The Carpenter

He talks of wood. It is some carpenter ~ William Shakespeare

Joseph Harrison Roberts (1874-1930)

Joseph H. Roberts (Levi, Elisha, Isaac) was born March 1874 in Sevier County, Tn to Levi and Harriet (Kerr) Roberts. He married Mollie Belle Brock on December 2, 1897 in Sevier County, Tn. She was the daughter of Thomas Millard Filmore Maples and Martha Jane Brock. Joseph died on June 22, 1930 in Knox Co., Tn. Mollie was born on September 6, 1880 in Sevier Co., Tn and died December 18, 1933 in Knox Co. Tn. They are both buried in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Mollie Belle (Brock) Roberts
circa 1895-1900

Joseph was just eleven years old when his mother died, he grew up working the land like those who came before him. When Joseph's father, Levi, died the land was left to Joseph and his siblings. Two years later Joseph bought his sibling's shares, and remained on the land for another two years. But farming was not what Joseph wanted to do, he was a carpenter and he wanted to build. So in 1900 he and Mollie and their two young children left the farm and moved to Knoxville, Tn where Joseph started his own construction business. According to a cousin, Jerry Roberts, some of the houses my grandfather built are still standing today. The stock market crash ended my grandfather's dreams, he lost his business, his home and his family was left with nothing. According to my father, they lived in a tent on a neighbor's land, Joseph died within a year of heart failure.

State of Tennessee
Sevier County
Deed Book

This Indenture made this 22nd day of August A.D. 1898 between Nancy A. Roberts, Grace E. Hurst and Mc Hurst, Laura B. Breeden and L.H. Breeden and I.N. Roberts of Sevier County and State of Tennessee of the First part and J.H. Roberts of the same place of the Second part. Witnesseth that for the purpose of partition the lands left us by our father, L.C. Roberts, we the parties of the first part do hereby grant, transfer and convey to the party of the Second part, the following described lot or tract of land designated as lot No. 4.

Beginning on a stake in the road and a corner to Lot No. 1, N 58 W 25 poles to a stake, N 22 E 15 poles to a cedar, N 411/2 E 22 poles to a stake & walnut, S 72 E 20 poles to a black gum, N 12 E 161/2 poles to a white oak, S 82 E 11 poles to a stake, S 2 E 9 poles to a stake & dogwood, S 70 E 22 poles to a white oak a corner to Hardin, N 25 E 31 poles to a stake a corner to Lot No. 3, N 45 W 30 poles to a red oak corner to Lot No. 2, N 53 W 32 poles to a stake in the Road, S 50 W 25 poles to the beginning - Containing 15 acres more or less. To have and to hold to the party of the Second part and his heirs and assigns forever, and parties of the First part for themselves their heirs and assigns warrant and defend the title to the same against all claims in and through us in witness we have hereunto set our hands and seal, the day and date above written.

I.N. Roberts
Mack Hurst
L.H. Breeden
Grace E. Hurst
Laura B. Breeden
N.A (her X mark) Roberts


Children of Joseph Roberts and Mollie Brock:

1. Hattie M. Brock was born May 10, 1897 in Georgia, and died September 22, 1980 in Cleveland, Ohio. She married William "Doc" McElroy, son of William McElroy and Juliette Maples. He was born March 14, 1897 in Sevier Co., Tennessee, and died October 10, 1961 in Cleveland, Ohio.

2. Millard Filmore Roberts was born July 12, 1899 in Sevier County, Tn. and died 1924 in Knox County, Tn.

Notes for MILLARD F. ROBERTS:

Millard Filmore Roberts was born July 12, 1899 and died May 19, 1924. He married Bonnie Ledford June 21, 1920, Knoxville, Tennessee; b. 1901, no issue from this marriage. He served in the army during WWI, Volunteered the 12th of July 1917, Company M, 23rd Infantry, 2nd Division, sailed overseas on 9 Sept 1917, in action at Chateau Thierry and Soissons, wounded 6 June 1918 and taken POW. Released 6 December 1918, returned to states 11 Feb 1919, Rank of Sergeant

Last Will and Testament of Millard Filmore Roberts

I, Millard Filmore Roberts, of Knox County, Tennessee, being of sound mind and memory, do hereby make, publish and declare this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all other wills by me at any time heretofore made.
I hereby will, devise and bequeath to my father and mother Joseph H. Roberts and Mollie Roberts all my property, real, personal or mixed, of whatsoever kind or character, and wheresoever located, of which I may or shall die seized or possesses, and all claims, demands, accounts or choses in action, belonging to me or to my estate after my decease, to belong to the said Joseph H. Roberts and Mollie Roberts absolutely in their own right, one half each.
Having full confidence in my father Joseph H. Roberts to make an equitable and just division of any assets belonging to my estate according to the provisions of this my will, I here by appoint Joseph H. Roberts as executor of this my will, and excuse him from making bond therefor.
In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name on this February the 17th, One Thousand Nine Hundred and Twenty Two (1922) at Knoxville, Tennessee.

Millard Filmore Roberts

Signed by the said testator, Millard Filmore Roberts, as his last will and testament in the presence of us, who, at his request, and in his presence, and in the presence of each other, have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses.

