John Roberts- and Siblings?- One Theory Exploded

John Roberts, center, and possibly three siblings. Unknown date, Clark Photography Studio, Osceola and Stromsburg, Nebraska.

Roberts Family (Click for Family Tree)

One of the theories proposed previously about this photo is that this image might have been of four Roberts siblings at the funeral of their brother, Charles Roberts.

A little more research exploded that theory, as only one of the siblings went to Nebraska for the funeral. Searching local newspapers for the obituary of Charles, we found it in the Osceola Record published on 24 May 1906.

Part of the obituary states:

Of Mr. Roberts’ family of eleven children, he has four brothers and two sisters living as follows: John Roberts of Prairie City Iowa; Dr. J. Roberts of Holton Ind., Edward Roberts of Bryantsburg Ind., and H. S. Roberts of Holton Ind., who came to attend the funeral but arrived a day too late. Mrs Jane Kennedy of Holton, Ind., and Mrs. Miranda Demaree of Holton Ind.

So only one sibling, Henry S. Roberts (1842-1925), traveled to Osceola, Nebraska, but unfortunately he did not make it in time for his brother’s funeral.

There were also searches using the names of those we thought might be in the photo, both John and William Roberts. The hope was that there would be a mention of them visiting their brother, but nothing was found in the first five or so pages of search hits- there are thousands for such common names as John and William Roberts.

More research needed… but knowing what it is NOT is always helpful in problem solving too.

 

Notes, Sources, and References: 

  1. Osceola Record, 24 May 1906– http://polkcountyne.advantage-preservation.com/viewer/?k=charles%20roberts%20iowa&i=f&d=01011880-12311922&m=between&ord=k1&fn=osceola_record_usa_nebraska_osceola_19060524_english_5&df=1&dt=10

 

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