JOHN A. ROBERTS, farmer, P. O. Jonesboro, born in White County, Tenn., February 8, 1851, is a son of J. W. Roberts, who was born in Virginia, but moved to Tennessee when quite young, and there he followed the occupation of a farmer, raising a large family. When he died in 1867, he left the record of a good and exemplary life behind him. In the latter part of his life, he served this county as its County Clerk, and then in the spring of 1867 he commenced teaching penmanship, and it was while following his profession in Arkansas that his death occurred. He was married in Tennessee to Sarah Underwood, who died in 1862. This lady was the mother of six children, now living — Elizabeth, wife of W. M. Mulican; May J., wife of M. C. Jones; William C., George W., John A. and Joseph H. Mrs. Roberts' grandfather, Thomas Underwood, was a soldier in the Mexican war. Our subject had five brothers in the civil war, viz.: Jasper P., who was killed at the battle of Perryville, Ky.; James M., killed in DeKalb County, Tenn.; William C., George W., and Thomas N., who died in 1879. Our subject received his education in White and De Kalb Counties, Tenn., and came to this county in December, 1868, where he engaged in the saw-mill business. When he arrived here, he had only the small sum of 75 cents to begin life with, but with perseverance and good management he has bettered his condition so that he now has a farm of 200 acres, purchased in 1880, on which he intends to raise stock. In politics, he is identified with the Democratic party. He was married, October 9, 1882, to Narcissa Lumpkin, born in Caldwell County, Ky., December 12, 1855, and daughter of Charles A. and Sarah (Baker) Lumpkin.
Extracted 02 Apr 2017 by Norma Hass from 1883 History of Alexander, Union, and Pulaski Counties, Illinois, Part V, page 111.
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