City: Memphis
ROBERTS, William D., manufacturer; born Dyersburg, Tenn., Nov. 13, 1848; Scottish-Irish descent; son of John and Mary (Davis) ROBERTS; received common school education; in early life he was in the retail grocery business married Grace SWEARINGEN, Oct. 9, 1872; member Chickasaw Club and Cotton Exchange; entered the mercantile business at Dyersburg, Tenn., 1870-1891; established Dyersburg (Tenn.) Oil & Fertilizer Co., in 1884; moved to Chattanooga, Tenn., in 1891, and established Chattanooga Cotton Oil Co. in 1894, afterward Richmond Cotton Oil Co.; became general manager of Richmond Cotton Oil Co. in 1903; established Roberts Cotton Oil Co. in 1899, central office at Memphis, Tenn., in 1901; president Memphis Morning News in 1903-1904; at present president of Broadway Coal & Ice Co., director Security Bank & Trust Co., Memphis, Tenn.; member of Cumberland Presbyterian church.
Source: Who’s Who in Tennessee: A Biographical Reference Book of Notable Tennesseans of To-Day. Memphis: Paul & Douglas Co, 1911.