Robert D. Taylor
W.R. Henderson

Probated in Minute Book No. 7 Page 12

3. Raymond A. Roberts was born October 10, 1901 in Sevier County, Tn and died February 23, 1963 in Knox County. He married Ada Payne of Sevier County. She died in November, 1975 in Knox County. Raymond and Ada are buried in Shiloh Cemetery in Sevierville, Tennessee.

Notes for Raymond A. Roberts:

Raymond A. Roberts Volunteered for service in WWl, Army of Occupation in France, Rank of Private.
9 Jun 1919

4. Harrison Joseph Roberts was born March 18, 1903 in Sevier County, Tn. and died in 1995 in Knox County. He married Beulah Craig.

5. Lucille Roberts was born June 25, 1906 in Sevier County, Tn. She married Sam Witt.

6. Hazel Roberts was born February 2, 1910 in Sevier County, Tn. She married Neil Hardin.

7. Martha Roberts was born June 16, 1912 in Knox County, Tn and died March 14, 1920 in Knox County.

8. Carl Franklin Roberts was born February 17, 1915 in Knox Co., Tennessee, and died October 27, 1995 in Terrell, Kaufman Co, Texas. He married Aileen June Strayer July 1946 in Cleveland, Ohio, daughter of Carl A. Strayer and Francis Bush. She was born June 29, 1915 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and died June 02, 2005.

Notes for Carl F. Roberts:

Carl Franklin Roberts was born in Knoxville, Tennessee and spent his early life there. After his mother's death in 1933 he moved to Cleveland, Ohio where his sister, Hattie Brock McElroy lived. He was a cook with the Merchant Marine for a short time and then joined the Cleveland Police Department. He retired from the Cleveland Police Department and he and his second wife moved to Terrell, Texas where he died and is buried.

9. Lydia Anne Roberts was born April 9, 1918 in Knox County, Tn.

10. Paul Roberts was born June 7, 1920 in Knox County, Tn.

11. Pauline Roberts (twin) was born June 7, 1920 and died June 10, 1920.

Family Photo circa 1918

Left to Right (standing) Harrison, Millard, Hattie and Raymond
Left to Right (sitting) Joseph H. Roberts (holding Martha) Lucy, Hazel
Mollie B. Roberts (holding Carl)

To be continued ...

A Time of Peace and A Time of War ...

Levi Campbell Roberts (1827-1896)

Levi Campbell Roberts (my great-grandfather) was born December 13, 1827 in Sevier County, TN. At the time of his birth, the town of Sevierville was sparsely settled with only one main street. The first courthouse was a log structure. Large families were very common then, Levi being the eldest son of Elisha's and Gracy's nine children. Families worked hard building homes, making their own clothing and supplying enough food to feed their families. Women worked along side their husbands in the fields as well as taking care of the house. Many children meant many hands on the farm.

Entertainment consisted of fiddle playing and dancing, but because many the older people, who were primitive baptists, frowned on dancing, a new form of "swinging games" was played. We know these games as "square dancing" today. There was also "harp singing", which does not involve the harp at all. The origins of harp singing goes back centuries to England, but it really took root in the south. Harp singing is more like a shouting out, with stark harmonies that are haunting and raw.

The 1830 Census for Sevier County lists the following occupations: blacksmith headed the list, 6 doctors, 3 lawyers, 2 Methodist preachers, 8 Baptist preachers, wagon makers, carpenters, saddlers, merchants, 1 hatter, 1 cooper, 1 chair maker and 3 shoot and boot makers. Of course the majority of the residents at this time were farmers, which would continue until the Industrial Revolution.

Levi was born into a time of peace and as his father did before him, he farmed on a piece of land next door to his parents and also raised cattle. In 1850 he married Nancy Jane Russell, she was born November 1, 1827 in Jefferson County, TN. It is not known at this time who her parents were. Levi and Nancy had six children: John, Mary Jane, Martha D., Samuel Houston, Sarah, William Albert and an unknown female child. In 1860 he was the Constable of Sevier County.

When their last child was born, the world as they knew it was changing, war had once more entered the lives of Sevier Countians, and this war would see brothers, cousins, fathers and sons on opposing sides. Levi served in the Home Guard and five of his brothers joined the Union Army, CoM 2nd Tennessee Cavalry.

The war took a toll on the citizens of Sevier County, with raiding by the Union and Confederate troops. On September 8, 1863 his father, Elisha, died and Levi was now the head of the family. Then just a little over a year later on April 30, 1864 his mother, Gracey, died of meningitis. His young wife, Nancy, who was probably nursing her mother-in-law succumbed, along with an infant, daughter one day later to the same illness. Nancy and her infant daughter are buried in the same grave next to Levi's parents at Alderbranch Cemetery.

Levi was now left alone to raise his six young children. On November 9, 1865 he married Harriet Kerr (my great-grandmother). Census records show that Harriet, as well as giving birth to eight children of her own, raised the youngest child, William Albert Roberts, of Levi and Nancy. Levi and Nancy's children at the time of her death ranged from the ages of 14 to 1. It is not known who raised the other children of Levi and Nancy. Perhaps they were raised by relatives of Nancy and it is also possible that the older ones may have been apprenticed out to learn trades. It is also interesting to note that the children of his first wife are not mentioned in his will.

