THE HAND OF DEATH.
R. M. Roberts Falls Dead on
the Street a Victim of Apoplexy
of the Heart.
Richard M. Roberts, ex-sheriff of Jasper County and probably the best known man in the county, left his home on the corner of Virginia avenue and Second street shortly before 7 o'clock this morning apparently in his usual state of health, but in less than fifteen minutes later he was carried back into the house unconscious and breathing his last.
He had taken a bundle of his clothes down to the laundry on Second street, between Main and Joplin and then started back to Main street to go down to Marquis' for his breakfast. He had crossed Second street and was just in the act of stepping up on the curb stone at the corner of Main and Second, west side, when he fell back onto Second street. Some men on the street who saw him fall rushed to his assistance, but he was unconscious and apparently dying. Dr. Wolf, whose office is across the street, was summoned and at the suggestion of Col. Pierce, who happened to be at the scene, the men present picked up the prostrate man and carried him to his home and laid him tenderly on the bed and the doctor proceeded to examine him, but found without difficulty that he was beyond human aid and that he had fallen a victim to apoplexy of the heart. He continued to breathe about ten minutes after the fatal stroke, but did not regain consciousness.
The news of the sudden death as it spread along Main street caused everybody to stop and question, and looks of distress were plainly visible on the features of all, for everybody knew "Dick" Roberts and held him in high esteem.
Mr. Roberts was about fifty-six years old and had been a resident of Joplin since the fall of 1872 removing to this place from Hannibal, Mo. where he had married a most estimable young lady, Miss Julia Porter, daughter of Judge G. Porter. Shortly after his arrival here he and his brother-in-law, E. D. Porter, now president of the Rex Mining Co., engaged in the grocery business at the corner of Main and First streets. In 1880 he was elected sheriff of Jasper county, and he then retired from the mercantile business and gave his entire attention to his official duties which he did so creditably that he was re-elected two years later. After serving four years as sheriff he retired from office and engaged in business as a merchandise broker, which he continued in up to the time of his death.
Just previous to his election to the office of sheriff he served two years as mayor of Joplin, having been nominated at a mass convention which was presided over by W. M. Carter and at the election he received a very large vote.
In the meantime the saddest blow of his life befell him. His wife, who he almost idolized, was taken from him by death. This occurred about twelve years ago. She left him three bright and promising children who have been a great comfort to him since, but he has seen them only occasionally, as after their mother's death realizing that it would be better for them, he sent the children to live with their grand parents at Hannibal and they have made that their home ever since. His children were Nellie, who is now Mrs. Dr. Young and lives at Stockton, CA; Miss Dot, aged sixteen, and Master Porter, aged thirteen.
Mr. Roberts has always, since the death of his wife, cherished her memory with the greatest affection, although he never spoke of her to his friends. During all these years he has kept the house in which she and he lived so happily, as nearly as possible as it was when she left it. He and the house and the furniture have grown old together and now he has gone to join her in the better world, and his body will be taken to Hannibal and laid to rest by the side of her whom he loved so dearly.
Coroner Squire decided that it was not necessary to hold an inquest but very likely an autopsy will be held this evening and the body will be taken on the Memphis or Missouri Pacific night train to Kansas City and from there to Hannibal.
Mr. E. D. Porter, Mr. Roberts' brother-in-law and life long friend, was down on the Cowskin river fishing when the death occurred, but a telegram was sent him by special messenger from Noel this morning and he is expected to arrive on the evening Splitlog train.
Deceased has a brother, John Roberts, living at Clarksville, Mo., also one in St. Louis, and a sister, Mrs. Downing, in Kansas City. They have all been notified and will probably be present at the funeral.
Mr. Roberts was in comfortable circumstances financially, owning considerable land in the county, some of which is lately proving to be valuable mining land. There is not a man in the county of Jasper who had so extensive a personal acquaintance as he, no matter what part of the county he was in nearly every man he met greeted him pleasantly and called him by name, and everybody had a good word to say of him.
