The life of John Roberts, in Virginia, was confined to labor by the month, and October 19, 1834, he emigrated with an elder brother on horseback to Indiana. Just before reaching Indianapolis, the company into which they had fallen learned that it was John's birthday and so he had to treat the party. Though the "drinks" cost but 3 cents each, it took nearly all the money he had.
He settled in Fountain County, and worked by the month until his marriage, September 20, 1835, to Mrs. Catherine Marvin, a widow with two children, daughter of Frederick Allenduff, which union was graced by twelve children -- Isaac, Frederick A., Elizabeth, John, Jordan, Nancy A., Samuel M., Thomas J., Mary C., Eliza J., Charles B. And Phebe C.
In 1850, Mr. Roberts purchased 160 acres in this township (farm was in Grant Township, Benton County), and two years later moved there-on. In farming and stock-raising he has been successful, and at one time owned nearly 900 acres. He is a Republican. Came to Indiana on account of slavery, and gave his first vote for President to Gen. Harrison. He has been Township Trustee and is much esteemed.
From Counties of Warren, Benton, Jasper and Newton, Indiana, Historical and Biographical Illustrated published Chicago, 1883. Reprinted in 1994 by Warren County Historical Society, P.O. Box 176, Williamsport, Indiana 47993.