Children of Levi and Harriet (Kerr) Roberts: Nancy Ann, Grace Elzora, Joseph Harrison, Laura Belle, Isaac Newton, Amanda, James H. and Sara.

Harriet Kerr Roberts died in 1885 and Levi later posted guardianship bond for their minor children. Harriet and Levi were buried in the Kerr Family Cemetery, their remains were later re-interred by the TVA to Union Grove Cemetery in Sevier County.

Guardianship Bonds


Ward Guardian Heir Of

Roberts, Garce E. Roberts, L.C. Harriet 1888/1892
Isaac N. Roberts ditto
James H. Roberts 1888
Joseph H. Roberts 1892
Laura B. Roberts 1888
Sara Roberts 1892



WILL OF LEVI C. ROBERTS

Will Book 1
Page 504-506

I, LEVI C. ROBERTS of Millican, County of Sevier and State of Tennessee, being of sound mind and considering the uncertainty of life, do therefore make and declare this to be my last Will and
Testament.

FIRST I order that my Executor herein after named pay all my just debts and funeral expenses as soon after my decease as conveniently may be.

SECOND That my Executor sell a parcel of land known as the John Knight place containing 18 acres more or less, also a parcel or lot of land, beginning at a stake near Albert Roberts, then running up the main hollow to a big white oak tree a side line between McTrotter and myself this boundary lays northeast of the main hollow number of acres not estimated and in the event that the aforesaid lands does not pay all my just debts I authorize my Executor to sell one parcel or lot of land lying on the northeast of my home farm, beginning on a white oak corner of a lot of land of my wife Harriett and running with the top of the ridge northwest to a post oak corner of my own and McTrotter and if this lot should bring more money than it takes to pay my just debts I want the remainder equally divided between my five youngest children, to wit: Nancy A. and Gracy E. and Joseph H. and Laura B. and Isaac N. and that Nancy A. and Isaac N. have the old residence and there be no deduction of their part of land for said residence and that I give Joseph H. 1 Bay Mule and I give Isaac N. 1 Mouse colbred Mule and I give and bequeath to Nancy A. 1 milk cow and one heifer calf and 1 sheep and 1 brood sow the oldest one on the farm and that Isaac N. have 1 young brood sow and that I give and bequeath to Nancy A. five head of stock hogs for to fatten for the meat of my family that I have at home and that I bequeathto Nancy A. what corn is in my crib for the use of the family at home and also what wheat and oats that I have at present. An I bequeath to Isaac N., 1 wagon and all the farming tools that I have and that my land that I have beqeathed to my children above named to be divided with them when the youngest becomes twenty-one years of age. And that my Executor sell annually the rents of the aforesaid farms until it be divided and that the proceeds to be equally divided between my five youngest children. And that my Executor sell remainder of my stock hogs 10 in number and 2 young steers and pay the same to my creditors. And if there should be any legacy coming to me from any source I want it divided equally between all of my heirs in case it is not necessary to pay it out on my debts.

I appoint Eli H. Roberts to be Executor of this my Last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made.

In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal this 11th day of September, 1896.

L. C. ROBERTS

witnesses: Joshua Atchley
Noah Haggard

Admitted to probate, September 19, 1896.

W. C. Large - Deputy Clerk

The Albert Roberts mentioned in Levi's will is William Albert Roberts, his son by Nancy. There is a deed registered for land that he sold his son next door to him.

State of Tennessee
Sevier County
Deed Book

I L.C. Roberts have this day bargained and sold and do hereby transfer and convey unto W.A. Roberts and his heirs and assigns forever for the consideration of ninety dollars to me in hand paid a tract or parcel of land in the State of Tennessee, Sevier County and in District No. 7 containing by estimation seven acres and 20 rod be the same more or less and bounded as follows; Beginning at a white oak corner to W.M. Finchum's land and runs S 39 W 21 1/3 poles to a post oak S 15 E 4 poles to a stake near a white oak N 70 W 29 poles to a stake at stable door N 41 W 14 poles to a stake at the fence N 551/2 E 71/2 poles to a cedar N 491/2 E 341/2 poles to a stake on W.M. Finchums line S 35 E 28 poles with the same to the beginning to have and to hold the same to the said W.A. Roberts his heirs or assigns forever. We do covenant with the said W.A. Roberts that I am lawfully siezed of said land, have a good right to convey it, and the same in unincumbered. I do further covenant and bind myself my heirs and Representatives to warrant and forever defend the title to the foregoing described tract of land and every part thereof to the said W. A. Roberts his heirs or assigns against the lawful claims of all persons whatever this the 31 day of October 1890.

L.C. Roberts (seal)

J.J. Ellis, Clerk of the County Court

To be continued ...

A Child is born ...

“When chill November's surly blast make fields and forest bare.” ~ Robert Burns

Isaac and his wife are now living in their own cabin built of logs from trees they cleared from their land. It has two rooms and a loft. The fireplace in the main room, which serves as living and dining area, is built from fieldstone. Isaac has fashioned a rough-hewn cupboard for his wife to hold her dishes, a stone pitcher and crock, a coffee mill and her prized Delph pitcher. Isaac spent hours fashioning a mantle out of white oak. In anticipation of the coming birth of their first born child he has also bartered his labor to a widowed neighbor for a woven cradle.