Joplin, MO Morning Herald, Wednesday, August 30, 1893
THE DEATH ANGEL
Richard M. Roberts Called Home After a Life of Activity and Usefulness
The community was shocked yesterday to learn that Ex-Sheriff Richard M. Roberts had been suddenly called to a higher life. Just before 7 o'clock yesterday morning Mr. Roberts, in his usual good health, left his home at the northeast corner of Second street and Virginia avenue and started to the Marquis chop house on Main street to get his breakfast. Before going to Marquis' he took a bundle of linen to the laundry on Second street between Main and Joplin streets and was returning when just as he stepped upon the curb at the southwest corner of the streets he threw up his hands and fell backward dead. Some men who were standing near, among whom was Col. J. V. Pierce, ran to lend him assistance, but when they raised him up he was quite dead. Death had come instantaneously. He gasped once but never breathed or moved after he fell. Death had come swiftly in the form of apoplexy or heart failure. He was tenderly lifted and carried to his home where Dr. Wolff attended him, but medical aid could avail nothing. Rapidly the sad news spread about the city and on every hand were expressed deep sorrow and regret at the sudden taking away of one of Joplin's oldest and best citizens. The body was at once prepared for burial by Undertaker Fletcher and a telegram was sent to E. D. Porter who had gone on a expedition to the Cowskin. Mr. Roberts was a brother-in-law of Mr. Porter, having married Mr. Porter's sister Miss Julia Porter, in Hannibal in 1866. Mr. Porter arrived home on the Splitlog last evening and at once determined to take the remains to Mr. Roberts' old home in Hannibal where the family burying ground is situated. Mr. Roberts had for many years been a Mason and Fellowship Lodge A. F. and A. M. took charge of the remains. Many old citizens called at the residence during the day to view the remains, which rested in their burial casket wrapped in their last eternal slumber with a peaceful smile upon the features which look as natural as though in the sleep of life. At 11 o'clock last night the remains, escorted by Fellowship Lodge, were taken to the Memphis depot for transportation to Hannibal. A large number of citizens accompanied the remains to the station. Mr. Porter has charge of the body en route. The funeral will take place in Hannibal, Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock.
Biographical
Richard M. Roberts was born in Ohio in 1837. In 1865 he went to Hannibal, Missouri, where he met and loved Julia Porter, a beautiful and charming girl, daughter of Judge Porter. They were shortly afterward married and in 1872 they removed to Joplin, where, at the corner of Main and First streets, Mr. Roberts and his brother-in-law, E. D. Porter, engaged in the grocery business. The young firm prospered. The young men became widely known as active, enterprising, bright business men. In 1878 Mr. Roberts was elected mayor of Joplin as a popular candidate and served two years. In 1880 he was elected sheriff of Jasper County. He then retired from business and gave up his time to the arduous duties of his office. In 1883 he was re-elected sheriff, and after serving his term of office with the honor he again re-entered business as a merchandise broker. In 1881 his beloved wife passed away and this was a terrible blow to him. She left three children. Nettie, who is now Mrs. Young, of Stockton, California, Miss Dot, aged sixteen, and Master Porter, thirteen years of age. The latter two have been living with their grandparents in Hannibal since the death of their mother. His wife was the idol of his heart and he held her memory sacred. After her death he permitted no one to touch an article in the house and today the furniture in the house stands as she left it before her fatal illness and during all these years he has lived there alone. Richard Roberts was an honest, conscientious generous hearted man, unswayed by prejudices and governed by noble impulses. A man of the people, he was familiarly known throughout Jasper county, and everyone called him "Dick." In his death Joplin loses a valuable public spirited citizen, his family a loving and indulgent father, his friends a true and lasting friendship and the world a good man, for whose life it is made better.
Julia PORTER and Richard Morris ROBERTS had the following children:
* Eleanor "Nellie" Levering Roberts (1871-1938)
* Annie Porter "Dot" Roberts (1876 - 1953)
* Gilchrist Porter Roberts (1878-1946)
=========
6/23/2014
Find A Grave contributor Lynne Roberts has provided the following information:
Wife Julia Porter Roberts, daughter of Gilchrist and Comfort Worthington (Dorsey) Porter, was b. 26 Nov 1847, Bowling Green, Pike, MO, and died 14 Jun 1883, Joplin, Jasper, MO. Both Julia and Richard are buried at the Porter site (her parents and other family members are buried in the vicinity of their graves) at Riverside Cemetery, Hannibal, Marion, MO. The bodies of Richard and Julia were both transported by train from Joplin to Hannibal for burial with the Porter family. The children of Richard and Julia Roberts were sent to grandparents Gilchrist and Comfort Porter after Julia's death to be raised. Annie married Frank T. Hodgdon and spent the rest of her life in Hannibal. Gilchrist Porter Roberts graduated from Stanford University in 1900 and joined his sister Nellie Levering Roberts Young (wife of Dr. Junius Davis Young)in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA where he married Abby Marble Hammond. They remained there for the rest of their lives.
