By Muriel Bristol | May 11, 2025
Timothy Roberts was born in Somersworth, NH, August 3, 1759, son of John and Susannah (Burnham) Roberts.
(A Roberts family record included in the diary of Master Joseph Tate of Somersworth, NH, included parents Jno Roberts and Susannah Burnham, and some of their children Timothy Roberts, born August 3, 1759, Joseph Roberts, born December 29, 1762, and Relief Roberts, born June 21, 1767 (NEHGR, 1920)).
Father John Roberts died, probably in Somersworth, NH, between 1766 and 1776.
Timothy Roberts of Milton, would recall much later (on September 15, 1832, when he was aged seventy-three years), that he had enlisted in the NH militia under Capt. John Hayes in 1777.
That is to say in the month of April in said year 1776 or 1777 he enlisted to serve one month, and served that term out, at Portsmouth Harbour, N.H. That the other officer of his company now recollected was Lieutenant Wallingford. That he has no knowledge that said Company was attached to any Regiment.
(John McDuffee of Milton filed an affidavit, in September 1832, that he and Timothy Roberts had enlisted together in the Spring of 1777, and marched to Great Island, i.e., Newcastle, NH, where they served for a month).
That in the year 1777, after the aforesaid service was out, he again enlisted as a soldier for two months. That he served said time out at a place called Winter Hill in the State of Massachusetts near Boston. That the officers of the Company to which he belonged were Capt. Sinklar, or St. Clair, Lieutenant Robert Peaslee, Paul Harford, and ensign Peter Gilman – attached to the Regiment of Col. John Waldron of the New Hampshire Troop.
(Amos M. Hayes of Milton filed an affidavit, in September 1832, that he and Timothy Roberts had both belonged in Col. Waldron’s regiment, in 1777, and marched to Winter Hill, in Boston, MA, where they had served for two months. Hayes had been in Capt. John Drew’s company and Roberts in Capt. Sinkly’s company).
That in 1778 in the month of October or November he enlisted as a marine on board the U.S. the Ranger, then under the Command of Capt. Thomas Simpson. That it was then at Portsmouth, N.H. Some time [in] his said engagement, the ship’s crew being completed, she sailed on a cruise with the Frigate Warren and Sloop of War Queen of France, all in Company under a Commodore whose name is not now recollected by him. That during said cruise they took a British privateer and [did] sail out of cleared out of the Georgia Fleet, after which [we returned] into Portsmouth, N.H. That his time of service then being out he returned home. That according to the best of his recollection the time he was now in the service was five months.
(David Corson and Jonathan Dore, both of Milton, filed affidavits, in September 1832, that they had served with Timothy Roberts on the ship Ranger).
That after his time was out when he belonged to Col. Waldron’s regiment and before his said time of service on board the Ranger as above stated, he did engage and serve some more than eight months as follows to wit, he shipped as a marine on board the Brig McClary, a Privateer, under the Command of Capt. John Gregory, James Guppy and William Kelley, both Lieutenants. That they sailed from Portsmouth, N.H. After being out some time, was taken a prisoner and carried into New Port, Rhod Island, and there was exchanged. That immediately after the Ranger carried into port as aforesaid he entered as a sailor on board the ship Menerva [Minerva] of twelve guns, she being a letter of Marque, under the command of Capt. John Grimes. That said ship was at Portsmouth, N.H., when he entered and soon afterwards sailed on a cruise, in Company with the Catwallowdy [Cadwallader] and Sally [Charming Sally], both letters of Marque, bound to Guadaloop, W.I. [West Indies]. That before reaching the Port of Destination they were chased by a British ship of War, tried to avoid her but could not, then fought her and took her and got her into Boston. That they repaired their ship at said Boston and sailed again on their voyage, but were taken and carried into Antigua, W.I. That he returned home on parol [parole] about one year from the time he sailed from said Portsmouth.
That he never had any written discharge at any time ~ He further says that according to his best information he was born in Rochester, N.H., Augt 5, 1759 ~ That he has no record of his age ~ That he resided at Dover, N.H., at the time of the Revolutionary war except when in the service. That he has resided since the war a part of the time in Somersworth in said County of Strafford, but has resided in said Milton where he now resides for the last thirty six years ~ and that the whole time of his said service as above stated amounts to two years and four months.
Ichabod Horn of Dover, NH, a former shipmate, would in 1832 recall their time together on the privateer ship Minerva (and as prisoners of the British).
I, Ichabod Horn of Dover, in the County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire, aged 72, Depose and say that I Ship’d aboard the Minerva Letter of mark in the War of the Revolution. I Cannot State the year and that Timothy Roberts then of Dover, in the County and State aforesaid, Did Ship aboard the Minerva at the Same time and that after the Ship was arrived We Sailed for a French West india Island in Company with the Ship [Charming] Sally and Ship Cadwalloday [Cadwallader], Letters of mark, Bound to the Same port. That after We had been at Sea Some dayes We was Chased by a British ship. She Came up with us and a Battle Commenced which lasted I think two hours and She hauled Down her Colours. We made the prize laid too and Repared [repaired] the Rigging, Being Cut to peaces [pieces] Very much. We Could not proceed on the Voige [voyage], it was thought Best to Return back to Boston and after a Number of Dayes arrived there with the Prize, Laid there Some time and Prepar’d and Sail’d for the Same port but before we arrived there We was taken by a British Ship and Carried into Antigua and put in prison. We Sailed in June and Roberts got home some time in the month of the next June. I left the prison by the help of a friend and got to a French island and got home before Roberts.