The fields lie fallow, the root cellar holds barrels of salted meat, baskets of root crops and dried fruits. Bunches of herbs have been tied and hung from rafters in the loft. The barn made out of logs, like the cabin, is occupied by a milk cow, several sheep and chickens. All is ready for the coming cold months ahead.

Isaac has gone to the barn while the midwife and neighbor women attend to his wife. She has been in labor for hours. He can hear his wife's cries as she struggles to bring their child into the world. He thinks of the many women who have died in childbirth, and he sends a silent prayer up that he will not be digging a grave but celebrating a birth.

Elisha was born on November 16, 1799, just one year after Tennessee became the 16th state to join the union. His mother would go on to have three more children that we know of; Judith, Isaac and another sister. Isaac and his wife died sometime before 1850, the exact location of their graves is not known, but I was told by another researcher that a section of graves at the Alderbranch Cemetery have sunk over the years along with their headstones. Since most of the Roberts' are buried in this cemetery, I assume that Isaac and his wife are also.

The following was found in the Sevier County Courthouse ...

This following Indenture is between Elisha Roberts and W. F. Nichols both of Sevier County, Tennessee.
State of Tennessee
Sevier County
Deed Book

I Elisha Roberts have this day bargained and sold and do hereby transfer and convey to W. F. Nichols and his heirs forever for the consideration of six hundred and seventy five dollars to me in hand paid a tract of land in the State of Tennessee, Sevier County, and District No. 7 containing by estimationThirty Acres be the same more or less and bounded as follows beginning on a stake on the Bank of French Broad River then up the same North 49 East 11 poles to a stake corner to 1st lot then with the same South 62 East 203 poles to a stake South 82 East 50 poles to a white oak on the bank of Millican Creek then with same South 10 West 20 poles to a stake South 301/2 West 20 poles to a stake on the line between lots No. 2 and 3 then South same North 75 West 14 poles to a sweetgum North 59 West 135 poles to a stake North 62 West 110 poles to the beginning. To have and to hold the same to the said W. F. Nichols his heirs and assigns forever I do covenant with the said W.F. Nichols that I am lawfully seized of said land have a good right to convey it and that the same is unincumbered I do further covenant and bind myself my heirs and representatives to warrant and forever defend the title to the said land and every part thereof to the said W.F. Nichols his heirs and assigns against the lawful claims of all persons whatever this 24th day of July 1858.

Elisha Roberts (seal)

Test: G. W. Hill
Thos. Atchley

Note: Was Elisha selling land left to him by his father? The Sevier County Courthouse burned down in the mid 1850's and early records are lost to us forever, except for the few (like this) that survived, we will never know.

Elisha, like his father before him, was a farmer and spent his entire life on the land he was born on. He lived next door to his parents, probably on a piece of land divided off of Isaac's homestead. He married Grace Reed on September 23, 1825 in Sevier County, Tn. and died September 8, 1863, cause of death was dropsy. He was a member of the Alderbranch Baptist Church and he and Grace are both buried in the Alderbranch Cemetery. Grace (Reed) Roberts was born August 30, 1806 in Sevier County the second child of Joseph Reed and Nancy McCarter. She died April 30, 1864 from meningitis. When Elisha died his children equally divided his land and assets. Grace's father died when she was a young girl and the following was published in the Knoxville Gazette.

Wilson's Knoxville Gazette, Monday 6 September 1812 ...."William Mitchell, Sheriff of Sevier County, to sell interests of John Reed, Nancy Reed, Jeremiah Reed, Gracy Reed, heirs of Joseph Reed, deceased, 341/2 acres of land in Poor Valley, adjoining John Williams, Mitchell Reed Sr."

Elisha and Grace had nine children. Grace watched as five or her sons left home to join the Union Army during the War Between the States (Civil War), one of them did not return home. They all served in Co. M of the 2nd Tennessee Cavalry. Her oldest son, Levi, was a member of the Homeguard (our National Guard of today).

Children of Elisha and Grace:

Levi Campbell Roberts, b. December 13, 1827, Sevier Co., Tennessee; d. 1896, Sevier Co., Tennessee/Union Grove Cemetery

John Sevier Roberts, b. June 04, 1830, Sevier County,Tennessee; d. September 24, 1907, Sevier County, Tennessee/Old Gist Creek Cemetary

William Mitchell Roberts, b. December 14, 1833, Sevier Co., Tennessee; d. December 23, 1901, Sevier Co., Tennessee/Providence Cemetery

Nancy Angeline Roberts, b. May 29, 1835, Sevier Co., Tennessee; d. March 27, 1888, Sevier Co., Tennessee

Albert Galloway Roberts, b. June 01, 1837, Sevier Co., Tennessee; d. March 22, 1863, Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Notes for Albert G. Roberts:
Albert served in Co. M 2nd Tennessee Cavalry. He died in a field hospital in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
of pneumonia. He enlisted November 8, 1862 and his rank was Private.