R. M. Roberts Falls Dead on
the Street a Victim of Apoplexy
of the Heart.
Richard M. Roberts, ex-sheriff of Jasper County and probably the best known man in the county, left his home on the corner of Virginia avenue and Second street shortly before 7 o'clock this morning apparently in his usual state of health, but in less than fifteen minutes later he was carried back into the house unconscious and breathing his last.
He had taken a bundle of his clothes down to the laundry on Second street, between Main and Joplin and then started back to Main street to go down to Marquis' for his breakfast. He had crossed Second street and was just in the act of stepping up on the curb stone at the corner of Main and Second, west side, when he fell back onto Second street. Some men on the street who saw him fall rushed to his assistance, but he was unconscious and apparently dying. Dr. Wolf, whose office is across the street, was summoned and at the suggestion of Col. Pierce, who happened to be at the scene, the men present picked up the prostrate man and carried him to his home and laid him tenderly on the bed and the doctor proceeded to examine him, but found without difficulty that he was beyond human aid and that he had fallen a victim to apoplexy of the heart. He continued to breathe about ten minutes after the fatal stroke, but did not regain consciousness.
The news of the sudden death as it spread along Main street caused everybody to stop and question, and looks of distress were plainly visible on the features of all, for everybody knew "Dick" Roberts and held him in high esteem.
Mr. Roberts was about fifty-six years old and had been a resident of Joplin since the fall of 1872 removing to this place from Hannibal, Mo. where he had married a most estimable young lady, Miss Julia Porter, daughter of Judge G. Porter. Shortly after his arrival here he and his brother-in-law, E. D. Porter, now president of the Rex Mining Co., engaged in the grocery business at the corner of Main and First streets. In 1880 he was elected sheriff of Jasper county, and he then retired from the mercantile business and gave his entire attention to his official duties which he did so creditably that he was re-elected two years later. After serving four years as sheriff he retired from office and engaged in business as a merchandise broker, which he continued in up to the time of his death.
Just previous to his election to the office of sheriff he served two years as mayor of Joplin, having been nominated at a mass convention which was presided over by W. M. Carter and at the election he received a very large vote.
In the meantime the saddest blow of his life befell him. His wife, who he almost idolized, was taken from him by death. This occurred about twelve years ago. She left him three bright and promising children who have been a great comfort to him since, but he has seen them only occasionally, as after their mother's death realizing that it would be better for them, he sent the children to live with their grand parents at Hannibal and they have made that their home ever since. His children were Nellie, who is now Mrs. Dr. Young and lives at Stockton, CA; Miss Dot, aged sixteen, and Master Porter, aged thirteen.
Mr. Roberts has always, since the death of his wife, cherished her memory with the greatest affection, although he never spoke of her to his friends. During all these years he has kept the house in which she and he lived so happily, as nearly as possible as it was when she left it. He and the house and the furniture have grown old together and now he has gone to join her in the better world, and his body will be taken to Hannibal and laid to rest by the side of her whom he loved so dearly.
Coroner Squire decided that it was not necessary to hold an inquest but very likely an autopsy will be held this evening and the body will be taken on the Memphis or Missouri Pacific night train to Kansas City and from there to Hannibal.
Mr. E. D. Porter, Mr. Roberts' brother-in-law and life long friend, was down on the Cowskin river fishing when the death occurred, but a telegram was sent him by special messenger from Noel this morning and he is expected to arrive on the evening Splitlog train.
Deceased has a brother, John Roberts, living at Clarksville, Mo., also one in St. Louis, and a sister, Mrs. Downing, in Kansas City. They have all been notified and will probably be present at the funeral.
Mr. Roberts was in comfortable circumstances financially, owning considerable land in the county, some of which is lately proving to be valuable mining land. There is not a man in the county of Jasper who had so extensive a personal acquaintance as he, no matter what part of the county he was in nearly every man he met greeted him pleasantly and called him by name, and everybody had a good word to say of him.