Officers of the Minerva, John Grimes, Capt.; John Pendexter, John Haden, Lieutenant; Richard Millbree, Boatswain. Ichabod Horn.
Strafford Ss. State of New Hampshire. Then appeared the said Ichabod Horn and who is a man of truth and veracity and made oath that the above Deposition is true, before me, Oct 4th 1832. James Bartlett, Reg. Prob. Court & Jus. Peace.
Mother Susannah (Burnham) Roberts married (2nd) in Barrington, NH, March 13, 1777, Wentworth Hayes, she of Somersworth, NH, and he of Rochester, NH. (His first wife, Mary (Main) Hayes, had died in Rochester, NH, January 14, 1774).
Half-brother John Hayes [II] was born in Rochester, NH, June 20, 1780, son of Wentworth and Susannah ((Burnham) Roberts) Hayes.
Timothy Roberts, Junr, married in Rochester, NH, November 28, 1782, [his stepsister,] Elizabeth Hayes, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. She was born in Rochester, NH, July 24, 1757, daughter of Wentworth and Mary (Main) Hayes.
(The children of Timothy and Elizabeth (Hayes) Roberts were: James Roberts (1783-1839), John Roberts (1788-1833), Wentworth Hayes Roberts (c1789-1825), Mary Main Roberts (1791-1868), Hezekiah Roberts (179?-1820), Elizabeth “Betsy” Roberts (1798-1882), Amos Main Roberts (1801-1879)).
Son James Roberts was born in Somersworth, NH, December 24, 1783.
Father-in-law (and stepfather) Wentworth Hayes was among the three hundred ten Rochester inhabitants that petitioned the NH legislature, August 30, 1785, seeking repeal of an act requiring milled boards to be square-edged and an inch thick (and other lumber in proportion). Those inhabitants described themselves then as being “largely Concerned in Lumber.” They sought also repeal of an act forbidding transport of lumber to the British West Indies, and seeking the issuance of a new paper money (Hammond, 1884). (See Rochester Lumber Remonstrance – August 1785).
Son John Roberts was born in Somersworth, NH, February 4, 1788. He was a namesake for his paternal grandfather, John Roberts.
Son Wentworth Hayes Roberts was born in Somersworth, NH, circa 1789. He was a namesake for his maternal grandfather, Wentworth Hayes.
Wentworth Hays headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-plus years [himself], two females [Susannah ((Burnham) Roberts) Hayes], and one male aged under-16 years [John Hays]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ebenr Coldbath and Josiah Main (with [Rev.] Joseph Haven just beyond).
Timo Roberts headed a Somersworth, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-plus [himself], one female [Elizabeth (Hayes) Roberts], and three males aged under-16 years [James Roberts, John Roberts, and Wentworth H. Roberts]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Benja Wentworth and James Burnham.
Daughter Mary Main Roberts was born in Rochester, NH, January 20, 1791. She was a namesake for her maternal grandmother, Mary (Main) Hayes.
Timothy Roberts would later recall, in September 1832, that he had moved from Somersworth, NH, to Milton, i.e., that part of Rochester, NH, that would become Milton, some thirty-six years before, i.e., circa 1796.
Son Hezekiah Roberts was born in Rochester, circa 179?. Daughter Betsy Roberts was born in Rochester, NH, May 11, 1798.
Wentworth Hayes headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 45-plus years [Susannah ((Burnham) Roberts) Hayes], one female aged 26-44 years, and one male aged 16-25 years [John Hayes].
Timothy Roberts headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Elizabeth (Hayes) Roberts], one male aged 16-25 years [James Roberts], two male aged 10-15 years [John Roberts and Wentworth Roberts], one male aged under ten years [Hezekiah Roberts], and one female aged under-10 years [Mary M. Roberts]. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).
An early Milton schoolteacher, Sophia Cushing, taught initially at Plummer’s Ridge, but afterwards at Milton Three Ponds. She remembered Timothy Roberts, Esq., as one of the “officiating gentlemen” of that Three Ponds school district. (See Milton Teacher of 1796-1805).
My following terms of teaching were at the three ponds in the district of Timothy Roberts, Esq., Ensign William Jones and John Fish, Esq., and other officiating gentlemen of the place (Wyatt, 1854).
Father-in-law (and stepfather) Wentworth Hayes of Farmington, NH, husbandman, made his last will April 3, 1801. He gave to his beloved wife, Susannah [((Burnham) Roberts)] Hayes, a life estate in a one-third share in his farm’s annual produce, to be paid by his son, John Hayes [II]. He gave to this son, John Hayes [II], all of his real estate, and all of his personal estate not otherwise devised. He gave $1 each to his son, Amos Main Hayes, daughter Elizabeth Roberts, and son, Elihu Hayes. He gave all of his wearing apparel to his son, Theodore Hayes. He gave $1 to his daughter, Tamesin Hayes. He gave a yoke of two-year-old steers to his grandson, Wentworth Hayes, son of Theodore Hayes. He named his son, John Hayes [II], as executor. John Wingate, Junr, Jonas C. March, and Jeremy Wingate signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 7:233).
