Thomas Rochford, who was well known to the older residents of this community, passed away at his home in Austin Saturday after an illness of several weeks.

The deceased was born in St. George, Canada, April 7, 1856. At the age of ten he moved to Mower county with his parents, where he grew to manhood. For a number of years he followed farming in Lyle township until 1881, when he moved to Austin, where he engaged in the confectionery business a short time.

A year was spent in Indiana and on his return he located in Lyle where he was employed as clerk in the postoffice and general store. He also conducted a boarding house here. After three years residence here he moved to Austin when he was engaged in the land business.