home has been
until his death. Two years ago the "Hibernian Society" of Nashville presented
him with the regalia of their order, on which were worked in gold the
"Sun-burst," the "Shamrock," and the "Harp," symbols
peculiarly endearing expressions to the Irish heart. This regalia was presented to him as
the only survivor of the "United Irishmen of 1798."
He was through life a devoted Catholic in religion, and his consistent course of correct
conduct and high moral integrity gave living evidences of the purity and sincerity of his
faith. His burial was attended by many friends and neighbors whose sorrow was sincere as
their friendship had been through the long years of their acquaintance with the old friend
and neighbor with whom they were parting for the last time on earth as Rev. Father Jarbo,
in the solemn ritual of the Catholic Church, celebrated the Mass for the dead.
Following is a transcription of a second obituary for Barney
ROGAN from the same issue of the same newspaper mentioned above:
"We regret to learn that Mr.
Barney Rogan died last Monday evening at 8 o'clock. He came to this country, when a young
man, from Ireland. He was the oldest inhabitant of the county, being in his ninety-ninth
year. He was distinguished for all the genial, high-toned qualities, that ennoble his
nation of people the world over. Gallant and honorable in his bearing, he won many friends
and admirers. He was a relative of Capt. F. M. Duffy, former editor of this newspaper. His
sad burial took place last Wednesday, at the old homestead on Bledsoe's creek. Peace to
his ashes."
Initial transcriptions by Stan Magnesen. Verified and prepared for the Web by Vanessa Slea.