My Genealogy Hound

Benjamin J. Roberts, miller, and a citizen of Greenfield, Tenn., was born in Orange County, N. C., July 21, 1834. His father dying when he was small, he was reared by his mother, and received a good common school and business education. At the breaking out of the war, he enlisted in Company A, Thirty-first Tennessee Infantry, and was orderly sergeant of the same until 1862, when he was promoted to the captaincy, which position he held until he was severely wounded at Perryville, Ky., and unfitted for further active duties. He returned home in March, 1865, after an absence of nearly four years. He taught school two years, and then worked at the carpenter’s trade several years. In February, 1869, he married Saluda B., daughter of B. J. and Saluda S. Milner, of Obion County, Tenn., after which he located in Ralston Station, where he continued his occupation until 1879. He then removed to Gardner’s Station, and purchased a one-third interest in a flouring-mill, and there resided until 1882, when he came to Greenfield, and, in company with G. B. Patterson, purchased a flour and saw-mill, which he has operated to the present time. In 1883 he was elected magistrate of Greenfield, which position he resigned in October, 1884. In June, 1873, he was elected county superintendent of schools, to fill the unexpired term of E. H. Hatcher, and was twice re-elected to the same office, his last term expiring in December of 1875. He is a Democrat, and has been a Mason since 1863. His wife was born on the 4th of March, 1849. His parents were Rev. John and Eunice (Rogers) Roberts. The father was born in North Carolina, in 1773, and was of Irish descent. His first marriage, which occurred November 13, 1800, was blessed in the birth of thirteen children. Mrs. Roberts died September 28, 1828, and November 18, 1830, he wedded Eunice Rogers, who has borne him six children. In 1835 he came to Tennessee, where he farmed and preached the Gospel. He died May 15, 1840, and his wife in March, 1873.