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History of Adair
County, Iowa, 1915.

Biographical.  Volume 2.

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James W. Roberts.

Agricultural interests find a worthy representative in James W. Roberts, who is living on section 17, Grand River township, where he is busily and successfully engaged in the usual work of the farm.  He has always lived in this county, his birth having occurred in Harrison township of the 9th of July, 1861, his parents being John and Emily (McDonald) Roberts, natives of Indiana and Illinois respectively.  They arrived in Adair county in childhood with their parents, were here reared and in 1860 were married.  They have resided continuously in Grand River and Harrison townships since that time, now making their home in the latter.  Mrs. Roberts is today the oldest living resident of Adair county in years of continuous residence therein, for she arrived on the 4th of July, 1850.  It was not until four years later, or in 1854, that John Roberts became a resident of the county.

James W. Roberts was reared upon the old home place and the district schools afforded him the educational privileges, supplemented by a business course in Drake University at Des Moines.  After studying there he returned to Adair county and for three years gave his attention to educational work, teaching school in Grand River township through three winter seasons, while the summer months were devoted to farming.

In March, 1886, Mr. Roberts was joined in wedlock to Miss Eva Tullis, of Grand River township, and the following year they took up their abode upon a rented farm on section 4 of that township.  In due time Mr. Roberts purchased this farm, then comprising one hundred and twenty acres, but as his financial resources increased he kept adding to his place.  He remained upon the farm until 1902, when the vote of his fellow townsmen called him to public office, electing him county recorder of Adair county.  He then removed to Greenfield, where he filled the position most acceptably for three terms, or six years, discharging the duties of the office in a most prompt and capable manner.  After the expiration of his third term he removed to his present home farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 17, Grand River township, having purchased the property during his residence in Greenfield.  His time and energy are now devoted to the further development and improvement of this place, which is a well kept farm, having upon it many substantial and modern improvements.  In addition to this property he is a stockholder in the Lincoln Township Mutual Telephone Company and a stockholder in the Adair County Fair Association.

To Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have been born three children:  Olie Grace, the wife of C. A. Hoyt, living at Silver City, Iowa;  and James T. and Lloyd A., both at home.  The family is well known and the hospitality of the best homes of the township and county is freely extended to them.  Mr. Roberts is a prominent republican and in 1912 was the candidate of his party for state representative and, notwithstanding it was the year of the great democratic landslide, he was defeated by but eighteen votes.  He is a member of Greenfield Lodge, No. 375, I. O. O. F., and also holds membership with the Woodmen of the World.  He has wielded considerable influence over public thought and action and none question the integrity of his opinions even though they differ from him.  He has made an excellent record in office, has been progressive and reliable in business affairs and in every relation has merited and won the confidence and goodwill of those with whom he has been brought in contact.

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