William M. Roberts (CSA)

"The Tupelo Journal," Tupelo, MS, March 30, 1926

Mr. W. M. Roberts Dies In Paris, Tex.

A message was received here Saturday announcing the death of Mr. W. M. Roberts at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Porter, in Paris, Tex. Previous messages had informed Mr. Roberts' friends and relatives of his serious illness and his son, Mr. C. A. Roberts, left immediately for Paris. He reached his father's bedside a short time before his death.

Mr. Roberts had lived with his daughter, Mrs. Porter, for several years. His advanced age brought on infirmities and there has been a general decline in his health for several years and while his death is a shock to his family and friends, yet it is not unexpected. Mr. Roberts was born and reared in Monroe county near where the town of Nettleton is now located. His education was received in the schools of that day.

Before he had reached his majority he volunteered as a Confederate soldier and enlisted in Company C, 43rd Mississippi Regiment. His command saw continuous service and was a part of the western army. He went through the siege of Vicksburg. His record as a soldier was superb and in all the engagements of his command he was present and took an active part. After the war Mr. Roberts returned to his home and began the life of a farmer which avocation he followed until he was forced to retire on account of his health.

In early life Mr. Roberts connected himself with the Presbyterian Church and was an active member until the end. For fifty three years he was an elder in the church and was a leader in its activities. In the affairs of the community he was always a wise counselor and his people trusted him in directing them in all matters of public interest. For twelve years he served the Fifth district as a member of the Board of Supervisors of Lee county. Four years of this time he was president of the board. He was a member of the board when the new court house was built and through his sound judgment and loyal affiliation with the other members of the board, received the full value of every dollar spent in its erection. No man was ever more loyal to his friends than Mr. Roberts. The writer feels with pride the close friendship which many years existed between him and this good man. He had a big heart, kind, gentle and generous to a fault. In his passing away the community in which he lived so long contains an irreparable loss.

The body reached Tupelo at 11 o'clock Monday accompanied by Dr. and Mrs. Porter and Mr. C. A. Roberts. W. E. Pegues undertaking department met the train at the station and conveyed the body to the Providence cemetery for interment. A number of friends from Tupelo, Verona and Shannon accompanied the family. At the church many friends had gathered and brought beautiful flowers to be laid upon his last resting place. Rev. Smith, his pastor, conducted the services, delivering a sermon in which the promises of the resurrection and immortality was set forth. The pall-bearers were: J. A. Riley, L. W. Lowe, A. L. Temple, E. R. Green, R. A. Harris and H. Y. Johnson.

Mr. Roberts leaves two daughters, Mrs. Porter of Paris, Texas, and Mrs. A. L. Burdine of Johns, Miss., and two sons, C. A. Roberts of Verona and Manny Roberts of Nettleton. The family have the sympathy of their many friends in their bereavement.