Joplin, MO Morning Herald, Wednesday, August 30, 1893
THE DEATH ANGEL
Richard M. Roberts Called Home After a Life of Activity and Usefulness
The community was shocked yesterday to learn that Ex-Sheriff Richard M. Roberts had been suddenly called to a higher life. Just before 7 o'clock yesterday morning Mr. Roberts, in his usual good health, left his home at the northeast corner of Second street and Virginia avenue and started to the Marquis chop house on Main street to get his breakfast. Before going to Marquis' he took a bundle of linen to the laundry on Second street between Main and Joplin streets and was returning when just as he stepped upon the curb at the southwest corner of the streets he threw up his hands and fell backward dead. Some men who were standing near, among whom was Col. J. V. Pierce, ran to lend him assistance, but when they raised him up he was quite dead. Death had come instantaneously. He gasped once but never breathed or moved after he fell. Death had come swiftly in the form of apoplexy or heart failure. He was tenderly lifted and carried to his home where Dr. Wolff attended him, but medical aid could avail nothing. Rapidly the sad news spread about the city and on every hand were expressed deep sorrow and regret at the sudden taking away of one of Joplin's oldest and best citizens. The body was at once prepared for burial by Undertaker Fletcher and a telegram was sent to E. D. Porter who had gone on a expedition to the Cowskin. Mr. Roberts was a brother-in-law of Mr. Porter, having married Mr. Porter's sister Miss Julia Porter, in Hannibal in 1866. Mr. Porter arrived home on the Splitlog last evening and at once determined to take the remains to Mr. Roberts' old home in Hannibal where the family burying ground is situated. Mr. Roberts had for many years been a Mason and Fellowship Lodge A. F. and A. M. took charge of the remains. Many old citizens called at the residence during the day to view the remains, which rested in their burial casket wrapped in their last eternal slumber with a peaceful smile upon the features which look as natural as though in the sleep of life. At 11 o'clock last night the remains, escorted by Fellowship Lodge, were taken to the Memphis depot for transportation to Hannibal. A large number of citizens accompanied the remains to the station. Mr. Porter has charge of the body en route. The funeral will take place in Hannibal, Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock.
Biographical
Richard M. Roberts was born in Ohio in 1837. In 1865 he went to Hannibal, Missouri, where he met and loved Julia Porter, a beautiful and charming girl, daughter of Judge Porter. They were shortly afterward married and in 1872 they removed to Joplin, where, at the corner of Main and First streets, Mr. Roberts and his brother-in-law, E. D. Porter, engaged in the grocery business. The young firm prospered. The young men became widely known as active, enterprising, bright business men. In 1878 Mr. Roberts was elected mayor of Joplin as a popular candidate and served two years. In 1880 he was elected sheriff of Jasper County. He then retired from business and gave up his time to the arduous duties of his office. In 1883 he was re-elected sheriff, and after serving his term of office with the honor he again re-entered business as a merchandise broker. In 1881 his beloved wife passed away and this was a terrible blow to him. She left three children. Nettie, who is now Mrs. Young, of Stockton, California, Miss Dot, aged sixteen, and Master Porter, thirteen years of age. The latter two have been living with their grandparents in Hannibal since the death of their mother. His wife was the idol of his heart and he held her memory sacred. After her death he permitted no one to touch an article in the house and today the furniture in the house stands as she left it before her fatal illness and during all these years he has lived there alone. Richard Roberts was an honest, conscientious generous hearted man, unswayed by prejudices and governed by noble impulses. A man of the people, he was familiarly known throughout Jasper county, and everyone called him "Dick." In his death Joplin loses a valuable public spirited citizen, his family a loving and indulgent father, his friends a true and lasting friendship and the world a good man, for whose life it is made better.
Julia PORTER and Richard Morris ROBERTS had the following children:
* Eleanor "Nellie" Levering Roberts (1871-1938)
* Annie Porter "Dot" Roberts (1876 - 1953)
* Gilchrist Porter Roberts (1878-1946)
=========
6/23/2014
Find A Grave contributor Lynne Roberts has provided the following information:
Wife Julia Porter Roberts, daughter of Gilchrist and Comfort Worthington (Dorsey) Porter, was b. 26 Nov 1847, Bowling Green, Pike, MO, and died 14 Jun 1883, Joplin, Jasper, MO. Both Julia and Richard are buried at the Porter site (her parents and other family members are buried in the vicinity of their graves) at Riverside Cemetery, Hannibal, Marion, MO. The bodies of Richard and Julia were both transported by train from Joplin to Hannibal for burial with the Porter family. The children of Richard and Julia Roberts were sent to grandparents Gilchrist and Comfort Porter after Julia's death to be raised. Annie married Frank T. Hodgdon and spent the rest of her life in Hannibal. Gilchrist Porter Roberts graduated from Stanford University in 1900 and joined his sister Nellie Levering Roberts Young (wife of Dr. Junius Davis Young)in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA where he married Abby Marble Hammond. They remained there for the rest of their lives.
