(NOTE: The research on this ROBERTS line is an on-going venture that began February 1999. Four cousins met via the internet. The cousins had been researching their lines and all had a direct link to Henry Clay ROBERTS. The following is the work of cousins, Vickie LEVACY ERWIN, Linda MURPHY WARREN, Phyllis "Phyls" RODRIGUEZ ESPARZA and David ROBERTS. Aug 2000 Thomas Edwin CLIETT, grandson of "Tennie" Roberts WINGATE, contacted Phyls after finding her ROBERTS gedcom at ancestry.com. "TOM" has supplied many documents, photos, family bible, etc, and has joined our ROBERTS research clan. Updated 22 Dec 2005)

HENRY CLAY ROBERTS, son of Joshua M. ROBERTS and Minerva Ann SHEARRON, was born 3 Nov 1860 in Angelina Co, TX. Henry married Della "Texana" WALLING 13 Dec 1887 in Whitney, Hill Co, Texas. Texana was the daughter of William Alfred WALLING and Lugenia P. COLLINS. Henry's immediate family was as follows:

 1 Joshua M. ROBERTS
 --+Minerva Ann SHEARRON
 ----2 Victoria, b.29 Feb 1856
 ----2 Noah Webster, b.25 Mar 1858
 ----2 HENRY CLAY, b.3 Nov 1860
 ------+Della Texana WALLING
 --------3 Robert
 --------3 Laura
 --------3 Carrie
 --------3 John Walding
 --------3 Francis H. "Fannie"
 --------3 Theodore R. "Ted"
 --------3 Henrietta
 ----2 Frances Josephine., b.18 Nov 1865 d.19 Jul 1869
 ----2 Laura Bell, b.15 Jan 1867
 ----2 Tennessee "Tennie", b.22 May 1872
 ----2 David Lipscomb, b.3 Dec 1874

Joshua M. ROBERTS, son of James and Mahala ROBERTS, was born 2 Dec 1821 in TN. Per Conway Co, AR, records, "J. M. ROBERTS" married "Manerva Ann SHEARRON", daughter of William and Agnes SHEARRON, 8 May 1855 in Conway Co, AR. Minerva was born 15 Nov 1831.

Joshua moved with his family and brother, Jozadak Clay ROBERTS, to Bryan, Brazos Co, TX. Joshua and Clay can be found in the 1860 and 1870 census of Brazos Co. By 1872 Joshua had relocated to Kopperl, Bosque Co, TX, where his daughter, "Tennie", was born. By 1874 Joshua and family relocated to Hill Co, TX, where his last child, David, was born. Joshua and Minerva lived the remainder of their lives in Hill Co, TX.

Per Conway Co, AR, records, "J. C. ROBERTS" (Jozadak) married "France H. SHARRON", sister of Minerva, 14 Jun 1852 in Conway Co, AR.

Marriage records have been found for James ROBERTS and William SHERRON; "James ROBERTS" married "Mahala EVERETT" 16 Jun 1814 in Knox Co, TN; "William SHERRIN married Agnes NICHOLS" 23 Sep 1819 in Wake Co, NC.

Jozadak Clay ROBERTS remained in Madison Co, TX. Jozadak was born 7 Jun 1829 and died 2 Sep 1904. Jozadak and his family and descendants are buried in the Willowhole Cemetery in Madison Co, TX. Jozadak's family was as follows:

     1. Jozadak Clay ROBERTS
         + Frances H. SHEARRON (1834-1867) - married 14 Jun 1852
            2. Alexander C.
            2. Samuel Houston
            2. Minerva Adeline
            2. William Roberts
            2. James Martin
            2. Thomas E.
     (2nd wife of Jozadak)
         + Georgia Ann RASCO - married 26 Dec 1870
            2. Benjamin
            2. David
            2. John S.
            2. Mary
            2. Rosa Ann
            2. Robert R.
            2. Texas T.

Minerva Ann Shearron ROBERTS died 29 May 1887 and Joshua M. ROBERTS died 17 Feb 1909; both are buried in the Prairie Valley Cemetery in Hill Co, TX. Joshua's obit was as follows:

