Abel C Roberts

ROBERTS

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 3/20/2009 at 00:19:34

Abel C Roberts, now deceased was an important factor in commercial circles of Ogden and established the first jewelry store in that place, taking up his abode there in 1876. He was born in Washington, Vermont, November 6, 1844. His father, Perley Roberts, spent his entire life in the Green Mountain state, where he followed the occupation of farming throughout the years of his manhood or until his labors were ended in death. In the family were two sons, one of whom is now living in McCune, Kansas.
Abel C Roberts spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the Green Mountain state and was indebted to the public school system for the educational privileges he enjoyed. In the years 1876 he emigrated westward, believing that he would have better business opportunities in this section of the country. And making his way to Ogden, we here established a jewelry store which occupied a part of the room in which Mr Pitman’s drug store was also located. As the years passed his patronage increased and necessitated more commodious quarters. He built up a very good trade which brought to him a fair return for his labors, and he continued in the business until five years before his death, when on account of illness he retired to private life. He was known as one of the progressive and enterprising business men of this locality, belonging to that class of progressive citizens who have done so much to up build this portion of the country.
Mr Roberts was united in marriage to Esther McCubbin a native of grant county, Wisconsin born March 3, 1857, a daughter of James McCubbin a native of Scotland, who carried on farming in Wisconsin after his emigration to the United States. He spent his remaining days in Wisconsin, dying there in 1871. Unto our subject and his wife were born three children: Velma the wife ofe John B Larson, who is who is foreman of the Chicago & Northwestern section and resides in Ogden, Jessie at home, and Hallie who died May 3, 1894. As the years passed Mr Roberts prospered in his undertakings and was thus enables to provide his family with a good home. IN addition to conducting his jewelry store he also dealt win organs and pianos and sheet music. In his political views he was a Republican, while socially he was connected with the Masonic fraternity, his membership being with the lodge in Ogden. He was also identified with the Grand Army of the Republic, for at the time of the Civil war he had manifested his loyalty to the government, enlisting in the Eighth Vermont Regiment, with which he retained his connection until after the close of hostilities. He was therefore entitled to membership in the post and was held in high esteem by his army comrades. He also belonged to the Ancient Order of the United Workmen. Sometime prior to his death, which occurred January 30, 1896, he located where his widow now resides and there he passed away widely and deeply mourned as the reliable business man, a faithful friend and devoted husband. Mrs Roberts is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Ogden and has many friends in this community.

1902 Boone County History Book