Son Amos Main Roberts was born in Milton, December 16, 1801. He was a namesake for his maternal great-grandfather, “Parson” Amos Main of Rochester, NH.
Father-in-law (and stepfather) Wentworth Hayes died in Rochester, January 11, 1802. His last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate court held in Rochester, NH, January 15, 1802 (Strafford County Probate, 7:235).
Timothy Roberts signed the Rochester Division Petition of May 1802.
Timo Roberts was appointed to the Milton Town House siting committee, March 14, 1803. That committee sought the most central location on which to build the Milton Town House. When completed, in 1804, T. Roberts purchased Pew No. 16, for $27. It was situated in the northwest corner of the ground floor, between those of Wm Palmer, Pew No. 15., and J. Scates, Pew No. 17. (See Milton Town House – 1804).
Gilman Jewett, Wm Jones, and Timth Roberts were a Milton school district committee in 1804. (See Milton School Committees – 1804).
Son James Roberts married in Rochester, NH, July 2, 1804, Mercy Wentworth, both of Milton. Rev. Haven performed the ceremony (McDuffie, 1892). She was born in Milton, in 1784, daughter of John and Rebecca (Horn) Wentworth.
Timo Roberts was assessed in the Milton School District No. 5 of John Fish in 1806 (See Milton School Districts – 1806).
John Hayes headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years himself], one female aged 16-25 years, one male aged 10-15 years, and one female aged 45-plus years [Susannah ((Burnham) Roberts) Hayes].
Timo Roberts headed a Milton, NH, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 45-plus years [Elizabeth (Hayes) Roberts], one male aged 16-25 years, one female aged 16-25 years, two males aged 10-15 years, and one female aged 10-15 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Saml S. Wentworth and John Wentworth. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).
Daughter Mary M. Roberts married in Wakefield, NH, December 25, 1811, David Jones, both of Milton. Rev. Asa Piper performed the ceremony. Jones was born in Lebanon, ME, August 17, 1786, son of Samuel and Anna (Frost) Jones.
Beard Plumer, Esq., received $115.80 in Milton tax money collected by Timothy Roberts, November 18, 1812.
Timo Roberts was among those that petitioned the NH General Court, in or around June 1814, seeking incorporation of the Milton Congregational Society. (See Milton Congregational Society Petition – 1814).
Half-brother John Hayes died in Farmington, NH, in March 1815. Mother Susannah ((Burnham) Roberts) Hayes died in Farmington, NH, August 5, 1815.
Daughter Betsy Roberts married in Rochester, NH, October 17, 1816, Charles Corson, she of Milton and he of Lebanon, ME. He was born in Lebanon, ME, November 30, 1788, son of Levi and Sarah (Hodgdon) Corson.
Son John Roberts married in Boston, MA, June 14, 1819, Mary Ann Adams. Rev. Thomas Baldwin performed the ceremony (Columbian Centinel, June 16, 1819). She was born in Boston, MA, in 1794, daughter of Abijah and Lucy (Coolidge) Adams.
(Her father, Abijah Adams, who had died in May 1816, had been senior editor of the Independent Chronicle newspaper and had been imprisoned back in 1799 (during the infamous days of the Alien and Sedition Act) for “libeling” the Massachusetts State Senate.
DIED, In Boston, on Saturday morning, 18th inst., Mr. ABIJAH ADAMS, senior editor of the Independent Chronicle, aged sixty-two years. His remains were interred on Tuesday last, at four P.M. Those who are acquainted with his character, know that it will speak its own eulogium. During the reign of party persecution, he was a sufferer with the venerable HASWELL, for whom our paper is this day dressed in mourning. Peace to their shades! They are now beyond the reach of injustice, and will no longer suffer for the advancement of their principles (Vermont Chronicle, May 27, 1816).
Timo Roberts signed the April 1820 petition requesting the appointment of his son, James Roberts, as a Milton justice-of-the-peace.
Timo Roberts signed the Milton Anti-Division Remonstrance of June 1820. Timo Roberts, and his son, James Roberts, both signed the Milton Militia Division of November 1820. (See Milton Militia Dispute – 1820).
John Roberts headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Fourth (1820) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-24 years [Mary A. (Adams) Roberts], and one female aged under-10 years. One member of his household was engaged in Manufacture & the Trades. They resided on North Federal Court.
Captain David Jones headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Fourth (1820) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 16-25 years [Mary M. (Roberts) Jones], one male aged under-10 years, and three females aged under-10 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.
Son Hezekiah Roberts died in Andover, MA, November 1, 1820.
Daughter-in-law Mary Ann (Adams) Roberts died of an abscess in Boston, MA, November 19, 1822.
Son John Roberts appeared in the Boston, MA, directory of 1823, as a merchant or trader of W.I. goods, at 24 Long Wharf, with his house on Myrtle street.
Timothy Roberts was one of twenty-three Milton inhabitants who petitioned to have Gilman Jewett appointed as a Milton coroner, June 12, 1823. (See Milton Seeks a Coroner – June 1823).