                                                                               
                                                                                 AGED PIONEER DIES IN WHITNEY
                                                                                 At the home of his son, D.L. Rob-
                                                                                 rts, in south Whitney, on Wednes-
                                                                                 Day, February 17, 1909, at the ad-
                                                                                 vanced age of eighty-seven years, Dr.
                                                                                 J.M. Roberts passed peacefully to
                                                                                 his reward. His remains followed by
                                                                                 many relatives and friends of the
                                                                                 family, were laid to rest beside his
                                                                                 wife, who had preceded him many
                                                                                 years, in the Prairie Valley cemetery,
                                                                                 the funeral ceremony being conduct-
                                                                                 ed by Rev. J.R. Morris of this city.
                                                                                 The deceased had been a sufferer
                                                                                 from rheumatism for many years to
                                                                                 which with other infirmities attend-
                                                                                 ant upon old age, he had not taken to
                                                                                 bed until Saturday preceding his
                                                                                 death.
                                                                                 He leaves three sons and two
                                                                                 daughters surviving him, Mrs.
                                                                                 J.T. Vanwinkle of the Huron commun-
                                                                                 ity, Mrs. I.N. Wingate and D.L. Rob-
                                                                                 erts of Whitney, N.W. and H.C.
                                                                                 Roberts of Oklahoma.
                                                                                 We are unable to obtain a complete
                                                                                 biography of the deceased for this
                                                                                 week's publication, but will obtain
                                                                                 same for next issue. His career is
                                                                                 quite an interesting one, and though
                                                                                 he had resided in Hill county most
                                                                                 of the time since 1871, the very quite
                                                                                 and modest disposition was responsi-
                                                                                 ble for the fact that very little was
                                                                                 known of his life by the public in gen-
                                                                                 er. He had retired from active life
                                                                                 for some twenty-five years prior to
                                                                                 his death, owing to physical infirmi-
                                                                                 ties and had made his home with his
                                                                                 daughter, Mrs. Vanwinkle, and son,
                                                                                 D.L. Roberts the greater portion of
                                                                                 that time, having been with the latter
                                                                                 continuously for about seven years.
                                                                                 He had followed the medicine pro-
                                                                                 fession during the days of his active
                                                                                 life, but retired from some some 25
                                                                                 years ago, owing to his declining
                                                                                 health. He had been a member to the
                                                                                 Christian church for 35 years, was
                                                                                 honored, respected and beloved by all
                                                                                 who knew him, and died as he had
                                                                                 lived - a noble example of the faith
                                                                                 he preferred.

Tombstone - Joshua M. Roberts
Prairie Valley Cemetery
Hill Co, TX

Tombstone - Minerva Roberts
Prairie Valley Cemetery
Hill Co, TX

Henry Clay's spouse, "Texana" WALLING was born in Kosse, Limestone Co, Texas, 5 Oct 1869. The WALLING family migrated to Nacogdoches, Texas (Province of Tejas, State of Coahuila, Mexico) about 1833. Texana’s father and mother, "William Alfred WALLING" and Lugenia P. COLLINS, were married in Hill Co, Texas, 30 Jun 1859. Texana's immediate family was as follows:

 1 William Alfred "Bud" WALLING, b.20 Jan 1837, TN
 --+Lugenia P. COLLINS, b.23 Mar 1841, MS
 ----2 Rhoda A., b.26 Jul 1860, TX
 ----2 Martha Alice, b.6 Nov 1867
 ----2 DELLA TEXANA 
----2 Pink J., b.8 Sep 1873, TX
 ----2 Bobbi (f), 3 May 1876, TX
 ----2 Maud, 13 Dec 1891, TX

"Prairie Valley"
Speech by Della Walling

Prairie Valley is a pleasant little village situated in the southwestern part of Hill County, about five miles south of Whitney and one and a half from the Brazos river.

The first settlement made was by one Mr Mosley who in the year 1856, established a stock ranch here. Other ranches were established from time to time, and the year 1859 Mr. T. D. Collins opened up the first farm, the same that is now owned by Mr. T. J. Walling.

At that early date the farms products consisted of corn and wheat, no cotton being planted until some years after (3).

Houses at this time were built of logs selected from the timber growing here.

Though a frontier country, far removed from centers of civilization, its early settlers were not unmindful of the best interest of themselves and children, for so soon as a sufficient number were gathered together, a school was organized and taught first, in a log cabin with dirt floor and afterwards in the large log building that served the threefold purpose of school, church and Masonic Lodge.

In the year 1868 we find that Prairie Valley had become the center of quite a large farming community and to meet the demands of the people Messrs. Walling and Gillette built a mill and cotton gin. A carpenter's and a blacksmiths shop were also established.

In the year following, 1869, Mr. T. J. Walling commenced selling goods but not for long was he allowed the distinction of being the only merchant, for soon after, others engaged in business here, and in the year 1870 Prairie Valley boasted two stores doing a general merchandising business. Two saloons set in a ten from alley. And about this time I am sorry to say Prairie Valley began to bear a rather unenviable reputation. The late war had but recently turned loose any who sought by other means than honest labor, to make a living.

