ROBERTS, Joseph P. - 1890 Bio (1819-1878)

ROBERTS, YOUNG, KIRKPATRICK, HUCHESON

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 8/23/2007 at 19:39:57

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 177-178

Joseph P. ROBERTS, deceased, was born in Wayne County, Ind., August 23, 1819, and his parents were among the early settlers of that State. At the age of fifteen years he began life for himself, following teaming between Richmond and Cincinnati, and while thus engaged he formed the acquaintance of Miss Janet YOUNG, with whom he was united in marriage in Butler County, Ohio, on the 4th of September, 1851. That was her native county, her birth having occurred September 2, 1831. Her family had long been connected with the history of that community. Her paternal grandfather, James YOUNG, in a very early day emigrated from Pennsylvania to Butler County, where he built the first house in the community and also the first mill. Her maternal grandfather was also one of the pioneer settlers of that region and her parents, Andrew P, and Rebecca (KIRKPATRICK) YOUNG, were born in Butler County. Their entire lives they spent in their native State, and in the community where they made their home they were highly respected citizens. Mr. YOUNG served as a Colonel in the Mexican War and was honored with the offices of Postmaster and Mayor of Collinsville. He took a prominent part in local politics, was an influential citizen in the community and had a wide acquaintance throughout the surrounding country. His business was that of merchandising for many years but in his later life he followed farming. His generous impulses, his benevolence and liberal support of all that could benefit the community made him a valued citizen and won him the confidence and high regard of the entire community. He was initiated into the highest degree of Odd Fellowship, was a Whig and Republican in politics, and in his religious associations was a follower of the doctrines advocated by the Seceder Presbyterian Church. His wife died on the 16th of February, 1851, and six years later he married Mrs. Maria HUCHESON, who is still living. His death occurred on the 12th of February, 1884.

Upon his marriage, Mr. ROBERTS took his bride to Richmond, Ind., where for three years they made their home. The West, with its promises of rapid growth and development having attracted his attention, he determined to seek a location beyond the Mississippi and in the autumn of 1854 came to Fairfield for the purpose of bettering his financial condition. For some five years he engaged in teaming and then removed to a farm, but that season crops were bad and he soon returned to the city, where he devoted his attention to the livery business for three years, again returning to farm life; twelve years he was engaged in agricultural pursuits and as a stock dealer he became widely known. He introduced into the county the first Poland-China hog and also the Scotch (sic) Clyde horses, and did not a little for the advancement of the grade of stock in the community. In 1873 we again find him in Fairfield devoting his time and energies to the coal business, in connection with which he was also engaged in buying and shipping stock. His death occurred on the 26th of August, 1878, and was the occasion of much regret throughout the community, for the county had lost one of its best citizens, his neighbors a faithful friend and his wife a kind and devoted husband. He was a stirring and energetic business man who was ever ready to aid in the advancement of any enterprise calculated to benefit the community, and in his political affiliations he was a stanch supporter of Republican principles. During the civil War he held the office of Deputy United States Marshal for the district. Mrs. ROBERTS, who still survives her husband, is a member of the Methodist Church and a most estimable lady.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.