THE HAND OF DEATH.
R. M. Roberts Falls Dead on
the Street a Victim of Apoplexy
of the Heart.
Richard M. Roberts, ex-sheriff of Jasper County and probably the best known man in the county, left his home on the corner of Virginia avenue and Second street shortly before 7 o'clock this morning apparently in his usual state of health, but in less than fifteen minutes later he was carried back into the house unconscious and breathing his last.
He had taken a bundle of his clothes down to the laundry on Second street, between Main and Joplin and then started back to Main street to go down to Marquis' for his breakfast. He had crossed Second street and was just in the act of stepping up on the curb stone at the corner of Main and Second, west side, when he fell back onto Second street. Some men on the street who saw him fall rushed to his assistance, but he was unconscious and apparently dying. Dr. Wolf, whose office is across the street, was summoned and at the suggestion of Col. Pierce, who happened to be at the scene, the men present picked up the prostrate man and carried him to his home and laid him tenderly on the bed and the doctor proceeded to examine him, but found without difficulty that he was beyond human aid and that he had fallen a victim to apoplexy of the heart. He continued to breathe about ten minutes after the fatal stroke, but did not regain consciousness.
The news of the sudden death as it spread along Main street caused everybody to stop and question, and looks of distress were plainly visible on the features of all, for everybody knew "Dick" Roberts and held him in high esteem.
Mr. Roberts was about fifty-six years old and had been a resident of Joplin since the fall of 1872 removing to this place from Hannibal, Mo. where he had married a most estimable young lady, Miss Julia Porter, daughter of Judge G. Porter. Shortly after his arrival here he and his brother-in-law, E. D. Porter, now president of the Rex Mining Co., engaged in the grocery business at the corner of Main and First streets. In 1880 he was elected sheriff of Jasper county, and he then retired from the mercantile business and gave his entire attention to his official duties which he did so creditably that he was re-elected two years later. After serving four years as sheriff he retired from office and engaged in business as a merchandise broker, which he continued in up to the time of his death.
Just previous to his election to the office of sheriff he served two years as mayor of Joplin, having been nominated at a mass convention which was presided over by W. M. Carter and at the election he received a very large vote.
In the meantime the saddest blow of his life befell him. His wife, who he almost idolized, was taken from him by death. This occurred about twelve years ago. She left him three bright and promising children who have been a great comfort to him since, but he has seen them only occasionally, as after their mother's death realizing that it would be better for them, he sent the children to live with their grand parents at Hannibal and they have made that their home ever since. His children were Nellie, who is now Mrs. Dr. Young and lives at Stockton, CA; Miss Dot, aged sixteen, and Master Porter, aged thirteen.
Mr. Roberts has always, since the death of his wife, cherished her memory with the greatest affection, although he never spoke of her to his friends. During all these years he has kept the house in which she and he lived so happily, as nearly as possible as it was when she left it. He and the house and the furniture have grown old together and now he has gone to join her in the better world, and his body will be taken to Hannibal and laid to rest by the side of her whom he loved so dearly.
Coroner Squire decided that it was not necessary to hold an inquest but very likely an autopsy will be held this evening and the body will be taken on the Memphis or Missouri Pacific night train to Kansas City and from there to Hannibal.
Mr. E. D. Porter, Mr. Roberts' brother-in-law and life long friend, was down on the Cowskin river fishing when the death occurred, but a telegram was sent him by special messenger from Noel this morning and he is expected to arrive on the evening Splitlog train.
Deceased has a brother, John Roberts, living at Clarksville, Mo., also one in St. Louis, and a sister, Mrs. Downing, in Kansas City. They have all been notified and will probably be present at the funeral.
Mr. Roberts was in comfortable circumstances financially, owning considerable land in the county, some of which is lately proving to be valuable mining land. There is not a man in the county of Jasper who had so extensive a personal acquaintance as he, no matter what part of the county he was in nearly every man he met greeted him pleasantly and called him by name, and everybody had a good word to say of him.
