Jacob Roberts was born in Marbietown. Ulster County. New York, on October 3. 1832 and he attended the local common schools. He supplemented his education by reading standard works on various subjects, chiefly mathematical and mechanical. He then taught school for several years. after which he entered the ranks of mechanical scientists and spent fifteen years acquiring a practical knowledge of blacksmithing, carpentering, painting and machinery. He was engaged for some years in the carriage making business and also indoor blind and sash manufacturing, in Brooklyn. New York, and for a time he served as a consulting engineer and mechanical expert in the cities of New York and Brooklyn.


In 1883, he purchased the Hudson River Rolling Mill at Poughkeepsie and. in company with Charles Miller and the Crossman Brothers of New York City, organized the Phoenix Horseshoe Company and began the manufacture of horse and mule shoes. In August 1889. Mr. Roberts severed his connection with the Phoenix Horseshoe Company of Poughkeepsie and became superintendent of the Bryden Horse Shoe Company, and there he remained until his death. During his tenure the company met with phenomenal success and more than once the company had to double the capacity of the plant in order to meet the demand for its product.


On September 18. 1855, Jacob Roberts was married to Miss Catherine L. Relyea of Clintondale, New York, and their married life was blessed with the following children: Frances D., born May 11, 1856, died December 19. 1930, married Woodruff H. Simonson, issue: (a daughter who married a Mr. Hamilton, issue: a son. born at Montclair, New Jersey, March 16. 1916, named John Hamilton. a.k.a. Sterling Hayden, died May 23. 1986): William B., born December 2. 1861, died January 7. 1937: Eva M., died in infancy: Ida T., died in infancy: and Vina, born February 22. 1867, married Austin A. Glick. Esq., died July 21. 1944.


Jacob Roberts was a member of the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church of Catasauqua, and he departed this life on November 18. 1905. His remains were interred at Fairview Cemetery. His widow. Catherine (Relyea) Roberts passed away on October 26. 1920 and her remains were also interred at Fairview Cemetery.