William H. Roby lived in Hartford City, this state until he was
twelve years of age, at which time his mother died and he was thrown on his own
resources, consequently, his education in the public schools was meager; but
this has been made up in after years by miscellaneous home reading and by
actual contact with the business world. He first learned the plasterer's trade,
but about the time he became a skilled workman his eyes became so badly
affected that he abandoned this field and learned to be a millwright, which
trade he followed for a number of years, also followed railroad bridge building
until the year 1900, doing an extensive business, and becoming known as one of
the best men in this line of endeavor in this section of the Middle West.
During that period he made his home at Mt. Carmel, Illinois. He was an
extensive builder of mill properties. In May, 1904, he came to Winchester,
Indiana. In December, 1907, he located two miles west of this city on a farm
and became engaged in the farm fertilizer business, which was a success from
the start and it has now grown to very large proportions, there being a great
demand for his product, Owing to its superior quality and it is shipped to
remote parts of the country. He has a substantial, modernly equipped and well
managed plant, with a capacity of five hundred tons per year. It is the only
plant of its kind in Randolph county and is one of sixty-six such plants in the
state. A large number of men are employed here.
Mr. Roby's attention is divided between the factory and his fine
farm of two hundred and ten acres, which, owing to his close proximity to the
county-seat and its exceptionally well-improved condition, is one of the most
valuable farms of the county. On it is to be found an attractive dwelling and
substantial and convenient outbuildings. Here general farming and stock raising
are carried on extensively, particular attention being paid to raising and
feeding a fine breed of English York hogs, the finest on the market, as well as
in Randolph county, and they are greatly admired by all who see them. He also
breeds for breeding purposes, and ships his hogs all over the country, always
obtaining high prices. His cattle are of the finest Durham breed and, like his
hogs, find a very ready market at fancy prices. Mr. Roby is a great corn
grower. His home is modern in all its appointments, like a city home. | |  |