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this firm, his period of service totaling
thirty-two years until his death, April 28,
1914. Mr. Roberts was essentially do-
mestic in his tastes, his interests outside
his business centering on his home and in
the church. He was a member of the East
Hartford Congregational Church for many
years. Mr. Roberts married, October 27,
1881, Jeanette Louise, daughter of David
and Rebecca (Allen) Beaumont.
(VIII) David Beaumont Roberts was
born January 6, 1882, in East Hartford,
and from a very early age showed the
dominant business instinct which has
placed him among the prominent business
men of Hartford and East Hartford to-
day. Mr. Roberts attended Morse Busi-
ness College after completing his public
school course, and when only fourteen
years of age engaged in the bicycle busi-
ness on his own account, handling the
Barnes Cycle and the Columbia bicycle,
and sold most of the bicycles that were
sold in East Hartford. After five years
he became the agent of the Pope-Hartford
automobile in Rockville, Connecticut, and
was among the earliest auto dealers in
Hartford County. Mr. Roberts was lo-
cated in Rockville for eight years and then
took the agency for Ford cars ; he came to
Hartford in 1907 and took over the Buick
agency which he still retains. His terri-
tory covers Hartford and Tolland counties
and he has an interest in three other Buick
agencies. In 192 1 Mr. Roberts built a
fine, large brick garage in East Hartford,
which is the headquarters for the Buick
cars, and which has also materially added
to the upbuilding of the town of East
Hartford. There is a large display room
taking up practically the whole front of
the garage. On the side is a wide driveway
leading to the rear where all repairs
are made and there is also a used car de-
partment dealing entirely in Buick cars.
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
213
Mr. Roberts organized the Springfield
Buick Company and the Greenfield Buick
Company, both of which companies he
still directs. The Hartford Buick Com-
pany was organized in 1909.
Mr. Roberts has ably demonstrated
that it is not necessary to seek fields far
away from one's birthplace to win success
in the business world ; opportunities are
right at hand for those who have eyes to
see. Other business interests of Mr.
Roberts include the New England Amusement
Company of which he is the organ-
izer and which operates a theater in Hart-
ford and in New London. He has also
developed several real estate properties
and has made an enviable reputation for
good judgment in seeing business oppor-
tunities and for making a success of his
undertakings.
In spite of the many demands upon his
time from his business interests, he
showed his true descent from the early
immigrants when he enlisted in service
during the World War. He was in the
air-plant section of motor production and
was transferred from Washington to the
production department of the Hispano-
Suiza Company at New Brunswick, New
Jersey, and Elizabeth, where he remained
about six months when the Armistice was
signed.
Fraternally Mr. Roberts is a member
of the Modern Woodmen of America and
of Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks of Hartford. He finds recreation and
profitable pleasure at his farm in Haddam
where he makes his home and specializes
in the raising of pure-bred Shropshire
sheep. Each year he exhibits at the State
Fair at Danbury and at Springfield and
received ribbons from both places. He is
a member of the American Shropshire
Association and is also a member of the