R.R. Roberts (Biography)

[genealogynut]

Taken from History of the State of Kansas, by William G. Cutler

R.R. ROBERTS, farmer, P.O. Elk Falls, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in 1830, emigrated to Peoria, Ill., in 1848, where he was engaged in the marble business.  In 1862, he enlisted in the Seventy-third Illinois Infantry, serving three years, was wounded and captured at the battle of Chickamauga in September 1863, and was taken to Libby Prison, at Richmond, VA., and from there to Danville, and then to Andersonville, where he was held from March 1864, until September 1864, from there to Florence, where he was confined until March 1, 1865, when the prisoners were turned over to the Government.  He then returned to Illinois, and remained there until 1869, when he removed to Kansas, and came to Howard County, before the treaty was made with the Indians, and took a claim on  Elk River.  There were but few settlers there, and it was 110 miles to a railroad point.  His claim was on Sections 12 and 13, Township 31, Range 11, consisting of 212 acres with eighty acres of timber.  The balance of the place is nearly all under cultivation.  He has a fine orchard and a good farm; is raising stock, being in that business the most of the time he has been here, and from 1871 until 1878 was shipping stock.  SInce then he has done considerable business in mining in Colorado, and has at present stock in several mines.  He maried in 1854, and lost his wife the following year.  In 1858 he was again married to Miss Elizabeth J. Elmore, of Illinois.  They have six children -- Lew E., Margaret F., Sallie K., R.R.Jr., J. N. and Elizabeth G.  He is a member of Rollins Post, No. 26, Grand Army of the Republic, and of Meridan Lodge, No. 126, A. F. & A. M.