Son John Roberts appeared in the Boston, MA, directory of 1825, as a merchant or trader of W.I. goods, at 25 Long Wharf.
Son Wentworth H. Roberts died of consumption in Bangor, ME, November 14, 1825, aged thirty-seven years (Bangor Register, January 5, 1826).
DIED. In this town, on Monday last, Mr. WENTWORTH H. ROBERTS, aged 37 (Bangor Register, November 17, 1825).
Son Amos M. Roberts married in Bangor, ME, June 28, 1827, Charlotte Barker Rich, he of Orono, ME, and she of Bangor, ME. She was born in Bangor, ME, May 24, 1808, daughter of Dr. Hosea and Frances ((Barker) Goodale) Rich.
Hymeneal. In this town, on Thursday last, Mr. Amos M. Roberts, of Orono, to Miss Charlotte B. Rich, daughter of Doctor Hosea Rich. No longer Rich in maiden charms, But happy in her husband’s arms (Bangor Register (Bangor, ME), [Wednesday,] July 4, 1827).
(Dr. Hosea Rich would head a petition to the Maine legislature, in January 1833, seeking a law that would legalize anatomical dissections).
Timo Roberts headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 70-79 years [himself], one female aged 70-79 years [Elizabeth (Hayes) Roberts], one female aged 30-39 years, and one male aged 15-19 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jas Roberts and Wm Jones. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).
John Roberts headed an “Upper Suburbs of New Orleans,” LA, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself].
Jas Roberts headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Mercy (Wentworth) Roberts, one male aged 10-14 years [Beard P. Roberts], one female aged 10-14 years [Betsy H. Roberts], one female aged 5-9 years [Mary A.A. Roberts], and one male aged under-5 years [Hezekiah W. Roberts]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Wm W. Lord and Timo Roberts. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).
David Jones headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], two females aged 30-39 years [Mary M. (Roberts) Jones and Priscilla Jones], one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, two females aged 10-14 years, one female aged 5-9 years, and two females aged under-5 years.
Charles Courson headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Betsy (Roberts) Courson], one female aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, two females aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years.
Amos M. Roberts headed an Orono, ME, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Charlotte B. (Rich) Roberts], one female aged 10-14 years, and one male aged under-5 years.
COPARTNERSHIP DISSOLVED. THE Copartnership of BARTLETT & ROBERTS is dissolved by mutual consent. The business of said firm will be settled by either of the subscribers. RICHARD H. BARTLETT, A.M. ROBERTS. Orono, Feb. 14. 8 (Bangor Register, February 22, 1831).
Timothy Roberts, aged seventy-five years, had been a Private in the NH militia. He had been placed on the Strafford County Revolutionary War pension roll, March 4, 1831, at the annual rate of $26.66, and had accrued $79.98 (by January 18, 1833).
Son John Roberts died near New Orleans, LA, December 24, 1833, aged forty-seven years.
Died. In the vicinity of New Orleans, on the 25th of Dec., Mr. John Roberts, formerly of Boston, merchant, son of Timothy Roberts, of Milton, N.H., aged 47 (Dover Enquirer, March 4, 1834; Columbian Centinel, March 12, 1834).
Son Amos M. Roberts and William Emerson of Bangor, ME, and Isaac Farrar of Bloomfield, ME, purchased Township No. 3, for its timber, in February 1835.
TIMBER LANDS. GREAT SALE BY THE STATE! We learn that Township numbered Three in the Thirteenth Range, on the West Branch of the Penobscot River, was sold on Saturday last, for THREE DOLLARS AND TWENTY FIVE CENTS per acre. Terms – one third cash down, remainder in one and two years. Purchasers, Messrs. AMOS M. ROBERTS, WILLIAM EMERSON, of Bangor, and ISAAC FARRAR of Bloomfield, all men of wealth, who understand the value of Timber Lands. This is a sign of the times (Portland Press Herald (Portland, ME), February 24, 1835).
Son Amos M. Roberts was President and a Director of the People’s Bank in 1835. He was also chairman of the building committee for a proposed granite church building at Stetson Square in Bangor, ME.
BANKS AT BANGOR. We learn from the Eastern Republican that the People’s, and Eastern Bank, have elected the following officers for the year ensuing. People’s Bank. PRESIDENT, William D. Williamson. DIRECTORS, Wm. D. Williamson, Isaac Hodsdon, Joshua Carpenter, Theodore B. McIntire, Albert Cyrus Moore, John Bradbury, Jonathan Burr. Albert G. Jewett, Charles Stetson, Jabez True. Eastern Bank. President, Amos M. Roberts. DIRECTORS, Amos M. Roberts, Mark Trafton, Cyrus Moore, John Bradbury, Jonathan Burr (Portland Press Herald (Portland, ME), May 6, 1835).
Granite Church. SEALED proposals will be received by the building committee for erecting a Church on Stetson’s Square, until the first day of October next, as per plan at the store of Mr. John A. French, No. 1 City Point Block. Said Church is to be 65 by 95 feet, and 34 feet in height with a tower 20 by 25 feet, and 75 feet high, to be built of rough split granite from 8 to 12 inches thick. Separate proposals will be received per foot for the granite to be delivered on the spot by the 10th day of April next – and also for the brick and other necessities to be used in said building. Specimens of the granite must accompany the proposals. A.M. ROBERTS, Chairman. Bangor, Sept. 10, 1835 (Kennebec Journal (Augusta, ME), September 16, 1835).
