ELIAS ROBERDS, farmer, P. O. Sabina, is the oldest living native-born citizen of Clinton County, Ohio. Was born in Union Township, February 5, 1807, and is a son of Joseph and Anna (Randall) Roberds, who settled in the above township in 1804. They were natives of North Carolina, but had lived in Virginia previous to coming to Ohio. Eight children accompanied their parents, viz.: Mary, Martha, William, Nancy, Sallie, Lydia, Joseph and Betsey. He purchased a piece of land, which he afterward lost on account of a defective title. He then came to Richland Township and bought land which he cleared up and lived on until between 1830 and 1835, when he removed to Grant County, Ind., where he lived till his death. He served his (this) county in the capacity two terms as Commissioner of the same, and in the township represented the offices of Justice of the Peace, Tax Collector and Trustee. He was a man generous to a fault, upright in all his dealings, and a zealous worker in the affairs of the church, a conscientious, scrupulous Christian gentleman. Seven children were born in this county, viz.: Phoebe, Elias, Thomas, (one name not given), Phineas, Rachel and Benjamin. Of his children, only Thomas and Elias survive. He died in his Indiana home about 1870, at the remarkable age of ninety-eight years. His wife died previously, aged upward of eighty years. Our subject was reared on a farm, and in manner common with pioneer boys, receiving but a limited education. Remained with his parents until his marriage, which was celebrated when he was twenty years old, beginning life for himself on rented land, and purchased a farm at $1.25 per acre on credit. The land he purchased was cleared up by himself, and he has since added to the original purchase, until now he owns 350 acres of well-improved land. As Commissioner of the county, he served three years, but has never had any aspirations for office. Is a Republican in politics, an untiring worker in the party, and a man of great public spirit, never refusing to give support to any charitable and worthy enterprise of merit. In 1836, he was married to Elizabeth Bennett, of this county, by whom he has had ten children, nine of whom are living, viz.: Elijah, James, Calvin, Morgan, Isaac, Emily, Jemima, Laving and Almira; Keziah, deceased. Mrs. R. died in 1845. His second marriage was celebrated with Lavina Plymire in 1846. Mr. Roberds is a man well preserved mentally and physically, for one of his age and bids fair to live for years to come, in the enjoyment of the fruits of his labors.

Source: History of Clinton County