Name: A. G. Roberts (Alias Albert G. Roberts)
Rank: Private
State Served: Tennessee
Unit: 2nd Cavalry Regiment
Company: M
Date of Death: 22 MAR 1863
Cemetery: Stones River National Cemetery
Location: Rutherford County, TN
Section: D
Grave Number: 1233

Eli Harrison Roberts, b. December 25, 1840, Sevier Co., Tennessee; d. August 21, 1916, Sevier Co., Tennessee/Alderbranch Cemetery

Elijah Houston Roberts, b. November 25, 1843, Sevier Co., Tennessee; d. February 03, 1907, Knox Co., Tennessee

Sarah Jane Roberts, b. May 14, 1846, Sevier Co., Tennessee

Joseph Birdwell Roberts, b. April 03, 1850, Sevier Co., Tennessee; d. March 18, 1929, Sevier Co., Tennessee/Union Grove Cemetery.

Elisha died intestate, the following was found in the Sevier County Courthouse:

Appearing to the Court that Elisha Roberts a Citizen of Sevier County had died intestate having whilst living and at the time of his death goods and chattels rights and credits and thereupon the Court appointed Eli H. Roberts Administrator of the estate of the said Elisha Roberts deceased who appeared in open court and gave bond in the sum of fifteen hundred dollars with L. C. Roberts and John Roberts as his securities who was thereupon duly qualified as Administrator of the Estate of the said Elisha Roberts decd., and thereupon letters of Administration issued to said Eli H. Roberts which is in the words and figures following to wit: To Eli H. Roberts Greeting, Whereas is has been represented unto us in our County Court held for the County of Sevier at the Courthouse in Sevierville on the 10th day of April, 1866 that Elisha Roberts late of said county had died intestate having whilst living and at the time of his death goods and chattels rights and credits the ordering and granting administration whereof doth appertain to us and we being desirous that said goods and chattels rights and credits well and truly and faithfully administered to grant unto the said Eli H. Roberts full power by these present well and truly to collect and take into their possession all and singular the goods and chattels rights and credits which were of the estate of the Elisha Roberts at the time of his death wheresoever the same may be found requiring you to make or cause to be made and returned into our said court at the next term a true and perfect account of said administration when thereto required.

Witness: H.H. Duggan, Clerk of said county at office in Sevierville this 10th day of April, 1866. Estate Book/Sevier County Courthouse Page 347-348

The following inventory of Elisha's estate gives us a window into how he and Grace lived at the time of his death, which was not much different than his father before him.

Inventory & list of sales of the property belonging to the estate of Elisha Roberts sold the 9th day of June 1866.

Wm M. Roberts - one milk cow $10.10
Eli H. Roberts - one log chain 1.00
Eli H. Roberts - one set timber wheels 5.00
Houston E. Roberts - one cast plow 1.00
Wm. Jones - one pair stretchers .65
Houston E. Roberts - one matlock .25
Eli H. Roberts - one axe .10
Houston E. Roberts - five head of sheep 3.50
G.W.Hill - five head of sheep 2.50
Eli H. Roberts - the remainder of the lot 2.50
Wm. M. Roberts - sundry tools 1.75
Wm. Jones - one set of breeching rings .10
Houston E. Roberts - one deep oven 1.60
Houston E. Roberts - one biscuit oven 1.25
Houston E. Roberts - one dinner pot .60
Houston E. Roberts - one wash pot 2.25
Eli H. Roberts - one iron wedge .20
Sarah J. Roberts - one wievers loom & two reeds .50
Eli H. Roberts - one dining table 1.75
Samuel F. Sarrett - one frying pan .25
Sarah J. Roberts - one stone pitcher & crock .20
Sarah J. Roberts - one smoothing iron .05
Sarah Ann Flinn - one coffee mill .10
Sarah J. Roberts - one delph pitcher .05
Eli H. Roberts - one cupboard & dishes 1.00
Houston E. Roberts - one meal tub tray & seive .10
Wm. Jones - one molasses barrel 1.00
Houston E. Roberts - one lard can .10
Sarah J. Roberts - one check reel .25
Sarah J. Roberts - one churn & wate pail .05
G.W. Hill - one lot nine chairs 2.50
Sarah J. Roberts - one side saddle .65
Wm. M. Roberts - one chest .25
Sarah J. Roberts - one small table .05
Eli H. Roberts - one clock .50
Houston E. Roberts - one bedstead .50
Joseph B. Roberts - 2 small bedsteads .10
Wm. M. Roberts - one feather bed & 3 pillows .50
Eli H. Roberts - one feather bed & 3 pillows .30
Joseph B. Roberts - one feather & straw tick six sheets .25
Sarah J. Roberts - one counterpane & quilt .50
Joseph B. Roberts - one straw tick & quilt .25
Eli H. Roberts - two straw ticks blanket,quilt & sheet .75
Wm. M. Roberts - one straw tick & blanket .25
G.W. Hill - one flax wheel .40
Joseph B. Roberts - four geese .35
Saml H. Sarrett - 1 scythe blade & cutting knife .15
L.C. Roberts - 1 scythe blade .25
Houston E. Roberts - one wash tub .25
Houston E. Roberts - one set fire dogs .50
Houston E. Roberts - one fire shovel .25
______
TOTAL $49.15

Eli H. Roberts, Administrator

Sworn to before me this 19th July 1866
W.M. Burnett, D.C.

