My Genealogy Hound

ISAAC MILTON ROBERTS. In driving about this section of Ohio and viewing the fine farms which abound, one would form a high opinion of the agricultural skill which is displayed by the proprietors of the various estates, and enjoy the general air of prosperity which the country presents. The fertile soil of Clark County has been well improved, and but few farms can be seen within its bounds which do not bear good buildings and other evidences of thrift. The gentleman with whose name this sketch is introduced, is one of the representative farmers and stockmen of Moorefield Township, owning and occupying one hundred and eight acres of land on section 35. His financial standing is chiefiy due to his own efforts, and the success with which he is meeting redounds to his credit as a man of enterprise and good judgment.

The father of our subject was James H. Roberts, a native of Berkeley County, Va., and his mother, Mary Wren, was born about eight miles west of Alexandria, in the same State. The father was a tanner by trade and left his native State with the intention of starting a tannery at Lawrenceburg, Ind. His wife sickened and died, and he then came to Ohio, making a permanent settlement here about 1811. Purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of Government land in Moorefield Township, Clark County, he remained upon it until his death December 19, 1863. He settled in the woods, putting up a log cabin which was replaced in later years by a brick house, the material for which was burnt by himself. The latter edifice is still standing with some enlargements and improvements. Mr. Roberts was a hard-working man and one who enjoyed the confidence of his fellowmen. He succeeded well in worldly affairs and not only assisted his children in getting a start in life, but left to his family an estate of two hundred and fifty acres. His first party affiliation was with the Whigs and during the “apple cider campaign” he voted for Gen. W. H. Harrison; he afterward became identified with the Republican party. he was a fine looking man, possessing a good physique and great strength, which was preserved even under heavy labor by his temperate habits.

The parental family was a large one, the surviving children of the first wife being William, whose home is in Iowa, and Rebecca, wife of William Dunlap, of the same State. Of the children born by his second wife, the following are now living: Agnes in Moorefield Township; John W. in Champaign County; Joseph in Champaign County, Ill.; Louisa, Catherine and Lucy in Springfield; Amanda, wife of Samuel Hodge, in Champaign County, Ohio; Thomas H. and Isaac M. in Moorefield Township.

The subject of this sketch was born June 28, 1839, in the county where he is now so well known. He received his early education in the district schools of the neighborhood and upon the foundation laid therein has by reading and observation built a structure of abundant information. During his early life he assisted in the labor which belongs to farm life in countries which are not yet fully developed, and gained a knowledge of agriculture which has led to his success in later years. The principles of government and the love of country which had been instilled into his breast led him to take up arms in defense of the Union, during the late War, and on August 7, 1862, he became a private in Company G, Ninety-fourth Ohio Infantry.

The first general under whom Mr. Roberts served was Buell, who was succeeded by Rosecrans, and still later he was in the forces of Gen. Sherman. The first memorable battle in which he took part was the desperate struggle at Perryville. At Stone River he was sick and in the wagon train in the rear which was captured by Wheeler’s Cavalry. He was paroled and sent to Camp Chase, and finally exchanged and sent to Chattanooga where he participated in the siege. His regiment formed a part of the brigade sent to reinforce Hooker at Lookout Mountain, and the next day he was in the great charge of Mission Ridge. He also participated in the notable engagements at Resaca, Pumpkin Vine Creek, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, and the Siege of Atlanta. He took part in the entire Atlanta campaign, and the glorious march to the sea, as well as in the return through the Carolinas, the last general engagement at which he was present being the battle of Bentonville.

After having served his country faithfully and efficiently until the war was over, Mr. Roberts returned to his native State and county, where he has since resided. He has served as School Director and whether in office or out is interested in the advancement of the cause of education. In politics he is a firm Republican. His wife bore the maiden name of Susan M. Chaney and the rites of wedlock were celebrated between them January 8, 1867. She is the daughter of James and Ruth (Layton) Chaney, who were natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. They died in Bethel Township, Clark County, where their daughter was born December 22, 1843. They have no children.