My Genealogy Hound

F. O. Roberts, a resident farmer of Union township, living on section 3 since 1901, was born in Lincoln township, this county, January 17, 1862. His father, C. G. Roberts, was a native of Morrow county, Ohio, and a farmer by occupation. He was married in the Buckeye state to Miss Catherine Beebe and they removed from Ohio to Iowa in 1856, settling in Union county. While the greater part of this state was then largely wild and unimproved, a band of settlers were making their way within its borders and reclaiming the wild prairie to be converted into fine farms. Mr. Roberts secured a tract of land in Lincoln township and his labors transformed the place into rich and productive fields, which he continued to cultivate for many years. Annually he raised good crops which found a ready sale on the market, and from the profits he put away certain sums year after year until he had acquired a capital sufficient to enable him now to live in honorable retirement, from further labor, in Afton. He has reached the venerable age of eighty-six years, while his wife is eighty-five years of age. This worthy and highly esteemed couple had a family of thirteen children, nine of whom reached adult age.

Frank O. Roberts, whose name introduces this record, was reared on the old homestead farm and enjoyed the educational advantages afforded by the district schools. He remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority and afterward worked for ten years at feeding cattle in the employ of W. W. Morrow, state treasurer. He has led a life of untiring activity and industry, and upon these qualities has builded the success that he is now enjoying and which classes him with the substantial agriculturists of the community.

As a companion and helpmate for the journey of life, Mr. Roberts chose Miss Rosa Wood, the marriage ceremony being performed in Highland township, August 22, 1895. She was born in Ohio and was a daughter of Reuben Wood, one of the early settlers who opened up a new farm in Union county in pioneer times. Mr. Roberts, prior to his marriage, purchased eighty acres of land in Grant township which he improved, making his home thereon for six years. He then sold that property and invested in one hundred and sixty acres of land where he now resides and which he has since been improving, building a large barn thereon and adding many other substantial and modern equipments. He is extensively engaged in feeding cattle, which business he has followed for a number of years, annually shipping from five to six car loads. He makes a specialty of raising Herefords and he also raises Chester White hogs, selling about two carloads per year. He now gives considerable attention to Shropshire sheep, which is a comparatively new department to his business.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have been born two children but they lost the elder son, Harold, in infancy. The younger, Glen W., is at home. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are members of the Presbyterian church of Afton and are interested in much that pertains to public progress and improvement here. In politics he is an earnest republican in support of the candidates for state and national offices but at local elections, where no issue is involved, casts an independent ballot. He has been township clerk for several years. He has been a delegate to several conventions and at all times he stands loyally in support of what he believes to be for the best interests of the community. In his business life he started out empty-handed but the opportunities which surround all have been improved by him, with the result that his business career has been characterized by orderly progression and he is today the owner of an excellent and well improved farm, which indicates in its attractive appearance the care and labor which he bestows upon it.