Biographical Sketch of

Lewis J. Roberts

Transcribed by Joan Benner for the Marquette Co WI Pages



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 535 - 536


Lewis J. Roberts, who is numbered among the early settlers of Green Lake 
County, now resides in section 27, in the town of Manchester. He was born 
in North Wales, on the 26th of November, 1815, and is a son of Lewis and 
Elizabeth (Thomas) Roberts, who were the parents of six children, four 
sons and two daughters, only two of whom are yet living: John died in 
Wales, and the death of Thomas also occurred in his native land. Lewis 
J., of this sketch is the next in order of birth; Margaret, wife of Ellis 
Richards, died in Columbia County, Wis.; Elizabeth is the wife of Thomas 
Thomas of New York City, whom she married since coming to America, and 
Robert died at the age of six years. The father of the fmaily died in 
his native country in 1883, having survived his wife many years, her 
death occurring in 1826. Mr. Roberts was a man of high moral character, 
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was respected by all who 
knew him. 

Lewis J., the subject of this notice, passed his early life upon a farm 
mid play and work and in the common schools of the neighborhood acquired 
his education. When he had attained to man's estate, he was joined in 
wedlock with Mary Roberts, the union being celebrated in Wales Feb. 25, 
1840. They there began their domestic life, but ten years afterwards, 
bidding good-bye to home and friends, they set sail for America where Mr. 
Roberts determined to try his fortune. He first located in Dodge County, 
Wis., where he resided for three years. He then came to Green Lake County,
purchasing 110 acres of land on Section 27 in the town of Marshfield, to 
which he has since added until he now owns 225 acres of land. He is a man 
of great energy and perseverance and without delay began the work of 
improving and cultivating his farm and may now well be proud of his 
efforts. At the time of his arrival the county was but in its infancy, 
little having been done towards placing it in its present advanced 
position. Since that time, the raw prairie has been transformed into 
richly cultivated farms, the little log cabins have been replaced by 
beautiful and comfortable homes, villages have grown into cities, large 
business industries have been established and the work of progress and 
advancement has been carried forward at such a rapid rate that it seems 
almost incredible when we think of the few short years that have passed 
since all was as nature formed it. Mr. Roberts has ever taken an active 
part in the work of transformation and is a public-spirited and 
progressive citizen. He casts his ballot with the Republican party and 
is deeply interested in its success, but has never sought public office, 
preferring to devote his attention to his business in which he has been 
eminently successful. He is prominent in the promotion of the cause of 
education and never hesitates to give his support to the church or any 
enterprise which will benefit the public. He and his wife are members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church and hold a high position in the social 
world.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, nine in number, are as follows: 
Elizabeth, wife of William Williams of Pennsylvania; William, who is at 
home; Sarah, wife of Henry Pritchard of Columbia County, Wis.; John, who 
married Miss Elizabeth Edwards of Watertown, is now a resident of Green 
Lake County; Mary is the wife of Edward Stevens of West Bangor, 
Pennsylvania; Jane wedded John Williams of Green Lake County; Lewis died 
at the age of twenty-one years, and Thomas died at the age of twelve 
years. Margaret, the sixth child, married John E. Jones, a Methodist 
minister, and resides at Exonia, Wis. Mrs. Roberts was born in Wales 
July 22, 1821. 






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