Newton Co., IN Biography

Newton County, Washington Township.  From A History of Warren, Benton, 
Jasper & Newton Counties, 1883.

   JOHN S. ROBERTS, one of the wealthiest and oldest citizens of 
Washington Township, was born in Bedford County, Virginia, February 1,
1814.  He is the son of Alexander and Anna (Anderson) Roberts.  He went 
to school in an old-time log schoolhouse until he was thirteen years
old.  His father then moved to Kentucky, where for about five years he 
was employed as overseer of slaves; then moved to Ross County, Ohio,
where John S. worked at farming; then for about three years he worked
in an iron mill in Scioto County, Ohio.
   In 1839, the subject of this sketch came to Indiana, and bought land
in Jasper (now Newton) County, in Section 27.  During the succeeding
few years, he was employed in iron furnaces, when in 1843, he returned
to Newton County, settled on his land, built a log house, and commenced
again the life of a farmer.
   On March 1, 1846, he married Nancy Montgomery, daughter of John 
Montgomery, of Jasper County.  Ten children have been born to this 
union--Thomas J. (deceased), infant girl (deceased), Amanda J. (deceased)
Mary E., Virginia M., James B., Matilda E., John W., William A. and 
Charles A.  Mr. Roberts lived in this old log house till 1875, when he 
built a fine two-story residence and outbuildings.  
  By industry, he has added largely to his first purchase, until he now 
owns 800 acres of as good land as there is in the township.  He deals
largely in cattle, shipping about five car loads every year; also deals 
in horses and hogs.  
   Mr. Roberts' wife died October 3, 1878.  She was a member of the 
Baptist Church, he of the M.E. Church.  In politics, he was a Jacksonian
Democrat.  He is a much-esteemed citizen.


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Submitted By Gerald Born
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