Joplin, MO Morning Herald, Wednesday, August 30, 1893
THE DEATH ANGEL
Richard M. Roberts Called Home After a Life of Activity and Usefulness
The community was shocked yesterday to learn that Ex-Sheriff Richard M. Roberts had been suddenly called to a higher life. Just before 7 o'clock yesterday morning Mr. Roberts, in his usual good health, left his home at the northeast corner of Second street and Virginia avenue and started to the Marquis chop house on Main street to get his breakfast. Before going to Marquis' he took a bundle of linen to the laundry on Second street between Main and Joplin streets and was returning when just as he stepped upon the curb at the southwest corner of the streets he threw up his hands and fell backward dead. Some men who were standing near, among whom was Col. J. V. Pierce, ran to lend him assistance, but when they raised him up he was quite dead. Death had come instantaneously. He gasped once but never breathed or moved after he fell. Death had come swiftly in the form of apoplexy or heart failure. He was tenderly lifted and carried to his home where Dr. Wolff attended him, but medical aid could avail nothing. Rapidly the sad news spread about the city and on every hand were expressed deep sorrow and regret at the sudden taking away of one of Joplin's oldest and best citizens. The body was at once prepared for burial by Undertaker Fletcher and a telegram was sent to E. D. Porter who had gone on a expedition to the Cowskin. Mr. Roberts was a brother-in-law of Mr. Porter, having married Mr. Porter's sister Miss Julia Porter, in Hannibal in 1866. Mr. Porter arrived home on the Splitlog last evening and at once determined to take the remains to Mr. Roberts' old home in Hannibal where the family burying ground is situated. Mr. Roberts had for many years been a Mason and Fellowship Lodge A. F. and A. M. took charge of the remains. Many old citizens called at the residence during the day to view the remains, which rested in their burial casket wrapped in their last eternal slumber with a peaceful smile upon the features which look as natural as though in the sleep of life. At 11 o'clock last night the remains, escorted by Fellowship Lodge, were taken to the Memphis depot for transportation to Hannibal. A large number of citizens accompanied the remains to the station. Mr. Porter has charge of the body en route. The funeral will take place in Hannibal, Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock.
Biographical
Richard M. Roberts was born in Ohio in 1837. In 1865 he went to Hannibal, Missouri, where he met and loved Julia Porter, a beautiful and charming girl, daughter of Judge Porter. They were shortly afterward married and in 1872 they removed to Joplin, where, at the corner of Main and First streets, Mr. Roberts and his brother-in-law, E. D. Porter, engaged in the grocery business. The young firm prospered. The young men became widely known as active, enterprising, bright business men. In 1878 Mr. Roberts was elected mayor of Joplin as a popular candidate and served two years. In 1880 he was elected sheriff of Jasper County. He then retired from business and gave up his time to the arduous duties of his office. In 1883 he was re-elected sheriff, and after serving his term of office with the honor he again re-entered business as a merchandise broker. In 1881 his beloved wife passed away and this was a terrible blow to him. She left three children. Nettie, who is now Mrs. Young, of Stockton, California, Miss Dot, aged sixteen, and Master Porter, thirteen years of age. The latter two have been living with their grandparents in Hannibal since the death of their mother. His wife was the idol of his heart and he held her memory sacred. After her death he permitted no one to touch an article in the house and today the furniture in the house stands as she left it before her fatal illness and during all these years he has lived there alone. Richard Roberts was an honest, conscientious generous hearted man, unswayed by prejudices and governed by noble impulses. A man of the people, he was familiarly known throughout Jasper county, and everyone called him "Dick." In his death Joplin loses a valuable public spirited citizen, his family a loving and indulgent father, his friends a true and lasting friendship and the world a good man, for whose life it is made better.
Julia PORTER and Richard Morris ROBERTS had the following children:
* Eleanor "Nellie" Levering Roberts (1871-1938)
* Annie Porter "Dot" Roberts (1876 - 1953)
* Gilchrist Porter Roberts (1878-1946)
=========
6/23/2014
Find A Grave contributor Lynne Roberts has provided the following information:
Wife Julia Porter Roberts, daughter of Gilchrist and Comfort Worthington (Dorsey) Porter, was b. 26 Nov 1847, Bowling Green, Pike, MO, and died 14 Jun 1883, Joplin, Jasper, MO. Both Julia and Richard are buried at the Porter site (her parents and other family members are buried in the vicinity of their graves) at Riverside Cemetery, Hannibal, Marion, MO. The bodies of Richard and Julia were both transported by train from Joplin to Hannibal for burial with the Porter family. The children of Richard and Julia Roberts were sent to grandparents Gilchrist and Comfort Porter after Julia's death to be raised. Annie married Frank T. Hodgdon and spent the rest of her life in Hannibal. Gilchrist Porter Roberts graduated from Stanford University in 1900 and joined his sister Nellie Levering Roberts Young (wife of Dr. Junius Davis Young)in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA where he married Abby Marble Hammond. They remained there for the rest of their lives.
