Thomas Roberts, farmer; P. O. Oakland; was born in Loudoun Co., Va., Oct. 12, 1802, where he lived and engaged in farming until 1830, when he emigrated to Muskingum Co., Ohio, and engaged in farming until 1860, at which date he removed to Illinois and located upon his present place in East Oakland Tp., Coles Co., where he has since lived and followed farming. He married Feb. 7, 1828, to Alice Mock; she was born in Virginia Nov. 8, 1808; they have nine children now living, having lost three by death; the names of the living are Mary E. (now Mrs. George Geyer), Matilda (now Mrs. Peter Gobert), William H., Caroline (now Mrs. James W.. Titus), Castaria (now Mrs. Frank Taylor), Isaac N., Jane (now Mrs. F. M. Parker), John D. and Sherman W.; the names of the deceased are Jacob, and two which died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have taken a deep interest in the cause of religion, having been active members of the M. E. Church since 1833, for a period of forty-six years. Their married life extends over a period of half a century.
