Colonel Amos Roberts

Colonel Amos Roberts, whose only daughter Sarah was the wife of John W. Peirce, was a native of Litchfield, Connecticut, where he was born in 1786. He was married in December, 1809, and resided for some time in Bridgewater, Oneida county, New York; afterwards in Mohawk, Herkimer county, that state. He came to Michigan in 1836, locating land in Ionia county, he having received land warrants from the government for his service in the War of 1812. In May, 1838, he removed with his family to Grand Rapids where he resided until his death, November 14, 1873. He established a mercantile house known as A. Roberts & Son, located at the foot of Monroe street. He continued successfully in this enterprise until the infirmities of advancing age forced him to retire from active business life four years prior to his death. In a memorial tribute paid him by the Grand Rapids Weekly Times, it was said that of him it may with truth be said that he had no enemies and lived in "love and charity" with all mankind, and died true to himself and to all with whom he was thrown in contact. Colonel Roberts was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, and was also an honored member of the Masonic fraternity.