Part of the Indiana Biographies Project
Frank C. Roberts
The man who wins prominence at the bar of America's thriving cities—of which Richmond is one—must have a thorough understanding of the law, a keen perception, logical reasoning, forcible argument and, above all, habits of painstaking, patient industry. Not by inheritance, by purchase or by gift can he win reputation in his chosen calling. It must come as the reward of true merit. All must begin on a common plane and rise to eminence by perseverance, industry and ability, or fall back into the ranks of mediocrity. In like manner with all others Frank C. Roberts started out to win a name and place for himself, and his success has made him one of the leaders of the Richmond bar.
A son of Henry S. and Martha (Charles) Roberts, he was born in the city which is now his home, December 21, 1868. No family has been more intimately, honorably and for a longer period connected with the history of Richmond than the Roberts family. The ancestry can be traced back to Wales, and Thomas Roberts, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a native of South Carolina, whence he removed to Butler county, Ohio, in 1806. In 1811 he came to Richmond and located on the northwest quarter of section 4, Wayne township, which land he entered from the government. It was then covered with native forest trees, but is now included within the city limits and is covered by substantial residences. Mr. Roberts, in connection with Jeremiah Cox and John Smith, was appointed to name the town of Richmond. He had a family of six children, three sons and three daughters. His time and energies were devoted to agriculturial pursuits, which he successfully conducted. He was one of the founders of the Friends' meeting, taking an active part in founding the Indiana meeting in Richmond, and was always active and influential in promoting its work.
Jonathan Roberts, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Butler county, Ohio, in 1808, and in 1811 was brought by his parents to Wayne county, a settlement being made on a tract of land which had been entered by his father in 1806. The grandfather has since lived at this place, at the corner of Thirteenth and South A streets. His home was originally a little log cabin, but it has long since been superseded by a brick sructure, which is still standing and which he now occupies. He has made farming his life work, and for a number of years was numbered among the extensive agriculturists of the community, owning two or three valuable farms. In 1875 he put aside business cares and has since lived a retired life. In the Friends' meeting he has been quite active, filling various official positions in the Indiana yearly meeting. He wedded Miss Mary Smith, who came to this state from eastern Ohio, and they had four children: Aves J., wife of William S. Elliott, of Greentown, Indiana; Eli, of Richmond; Elvira, deceased; and Henry S. The last named is the father of our subject. He was born in Richmond in 1848 and has spent his entire life here, engaging in agricultural pursuits. He is an enterprising and prosperous farmer and is also engaged in the creamery business, managing both enterprises with marked ability. He has adhered to the religious faith of his family, and of the Friends' yearly meeting is an active and consistent member. He married Martha Charles, and in 1878 was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died leaving three children: Frank C; Evelina, now deceased; and Mary Belle, of Richmond. Mr. Roberts afterward married Anna M. Jones, of Richmond, and is still living in the city of his birth, respected by all who know him.
Frank C. Roberts completed his literary education by a two-years course in Earlham College. He then took up the study of law at home, continuing his reading from 1890 until his admission to the bar in February, 1895. He then practiced until the fall of 1895, when he entered the senior law class of the law department of the university at Indianapolis, in which institution he was graduated in May, 1896, receiving the degree of LL. B. He then returned to Richmond and has since been engaged in active practice. He enjoys a large clientage, which has connected him with much of the important litigation heard in the courts of the district in. the past few years.
On the 4th of June, 1891, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Roberts and Miss Mary E. Hockett, a daughter of Warner M. and Caroline (Dennis) Hockett, of Economy, Wayne county. Socially he is connected with the Knights of Pythias fraternity. He also belongs to the Friends' church, and its interests have been greatly promoted through his zealous and earnest work. His political support is given the Republican party, but his time and energies are chiefly devoted to his profession, in which he is meeting with good success. His many admirable qualities of heart and mind have gained a large circle of friends, and he is very widely and favorabh' known in Wayne county.
Source:
Biographical and Genealogical History of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin Counties, Indiana, Volume 1, The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1899