Tabanus: He is a little difficult, as there are many James Roberts and it seems he was adopted as a child:1850: James Roberts, born 28 July 1850. Parents: Robert & ------ (mothers name is only a line) (Philadelphia, West York Street Methodist Church Records) (cf. death certificate)
1860 census: not found
1870 census Philadelphia: Joseph Roberts, 46, Bank Clerk, Margaret Roberts, 42, Keeping House, James Roberts, 20, Architect, Louisa, 15, Attending School. All born in Penn. (this "Architect" may or may not be him. He may have got his stepfathers job in 1880)
1880 census Philadelphia: James Roberts, 30, b. in Penn., Clerk in Bank; Josephine Roberts, Wife, 28, b. in Penn., Keeping House
1890 census: not found
1900 census Philadelphia: James Roberts, Widowed, 49, b. July 1850 in Penn., Book-Keeper (Bank), Eva F, Daughter, 7, Adel B, Daughter, 7
1910 census Philadelphia: James Roberts, 59, b. in Penn., Clerk Bank; Eva F Roberts, Daughter, 29, Teacher
1919: James Roberts, born 28 July 1850 in Philadelphia, widower, Bank Clerk, near retired, died 26 December 1919 of arterio sclerosis. Father: Joseph Roberts, mother: Margaret Rhoads (Pennsylvania Death Certificates)
1920: <We learned a few days ago with deep regret that James Roberts died at his home in West Philadelphia the latter part of December. In the early seventies James Roberts was one of the prominent players of this city. When the Philadelphia Chess Club was organized in 1874 he was elected vice president and in 1800 (sic) treasurer of the club. His first participation in tournament play in this city was in 1875 ... (1880, 1882) ... Later practically all of Mr. Roberts’ time was taken up with his work in the Central National Bank, where he was employed for many years. For the past few years, owing to failing health he had not been actively engaged in business and frequently visited the Mercantile Library at times taking boards in the simultaneous exhibitions given by Capablanca and Marshall.> (Philadelphia Inquirer, 18 Jan 1920)
Kibitzing
