Buena Vista County, IA
IAGenWeb Project

Joseph Roberts, one of the most enterprising, wide-awake and thoroughly up-to-date business men of Buena Vista county, has for the past seventeen years been successfully engaged in the drug trade at Linn Grove, Iowa.  His birth occurred at Mineral Point, Wisconsin, in 1873, his parents being Grif and Maggie (Morris) Roberts, natives of Wales.  Here they spent the remainder of their lives, both passing away in the year 1875.

Joseph Roberts obtained his education in the public schools of Sioux Rapids and, being left an orphan when but three years of age, was early thrown upon his own resources.  At the age of fifteen he secured employment as a farm hand, being thus busily engaged for a few years, while in his twentieth year he was made assistant in the postoffice [sic] at Linn Grove.  In 1892 he here established himself in business as a druggist and has since conducted a well appointed store, his extensive stock and reliable dealings insuring him a liberal and ever increasing patronage.

In 1893 Mr. Roberts was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Powell, a daughter of T. and Anna (Edwards) Powell, natives of Wisconsin.  They have no children of their own but are rearing an adopted son, Charles.

Politically Mr. Roberts is a stalwart republican and his helpful interest in the cause of education is indicated by his efficient service as a school director.  Fraternally he is connected with the Elks Lodge, No. 302, of Webster City, Iowa; the Masonic Blue Lodge at Sioux Rapids; Crusade Commandery, No. 39, K. T., Cherokee; Sioux Rapids Chapter, No. 129, R. A. M.; and Za Ga Zig Temple, at Des Moines, Iowa.  He also belongs to Camp No. 4854, Modern Woodmen of America, at Linn Grove.  Being deprived of parental guidance and assistance at an early age, he knew that to win success he must work diligently and perseveringly and because of the qualities he has thus manifested he has gained a place among the most prosperous as well as highly esteemed citizens of the community.