Timothy Roberts died in Milton, August 3, 1835, aged seventy-six years. (Columbian Centinel, October 31, 1835).
Died. In Milton, Mr. Timothy Roberts, 76 (Dover Enquirer, November 3, 1835).
Son Amos M. Roberts formed partnership with Leonard Jones and James Rich, June 1836.
THE Subscribers have formed a connexion in business under the firm of JONES, RICH & Co., and taken the Store lately occupied by JONES & RICH, 40 Broad street. A.M. ROBERTS. LEONARD JONES, JAMES RICH. je20 6w (Bangor Daily Whig & Courier, July 1, 1836).
NOTICE. THE Copartnership heretofore existing under between the undesigned and JAMES RICH, under the firm of JONES, RICH & CO., was dissolved on the 11th inst. by the death of the said Rich. All persons indebted to and having demands against said firm are requested to adjust the same with the Subscribers, who will continue the business of the late copartnership under the firm of LEONARD JONES & Co. AM. ROBERTS, LEONARD JONES } Surviving Partners. Bangor, August 13, 1836 augl6 (Bangor Daily Whig & Courier, August 18, 1836).
Son Amos M. Roberts was a Bangor, ME, delegate to the Penobscot County Democrat-Republican Convention, held at Levant, ME, August 20, 1836. (Ira Fish was on the Credentialing Committee). Martin Van Buren was their preferred Presidential candidate (Portland Press Herald, August 25, 1836).
I, Jacob Wentworth Jr of Milton in the County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire, depose and say, that I live in the neighborhood of Mrs. Elizabeth Roberts, Widow of Timothy Roberts, late of said Milton deceased. I assisted in laying out her husband, the said Timothy Roberts, and know that he died at said Milton on the third day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty five, and that the said Elizabeth Roberts remains his widow. Jacob Wentworth Jr.
Strafford County Ss. On the twelfth day of September A.D. 1838 personally appeared Jacob Wentworth Jr, the above named affiant, who I certify is a creditable witness, and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is just and true ~ before me, James Roberts, Justice of the Peace.
Wm Jones of Milton, gentleman, made a similar affidavit before James Roberts, J.P.
Elizabeth Roberts of Milton, aged eighty-one years, widow of Timothy Roberts, made a pension declaration, September 14, 1838. Her deceased husband had been a marine on board the ship of war Ranger in 1779 during the war of the Revolution, and had been also a Private in the land service, and had been a U.S. pensioner at the time of his death. He was at the time of their marriage “stiled” [styled] Timothy Roberts, Junr, and that his uncle, Timothy Roberts, “Senior,” had died before he was a pensioner. [Ed.: It was that elder uncle who had been a 2nd lieutenant, rather than a private, in Col. Waldron’s regiment]. She and her husband married November 28, 1782, and he died August 3, 1835. The Probate judge that certified her declaration stated that, due to bodily infirmity, “this declaration was taken was taken at her dwelling house in Milton.”
Elizabeth Roberts, widow of Timothy Roberts, was entered on the pension rolls and a certificate issued December 7, 1838. She was paid $66.67 in arrears and a first half-year payment of $13.33.
Son James Roberts drowned in Milton, July 6, 1839, aged fifty-five years.
Died. Drowned in Milton, on the 5th inst., James Roberts, Esq., aged 56 (Dover Enquirer, July 9, 1839).
Mercy [(Wentworth)] Roberts headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. Her household included one female [herself] aged 50-59 years, one female aged 20-29 years [Betsy H. Roberts], one female aged 15-19 years [Mary A.A. Roberts], and one male aged 10-14 years [Hezekiah W. Roberts]. One member of their household was engaged in Agriculture. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of William Jones and James C. Roberts on the one side, and John W. Roberts and Aaron Dore on the other side.
James C. Roberts headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included two males aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years, one female aged 30-39 years, one male aged under-5 years, one female aged under-5 years, and one female aged 80-89 years [Elizabeth (Hayes) Roberts]. two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. A Revolutionary pensioner, Elizabeth [(Hayes)] Roberts, aged 80 years, appeared. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of William Jones and Mercy Roberts.
David Jones headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Mary M. (Roberts) Jones], one female aged 20-29 years, two females aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, two females aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, and one female aged 5-9 years. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Seven members of his household were scholars.
Charles Courson headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years, one female aged 30-39 years, one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 20-29 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged 10-14 years, and one male aged under-5 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture, one member was engaged in Manufacture and Trade, and one member was engaged in a learned profession or engineering. Two members of his household were scholars.
A.M. Roberts headed a Bangor, ME, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years, one female aged 30-39 years, one female aged 20-29 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged 10-14 years, and one female aged under-5 years.
The Rev. Enoch Hayes Place of Strafford, NH, as a member of the Quarterly Meeting Council met with the First Church in Lebanon, ME, in July 1840, where they heard Charles Corson of Lebanon, ME, examined for ordination.
