Kentucky: A History of the State, Battle, Perrin, & Kniffin, 2nd ed., 1885, Hancock Co. W. S. ROBERTS, attorney-at-law, was born in Hawesville, July 7, 1851. His father was George H. Roberts, a native of Breckinridge County and a descendant of an old and highly respected Virginia family. George Roberts was for many years a successful coal trader, operating extensive mines in Hancock County, but later in life engaged in farming, which vocation he followed until his death, which occurred May 16, 1863. Subject's mother was Elvira Roberts, daughter of Thomas Patterson, one of the early residents of Hancock County. She was born in the State of Missouri, and died in Hancock County in 1861. W. S. is the eldest of a family of five children. He received his early education in the common schools of the county and Cloverport Academy, and later attended several terms at Cecilian College, Hardin County. After quitting school he engaged in farming, which he followed until twenty years of age, when he commenced reading law with G. W. Williams, Esq., of Owensboro, remaining in that city for one year. He then came to Hawesville and entered the office of E. E. Pate, with whom he prosecuted his legal studies until 1872, in which year he was admitted to the bar, receiving a license to practice from Judges Cofer and Stites. He at once took front rank as a practitioner, and at the present time is one of the most successful attorneys in Hawesville, having a large and lucrative practice in Hancock and adjoining counties. He was elected county attorney in 1874, which position he held two years, acquitting himself with the almost universal declaration that he made one of the best officials Hancock County ever had. He was reelected to the same office in 1878, but refused to serve, and since that time he has been actively engaged in the practice of his profession. He belongs to the I.O.O.F, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, belonging to the Hawesville congregation. Mr. Roberts was married September 16, 1878, to Miss Mattie Miller, daughter of John A. and B. A. Miller, of Missouri. One child is the fruit of this union, Ruth, born December 6, 1881. Roberts Patterson Williams Pate Cofer Stites Miller = Breckinridge-KY VA MO Hardin-KY http://www.rootsweb.com/~kygenweb/kybiog/hancock/roberts.ws.txt