Levi Roberts, eldest son of Elisha and Gracy, is my greatgrandfather.

To be continued ...

Territory South of the River Ohio ..

According to Isaac Roberts' grandson, Isaac came to Tennessee from North Carolina, however I have never been able to verify this. I do know that white settlers had been slowly moving into the back country of Virginia and North Carolina long before the start of the American Revolution. In fact, East Tennessee had become overcrowded, and more land was needed for the influx of pioneers pouring into the area from Southwest Virginia who were following the route of the American forces as low as the French Broad River and were erecting cabins.

Some of the early Roberts' families of Sevier County are found in early tax lists of Virginia, so it is possible that Isaac came from the same area as a young man. He was old enough to have fought in the Battle of Kings Mountain, as well as the Battle of Boyd's Creek. No documentation has been found to substantiate either claim at this time. I am going with the supposition that Isaac traveled with a wife, until future documentation proves otherwise.

My story of Isaac, as I imagine it was ....

Isaac traveled with kin and neighbors into the back country of what was then the western borders of Virginia and North Carolina. These migrations are found throughout the early history of our country, and I am amazed at how often our ancestors traveled until they found a spot to call home and put down roots. Isaac would have brought with him an axe, knife and a long rifle. If he was married at the time, his wife would have gathered her few worldly goods; pots, skillets, spinning wheel, dishes that she brought with her from across the pond (or mostly likely plates and spoons carved from wood) a milk cow if she had one, sheep (raised for clothing and food) and whatever else that was potable. They traveled by foot, pulling a cart with their belongings. If they were lucky enough to own a horse, they would take turns riding, but mostly they walked.


When Isaac and his wife first arrived in the Flat Creek area of what is now Sevier County, TN they probably lived in a cave carved out of a hill while they cleared the land for crops. Their temporary home would have consisted of just one room with a fireplace for cooking and heat, a bench and a table and chairs, a large chest would have held their clothing and linens. Later this cave could be used as a root cellar. There also would have been a fresh spring that they would build a small stone building around for storing eggs, milk and whatever else would have been perishable (a spring house).

When they cleared their land, they would have set aside the logs for building their cabin, but getting a crop in the ground took priority. They would harvest in the fall, before the frost set in. Isaac, along with the other men of their small community, would hunt birds and animals for food for the family table. Meat would be stored in large barrels filled with salt for the winter months ahead.

....."men work from dawn to dusk and a woman's work is never done"

Isaac's wife's days would have been spent doing chores. She would rise early, to feed the chickens and gather eggs, milk the cow, water the horse and mule, pick berries from the forest, gather produce from their gardens, peas, onions, turnips, carrots and whatever else they had planted. Then she would cook breakfast, probably a simple meal of biscuits and porridge. There would also be a midday and evening meal to cook. All of which meant gathering wood for the fireplace because few early female pioneers had stoves. The floor was made from packed dirt that had to be swept daily. The babies and children had to be cared for and when ill, treated with herbal remedies. Many women died in childbirth and men would remarry quickly to have someone to raise their children. Some children would be indentured out to learn a trade, some as young as six years old. Bathing meant boiling large amounts of water, so they probably just washed from a pan of hot water each day. A large kettle over a fire would be set up for washing clothes, an iron heated over the fire for ironing. Wool would be spun and then weaved for clothing, candles and soap made from tallow. The tallow would be made by rendering fat down in a large kettle over an open fire. There were no schools, the only book in the home was probably a bible. Verses would be read each evening, and mother's who could read and write would teach their children "the three r's" using slate and chalk. The bible was also where they recorded the births, deaths and marriages of family members.

Isaac and his wife would have been totally self-reliant, and met their needs without help from anyone else. Whatever they did not grow or raise was bartered for.

Then there was the constant threat from the Native Americans, because our ancestors were intruders who had, in some cases, settled on Indian lands. Forts would be built where the settlers could gather for safety from Indian attacks, but many times a simple hunt for herbs, mushrooms or even a hunting trip meant danger was always present.

......and into this harsh environment my great-great grandfather, Elisha Roberts, was born.

To be continued ...

A Grandson's Journal

A Grandson's Journal

The following journal was written by Walter P. Roberts, a great-grandson of Isaac Roberts..I have tried to transcribe it as close as possible to the original text. I have added notes and/or corrections in parenthesis. Above is a picture of Walter P. and Gertrude Crowder Roberts taken in Knoxville, Tn in 1910. This picture was sent to me by Terry and Geva Roberts of Galveston, Texas. Terry (Terrell) is the "grandson" of Walter P. Roberts and so the circle continues.

My greatgrandfather, Isaac, came from NC in the later part of 1700, dont know who his wife was, but as far as I am able to get the correct data the following children was born to them: Elisha Roberts who married Grace Reed, Juda Roberts sister of Elisha married Joshua Williams a resident of Sevier County, another daughter name unknown to the writer married a Mr. Brown resident of Jefferson County, Tennessee but very little is known other than that there is quite a few of her descendants scattered in both Jefferson and Sevier Counties. Another son bearing the name Isaac Roberts went to Texas and never married leaving quite a fortune which Lawyers consumed and the heirs received nothing. This is as far as I am able to trace our people.

