WILLIAM E. ROBERTS page 536-537 - William E. Roberts, proprietor of one of the largest firms in Grand Rapids dealing in wholesale lots of butter, eggs, and cheese, was born in that city, January 31, 1889, the son of John and Minnie (Wierings) Roberts, the former of whom was born in the Netherlands. John Roberts came to the United States with his father and settled at Grand Rapids and for many years conducted the Bazaar Store, on Grandville avenue. For a time he conducted the novelty department of the Boston Store which then stood on the present site of the Pantlind Hotel. After retiring from business he spent several years on a farm near Dutton, Kent county, later removing to Grandville in the same county, where he died in 1923. His widow is still living in Grandville. William E. Roberts received a public school education in Grand Rapids, and after his graduation from the high school there, he attended Michigan Agricultural College for three years. With this equipment he returned to the farm near Dutton, Michigan, and farmed the land for several years. In 1916 he removed to Grand Rapids and entered the wholesale produce business, handling butter, eggs, and cheese. During the ensuing years he applied himself to the problems of his business with such energy that today it stands as the largest wholesale firm in this field in the city of Grand Rapids. On October 18, 1916, he married Miss Marcelline Kinney, the daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Kinney, of Grand Rapids, and to this union have been born two children: Charles Kinney, January 18, 1918, and John William, March 4, 1923. Mr. Roberts is an active member of the Knights of Columbus. He and his family reside on Jefferson Drive, their home being of Dutch colonial design, the rugged simplicity of which is further enhanced by the beautiful gardens. Mr. Roberts devotes much of his time away from his office in studying flowers and his gardens are the result of his hobby.

Transcriber:  Nancy Myers
Created: 13 November 2002