Roberts Research
Roberts Line
Birth
By Don Taylor
Today I examine the conflict in Bert Allen Roberts’ birthdate. Some documents and researchers report he was born on 20 Sep 1902, some on 20 Sep 1903, and others on 7 Sep 1903.
Ancestor #4
- Grandfather: Bert Allen Roberts(1903-1949)
Sources
1922 – Marriage License – 20 Sep 1902[i]
The earliest birth record I’ve found regarding Bert’s birthdate is his marriage license. It clearly indicates that his birthdate is 20 Sep. This record appears to have been copied by a clerk into a set form, because the signatures of Bert, Essie, and the clerk appear to be of the same hand, with the same pen.
Indiana Marriages, 1811-2007 – Bert Allen Roberts, Date of Birth (via FamilySearch.org)
1941 – Birth Certificate – 7 Sep 1903[ii]
Bert’s Birth Certificate clearly indicates he was born on 7 Sep 1903. Generally, a birth certificate is the best document, however, although not identified as “delayed,” it was not reported until 8 Jul 1941. The information was provided by William Alonzo Scott (Uncle). William Alonzo was not Bert’s uncle, rather he was Bert’s great-uncle (Clora’s uncle).
1942 – Draft Registration – 7 Sep 1903[iii]
Bert completed his Draft Registration. As I understand it, a Birth Certificate was required to register for the draft. That would be the likely reason a “delayed” certificate was created. It is possible that Bert used the same date as his Birth Certificate to eliminate registration problems.
1949 – Death Certificate – 9-7-1903[iv]
The informant for Bert’s Death Certificate was his wife, “Mrs. Bert Roberts – Detroit, Mich” (Essie). She supplied 7 Sep 1903 as his birthdate also.
Census Records
Because there is a year difference between the documents Census Records might provide further insight into his birth year and consequently his birth date.
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- 1910 – Age 6 – Suggesting birth in 1903 (presuming a September birth).
- 1920 – Age 16 – Suggesting birth in 1903.
- 1930 – Age 26 – Suggesting birth in 1903.
- 1940 – Age 36 – Suggesting birth in 1903.
So, all of the Census records are consistent with the birthdate of 7 September 1903 and not 1902 (20 September)
Conclusion
Bert Allen Roberts was born 7 September 1903. I have set that date as my preferred birth date.
ENDNOTES
[i] Indiana Marriage, 1811-2019, Family Search, Bert Allen Roberts – Essie Pansy Barnes – Marriage License. citing: Sullivan, Indiana, United States, Marriage Registration, Indiana Commission on Public Records, Indianapolis; FHL microfilm 004170594. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XXF1-HZN.
Source: Derivative, Transcribed by a clerk.
Clarity: Clear, Item 4, clearly readable, “When born September 20, 1902.”
Information: Primary, The document indicates Bert Allen Roberts provided the information.
Evidence: Direct, Date is clearly stated.
[ii] Illinois Births and Christenings, 1824-1940, Family Search, Bert Allen Roberts – Birth 7 Sep 1903. See Image 970 of 1538. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:H9FF-PCT2.
Source: Original, Information was entered by a clerk, however it is clear William signed it.
Clarity: Clear, Item 7, clearly readable, “Date of Birth Sept 7, 1903.”
Information: Secondary, Although the certificate indicates William was “the Attendant at this Birth,” I just don’t find that likely. That was a prefilled statement required by all who reported birth information
Evidence: Direct, Date is clearly stated.
[iii] U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947, Ancestry.Com, Bert Allen Roberts – Born 7 Sep 1903 – Registe3red 16 Feb 1942.
Source: Original, Information may have been entered by the registrar, but it is clear that Bert signed the card.
Clarity: Clear, Item 5, clearly readable, “Date of Birth Sept 7 1903.”
Information: Primary, The document indicates Bert Allen Roberts provided the information.
[iv] Indiana, U.S., Death Certificates, 1899-2011 (Indiana Archives & Records Administration), Ancestry, Bert Roberts – Death 1 May 1949. Indiana Archives and Records Administration; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Death Certificates; Year: 1949; Roll: 06. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/29390250?h=dae87f.
Source: Original.
Clarity: Clear, Item 8, clearly readable, “9-7-1903.”
Information: Secondary, the information was provided by his wife.
Evidence: Direct, Date is clearly stated.
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