John Roberts was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania around 1835 and served in the 3rd United States Colored Troops. Before Roberts joined Company B of the 3rd USCT in June 1863 as a corporal, he worked as a laborer. After his regiment completed training, the War Department transferred the 3rd USCT to Morris Island, South Carolina. They participated in capturing Fort Wagner after a sixty day siege on September 7, 1863. In February 1864 the War Department sent the regiment to Florida and they remained in that theater until it was disbanded. While he received a promotion to sergeant on March 28, 1865, Roberts was mustered out on October 31 while stationed in Jacksonville, Florida. (By Don Sailer)
Life Summary
Full name
John Roberts
Place of Birth
Birth Date Certainty
Estimated
Gender
Male
Race
Black
Sectional choice
North
Origins
Free State
Occupation
Military
Other
Other Occupation
Laborer
Relation to Slavery
Free black
Military
Union Army