Wed., July 1, 1840 – Our Counsil from Q.M. Met with the first Church in Lebanon in Conference and examined Br Charles Corson, a candidate presented to us by the church for ordination. The examination was quite protracted (NEHGS, 1998).
Son-in-law Charles Corson received his commission as a Lebanon, ME, justice-of-the-peace, March 27, 1845 (Masters, Smith & Co., 1852). (Rev. Charles Corson appears in Lebanon Town Records as having been an officiant at weddings between June 1847 and March 1856).
Daughter-in-law Mercy (Wentworth) Roberts died in Milton, September 10, 1845.
Granddaughter Sarah M. Jones died in Great Falls, [Somersworth,] NH, April 23, aged nineteen years years.
DEATHS. At Great Falls, Sarah, daughter of David Jones, Esq., of Lebanon, ME., aged about 20 (Dover Enquirer, May 5, 1846).
Granddaughter Charlotte Rich Jones died in Lebanon, ME, April 14, 1847, aged eighteen years. (She was a namesake for Charlotte B. (Rich) Roberts, wife of her maternal uncle, Amos M. Roberts of Bangor, ME).
DIED. In Lebanon, 14, Charlotte Rich, daughter of David Jones, Esq., 18 (Bangor Daily Whig & Courier (Bangor, ME), April 20, 1847).
Elizabeth Roberts of Milton, aged ninety-one years, filed a declaration, September 14, 1848, to in order to continue her previous pension under the new pension act of February 1848. She gave an abbreviated account of the service of her late husband, Timothy Roberts, and declared that she was still a widow.
The Rev. Enoch Hayes Place of Strafford, NH, visited a Free Will Baptist Quarterly Meeting in December 1849, where he heard Elder Charles Corson of Lebanon, ME, preach.
Thurs, 13. – Went with wife to Q.M. [Quarterly Meeting]. A multitude were present. Elder Charles Corson preached for the first time in Q.M. Tho’ a man of years and he did the right thing from 1. Peter 4:17 (NEHGS, 1998).
(The text of 1 Peter 4:17 would be “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?”).
David Jones, a farmer, aged sixty-four years (b. ME), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Roberts)] Jones, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), Susan Jones, aged thirty-five years (b. ME), Elizabeth Jones, aged twenty-eight years (b. ME), Martha S. Jones, aged eighteen years (b. ME), John R. Jones, aged fourteen years (b. ME), and Precilla Jones, aged fifty-six years (b. ME). David Jones had real estate valued at $3,000.
Charles Courson, F.B. clergy, aged sixty-one years (b. ME), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Betsy [(Roberts)] Courson, aged fifty-two years (b. ME), Charles W. Courson, a shoemaker, aged twenty-three years (b. ME), Harriett Courson, aged twenty years (b. ME), James S. Courson, aged eleven years (b. ME), and John R. Courson, aged nine years (b. ME). Charles Courson had real estate valued at $1,000.
A.M. Roberts, a merchant, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Bangor, ME, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Charlotte B. [(Rich)] Roberts, aged forty years (b. NH), Charles W. Roberts, a student, aged twenty-one years (b. ME), Frances E. Roberts, aged twelve years (b. ME), Anna C. Roberts, aged eight years (b. ME), Ellen Welch, aged twenty years (b. Ireland), and Sarah Welch, aged eighteen years (b. Ireland). A.M. Roberts had real estate valued at $100,000.
Son Amos M. Roberts was elected to the Maine Executive Council in 1853.
MAINE COUNCILLORS – The Executive Council in Maine was filled on Saturday by the election of the following gentlemen: -Edw. L. Osgood, Fryeburg; Amos M. Roberts, Bangor; Franklin Smith, North Anson; Albert Pillsbury, Machias; William Buxton, North Yarmouth; Thadeus Weeks, Jefferson; Samuel P. Shaw, Waterville. The first four are ‘Wild-Cats.’ The three others are Whigs. ‘The vote for the ‘Wild-Cats’ averaged from 104 to 96. The Whigs had each 89. M. Lawyer was re-elected Secretary of State over George C. Getchell, the Whig candidate, by one majority (Woodstock Mercury & Windsor County Advertiser (Woodstock, VT), January 20, 1853).
Son Amos M. Roberts was appointed by President Franklin Pierce, as one of three commissioners in charge of building a new Federal Customs House in Bangor, ME, in 1854.
The President has appointed Messrs. Amos M. Roberts, John McDonald and George P. Sewall, Commissioners to superintend the building of the new Custom House in Bangor, in place of Messrs. Elijah I. Hamlin, Moses L. Appleton and Wm. C. Hammatt (Eastern Times (Bath, ME), July 6, 1854).
Rev. John M.W. Farnham (1829-1917), who became a Presbyterian missionary in China, would remember the West Lebanon, ME, Free-Will Baptist preachers of his youth, including Elder Charles Corson.
A story was current of Elder Corson, who preached with great power and unction and plainness, that on one occasion some persons who thought themselves hit too hard went out. Before they reached the door, which was beside the pulpit, the preacher, nothing daunted, pointed his finger at them, and in a stentorian voice cried out, “And, blessed be God, I can cast out devils; see them go!” (Farnham, 1902).
