October 29, 1937 issue of Petersburg Observer.
George C. Roberts Dies At Home In Greenview
Former Postmaster Dies At Seventy-Nine; Well Known Over Entire County
George C. Roberts, for many years postmaster of Greenview, and prominent in Republican politics in central Illinois, died at his home in Greenview Friday Oct. 22 at the age of almost eighty years.
He was born at Athens on February 3, 1858, the son of James T. and Alvira Hartwell Roberts. At the age of 10 years he moved with his parents from Athens to Greenview, where he lived until the time of his demise.
Mr. Roberts began learning the harness making trade when he was a young man of 16; later, in 1881, he went into business for himself, and conducted a very successful business for almost a half century, retiring in 1930.
In addition to his commercial interests he has served as Postmaster and Assistant Postmaster of Greenview for many years and has also been a member of the town board and the school board as well as a member of the official board of the First Christian Church.
On March 10, 1881, he was united in marriage to Miss Harriet E. Cleveland. To this union nine children were born, three passing away in infancy or childhood, and one son, Harry F. preceded his father in death on January 31, 1823, leaving five children who survive him: Herschel H. of Bloomington, Ill.; James T. of Lexington, Ky.; Mrs. Fern Johnson, of Greenview; Mrs. Dorothy Ridge of Greenview; and Mrs. Louise Nelson of Petersburg.
On April 5, 1929 his wife, Harriet, passed away, and on August 16, 1931 he was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Kincaid, who, together with the above named children, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren survive.
For many years he was a member of the Modern Woodmen camp No. 178 and was their secretary at the time of his death. He was also a member of Greenview lodge No. 652, A. F. & A. M. and was very active in both these fraternal organizations until his failing health made such activities impossible.
Early in life Mr. Roberts confessed his faith in Christ as his Savior and united with the Christian Church and remained a staunch and active member of the same until he was called to join the Church Triumphant.
Funeral services were held at the Christian Church in Greenview at 2 o'clock on Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. W. T. Nichols.
Interment was made at Sugar Grove cemetery.
Transcribed & Submitted by: Matthew.