Roberts, Joseph H., 1844-1921

ROBERTS, MCARTHUR

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/29/2016 at 22:06:15

From the Rock Valley Bee, December 23, 1921:

DEATH OF JOSEPH ROBERTS

Joseph Roberts passed away at his home in Rock Valley early Saturday morning [December 17], following an illness of two months or more, aged seventy seven years, one month and twenty-three days. Mr. Roberts was taken sick some two months ago, but at times he seemed to improve and to be on the way to recovery. About a week before his death a change for the worse came and he continued to grow weaker until the end came.

He was a man who was highly esteemed by all who knew him, in fact, his friends were numbered only by his acquaintances. He was a man of a kind and generous disposition and always had a pleasant word for those with whom he came in contact. He was a kind husband and father, and a good neighbor, friend and citizen.

The subject of this sketch was born in Utica, New York, October 24, 1844. He spent a part of his early life there, and in 1858 went with his parents to Sycamore, Illinois, where he grew to manhood. In 1865 he went to Waterloo, Iowa, and three years later he was united in marriage to Catherine McArthur. To this union four children were born, two boys and two girls, Arthur of Hancock, Minn.; Grant, of Canistota, S.D.; and Cora and Edna, of Rock Valley. All were here and preset at the funeral service.

After living a year in Waterloo, Mr. and Mrs. Roberts moved to Greene, Iowa, where hey resided twelve years. In 1882 they moved to Sioux County and located on a farm south of Rock Valley where they lived until 1891 when the family moved in Rock Valley, where for the past thirty years they have resided continuously. Mr. Roberts was a member of the United Presbyterian church.

Funeral services were held in the Methodist church in Rock Valley Monday afternoon, the services being conducted by Rev. A. F. Schuldt. The remains were taken to Valley View Cemetery for burial. Many beautiful floral offerings were in evidence as tokens of the high esteem in which the deceased was held.

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An obituary containing much the same information was also published in the Alton Democrat, Rock Valley News, December 24, 1921. It characterizes him as a highly esteemed and respected pioneer citizen of Rock Valley; adds that he died of pernicious anemia; and says that in 1891 he retired from active pursuits, moving into Rock Valley

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The Sioux County Cemetery Index has Roberts, Joseph H., b. 24 Oct 1844, d. 17 Dec. 1921, Father, Valley View Cem Rock Valley IA.