Mr. Roberts, in 1837, was married to Miss Emeline McGinnis, a native of Washington County Tenn. Her parents came to Morgan County in 1825. Mr. Roberts is now the happy possessor of 600 broad acres of land, well improved, and in a good state of cultivation.

William Roberts, father of the subject of this sketch, was also a native of Washington County, Tenn. He married Miss Eve Ruble, of Pennsylvania, whose parents emigrated to Tennessee at an early day. Our subject had eleven brothers and sisters: One brother, Joseph, married Caroline Sargent, of Sangamon County, Ill., where he is engaged in farming; they have six children. Samuel married Eve Seymour, of Morgan County; he enlisted in the late war, and was one of the many thousands who gave their lives in defense of their country. He was killed at the battle of Peach Tree Creek, Ga., leaving a widow and three children, who are now living in Morgan County.

In the family of Peter Roberts, whose name heads this sketch, are four children: Thomas, James, Douglas, and Hardin. Douglas married Miss Lulu Dickinson, of Morgan County, and is a farmer; they have seven children. Hardin married a lady in Texas, where he is residing, following the occupation of lawyer and teacher. The rest of the children are at home.

The subject of this sketch is one of the pioneers of Morgan County, and is a man of ability. He was elected Colonel of the 22d Illinois Militia, a position he filled with credit to himself and the service for seven years. He inherited his soldierly qualities from his father, who served with distinguished honor in the war of 1812. He is engaged in a general farming business, and has been eminently successful in business affairs. His neighbors can testify to the fact that there is no more public spirited man in the community than Col. Roberts. His son, Douglas, is superintendent of the farm.

Col. Roberts is a Democrat, and cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson, so that it will be seen that he is not a recent recruit in the Democratic party.