RootsChat.Com
Research in Other Countries => United States of America => Topic started by: AlexHoughton on Monday 27 September 10 19:01 BST (UK)
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Hello Rootschat,
I have this relative who all in our family are a bit of a loss about. He was originally born in Wales and then at some stage moved to the USA. His name was Hugh J Roberts and I have a rather interesting photo of him. But what I am wondering is on the death of his nephew who had also moved to the USA Mr Hugh J Roberts was sent the info on his nephews death and was recorded in welsh press at the time as being the Senator of West Pawlet, Vermont. I can however find no evidence of this online as such I was wondering if anyone had any tips or help as to find out more. I would presume from the info I have is that he would have been senator around 1926 if at all.
Hope someone can help,
Kind Regards.
Alex.
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In the US, senators are either US senators (2 from each state) or state senators. Neither is senator of a particular town. So, it seems to be wrong on its face.
The 1930 Census has a Hugh J. Roberts in West Pawlet, Vermont, age 61, born Wales, immigrated in 1887, naturalized and living with wife Lavinia. However, Hugh is listed as a merchant of a general store. He also appears to be a storekeeper in the 1920 Census and living in Pawlet.
There also appears to be another Hugh J. Roberts who died in Poultney, Vermont on 7 Feb. 1926. He was born 30 Jun. 1864 in Wales, and his father's name was John Roberts. His death certificate lists his occupation as slate maker.
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I also found a marriage record for Hugh & Lavinia from 1927 which lists him as a merchant. His parents were John Roberts and Ann Williams.
Also, I found the death record for Hugh, which says he's a retired merchant of a general store. He died 11 Dec. 1943 in Pawlet and was born 12 Feb. 1869. This lists his parents as John Roberts and Ann Jones.
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Looks like he may have been a selectman at one point: http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/VTRUTLAN/2000-11/0974350450
If you try doing a search on Google books for "hugh j. roberts" & pawlet, there are a number of results that indicate he was a state senator and a justice of the peace. I suppose these were probably part-time jobs at the time.
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My goodness could you have been any more brilliant. You really have managed to give me more detail than I ever could have imagined and all so quickly from when I placed the post. I am very grateful and now I just need to check up which of the Hugh J Roberts is my relative as he is my direct descendant Laura Roberts brother.
Cheers again,
Alex.
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Could this link to death and burial notices refer to the nephew of the same name?
http://searches2.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/VTRUTLAN/2005-08/1125460581
This refers to the Poultney Roberts that Shelly found.
Nick
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Hello Nick,
Thank you for that link it looks to me to be the right chap.
Cheers,
Alex.
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I have found that the correct Hugh J Jones is the one who married Lavinia. Much thanks for all the assistance given.
Alex.
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If you contact the Slate Valley Museum in Granville, NY they might be able to help you. They have a website.......ask for Kathryn Weller.
If that is no good then let me know, if I can help in any way. I've a lot of information about the Welsh in that area.
Trebrys.