Roberts was born to Charles Abram Roberts and Lucretia M. Nettle. He was educated in county public schools and worked as a prison manager and a livestock inspector in the 1920s. Union County, where Roberts resided, became the 61st county of Florida by a legislative act on May 20, 1921. Roberts was one of six delegates elected to attend the convention at which the first county officers were nominated. Roberts was named to the first Board of Union County Commissioners for District 1 in 1921. From 1934 to 1938, Roberts served on the Lake Butler City Council. In 1950 he ran successfully on the
Democratic Party ticket for a seat in the Florida House of Representatives, representing Union County. He served two sessions until 1952. He was elected again in 1956 and re-elected in 1960, serving until 1965. ==Other activities==