JOHN J. ROBERTS.

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         John J. Roberts, who is serving as county assessor of Louisa county, an office which he has very acceptably filled for five years past, is a native of Columbia county, Wisconsin, born October 26, 1858. He comes of good Welsh stock and is a son of John H. and Jane (Williams) Roberts, both of whom were born in Wales. They emigrated to America in 1845 and took up their residence in Columbia county, Wisconsin. In 1864 Mr. Roberts arrived with his family in Iowa county, Iowa. He had previously worked at the stone mason’s trade but in . . .

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. . . Iowa county purchased sixty-four acres of land, which he cultivated until 1871, and then moved to Montgomery county, where he acquired one hundred and sixty acres. He continued upon this farm until his death, which occurred in February, 1887. The mother is now living and makes her home with the subject of this review. There were three children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Roberts; Anna, who is deceased; John J., of this review; and Ellen, who married H. A. Davis, of Louisa county.

         Mr. Roberts, whose name introduces this sketch, came to Iowa with his parents in early childhood and received advantages of a good common-school education. At the age of nineteen he secured a teacher’s certificate in Montgomery county and taught for thirteen winters in district schools, assisting his father each summer. He acquired an excellent reputation as an instructor and on that account was able to secure a position as teacher in the high school at Columbus Junction, where he continued for four years. He then taught one year at Cotter and in 1893 took up his residence in that place. He has worked at the carpenter’s trade also at various times and since 1906 has served as county assessor, a position which he ably filled, being well fitted by education and experience for the important responsibilities of the office.

         In politics Mr. Roberts is a republican and has great faith in the ability of the party to conduct the nation through any difficulties internal or external that may arise. He has served as school director and is now secretary of the school board. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America and can claim many warm friends in those organizations. He was reared in the Christian faith and is a valued member of the Presbyterian church. Capable and conscientious in the performance of his duties, he has gained the confidence of the people of the county and is known as a loyal and trustworthy citizen, whose word is as good as his bond and whose record is a credit alike to himself and the county of his adoption.