Juda Roberts and Joshua Williams a resident of Sevier County and several children were born to wit, Morton Williams, Houston Williams who both married sisters, Hodges, one daughter Evaline who married John Rose a resident of Knox County and their children being part owner and operator of the D.M. Rose Lumber Company of Knoxville, Tennessee. Another daughter married Andrew Pitner of Sevier County and several children were born to this union, among them part owner and operator of the D.M. Rose and Company Mills. (note: there are seven known children of Juda and Joshua Williams).

The Family of Elisha Roberts and Grace Reed Roberts

Elisha Roberts married Grace Reed a resident of Sevier County, Tennessee and the following named children was born to that union. Levi Campbell Roberts was born December 13, 1827; John Sevier Roberts was born June 4, 1830; William Mitchell Roberts was born December 14, 1833; Nancy Angeline Roberts was born May 28, 1835; Albert Galloway Roberts was born June 1, 1837; Eli Harrison Roberts was born December 25, 1840; Elijah Houston Roberts was born November 25, 1843; Sarah Jane Roberts was born May 14, 1846 and Joseph Birdwell Roberts was born April 3, 1850.

Levi Campell Roberts the oldest son of Elisha and Grace was named for a uncle of his on his mothers side. Levi C. Roberts was always a farmer and lived and died very close to where he had lived for many years before his death. In the latter part of 1840 he married Miss Russell (Nancy Jane Russell) with whom he lived until her death in the year 1863 when she and a daughter as well as his mother (Grace Reed Roberts) died from brain fever (meningitis) within a few days of each other and are buried at Alderbranch Cemetery and to this union was born the following children:

John Roberts being named for his Uncle John S. Roberts, the uncle being exactly 20 years old when John Jr. was born. John Jr. grew to manhood and married Delilah Denton, a daughter of Isaac and Mary Denton with whom he lived until her death which occurred in Knoxville, Tennessee about the year of---. Her remains being taken back to the Old Home Cemetery which he had given and deeded as a Family Cemetery across the road from his old home in Jefferson County, Tennessee. A year or two later he married Belle (?) with whom he lived until his death which occurred 1928. He being a little more than 78 years of age at his death. There was no children to either of his wives, he was considered a honest man and always did what he said he would do, he as well as his first wife a member of the Methodist Church in the later part of his life was very devoted and thought lots of his church.

The next son of Levi and Nancy was Samuel Houston Roberts carrying part of his Uncle Houston's name in early life married Mary Letherwood (Leatherwood) a daughter of John Sr. and Hannah Leatherwood with whom he lived until her death in the year (?). Sometime after he married Ida Rackard with whom he lived until her death, again he married a Mrs. Widner of Knoxville, Tennessee where they resided until his death in 1926. He was buried at Seven Island he was also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and was a exorter for many years previous to his death he was always considered a honest hardworking man, and always lived on a farm.

Mary Jane Roberts the next in order married Jim Cowden and had several children at her death, two in Knoxville, and one in Texas she was buried at (?) another girl named (?) died about the same time her mother died and was buried at Alderbranch. (There is only one headstone at Alderbranch, so perhaps the young daughter was buried with her mother, Nancy J. Russell Roberts).

John Sevier Roberts the second son of Elisha and Grace Reed Roberts married Rachel Atchley and the following named children were born: (Unfortunately this page is missing) John S. Roberts was a exorter in the Methodist Church.

William Mitchell Roberts the third son when a young man joined the Federal Army and served throughout and returned with his brother Eli H. Roberts, who enlisted with him, and married Sarah Kear (Kerr) a sister of his oldest brother's last wife. (Levi's second wife was Harriett Kerr). William lived on Flat Creek and reared his family on part of the Keer (Kerr) farm and farmed and served the 15 District as J.P. for several years, was a member of Providence Baptist Church and was clerk of the church for years. And died and was buried with his wife in what is known as the Keer (Kerr) Cemetery (Family Cemetery) with his older brother Levi C. Roberts. And to this union was born the following named children:

Ulysis (Ulysses) Grant Sevier now living in Knoxville in charge of stock room Cherokee Motor Company, Daniel Milton named in part for his grandfather, Daniel Kear, Thornton L., Carry, Flara (Flora) Bertha, Chlora (Chloe) and Zora and William Jr. Ulysis married Ida Kear, a cousin, and a few years later she died and he married Miss (?) and is now living in Knoxville. Milton married Kate Brock and had two boys one who is living. Thornton L. lives in Knoxville and has been a city mail carrier for several years and married Sue Lawson who died a few years ago. Carry married Leonard Brock and had several children and lived near Knoxville, Tennessee. Flara Ann married Pink Catlett and had quite a number of children and is now living on a farm five miles below Sevierville, Tennessee, Bertha married Lee Atchley and has children, Cloa (Chloe) married a cousin and has children and lives in (?) Zora married a Sutton and lives in (?) William Jr. married and was by profession a Graduate Licensed Pharmacist and died from Mitral regurgitation a few years ago while at work in a Chattanooga Drug Store and brought back and buried in the Kerr Cemetery.

