B. M. ROBERTS.

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         B. M. Roberts, who engages in general farming and stock-raising in Union township, was born in Muscatine county on the 12th of May, 1863, and is the only child born to Moses M. and Fannie Roberts. The father is a native of New Hampshire and the mother of Iowa, but they were married in the latter state, where for many years Mr. Roberts was engaged in agricultural pursuits upon the old homestead where his son is now living. He is still living at the age of seventy-five years and now makes his home in Winfield, Iowa, where he is living retired.

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         In the acquirement of his education B. M. Roberts attended the common schools, while assisting his father with the work of the farm. After laying aside his text-books he gave his entire attention to agricultural pursuits, and at the present time he is engaged in the operation of his father’s farm, which contains one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 6, Union township.

         On the 18th of August, 1886, Mr. Roberts was married to Miss Mary E. Wallace, who was born in Washington county, Iowa, and is a daughter of William and Margaret Wallace. Her father is a native of Ohio, and her mother of Iowa. They were married in Washington county, where for many years Mr. Wallace was engaged in agricultural pursuits. Since the death of his wife in June, 1908, he has been living a retired life on his old homestead in Louisa county. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wallace: Seigel, who is residing in Iowa City; Mary E., now Mrs. Roberts; and James P., who is a resident of Rock Island, Illinois.

         The family of Mr. and Mrs. Roberts did number seven but one is now deceased. They are as follows: Della May, who was born in July, 1887, and is now the wife of John Waltz, of Louisa county; William M., born in 1889; Sadie P., in February, 1894; James M., in January, 1898; Daisy M., in July, 1899; Bonnie P., in May, 1905; and Albert Leo, who died in infancy.

         Mr. Roberts always votes with the republican party but has never been an office seeker. Although progressive and public spirited in matters of citizenship he has never felt that the discharge of his duties necessitated public service.