Prairie Valley seemed to have received its full share of this element, and drinking, gambling and horse racing were of very frequent occurrence.

In 1880 the Central rail road passed through our county and established the town of Whitney. To this place the stores and saloons soon removed leaving our hitherto boisterous place one of the quietest hamlets in the state. Nor has the change been disadvantageous to us, for almost immediately after the removal of the stores, our school took on a new impetuous and has continued to grow in size and importance till now it ranks first of all the country schools of our country.

It is not in the providence of a school girl to predict what will be, but may we not all hope that the lustre that today shines about our school may never grow dim but continue to brighten as the days go by.

c.1885 Della Texana WALLING (Photo provided by Mrs. Phyls Esparza of Richardson, Texas)

Victoria "Vic" ROBERTS, sister of Henry Clay and oldest child of Joshua and Minerva ROBERTS, married John Thomas VanWINKLE 25 Apr 1877 in Hill Co, Texas. The 1900 census of Hill Co reflects John and Vic had two children (both living), Frank Henry b.1878 and the other not living at home. John Thomas was a member of the Hill County Old Settlers Association from the community of Huron.

Noah Webster ROBERTS, brother of Henry Clay and oldest son of Joshua and Minerva ROBERTS, married Eliza Harriet COODY 20 Sep 1882 in Hill Co, Texas. A grave found in Jefferson Co, OK, reflects the following: Roberts, Anna D. b.Feb 7,1890-d.March 23,1901 Dau of N.W. and E.H. Roberts (This is the daughter of Noah and Eliza.) Noah died 11 Oct 1919 and Eliza 2 Jan 1940. Both were buried in the Grady Cemetery, Jefferson Co, OK.

Frances J. ROBERTS, sister of Henry Clay and daughter of Joshua and Minerva ROBERTS, died before 1880 per census records.

Laura Belle ROBERTS, sister of Henry Clay and daughter of Joshua and Minerva ROBERTS, died between 1880 and 1909 as she is not mentioned in her father's obit.

Tennessee "Tennie" ROBERTS, sister of Henry Clay and daughter of Joshua and Minerva ROBERTS, married Isaac Newton WINGATE 13 Nov 1889 in Hill Co, Texas. Tennie and Isaac had five children; Anna, Mollie, Alma Roy, Chester Lee and Alice. Tennie died 8 Apr 1944 and Isaac 22 Jun 1901. Both were buried in the Degraffenried Cemetery in Hill Co and later moved to the Whitney Cemetery when Lake Whitney was put in.  Their daughter, Mollie WINGATE, married "Hugh Maurice CLIETT" 26 Dec 1913 in Hill Co, TX.

David Lipscomb ROBERTS, brother of Henry Clay and youngest of Joshua and Minerva ROBERTS, married Sophia Jane ROUNTREE about 1898 probably in Hill Co, TX. David and Sophia had four children, Ray 1900-1901, Glen b.4 Oct 1902, Olin b.3 Oct 1904 and Laura Belle (named after aunt) b.18 Oct 1920. David was a mechanic and blacksmith during the "horse and buggy" days, later converting to a garage and gas station. David and his nephew, Roy WINGATE, owned a FORD dealership in Hill Co before David retired. David died 17 Nov 1951 and Sophia 20 Oct 1967. Both are buried in the Degraffenried Cemetery in Hill Co.

Henry Clay ROBERTS's death certificate reflects he was born in Angelina Co, TX. All seven of Henry and Texana's children lived to adulthood. Henry and Texana married 13 Dec 1887 in Hill Co and moved their family to Cooke Co about 1890. Henry and Texana are listed in the 1900 and 1910 census of Cooke Co. Apparently Henry lived in Oklahoma at least two times, once between 1900 and 1910 (per Joshua M. ROBERTS' obit) and again after 1910. Henry age 58, Della age 50 and Henriette age 9 are listed in the 1920 census of Love Co, OK. Henry died in 10 Jun 1926, age 65, in Thackerville, Love Co, Oklahoma. Texana is living with her daughter and son in law, Fannie and Don RYAN, in Fort Worth, Tarrant Co, TX, in 1930. Texana died 19 Jun 1961, age 91, in Hutchins, Dallas Co, TX.

c.1920 Henry Clay ROBERTS (Photo provided by Mrs. Phyls Esparza of Richardson, Texas)

c.1910 John Walding ROBERTS, Sr (Photo provided by Mrs. Phyls Esparza of Richardson, Texas)

c.1912 John Walding ROBERTS, Sr and Myrtle CROWSEY (Taken just before their marriage   Cooke Co, Texas)

John Walding ROBERTS, Jr and Velma Lena DEATON
Wedding Day, 4 Dec 1944 Houston, TX

Frances H. "Fannie", daughter of Henry and Texana, was born 16 Nov1896 in Cooke Co, Texas. Fannie married first, Don RYAN and had two children. After the death of Don, Fannie married second, W.H. WILSON.

