martygrant.com: Home > Genealogy > Roberts > Families > Joseph
[Commentary] [Children] [Researcher List] [Register Report] [A Note about sources] [How to contact me] [Home]
I (Marty Grant) am a 7th Great Grandnephew of Joseph Roberts, assuming that various weak connections can be proven.
Special thanks to Dr. Merrit E. Roberts of Lompoc, CA for information shared on this family in his book "Roberts-Allen Families", 1985. He has data in his book on Joseph Roberts, that I won't repeat here, except what I can find myself in the various records. Although I think his book was excellent, and a worthwhile addition to my library, I did find much in it that was based on various assumptions, some of which I totally disagree with, so I'm probably going to contradict much of what he wrote on the early Roberts families. I do this with no disrespect towards Dr. Roberts, but only for the sake of presenting evidence that he may not have had access to, or in presenting my own alternate interpretations of certain data. When possible (and practical) I'll present our cases side by side if they differ significantly, so the reader can decide which is more likely, or possibly come up with a third point of view.
Joseph Roberts was born before ca 1732, presumably in Carteret Precinct, NC. I base this birth date on his first record which was dated 1753 when he witnessed a deed between Charles Gavin and Benjamin Blackburn, assuming he was at least 21 then. I didn't find anything else on him until ca 1767, so that may indicate the 1753 record was for a different Joseph Roberts. If so, then the 1767 record would be the first for this Joseph, and that would put his birth at ca 1746 or before.
Dr. Merrit E. Roberts lists Joseph as a son of John R. Roberts. I'm not sure what he based that on, and I haven't been able to find anything to support it, so far, but it could easily be correct. All I know for sure at this point is that Joseph was a brother of Moses Roberts of Craven Co, NC.
John R. Roberts died about 1765 (the date of his estate file), so perhaps Joseph is mentioned in there as an heir. I'll have to check that out.
On 10 Oct 1753 Joseph Roberts witnessed a deed in Duplin Co, NC between Charles Gavin and Benjamin Blackburn for land on Coheary Creek. Considering the location and the date, this may not be the same Joseph Roberts. (Sampson Co, NC Deed Book 2 page 205).
Somewhere along the way, possibly in Craven or Carteret Co, NC, Joseph Roberts married Elizabeth Frazier, daughter of James Frazier. I don't know when they married, but it was before 1774.
In 1767 James McDonald sold property to Joseph Roberts in Carteret Co, NC in two different deeds. I have no details yet. (Carteret Co, NC Deed Book H page 239 and 250).
In 1767 Joseph Roberts sold property to Abraham Mitchell. I have no details yet. (Carteret Co, NC Deed Book H page 258).
In 1768 Joseph Roberts sold property to Daniel Bende in two deeds. I have no details yet. (Carteret Co, NC Deed Book H page 303 and 305).
Around this time (ca 1769-1770) Joseph Roberts moved from Carteret Co, NC to Craven Co, NC.
Joseph Roberts was listed on the 1769 Tax list in Craven Co, NC.
In 1770 Joseph Roberts deeded property to James Watson in Carteret Co, NC. I have no details yet. (Carteret Co, NC Deed Book H page 415).
On 20 Oct 1770, Moses Roberts, Taylor, appointed his "beloved brother" Joseph Roberts as his attorney. Witnesses were James Watson and Benjamin Hatch. (Craven Co, NC Deed Book 1 page 522).
In 1771 Micajah Frazer (Joseph's brother-in-law) sold him property in Carteret Co, NC. I have no details yet. (Carteret Co, NC Deed Book H page 429).
Joseph Roberts made his Will on 15 Jan 1774 in Craven Co, NC. It was noncupative, and spoken to James Frazer (his father-in-law) and Cynthia Roberts (relationship?). He named his wife Elizabeth, and daughters Sally and Sabonah, and "father-in-law" Micajah Frazier. This should have said "brother-in-law". (Craven Co, NC Wills)
Joseph's widow Elizabeth may have died prior to 1783. Her father James Frazier made his Will on 3 Jan 1783 in Onslow Co, NC and named several children including his son Micajah, but his daughter Elizabeth wasn't named, but he did mention his "two granddaughters Saley and Sarah Robarts". Of these, "Sarah" should probably say "Sabah" or something like that (i.e. Sabonah). (Onslow Co, NC Will Book 2 page 16).
The Joseph Roberts family may have resided near the mouth of Whiteoak River, which was the border between Onslow Co, NC, Carteret Co, NC and Craven County all coming together at that area. This part of Craven County was cut off to form Jones County in 1778, so perhaps this family lived in what later became Jones County.
Joseph Roberts named two daughters in his Will dated 15 Jan 1774 (Craven Co, NC), and these same two were named as grandchildren in James Frazier Will dated 3 Jan 1783 (Onslow Co, NC).
Sally Roberts - no other info
Sabonah Roberts - no other info
Persons researching this family (click here for data on how to get on or off of this list):
1. Joseph1 Roberts , born bef 1732 in Carteret Co, NC; died 1774 in Craven Co, NC, son of John R Roberts and Hannah Webster . He married bef 15 Jan 1774 in Carteret Co, NC Elizabeth Frazar , died aft 15 Jan 1774 in Craven Co, NC, daughter of James Frazar and Ellender (---) .
Children of Joseph Roberts and Elizabeth Frazar were as follows:
3 ii Sabonoh2 Roberts , born bef 15 Jan 1774 in Carteret Co, NC.
martygrant.com: Home > Genealogy > Roberts > Families > Joseph