[1][2] His mother's sister Lydia Thomas married in 1783 the army contractor Alexander Adair, who died in 1834 at age 95 leaving a large fortune, some of which came to Roe and real property in which was left in trust, to Roe's putative children.

With a reported £100,000 from the personal property of the Adair estate, Roe retired from his work as chief magistrate.

William Ballantine, who knew him as a family friend, wrote: He was a tall, handsome, gentlemanly man, who had the reputation of having enjoyed life in many phases.

The major legatee was Sir William Thomas, 5th Baronet, who commanded the royal yacht HMY Victoria and Albert.

[9] Paintings and other works of art from Roe's collection were put up for auction in 1867.