Elliott

Life of Bishop Roberts
by Rev. Charles Elliott, D.D.
publ. 1884
by
J.F. Wright and L. Swormstedt
for
The Methodist Episcopal Church

Robert Richford Roberts was born August 2d,1778, in Frederick county, Maryland. His father, Robert Morgan Roberts, was a native of Cecil county, Eastern Shore of Maryland. By occupation he was a farmer, and was in moderate circumstances, having had to commence business for himself, without any aid from his father, John Roberts. For although his father left, at his death, a considerable estate, it was, according to the laws then in existence in Maryland, held by the eldest son, to the exclusion of all the other children.

In regard to his religion, Robert Morgan Roberts was educated in the principles of the Church of England, of which he was a regular member; and was zealously attached to her articles, homilies and liturgy. He was remarkable for his gentleness and kindness of nature, and was upright in his conduct towards all men.
He took an active part in the Revolutionary struggle. At the call of his country he became a Revolutionary soldier, and was engaged in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown and White Plains.
The name of Bishop Roberts' mother was Mary Richford. She was the only daughter of Thomas and Esther Richford, and was born at Georgetown Cross Roads, Kent county, Maryland. She was of low stature, was active, and buoyant and lively in her disposition.

The Bishop's great grandfather, on his father's side, was from Wales; and his maternal great grandfather was probably from Ireland.

His mother was only sixteen years of age at the time of her marriage. She was the mother of thirteen children, six sons and seven daughters, eleven of whom lived to years of maturity. The following are the names of the eleven, with the time of their birth and death as far as can be ascertained:
John, born January 13th, 1763 - died January 20th, 1812; Sarah, born June 5th, 17767; Mary; Thomas; Elizabeth, born February 15th, 1771; Esther, July 25th, 1776; Robert Richford, August 2d, 1778; Lewis, about 1780; Priscilla, May 20th, 1783; Nancy, February 14th 1785; Sophia, May 17th, 1787.

Robert Richford was the third son of that name, the other two having died while young. One was drowned in a spring, while quite small, and the other died with the dysentery. The mother was so intent on continuing the Christian name of her husband, and her own maiden name, in the family, that she persisted in attaching them to the son that was born after the death of the two just mentioned.

(to be continued)