Notes |
- James acquired his education during the winter terms of the district
schools, and was reared to the pursuit of agriculture. This pleasant
and health-giving occupation he has pursued throughout the years of
his active life, and, although he has owned and managed several
different farms, he had always made his home within the limits of his
native county, each change that he has made having been an
advantageous one. He began his independent career as a farmer in the
old log house in which he drew the first breath of life, and made his
first purchase of land on the old town line in Sparta, where he lived
in the log house, which constituted the principal improvement of the
farm, occupying it for two years. Selling that, Mr. Roberts bought
the old McKay homestead, on which he lived for four years, in the mean
time adding greatly to its improvement, and largely increasing its
value, so that he disposed of it at an advanced price. The following
two years he owned and managed a farm on Mount Morris Ridge.
Receiving a flattering offer for it, he sold, and moved two miles
south, on the Mount Morris Road, where he lived five and one-half
years. He then sold that, and returned to the old homestead, where he
resided six months.
Mr. Roberts's next purchase of land was in Dansville, where he stayed
three years, prosperously engaged in farming. Thence he removed to
Mount Morrris, locating on the State Road, where he lived four years,
adding much needed improvements to the farm before disposing of it.
In the town of Mount Morris he resided for the next fourteen years,
owning different places, and winning a substantial reputation as an
energetic and industrious farmer and shrewed and far-seeing business
man. Then, after living in the town of Portage for a year, Mr.
Roberts rented his farm there, an removed to the town of Nunda, where
he is numbered among the most respected citizens.
Mr. Roberts, who in his earlier years was a Whig, and cast his first
Presidental vote for Henry Clay in 1844, had been an active Republican
since the formation of the party. Both he and his estimable wife
were devout members of the Presbyterian church of Nunda, having united
with it many years ago.[CI:215:?4:CI]
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