R. M. Roberts Falls Dead on
the Street a Victim of Apoplexy
of the Heart.
Richard M. Roberts, ex-sheriff of Jasper County and probably the best known man in the county, left his home on the corner of Virginia avenue and Second street shortly before 7 o'clock this morning apparently in his usual state of health, but in less than fifteen minutes later he was carried back into the house unconscious and breathing his last.
He had taken a bundle of his clothes down to the laundry on Second street, between Main and Joplin and then started back to Main street to go down to Marquis' for his breakfast. He had crossed Second street and was just in the act of stepping up on the curb stone at the corner of Main and Second, west side, when he fell back onto Second street. Some men on the street who saw him fall rushed to his assistance, but he was unconscious and apparently dying. Dr. Wolf, whose office is across the street, was summoned and at the suggestion of Col. Pierce, who happened to be at the scene, the men present picked up the prostrate man and carried him to his home and laid him tenderly on the bed and the doctor proceeded to examine him, but found without difficulty that he was beyond human aid and that he had fallen a victim to apoplexy of the heart. He continued to breathe about ten minutes after the fatal stroke, but did not regain consciousness.
The news of the sudden death as it spread along Main street caused everybody to stop and question, and looks of distress were plainly visible on the features of all, for everybody knew "Dick" Roberts and held him in high esteem.
Mr. Roberts was about fifty-six years old and had been a resident of Joplin since the fall of 1872 removing to this place from Hannibal, Mo. where he had married a most estimable young lady, Miss Julia Porter, daughter of Judge G. Porter. Shortly after his arrival here he and his brother-in-law, E. D. Porter, now president of the Rex Mining Co., engaged in the grocery business at the corner of Main and First streets. In 1880 he was elected sheriff of Jasper county, and he then retired from the mercantile business and gave his entire attention to his official duties which he did so creditably that he was re-elected two years later. After serving four years as sheriff he retired from office and engaged in business as a merchandise broker, which he continued in up to the time of his death.
Just previous to his election to the office of sheriff he served two years as mayor of Joplin, having been nominated at a mass convention which was presided over by W. M. Carter and at the election he received a very large vote.
In the meantime the saddest blow of his life befell him. His wife, who he almost idolized, was taken from him by death. This occurred about twelve years ago. She left him three bright and promising children who have been a great comfort to him since, but he has seen them only occasionally, as after their mother's death realizing that it would be better for them, he sent the children to live with their grand parents at Hannibal and they have made that their home ever since. His children were Nellie, who is now Mrs. Dr. Young and lives at Stockton, CA; Miss Dot, aged sixteen, and Master Porter, aged thirteen.
Mr. Roberts has always, since the death of his wife, cherished her memory with the greatest affection, although he never spoke of her to his friends. During all these years he has kept the house in which she and he lived so happily, as nearly as possible as it was when she left it. He and the house and the furniture have grown old together and now he has gone to join her in the better world, and his body will be taken to Hannibal and laid to rest by the side of her whom he loved so dearly.
Coroner Squire decided that it was not necessary to hold an inquest but very likely an autopsy will be held this evening and the body will be taken on the Memphis or Missouri Pacific night train to Kansas City and from there to Hannibal.
Mr. E. D. Porter, Mr. Roberts' brother-in-law and life long friend, was down on the Cowskin river fishing when the death occurred, but a telegram was sent him by special messenger from Noel this morning and he is expected to arrive on the evening Splitlog train.
Deceased has a brother, John Roberts, living at Clarksville, Mo., also one in St. Louis, and a sister, Mrs. Downing, in Kansas City. They have all been notified and will probably be present at the funeral.
Mr. Roberts was in comfortable circumstances financially, owning considerable land in the county, some of which is lately proving to be valuable mining land. There is not a man in the county of Jasper who had so extensive a personal acquaintance as he, no matter what part of the county he was in nearly every man he met greeted him pleasantly and called him by name, and everybody had a good word to say of him.