Sons-in-law Charles Corson and David Jones both appeared as Lebanon, ME, justices-of-the-peace in the Maine Register & Directory of 1856.
Justices of the Peace and of the Quorum. Lebanon. Charles Corson, William Emery, Isaac C. Fall, David Jones, James W. Hayes, Hawley A. Keag, Sylvester Fall, James Jones, Jr., Wm. A. Ricker, Thomas Ricker, Timothy L. Kimball, Hebron Libbey, Thomas Ricker (Parks, 1856).
(David Jones, J.P., appears in Lebanon town records as having been an officiant at weddings between November 1821 and August 1857).
Elizabeth (Hayes) Roberts “Died April 3, 1856,” per a marginal note in her pension file.
Son-in-law Charles Corson died of lung fever in Lebanon, ME, April 23, 1860, aged seventy-one years, four months, and twenty-three days. He was a married F.W.B. clergyman.
DEATHS. In Lebanon, Elder Charles Corson, aged 71 years (Dover Enquirer, May 3, 1860).
DIED. In Lebanon, 23 ult., Elder Charles Corson, aged 71 years, 4 months (Portland Press Herald (Portland, ME), May 5, 1860).
David Jones, a farmer, aged seventy-three years (b. ME), headed a Lebanon (“Center Lebanon P.O.”), ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary M. [(Roberts)] Jones, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH), Priscella Jones, aged sixty-six years (b. ME), Susan Jones, aged forty-five years (b. ME), Elizabeth Jones, aged forty years (b. ME), and John R. Jones, a farmer, aged twenty-five years (b. ME). David Jones had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $500. Priscella Jones was “Blind.”
Betsey [(Roberts)] Corson, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), headed a Lebanon (“West Lebanon P.O.”), ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. Her household included Harriet Corson, a teacher, aged thirty years (b. ME), James Corson, a farmer, aged twenty years (b. ME), and John Corson, a shoemaker, aged nineteen years (b. ME). Betsey Corson had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $100. (James Corson was said to be “insane”).
Amos M. Roberts, a merchant, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Bangor, ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Charlotte [(Rich)] Roberts, aged fifty years (b. ME), Charles P. Roberts, a merchant, aged thirty years (b. ME), Annie Roberts, aged eighteen years (b. ME), Mary Sexton, a domestic, aged fifteen years (b. ME), and Patrick Herrin, a gardener, aged forty years (b. Ireland). Amos M. Roberts had real estate valued at $100,000 and personal estate valued at $50,000.
A TROPHY OF THE SECOND MAINE. Colonel Roberts has sent home to his father, Hon. Amos M. Roberts, one of the battle flags of the Fifth Alabama regiment taken at the battle of Chickahominy, June 27th. It is a small sized silk flag, made, apparently, from some old silk dress colored over (Bangor Daily Whig & Courier (Bangor, ME), July 17, 1862).
ORIGINAL AND SELECTED. … COL. ROBERTS SAFE. The Bangor Whig says Hon. Amos M. Roberts, of that city, has received a despatch stating that his son, Chas. W. Roberts, of the Maine 2d, was not killed, as reported, in the late battles, but is safe. The same despatch says the loss to the Maine 2d, killed, wounded, and missing, is 75 (Portland Daily Press (Portland, ME), September 4, 1862).
Daughter Mary M. (Roberts) Jones died in Lebanon, ME, May 16, 1868. Son-in-law David Jones died in Lebanon, ME, June 5, 1868, aged eighty-three years.
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. STRAFFORD, SS. The Judge of Probate for said County to the heirs of law of the estate of David Jones, late of Milton, in said County, deceased, testate, and to all interested therein. YOU are hereby notified that John R. Jones, Administrator of the estate of said deceased, will exhibit his account of the administration thereof at a Court of Probate to be holden at Farmington in said County, on the first Tuesday of Sept. next, when and where you may appear and show cause, if any you have, against the allowance of said account. And it is ordered that said Administrator give notice, by causing the foregoing citation and this order thereon to be published three weeks successively in the Dover Enquirer, a newspaper printed at Dover in said County, the last publication whereof to be at least one week before said court. Given at Dover, in said County, this third day of August, A.D. 1869. AMASA ROBERTS, Register (Dover Enquirer, August 5, 1869).
Betsey [(Roberts)] Corson, keeping house, aged seventy-two years (b. NH), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. Her household included James F. Corson, works for shoe manf., aged thirty years (b. NH). Betsey Corson had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $100.
Amos M. Roberts, a lumber dealer, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Bangor, ME, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Charlotte [(Rich)] Roberts, keeping house, aged sixty-one years (b. ME), Gilbert Higgins, a lumber dealer, aged thirty-one years (b. ME), Annie [(Roberts)] Higgins, aged twenty-six years (b. ME), Mary Galagha, a domestic servant, aged nineteen years (b. ME), and Michael Harren, a gardener, aged twenty-seven years (b. Ireland). Amos M. Roberts had real estate valued at $100,000 and personal estate valued at $20,000.
