Biographies

MRS. ANN ROBERTS, who for some years has resided in Henderson County, making her home on section 36, Gladstone Township, is a native of England. Her parents, William and Elizabeth (Roberts) Griffith, were also natives of England, the former born in Llanllowell, Monmouthshire, in 1776, and the latter in 1804. They were married in January, 1833, in Llanllowell Church, and when called to the home beyond were buried in the churchyard. The father and grandfather of William Griffith were born in the same parish.

William Griffith and wife had the following children: Mrs. Ann Roberts, William, Elizabeth, Catherine, Thomas, Mrs. Sarah King, Mrs. Mary Williams, Edward and Mrs. Emma Williams.

Mrs. Roberts of this sketch spent her girlhood days in her parents' home, where she became familiar with all the duties of the houshold. After attaining to womanhood she gave her hand in marriage to Thomas Roberts, a native of Newport, England. The wedding ceremony was performed in June, 1854, at the Stow Church in Newport, and they began their domestic life in their native land, where they continued to reside until 1862. In that year they bade adieu to home and friends and sailed for the United States, believing that in the New World they would have better opportunities of securing a comfortable competence.

Immediately after landing in New York, they made their way to Illinois, and settled in Henderson County, where Mrs. Roberts has since lived. Their capital at that time consisted of $1,000, which they had saved up in England, and which they then invested in land, a part of the present farm.

Mr. Roberts gave his time and attention to the labors of the field, and the wife to the duties of the household. In this way, by careful management, their financial resources were increased, and they were enabled to add to their home the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.

Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, namely: Thomas, who was born July 2, 1855; William, April 2, 1856; George, September 19, 1857; Hannah, who was born November 26, 1858, and is the wife of Arthur Gray; Mary, born September 22, 1860, and the wife of Thomas Gray; Mrs. Emma Russell, born November 29, 1862; Annie, February 15, 1864; Mrs. Sallie Walburn, born April 29, 1869; and Arthur, born on the 19th of November, 1871.

Mr. Roberts was a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the lodge in Gladstone. In politics, he was a supporter of Democratic principles, but his widow believes in the principles of the Republican party. In connection with general farming, he carried on stock-raising, and in both branches of his business met with fair success. He was thus employed until called to the home beyond, on the 25th of November, 1875

Since her husband's death, Mrs. Roberts has managed the property and has added to her farm, until now four hundred acres of valuable land yield to her a good income. She is a lady of energy and good executive ability, and all who know her hold her in high esteem.

From the Portrait and Biographical Record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson Counties, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county (1894)
May, 1894. Lake City Publishing Co.