Joplin, MO Morning Herald, Wednesday, August 30, 1893
THE DEATH ANGEL
Richard M. Roberts Called Home After a Life of Activity and Usefulness
The community was shocked yesterday to learn that Ex-Sheriff Richard M. Roberts had been suddenly called to a higher life. Just before 7 o'clock yesterday morning Mr. Roberts, in his usual good health, left his home at the northeast corner of Second street and Virginia avenue and started to the Marquis chop house on Main street to get his breakfast. Before going to Marquis' he took a bundle of linen to the laundry on Second street between Main and Joplin streets and was returning when just as he stepped upon the curb at the southwest corner of the streets he threw up his hands and fell backward dead. Some men who were standing near, among whom was Col. J. V. Pierce, ran to lend him assistance, but when they raised him up he was quite dead. Death had come instantaneously. He gasped once but never breathed or moved after he fell. Death had come swiftly in the form of apoplexy or heart failure. He was tenderly lifted and carried to his home where Dr. Wolff attended him, but medical aid could avail nothing. Rapidly the sad news spread about the city and on every hand were expressed deep sorrow and regret at the sudden taking away of one of Joplin's oldest and best citizens. The body was at once prepared for burial by Undertaker Fletcher and a telegram was sent to E. D. Porter who had gone on a expedition to the Cowskin. Mr. Roberts was a brother-in-law of Mr. Porter, having married Mr. Porter's sister Miss Julia Porter, in Hannibal in 1866. Mr. Porter arrived home on the Splitlog last evening and at once determined to take the remains to Mr. Roberts' old home in Hannibal where the family burying ground is situated. Mr. Roberts had for many years been a Mason and Fellowship Lodge A. F. and A. M. took charge of the remains. Many old citizens called at the residence during the day to view the remains, which rested in their burial casket wrapped in their last eternal slumber with a peaceful smile upon the features which look as natural as though in the sleep of life. At 11 o'clock last night the remains, escorted by Fellowship Lodge, were taken to the Memphis depot for transportation to Hannibal. A large number of citizens accompanied the remains to the station. Mr. Porter has charge of the body en route. The funeral will take place in Hannibal, Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock.
Biographical
Richard M. Roberts was born in Ohio in 1837. In 1865 he went to Hannibal, Missouri, where he met and loved Julia Porter, a beautiful and charming girl, daughter of Judge Porter. They were shortly afterward married and in 1872 they removed to Joplin, where, at the corner of Main and First streets, Mr. Roberts and his brother-in-law, E. D. Porter, engaged in the grocery business. The young firm prospered. The young men became widely known as active, enterprising, bright business men. In 1878 Mr. Roberts was elected mayor of Joplin as a popular candidate and served two years. In 1880 he was elected sheriff of Jasper County. He then retired from business and gave up his time to the arduous duties of his office. In 1883 he was re-elected sheriff, and after serving his term of office with the honor he again re-entered business as a merchandise broker. In 1881 his beloved wife passed away and this was a terrible blow to him. She left three children. Nettie, who is now Mrs. Young, of Stockton, California, Miss Dot, aged sixteen, and Master Porter, thirteen years of age. The latter two have been living with their grandparents in Hannibal since the death of their mother. His wife was the idol of his heart and he held her memory sacred. After her death he permitted no one to touch an article in the house and today the furniture in the house stands as she left it before her fatal illness and during all these years he has lived there alone. Richard Roberts was an honest, conscientious generous hearted man, unswayed by prejudices and governed by noble impulses. A man of the people, he was familiarly known throughout Jasper county, and everyone called him "Dick." In his death Joplin loses a valuable public spirited citizen, his family a loving and indulgent father, his friends a true and lasting friendship and the world a good man, for whose life it is made better.
Julia PORTER and Richard Morris ROBERTS had the following children:
* Eleanor "Nellie" Levering Roberts (1871-1938)
* Annie Porter "Dot" Roberts (1876 - 1953)
* Gilchrist Porter Roberts (1878-1946)
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6/23/2014
Find A Grave contributor Lynne Roberts has provided the following information:
Wife Julia Porter Roberts, daughter of Gilchrist and Comfort Worthington (Dorsey) Porter, was b. 26 Nov 1847, Bowling Green, Pike, MO, and died 14 Jun 1883, Joplin, Jasper, MO. Both Julia and Richard are buried at the Porter site (her parents and other family members are buried in the vicinity of their graves) at Riverside Cemetery, Hannibal, Marion, MO. The bodies of Richard and Julia were both transported by train from Joplin to Hannibal for burial with the Porter family. The children of Richard and Julia Roberts were sent to grandparents Gilchrist and Comfort Porter after Julia's death to be raised. Annie married Frank T. Hodgdon and spent the rest of her life in Hannibal. Gilchrist Porter Roberts graduated from Stanford University in 1900 and joined his sister Nellie Levering Roberts Young (wife of Dr. Junius Davis Young)in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA where he married Abby Marble Hammond. They remained there for the rest of their lives.
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