The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1907-05-02
Widely Known Pioneer of the
County Passed Away Thurs.
day Night
INFLUENTIAL IN THE COUNTY
Death Came as Result of an Attack of
Pneumonia of Three Days Dura-
tion-Death Ends Woodwork
Mans Notable Career

/ N - NOOCIISs secretary Oh the ne"
nosha Old Settlers Club and a man
widely known throughout Kenosha
and Racine counties, died at his home
in the village of Woodwork, in the
town of Bristol, just after eight
O'Clock Thursday evening. Death
came as the result of an attack of
| pneumonia and Mr.. Roberts had been
Ill for only few days. Last Satur-
day while working about his home he
contracted a slight cold which rapidly
developed into pneumonia and he
sank rapidly until the end came.
The death of r. r. Roberts removes
one of the best known men in the
county. The announcement of the
news of his death was received with
sorrow by his life long friends
in Kenosha. Mr.. Roberts had
taken such an interest in the affairs
of the old settlers that his name had
| become closely linked with the history
of the older days in Kenosha and for
many years he had been the life of
the Old Settlers Association. Up to
his last illness he had taken a great
interest in his work and one Of the
last letters he wrote was in regard to
the work of the association.
For several years Mr.. Roberts had
been growing feeble but during the
past few weeks he had shown con-
siderable Improvement and his rela-
tives and friends had hoped that he
would be spared for another year of
usefulness.
Robert f. Roberts was born at
Pater, Pembrokeshire, Wales, August
81, 1888. He was son of the late
John and Lydia Faulkner Roberts and
of distinguished Welsh lineage. Mr..
Roberts came to America With his
parents in 1874, and for six years the
family resided in Canada. In the fall
of 184o the family came to Wisconsin
and settled in the town of Bristol.
He was still living at theaold home
stead when death came.
Mr.. Roberts grew to manhood on
the farm and after year as teacher
in the schools of Bristol he went to
He then took up work as travelling
salesman for Higgins & Washburn,
pioneer marble dealers of Racine, and
he remained at this work for nearly
twenty years. Then he returned to
the farm and had since given his time
to this work.
Mr.. Roberts was believer in the
strenuous life. and was active in many
fields of labor. For yearsshe served
in the capacity of postmaster at the
village of Woodwork. He was JUS
tice of the peace for many years in
Bristol, and Notwithstanding his
many duties, he found time for liter
airy and newspaper work. He was at
one time one OF the Wisconsin cores
pondents for the New York Tribune
and served for time as the editor of
the Kenosha Telegraph. For years
he had contributed articles to the
various papers in Southern Wiscon-
sin. He showed great ability as a
| writer. Mr.. Roberts was member Of
the Congregational church and he
had written much in regard to the
church work and was often leader
at the church conferences.
Mr.. Roberts had hobby and that
hobby was the Kenosha Old Settlers
club. He was influential in the or
ganization of the Old Settlers club
and in 1889 he was elected to the Of
fee of secretary. From that time on
his work for the club was notab BILE
He has served in the office ever since
and when falling health came the di-
rectors of the club refused to retire
| him, but elected his son, Frank
Roberts, as assistant secretary. Mr..
Roberts was the life of the organiza-
ton. He was the man that brought
about it's incorporation and it is
largely to him that the present sue
cess of the organization is due.
In October 1860 Mr.. Roberts was
married to Mary a. Moore, who with
one son, Frank D. Roberts, of Wood
worth, survives him. Mr.. Roberts is
survived by three brothers, John H.
of ST. Paul, William E.. of Turin,
Iowa, and George F. of Racine.
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