Nancy Angeline Roberts married Esq. N.B. Pate and there were two children born a boy and a girl Clementine who in 1874 married Eli M. Blair and there were four children born of this union: Walker W. Blair, Lillie Blair Houser, Amos and William Blair, Mrs. Blair (Clementine) later married about the year 1890 James H. Catlett but no children was born of this union, she died at her home in Knoxville, Tennessee in the year 1929 and was buried there. C.C. or Columbus Pate (Nancy's son) as he is known now lives on the old Pate Farm where he was born and reared being twenty years younger than his Uncle Eli H. Roberts both being born on Christmas Day. He married Mollie Bird and six children had been born to them the oldest Hettie died when small leaving Pearlie, Maggie, George, Clifford and Josie. C.C. was as his father and mother before him members of the M.E.C. She and her husband are buried at Union Grove Cemetery.

Albert Galloway Roberts enlisted with his brother Eli in the army and served until his death in the year 1863 when he died from measles and pneumonia and is buried at Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He never was married but as I have always been told was engaged to have married Mary Atchley a sister of John S. Robert's wife.

Eli Harrison Roberts was born in the year President Harrison was elected and carried part of the name when 21 years of age joined the Army returning home engaged in Teaching, traveling and in the year 1877 he married Sallie Henry daughter of Sam and Martha Douglas Henry and four children were born: Dr. A. W. Roberts being born August 1, 1878, Martha Angeline born January 22, 1881, Hallie Deen born August 18, 1883 and the baby Carrie Jane Roberts born March 18, 1886. A. W. Roberts, Martha and Carrie are all married and Carrie had one child who died at the age of one year. Hallie remained single and is living at Knoxville, Tennessee and owns the Old Roberts Farm which has been in the family before the turn of the century. Eli Harrison Roberts bought out the heirs of his father and lived at the Old Place until his death on August 21, 1916. He engaged in Farming and was U.S. Pension Attorney for years. Was elected J.P. for the seventh district in 1906 and served until 1912 and refused to make the second race on account of ill health. In the year 1915 a cancer developed in his mouth and after taking treatment for some months under a quack it broke out on his face. He died in the year mentioned above. He never joined any church but said in his last days that he was ready to die, his sympathy being with the M.E.E. Church and I am of the opinion if he had every joined any church he would have joined it. He was buried beside his wife in Alder Branch Cemetery where his father and mother now sleeps. He was a man of splendid education of his day wrote a good business hand and was of high temper and easley wrought up and was not slow in telling you how he stood on any subject.

Elijah Houston Roberts, or as he wrote it H.E. on account of the same initials as his brother, he reversed them, was of a different type from that of his brother Eli H. Slow to anger and had very little to say, a good citizen and a fine carpenter honest in all of his dealings, and married to Elizabeth Atchley and there was born the following children to wit: Jarusha (Jerusha) Mary Ann, Nancy, Tina (Sarah Clementina), Jones, Laura, Bertha and Walter. Family all married and scattered several years ago. He (Elijah) moved from the Alder Branch Settlement and located in South Knoxville, Tennessee where he lived until his death in 1908 and was buried near his home and later his wife died and was buried with him. (Woodlawn Cemetery in South Knoxville) He was a member of the B.C. (Baptist Church).

Joseph Birdwell Roberts the baby of the family being named for the physician who delivered him. Born April 3, 1850. His father and mother (Elisha and Grace Reed Roberts) died in the time of the Civil War, the mother from brain fever (meningitis) and the father from dropsy supposed to be the same as the son died from and after that he made his home with his sister, Nancy Roberts Pate, and later with his brother Eli H. Roberts, and during this time he taught a great many schools after his marriage to Martha Bird 1892 he continued to teach for a few years and was considered one of the best of his days and time, as also he was said to have been one of the best disciplinarians and when necessary could be stern and ridged but he knew enough of human nature of all children couldn't have a education whipped into them, therefore he used the milder punishment which is now considered to be the best, it is said that he taught at least 10 years at one place in Jefferson County and at different places in Sevier County, there was one son to his wife and him and he bears the name of Columbus Radford (Bradford) Roberts and is married and lives near his mother who survived the father and husband. He was a member of the Union Grove M.E. Church and has been found at Sunday School and Church of upward of 40 years was teaching the men class for years, as well as treasury of the Sunday School. Joseph B. was somewhat milder in temper than that of Levi C. and Eli H. but when made mad was a very dangerous man feared neither man or devil and people who were acquainted with him will attest to this fact for three or four years before his death he had a leaky heart. He suffered a great deal and finally dropsy developed and he passed away March 18, 1929 at his house near Union Grove Church and was buried on March 20, 1929 in that church yard. A very unusual circumstance accrued on the day of the funeral an old lady and a friend of his, Mrs. Harrison Leatherwood, was buried at the same hour both caskets carried into the church and funeral service for both very nicely conducted by Reverend Glen Lapper, Pastor in charge who spoke in beautiful terms of life and character of both, very unusual for two people 97 and 79 years.