Theodore R. "Ted" ROBERTS, son of Henry and Texana , was born 9 Oct 1900 in Cooke Co, Texas. Ted married first, Teina M.Catherine MAYLON and had one son. Ted married second, Wilma Lee CRAWFORD and had one son. Ted died May 1964 in El Paso, TX.

Henrietta ROBERTS, daughter and youngest child of Henry and Texana, was born 27 May 1911. Henrietta married Claud J. SIMPSON. Henrietta and Claud had one son. Henrietta died very young 1937 in Lubbock, Texas. Claud, age 93, was still living as of June 2000.

Vickie LEVACY ERWIN's link to Henry Clay ROBERTS:
 1 Henry Clay ROBERTS
 --+Della Texana WALLING
 ----2 Laura ROBERTS, b.2 Dec 1889, d.19 Aug 1977
 ------+Richard Dennis MURPHY, Jr, b.3 Nov 1890, d.Dec 1946, m.30 Dec 1905
 --------3 Edith MURPHY, b.24 May 1917, m.1 Jan 1938
 ----------+Ewing LEVACY
 ------------4 Laura Vickie LEVACY, b.4 Apr 1956

Linda MURPHY WARREN's link to Henry Clay ROBERTS:
 1 Henry Clay ROBERTS
 --+Della Texana WALLING
 ----2 Laura ROBERTS, b.2 Dec 1899, d.19 Aug 1977, m.30 Dec 1905
 ------+Richard Dennis Murphy, Jr, b.3 Nov 1890, d.Dec 1946
 --------3 Taft MURPHY, b.29 Oct 1909, d.1 Jun 1977
 ----------+Mary Bell JONES, b.24 Mar 1918
 ------------4 Linda Bell MURPHY, b.12 Dec 1949

Phyllis "Phyls" RODRIGUEZ ESPARZA's link to Henry Clay ROBERTS:
 1 Henry Clay ROBERTS
 --+Della Texana WALLING
 ----2 Carrie ROBERTS, b.26 Nov 1891, d.25 Oct 1982, m.5 Jan 1910
 ------+Joseph "Joe" CAMPBELL, b.10 Oct 1889, d.14 Sep 1920
 --------3 Juanita Gwendolyn CAMPBELL, b.14 Dec 1911, m.27 Dec 1932
 ----------+Philip Pedro RODRIGUEZ de Douglas, b.17 Jul 1915
 ------------4 Phyllis "Phyls" Genevieve RODRIGUEZb.8 Jul 1939

David ROBERTS's link to Henry Clay ROBERTS:
 1 Henry Clay ROBERTS
 --+Della Texana WALLING
 ----2 John Walding ROBERTS, b.11 Dec 1893, d.14 Apr 1961, m.12 Oct 1912
 ------+Myrtle Sangster CROWSEY, b.11 Mar 1894, d.Apr 1974
 --------3 John Walding ROBERTS Jr, b.7 Aug 1928, d.22 Oct 1980, m.4 Dec 1944
 ----------+Velma Lena DEATON, b.24 Jan 1928, d.18 Apr 2008
 ------------4 David Gerald ROBERTS, b.26 Sep 1946

Thomas Edwin CLIETT's link to Henry Clay ROBERTS:
 1 "Tennie" ROBERTS (sister of Henry Clay ROBERTS), b.22 May 1872, d.8 Apr 1944
 --+Isaac Newton WINGATE, b.30 Sep 1967, d.22 Jun 1901, m.13 Nov 1889
 ----2 Mollie WINGATE, b.14 Apr 1893, d.12 Mar 1981
 ------+Hugh Maurice CLIETT, b.6 Nov 1892, d.18 Jan 1978, m.26 Dec 1913
 --------3 Thomas Edwin CLIETT b.16 May 1931

Families of Henry Clay ROBERTS & John Anderson CAMPBELL - c.1913

From left to right standing:
Archie Campbell 9, Maude Pool Campbell holding daughter Julia, William Campbell 27, Joe Campbell 24, Carrie Roberts Campbell 22, Grady Campbell 17, Fannie Roberts 17 and Ted Roberts 13.

From left to right sitting:
Julia Box Campbell 50, John Anderson Campbell 57 holding granddaughter's Kelly 2 & Ida Mae Campbell 2, Henry Clay Roberts 53, Henriette Roberts 2 & Della Texana Walling Roberts 44.