REV. MORRIS ROBERTS, REMSEN, ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
REV. MORRIS ROBERTS was born in the parish of Llangower, near Bala, Merionethshire, North Wales, May 10, 1799, and came to this country in July, 1831, the first two years after his arrival being spent in Utica. He had attracted much attention in Wales as a brilliant and eloquent preacher, and, it is said, caused considerable agitation among the Welsh Calvinistic Methodists because he was alleged to cherish views in regard to the Confession of Faith that were unorthodox, views that in these days would seem to be as conservative as they were advanced at that time.However, he made answer to charges of heresy, and his theological opponents pursued him with their charges to this country. The family moved from Utica to Remsen in 1833, and Mr. Roberts, after serving the Calvinistic Methodist Church here for two years, severed his connection with that body and affiliated himself with the Congregationalists, establishing a church in the village, where he labored with great zeal and success for thirty-two years. He had a compelling and natural eloquence, which, added to a powerful personality, made him not only a strong man in the pulpit, but a factor and leader in public life.
He died in Remsen, June 30, 1878.
Edward Roberts, son of Rev. Morris and Margaret Roberts, was born in Denbighshire, Wales, December 21, 1828, and came to this country with his parents in 1831, and to Remsen two years later. He attended the public school here during his boyhood, afterward was a student at Whitestown Seminary, and later matriculated at Union College, Schenectady, from which he was graduated. For a time thereafter he was engaged in educational work, subsequently entering upon a business career in New York city.
Later he was appointed to a position in the New York custom house, where he spent twenty-five years, and afterward engaged in business in Remsen, and Waterville, N. Y., and at Dalton, Ga. As a vocalist and composer he gained much distinction. While residing in New York he was director of the choir in the church presided over by the late Dr. Samuel Burchard, and was also singing leader for several years in Plymouth Church, Brooklyn, during the pastorate of Rev. Henry Ward Beecher. He gave instructions in vocalism, wrote note-books for use in singing-schools, composed the music for many of Miss Fanny Crosby's selections, and was the author of a Sunday school hymnal, and other musical works. The music of "Ninety and Nine," the popular religious song, was written by him, and his name may be found attached to many selections in church song books now in use. He married Mary Abbott, of New York, and their children were Edward M., Josephine M., and William Abbott. Mr. Roberts died at San Diego, California.
A narrative history of Remsen, New York.
REV. MORRIS ROBERTS, REMSEN, ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
In the name of God, Amen.I Morris Roberts, of Remsen, in the County of Oneida, and State of New York, of the age of seventy five years, and being of sound mind and memory, blessed be the Almighty God, for the same, do make, publish and declare this my last Will and Testament, in manner following that is to say -
First. I do hereby order and direct, that my body shall be decently interred, on the South side of my wife Margaret Roberts at the Fairchilds Burying ground, and I do hereby resign my soul to the Almighty God, trusting and believing in the remission of my sins through the merits and mediation of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Second I give devise and bequeath unto my son Edward Roberts one half of my real Estate situated in the village of Remsen, containing a village lot, which is to be divided by a line running East, and west, the part intended to be devised to the said Edward is the north half of sdaid lot, excepting and reserving the use and occupation of the dwelling house thereon, which my daughter Elizabeth is to retain, so long as she may choose to occupy the same, also give and bequeath unto my son Edward Roberts, the sum of Fourteen Hundred Dollars, which sum is to be deducted from the claim I hols against him.
Third. I give, devise and bequeath unto my son Morris Roberts, the south half of the above described lot with the appurtenances thereto belonging, providing that he shall pay to my daughter Mary, wife of William W. Thomas the sum of Two Hundred Dollars, and to my grand-daughter Margaret Ellen the alike sum of Two Hundred Dollars. I also give and bequeath unto my son Morris Roberts, the sum of Fourteen Hundred Dollars which sum is to be deducted from the claim I hold against him.
Fourth. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary, wife of William W. Thomas, the sum of Twelve Hundred and Fifty Dollars, which is to apply upon a claim I hold against her.
Fifth. I give and bequeath unto my grand-daughter Margaret Ellen, daughter of my daughter Ellen, the sum of Twelve Hundred and Fifty Dollars to be deducted from the claim, I hold against her guardian William W. Thomas.
Sixth. As for all the rest and residue of my Estate of what nature or kind soever the same may be after the payment of all my debts and funeral expenses, I do hereby give and bequeath unto my daughter Elizabeth Roberts, who is to have free and full enjoyment of the same without hindrance or molestation from any person.
And Lastly. I do hereby nominate and appoint my sons Edward Roberts and Morris Roberts, to be the Executors of this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills by me made. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this fifth day of May, in the year of our Lord, One thousand Eight Hundred and Seventy Four.
Signed Morris Roberts.
The above instrument consisting of one sheet of paper, was at the date thereof, signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Morris Roberts, as and for his last Will and Testament, in presence of us, who at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other, have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.
William N Davis Remsen Oneida County.
Evan Charles Remsen Oneida County.