West Pawlet Vermont

[AlexHoughton]

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.

[shellyesq]

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.

[shellyesq]

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.

[shellyesq]

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.

[AlexHoughton]

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.

[nickgc]

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

[AlexHoughton]

Hello Nick,
Thank you for that link it looks to me to be the right chap.
Cheers,
Alex.

[AlexHoughton]

I have found that the correct Hugh J Jones is the one who married Lavinia. Much thanks for all the assistance given.
Alex.

[Trebrys]

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.