In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
From Past and present of Guthrie County, Iowa : together with biographical sketches of many of its prominent and leading citizens and illustrious dead (1907)
BEN ROBERTS.
Ben Roberts, engaged in farming on section 14, Seely township, is the owner of a well-improved property of one hundred and sixty acres equipped with good buildings, while the land is divided into fields of convenient size by well-kept fences. This is classed with the most productive farms of the township and in addition to the cultivation of the soil Mr. Roberts is making a specialty of the breeding and feeding of Poland China hogs.
He is a native of the neighboring state of Illinois, having been born in McLean county on the 13th of January, 1876. He is a brother of John and Charles Roberts, who are mentioned on another page of this work. Following the removal of the family to-Guthrie county during his early boyhood days he acquired his education in the public schools and has spent the remainder of his life upon a farm here. When not busy with his text-books his time was largely devoted to the work of the fields upon the old homestead and he remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age, when he started out in life on his own account, renting land until his labors had brought him a sufficient capital to enable him to purchase a farm. He invested his earnings in one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 14, Seely township, and he has since improved the place with a substantial residence and good outbuildings. Fie uses the latest improved machinery to carry on the work of the fields, which annually bring forth golden haiwests in reward.for the labor he has bestowed upon them. His work has been so systematically done and his methods have been so practical that his land is now rich and arable and his farm is considered one of the best of this locality. He has also found the breeding and feeding of Poland China hogs to be a profitable business and to it he gives much of his time and attention.
On the I St of January, 1905, Mr. Roberts was married to Miss Metta Jenkins, who was at that time a resident of Union township, Guthrie county, her parents having located in the county in the early days. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have two children, Helen, and Hazel, at home.
In his political views Mr. Roberts is a republican, havingsupported the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He and his wife are worthy people with a large circle of friends, and the hospitality of their own home is one of its most attractive features. Mr. Roberts has al-
=i8 ready gained a gratifying measure of success for one of his years and he displays those sterling traits of character which promise still larger success in the future.
As printed in Past and present of Guthrie County, Iowa : together with biographical sketches of many of its prominent and leading citizens and illustrious dead (1907). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1907. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.