RUNAWAY. A valuable four-years old colt belonging to Col. Amos M. Roberts of this city, was frightened while standing hitched in front of Jenness’ store Saturday morning. He ran on to the sidewalk, broke his halter, and started across the street, the wagon striking the lamp post in front of Lewis’ store. He then made a straight line for Fogg & Bridges’ door, safely running the gauntlet of teams that always fill the squares. Mr. Fogg, who stood in the door, wasn’t anxious for that class of customers and managed to turn the animal out of his course. As he turned on the sidewalk, his feet slipped and he fell heavily. The bystanders immediately secured the animal before any further damage was done. The horse was slightly cut on the flank, and the wagon, one of Whiton’s, was damaged only to the extent of a broken axletree. If Mr. Fogg had not been standing in the door, the frightened animal would undoubtedly have ran straight into the store. It was a narrow escape (Bangor Daily Whig & Courier (Bangor, ME), June 24, 1872).
GENERALITIES. The Eastern Bank of Bangor, has now been in operation forty two years, and during all that times has had but one president, the Hon. Amos M. Roberts (Republican Journal (Belfast, ME), October 18, 1877).
Son Amos M. Roberts died of heart disease and exhaustion in Tremont House, Boston, MA, March 16, 1879, aged seventy-eight years. He was a married merchant, born in Milton, NH, son of Timothy and Elizabeth Roberts.
OBITUARY. HON. AMOS M. ROBERTS of Bangor, Me., died at the Tremont House in this city on March 16 of heart disease, aged 78 years. Mr Roberts was born in Milton, N.H., but early settled in Maine, where he has been a leading and influential citizen for fifty years. He was President of the Eastern Bank of Bangor for forty years, and President of the Penobscot Savings Bank at the time of his death. The deceased has been long known in New England as a successful banker and merchant and as one whose sound business qualities made his opinions sought and respected. His son, Gen. Charles W. Roberts, was the late Democratic candidate for Governor of Maine. He leaves also a widow and two children, one the wife of Judge J.A. Peters of Maine, the other the wife of N.G. Higgins, Esq., of Boston (Boston Post, March 17, 1879).
Hon. Amos M. Roberts, of Bangor, died suddenly on Sunday morning, at the Tremont House. Boston. He had suffered in health during the past winter, and was on his way to the south, in the hope that a change of climate might benefit his health. He was seventy-seven years of age. Major Roberts was for fifty years a leading merchant, banker and lumber operator at Bangor. His reputation for integrity and business sagacity was behind no man in this portion of the state. He had held many positions of trust, and enjoyed largely the confidence of his fellow citizens. Major Roberts was a prominent and active Democratic politician of the old school (Republican Journal (Belfast, ME), March 20, 1879).
Amos M. Roberts, President of the Penobscot Savings Bank, died in Boston, Sunday morning, at the advanced age of 77. Major Roberts has been a resident of Bangor nearly fifty years. He was President of the Eastern Bank from its corporation in 1825 to the close of 1871. He was also a prominent lumber operator and distinguished for busines [sic] sagacity and integrity. He held many positions of trust and responsibility (Piscataquis Observer, March 20, 1879).
LOCAL MATTERS. D.M. Howard, Esq., Agent of the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company yesterday paid Mrs. Amos M. Roberts ten thousand dollars, the same being the amount of her late husband’s insurance on his life in that Company (Bangor Daily Whig & Courier (Bangor, ME), June 27, 1879).
UNITARIAN SOCIETY. The Annual Meeting. … The Standing Committee submitted their annual written report in which appropriate reference was made to the death of the late Amos M. Roberts and Mrs. Sarah L. Lancaster, they being two of the prominent members of the Society who have died during the year. Mr. Roberts was a resident of the city for over fifty years and one of the original members of the Society (Bangor Daily Whig & Courier (Bangor, ME), October 7, 1879).
N. Gilbert Higgins, a lumber merchant, aged forty-one years (b. ME), headed a Bangor, ME, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Anna C. [(Roberts)] Higgins, aged thirty-seven years (b. ME), his [mother-in-law] boarder, Charlotte B. [(Rich)] Roberts, aged seventy-one years (b. ME), and his servant, Mary Gleason, aged twenty-six years (b. ME). They resided at 72 State Street.
James T. Corson, works in woolen mill, aged forty years (b. ME), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his mother, Betsey [(Roberts)] Corson, keeping house, aged eighty-two years (b. ME).
Daughter Betsy (Roberts) Corson died in 1882.
Daughter-in-law Charlotte B. (Rich) Roberts died in Bangor, ME, September 9, 1882.
LOCAL MATTERS. Mrs. Charlotte B. Roberts, daughter of Dr. Hosea Rich and widow of Hon. Amos M. Roberts, both late of this city, died on Saturday afternoon at the age of seventy-four years. The funeral services will occur on Tuesday at half-past two o’clock (Bangor Daily Whig & Courier, September 11, 1882).
Mrs. Charlotte B. Roberts, widow of the Hon. Amos M. Roberts, died Saturday at her residence in Bangor. Mrs. Roberts was the daughter of Dr. Hosea B. Rich, of Bangor, and at the time of her decease had reached the ripe age of seventy-four years. She leaves three children. Gen. Chas. W. Roberts, Mrs. Judge Peters and Mrs. N.G. Higgins (Republican Journal (Belfast, ME), September 14, 1882).
References:
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Milton Observer 