Erastus Roberts

(Taken from his obituary, edited for clarity)

The people of Washington mourn the passing of ex-Mayor E. H. Roberts, one of our most beloved citizens, on Sunday, March 2, at 12:30 o'clock at the Methodist hospital in Peoria. Mr. Roberts had been in failing health for the past two years but was able to continue traveling until about three months ago. Last Thursday, he submitted to an operation at the Methodist Hospital in Peoria. He rallied from the operation nicely, but in his weakened condition, he was unable to overcome all obstacles and peacefully sank to his final rest with his faithful wife by his side.

E. H. Roberts was born at White Cottage, Ohio, September 29, 1854. On August 26, 1875, he was married to Miss Louisa M. Mauk, and fifty-one years ago they came to Metamora, where Mr. Roberts was in business until 1898, when they moved to Washington, which had since been their home. Besides his wife, he leaves three children, Herman E. Roberts of Boseman, Mont., Mrs. Minnie M. Robeson of Eureka, and Mrs. Myrtle E. Kern of Washington; also five grandchildren and three brothers.

Mr. Roberts, for many years, was engaged in the wholesale lumber brokerage business and traveled throughout Illinois. He was one of the best-known lumbermen in the state and had a wide circle of friends in this business. He was the soul of honor and integrity in all his dealings, and his passing will be a severe loss to the lumber interests.

The community of Washington has suffered a great loss in the death of Mr. Roberts, as he was always one of our most outstanding and public-spirited citizens. He was generous to a fault in his support of all enterprises and charities and gave most liberally of his time and effort to the good of our little city.

From 1917 to 1920, he served as mayor of Washington and was a persistent worker for our welfare. He personally looked after many details and even donned his old clothes and got out on the job himself. He had been a member of the Washington Commercial Club and the Kiwanis Club, and of the Masonic order, but of recent years, he was compelled to give up these activities. He held a membership in the Modern Woodmen.

Mr. Roberts was a liberal supporter of the Presbyterian church and took an active part in the work of this organization for years. Few people know of the charities and kind acts he did in his active life, as he was unassuming in his helpfulness and asked for no personal honors.

During the funeral services, as a matter of special respect for the deceased, all business houses in the city were closed.