From the County of Cornwall, the most southerly part of England, against whose frowning cliffs beat the waters of the broad Atlantic, comes the subject of this sketch, who was born in the Parish of Wendron, in that county, Oct. 1 l, 1835. In 1856, when of age, he determined to leave the rugged shores of his native county, and try to better his fortunes in the New World. Arriving here in the year named he came at once to Councl (sic) Hill, in this County, where, however, he remained but three months. Like most Cornishmen he had a practical knowledge of mining, and going to Ontonagon County, Mich., worked in the mines in that section of the country until the year 1861, when he returned to Jo Dayiess County, but staid (sic) for a short time only, then going back to his employment in Ontonagon County, and staying there eight months longer. Having by this time tired of his employment in the mines, and having accumulated some means as the result of his hard work there, he determined to gratify the ambition which he had entertained from boyhood of owning a home of his own. Coming back to Jo Daviess County he located in Woodbine Township, where he was engaged in farming for about eleven years, when he removed to Pitcherville, where he stopped about eight months, and then bought a place of sixty acres in Rush Township, in which he has since continued to make his home, with the exception of about eighteen months which he spent in Lena, Ill. He is now the owner of 135 acres of good farming land in Rush Township, well improved, and with comfortable buildings.

The good fortune of Mr. Roberts life came to him at Galena, Ill., on June 20, 1872, at which time and place he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret C. Wixson, a daughter of John and Eliza Wixson of Rush Township, born in Summit County, Ohio, Sept. 10, 1848. She is a lady of most admirable character, and of unusual intelligence, and for years before her marriage followed the profession of teaching; and since has proved herself a devoted mother, a faithful wife, and a fitting helpmate to her worthy husband.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Roberts has been blessed to them by the birth of seven children. The family circle is yet unbroken, and the children remain at home to gladden the parental hearts. The following is the family record: Edward Charles, born May 17, 1873; Eliza Rosina, Aug. 23, 1874; William Henry, Feb. 4, 1876; Ella Florence, Feb. 12, 1878; John Wixson, Jan. 6, 1880; Margaret Cylinda, Oct. 31, 1883; and Alfred James, Sept. 30, 1885.

Mr. Roberts is a believer in and a supporter of the doctrines of the Republican party. For seven years he has held the office of Constable, and for two has been Collector. While in Pitcherville he kept a general store, but since coming back to Rush Township gives his entire attention to farming and stock-raising. Possessed of those rugged attributes of outspoken honesty and integrity, which characterize his countrymen, in a great degree, Mr. Roberts is universally recognized as a gentleman of unimpeachable integrity. Mrs. Roberts is a consistent member of tile Methodist Episcopal Church.

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Jo Daviess Co., IL (1889)